Berlin: Im Propyläen-Verlag 1927. First published edition, some of which had appeared in a privately printed edition of 25 copies under the title Taschenpostille in 1926. Signed by Brecht on the half-title page. In his biographer's words, Hauspostille was the consummation of Brecht's "testament to the night." "Upon the publication of Hauspostille in 1927, Brecht was immediately recognized as the poetical genius, whether to be hailed or reviled as such. The title of the book was deliberately ironical and blasphemous: A Household Book of Devotions. Hostile critics labeled it "The Devil's Breviary." It is divided into five sections of "lessons": Rogations, spiritual exercises, chronicles, Mahagonny songs, and a calendar of the departed. In an acidulous "guide" to the poems, Brecht enumerates the occasions appropriate for the use of each of the sections, such as times when "Nature is unruly," or "when one becomes aware of one's flesh and one's presumption." Such was the counterpoint to the Protestant book of piety. Brecht's book was also touched with compassion and profound feeling. Here is to be found the balladry of the poor... Hauspostille won the acclaim of the most discerning critics of the day." - Frederic Ewen, Bertolt Brecht: His Life, His Art, His Times (N. Y.: Citadel, 1992), pp.198, 86-88. 8vo, marbled paper over boards, printed paper labels. Rear joint split (but sound), small area of paper loss at head of the spine panel, small ink ownership stamp on half-title page, otherwise a very good copy.