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SAINTE-BEUVE CHARLES AUGUSTIN: (1804-1869) French literary Critic. Proust’s masterwork A la Recherche du temps perdu develops the ideas contained in his well-known set of essays Contre Sainte-Beuve (“Against Sainte-Beuve”). A very interesting A.L.S., Ste-Beuve, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., Saturday, to a woman [Jeanne Destourbet], in French. Sainte Beuve starts his letter stating ‘My dear and kind friend, I was feeling bad yesterday, and to my great regret had to leave suddenly although didn’t want to. Pasha Halil Bey had invited me for dinner next Saturday together with you..’ further sending intimate compliments to his correspondent ‘Yesterday your beauty was enhanced and superb. I can see that you have more than one kind of beauty, it’s as per your wish, depending on the day, on your whims, I like both. I even like the third, when you wear your robe de chamber, your hair half-combed..’ A letter of good association. With integral blank leaf. Together with A.L.S., Ste-Beuve, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., Friday, to a Monsieur de Lavergne, in French. Sainte Beuve politely rejects his correspondent’s dinner invitation, stating in part ‘I am just returning from my library, (today was my day) so tired and exhausted that I cannot accept the pleasure of having dinner with you. I will think about it with sadness on my bed where I will spend the rest of the evening…’ With a blind embossed seal from Bath to the upper left corner. Bearing to the verso the correspondent’s name and address in Sainte-Beuve’s hand. Very small folding, otherwise VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Jeanne Tourbey (1837- ?) Also known as Jeanne Destourbet was a very famous courtesan of her time. Prince Jerome Napoleon offered her a large house in Paris where she used to receive a long list of lovers including Alexandre Dumas, Téophile Gautier, Gustave Flaubert, Sainte-Beuve, and Pasha Halil Serif who spent several millions in presents and looking after her.
Pasha Halil Serif (1831-1879) Also known as Halil Bey, Ottoman diplomat and art collector. Appointed commissioner to the International Exhibition in Paris in 1855, and later Ottoman Ambassador to Athens and Saint Petersburg where he began collecting art. Téophile Gautier described Pasha’s collection as “The first ever to be formed by a child of Islam”. Pasha Halil serif was introduced to Gustave Courbet by Sainte-Beuve, and commissioned Le Sommeil (“The Sleepers”) and L’origine du monde from him. His collection included several Delacroix masterpieces.
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MUSSET ALFRED DE: (1810-1857) French Poet and Novelist. Best known for his autobiographical novel The Confession of a Child of the Century (“Confession d’un enfant du siècle” (1836), in part related to his love affair with George Sand. Rare and attractive ink drawing by Musset [c.1851], which relates to the coup d’etat of 2nd December 1851. The 9.5 x 6.5 light brown page showing three men running out from the “Conseil d’État” (“State Council”), struck down by the Law of Napoleon III. At the base of the drawing stating ‘The auditors chased from the Paradise on earth’. The drawing page has been affixed to a thicker card. Bearing a collection ink stamp to the verso, Artine Artinian (1907-2005) French literature professor at the Bard, NY University and collector. Creasing to the corners as a result of the affixing, and remnants of former affixing to the verso of the card. Small overall age wear and staining, otherwise G £1500 - 2000 €1700 - 2300
Alfred de Musset wrote about politicians and Ministers saying ‘Most Ministers are quacks, replacing each other, without changing anything to the sick’s health, and the worst craziness is to believe that revolutions can improve a nation prosperity.’
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HUGO VICTOR: (1802-1885) French Poet & Novelist of the Romantic Movement. A.L.S., Victor Hugo, one page, small 8vo, Hauteville House, Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, 9th June 1866, in French. Hugo states that he has asked Paul Meurice to make a donation in his name, for the sum of 25 francs, to a subscription opened by a lady in favour of ‘an unfortunate writer’. Some very light, extremely minor creasing and age wear, otherwise VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
Paul Meurice (1818-1905) French Novelist and Playwright, a close friend of Hugo. Meurice took care of Hugo’s financial and literary interests during the twenty years of his exile.
