it was a scarcely human presence-rather that of a peculiar bat fluttering here in the twilight that rose over the earth

julien gracq: balcony in the forest,
1958 (librarie jose corti) & 1959 (george braziller, inc.)
jacket design by william and caroline harris

half dozing already, he listened calmly to the forest growing.
(page 106)

there was a subtle silence in the blockhouse now, the silence of keen eyes, which weighs less than that of straining ears - it was the silence of a workroom absorbed in delicate needlework.
(page 194)


(title from page 181)