EISNER, Lotte H. (1896-1983)

[Cinema] F. W. Murnau [Inscribed to Jean Kress]

Paris: Editions Le Terrain Vague, 1964. Card Covers. First Edition of this seminal study of the German film director, whose adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, "Nosfératu," is considered a masterpiece of Expressionist cinema. In French, with additional texts by Robert Plumpe and Robert Herlth. Demy 8vo (220 x 163mm): 253,[1]pp, with appendices, index of films, and filmography, and with numerous photographic illustrations on 28 double-sided inserted plates. Publisher's pictorial stiff paper wrappers with French flaps (featuring the original poster from the legendary "Nosfératu"), edges untrimmed. Inscribed by Eisner on front fly-leaf to actor, director, and critic Jean Kress. A superb copy, with an important association, tightly bound and clean throughout, virtually pristine (mostly unopened). Awarded the prix littéraire du Syndicat français de la critique de cinéma. Fine. Item #BB2305

Murnau emigrated to Hollywood in 1926, where he joined Fox Studio and made three films, including, in 1927, Sunrise, regarded by critics as among the best films ever made. He died soon afterward, in 1931, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident along the Pacific Coast Highway near Rincon Beach, southeast of Santa Barbara. Eisner worked as a film critic, initially in Berlin, then in Paris, where, in 1936, she founded the Cinémathèque Française with Henri Langlois. She was a friend of and mentor of leading young German film makers, including Werner Herzog and Wim Wenders. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $724.00