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HUGO VICTOR: (1802-1885) French Poet and Novelist. A.L.S., ‘Victor Hugo’, a good full signature, one page, small 8vo, n.p., n.d., in French. Hugo states ‘..I have only had 20 orchestras from musicians. It seems to me that the orchestra contains more. I kindly ask monsieur Verteuil to give on my behalf to monsieur Thienot few more orchestras..’ Very small tear to the bottom edge and an extremely small hole not affecting the text or signature. G £400 - 600 €450 - 680
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HUGO VICTOR: (1802-1885) French Poet and Novelist. A.L.S., ‘Victor H.’, one page, small 8vo, n.p., [Jersey], 11th March, n.y., [1854], to Colonel Teleki, in French. Hugo sends a short message with a request to his correspondent, stating ‘Dear Colonel, could you lend me the Biographie universelle? I will personally go to collect it ...’ With blank address leaf. Small overall age wear, with two edges slightly trimmed, otherwise G £500 - 800 €560 - 900
Sandor Alexander Teleki, Polish-Hungarian Colonel.
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HUGO VICTOR: (1802-1885) French Poet and Novelist. A.L.S., ‘Hugo’, two pages, 8vo, Wednesday 9th December [c.1828], to the chief editor of the Journal des Salons, in French. Hugo forwards an amendment to his article of yesterday and kindly requests his correspondent to publish this correction, further stating in part ‘..I was ill and confined at home as per doctor instructions since the awful misfortune which struck us all. You, being one of your closer friendship, and me with one of my strongest sympathy..’ Hugo further on sates ‘I hope I will go in the next few days to a rehearsal of Hernani, to meet you and share our affliction.’ With blank address leaf. Area of paper loss to the blank leaf as a result of the opening of the letter. Bearing also remnants of a former red wax seal. Folded. Small overall age wear and creasing. G £500 - 600 €560 - 680
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HUGO VICTOR: (1802-1885) French Poet and Novelist. An excellent vintage signed and inscribed printed 8.5 x 10.5 engraved portrait of Hugo, depicting him in a head and shoulders pose. Signed by Hugo ‘A Mr. Jean Destrem - Victor Hugo’, in bold black fountain pen ink to the lower photographer’s mount. Matted in purple and framed and glazed to an overall size of 13 x 17. Only frame damaged, otherwise VG £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Pere (1802-1870) French Writer whose historical novels of high adventure include The Three Musketeers (1844). A.L.S., Alex. Dumas, one page, square 8vo, n.p., 4th May, n.y., to Porcher, in French. Dumas sends a request to his correspondent ‘..to ask you for my friend Fournier the seats..’ With blind embossed monogram showing the printed word “Angouleme” to the upper left corner. With blank integral leaf. Minor age wear with a crease to the upper right corner. About VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Jean Baptiste Porcher (1792-1864) French Theatrical Agent who used to purchase copyrights and ticket passes for his authors, later reselling them at the entrance doors of theatres.
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Père (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. A.N.S., ‘Alex. Dumas’, to a clipped 12mo piece, n.d., to an unidentified editor, in French. Dumas states ‘Give me a voucher for 300 francs for the three articles. I shall be leaving this evening.’ Overall minor age wear, with remnants of former affixing to the verso. F to G £100 - 150 €110 - 170
‘We restart with Diane de Lys, we have the
rehearsals at Vaudeville.’
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Pere (1802-1870) French Writer whose historical novels of high adventure include The Three Musketeers (1844). A.L.S., Alex. Dumas, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to Porcher, in French. Dumas sends an urgent request to his correspondent ‘..please send to me, with date of payment in six months time, the bill of exchange you were going to give me early next month, as a matter of urgency as I need to convert it into money today...’ Dumas annotates beneath his signature the amount expected ‘250 Fr’, and adds a two lines post-scriptum. With blank integral leaf. Minor age wear with some corner creasing. About VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
Jean Baptiste Porcher (1792-1864) French Theatrical Agent who used to purchase copyrights and ticket passes for his authors, later reselling them at the entrance doors of theatres.
