About this artwork
Jean Cocteau’s short novel Thomas the Impostor tells the story of a young boy named Thomas who is mistaken for the relative of an affluent general during World War I. Thomas utilizes his new privilege to help a princess give refuge to wounded soldiers until he is apprehended and sent to fight alongside the very men he helped save.
Although the story doesn’t have a happy ending, it possesses elements of hope and courage that are reflected in Mary Reynolds’s design choices. She created a pattern of gilded stars that sparkle against the deep blue covers and endpapers. The spine is white with gold lettering and features Cocteau’s signature five-point star.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Ryerson and Burnham Libraries Special Collections
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Artist
- Mary Reynolds
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Title
- Thomas l'imposteur: histoire (Thomas the impostor: a story)
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Place
- Paris (Object made in:)
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Date
- 1923
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Medium
- Quarter vellum with blue-paper sides and endpapers decorated with gold stars
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Dimensions
- H.: 19 cm (7 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Mary Reynolds Collection, Ryerson & Burnham Libraries
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Reference Number
- 2024.863
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