‘I would like that my “Louis XIV” would be worthy of inhabiting your palace of Versailles – Alex Dumas’
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Père. (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. A good signed page with unusual statement ‘I would like that my “Louis XIV” would be worthy of inhabiting your palace of Versailles - Alex Dumas’, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d., in French. The detached sheet being the title page of his work Louis XIV and His Century (1844). Folded, with very small tear to the upper edge and a large stain. Together with A.L.S., Noel Parfait, three pages, 8vo, Brussels, 4th December 1853, to Alexandre Dumas, in French. Noel Parfait (1813-1896) French writer and Deputy. Parfait reports having received the first four acts of Dumas’ work La Jeunesse de Louis XIV, as well as the manuscript of Mémoires and mentions he is revising Ingénue, and states in part ‘I will defend your interests in the same way as if they were mine. Although I doubt being able to obtain half of the recette..’ With address leaf to Alexandre Dumas postmarked. G, 2 £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Père. (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. An excellent set of two autograph notes, comprising an A.N., three lines, to his personal printed visiting card, 11 Rue Ampere, in pencil, stating ‘I kindly ask Monsieur Chatriet to give to the bearer a very good and very cheap melon’. Together with A.N.S., Alex. Dumas, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to Madame Claire de Maillé, Duchess of Castrie, in French. With blank autograph address leaf. G, 2 £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Père (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. A.L.S., ‘Al Dumas’, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., in French. A cleanly written letter by Dumas, stating in part ‘As you know Belleyner is gone and will only return in eight to ten days, and this is again a new annoyance..’ further saying ‘..Nothing must be done during his absence.. Isabelle will tell you to come home this morning. It is not necessary that you do so now, simply do what I will tell you..’ With blank address leaf, bearing to the fourth page remnants of a former black seal. Folded. VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Père. (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. A.L.S., Alex. Dumas, one page, 8vo, Paris, n.d., to M. Alexandre Bixio, in French. Dumas is protecting someone in exile and states in part ‘Are you in Paris, if yes read this letter, it is about an outcast who I rescued from Belle Isle and who I help since a while in Bordeaux. Because you are going to Madrid… you must act promptly and give me the letter, I will make it reach this unfortunate man with a hundred francs..’ With a blind embossed seal to the upper left corner and blind autograph address leaf. Repaired to the verso to the fold. G £200 - 300 €230 - 340
Exceptional 97 pages manuscript of his novel ‘Queen Margot’
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE Pere: (1802-1870) French Writer whose works include The Three Musketeers. An exceptionally rare and very important A.M.S., ‘Alex. Dumas’, being the Autograph Manuscript of La Reine Margot (“Queen Margot”), one of his renowned novels, published in 1845, 3rd volume, 14 full chapters, 97 folio pages, light grey paper, all written to front and none to verso, 12.5 x 17 large folio, fully in the hand of Dumas, and inscribed to the last written page ‘Offered to Madame Porcher. Alex. Dumas’. Dumas unusually carefully pens the 97 pages, including corrections and additions in his hand. Each chapter starting on a new page and showing the title in larger letters and interestingly several chapters are entitled in a different way, or slightly different way than the final known and published version, few examples being ‘Un Vieux Huguenot’ (“An Old Huguenot”) in this original version, is now known as ‘Le Manteau Cerise’ (“The Cherry Overcoat”), or ‘La Chasse’ (“The Hunt”) would become ‘Le Depart’ (”The Departure”), or ‘’ La Nuit tous les Chats sont Gris’ (‘In the Night All Cats Look Grey’) would be finally published as ‘Dieu Dispose’ (‘God Provides’) and few more. All the pages are numbered, bearing large attractive numbers to the heading in his hand. An impressive and extremely rare manuscript. Attractively and contemporary bounded, in black with title gilt letters “Autographe de la Reine Margot par Alexandre Dumas”. Also including a book box. Very small overall age wear, otherwise VG £40000 - 60000 €45000 - 68000
La Reine Margot (1845) is a novel based on Margaret of Valois (1533-1615) a French princess, daughter of Henry II of France and Catherine de’Medici, who married in 1572 the King Henry III of Navarre, later Henry IV of France (1553-1610) and became Queen consort of Navarre and later Queen of France. She was a woman of letters and an enlightened mind. She was the first woman to write her Memoirs while imprisoned. This marriage was intended to celebrate reconciliation of Catholics and Huguenots, but concluded with the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Their marriage was annulled in 1599 by decision of the Pope. The novel starts in 1572 and concludes in 1574 when Henry of Navarre ascended to the French throne as Henry IV, succeeding Charles IX.
La Reine Margot was almost immediately translated into English as “Marguerite de Valois: An Historical Romance”
Jean Baptiste Porcher (1792-1864) French Theatrical Agent who used to purchase copyrights and ticket passes for his authors, later reselling them at the entrance doors of theatres. He very often was advancing money to Dumas and sometimes keepin some manuscripts in pledge. Dumas wrote about him “The man in Paris who has rendered more services to me.”
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SAND GEORGE: (1804-1876) French Novelist who used the pseudonym of George Sand, her real name being Amantine Dupin. Also known for her romantic affairs with artists, including Frédéric Chopin and Alfred de Musset. A good A.L.S., ‘George Sand’, one page, 8vo, n.p., 28th August 1848, to Gabriel Falampin, her representative, in French. George Sand refers to one of her romans and expects that the journal Le Siècle would be interested in it, and states in part ‘If you don’t reach a deal, please contact Mr. Jourdan who is founding a new journal and who has wrote to me asking for a novel..’, further and before concluding saying ‘Push, if it is in your hand, the settlement of this small affair which would be of a great help to me in these moments..’ VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Fils (1824-1895) French Author and Dramatist. A lengthy A.L.S., A. Dumas, two pages, 12mo, n.p. n.d., to a friend, in French. Dumas refers to Moreau-Chaslon and states in part ‘He has never asked for a pendant.. Therefore be unscrupulous and do it only if you have time..’ VG £80 - 100 €90 - 110
Aristide Moreau-Chaslon (1800-1869) French first President of the omnibus Parisian company.
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Fils (1824-1895) French Author and Dramatist. A.L.S., A. Dumas, two pages, 8vo, n.p., n.y., [1873], to Monsieur Detteil, in French. Dumas explains to his correspondent that he could only get his article about La Femme de Claude (‘Claude’s wife’) yesterday, stating ‘When you miss the journal day at Marly, it is the devil to get a copy of it..you are one of those persons whose opinion means a lot to me, and even more in these circumstances..’ With blank integral leaf. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
La Femme de Claude was a work by Dumas published in 1873.
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Fils (1824-1895) French Author and Dramatist. A.L.S., A. Dumas, one page, 4to, n.p. [Paris], n.d., to Madame Porcher, in French. Dumas states ‘Can you please give 100 fr to the bearer of this note. The playwright of the French theatre is finished. We restart with Diane de Lys, we have the rehearsals at Vaudeville. I redo three acts at the Gymnase, and I will finish this for the joy..’ With blank address leaf with remnants of former red wax seal and a small area of paper loss as a result of the letter opening. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Jean Baptiste Porcher (1792-1864) and his wife were Theatrical Agents who used to purchase copyrights and ticket passes for their authors, later reselling them at the entrance doors of theatres.
Diane de Lys (1851) is a playwright by Alexandre Dumas fils. The premiere was performed in Paris at the Gymnase theatre.
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Fils (1824-1895) French Author and Dramatist. A.L.S., A. Dumas, three pages, 8vo, n.p. [Paris], n.d. [1864], to Madame Porcher, in French. Dumas writes to his correspondent after her husband had passed away and states in part ‘The first moments after suffering such a pain belong to those… It must have been nevertheless a consolation for you and the children to note how many friends, and among them some who do not usually express their feelings. Porcher was a very good and very honest man..’. Professionally repaired to the centre fold to the verso, otherwise VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Jean Baptiste Porcher (1792-1864) and his wife were Theatrical Agents who used to purchase copyrights and ticket passes for their authors, later reselling them at the entrance doors of theatres.
‘In my mind of son of a romantic are still hanging remnants of a former language. I get rid of it as much as I can, but may be due to a filial respect I cannot do so abruptly. ‘
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DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Fils (1824-1895) French Author and Dramatist. A lengthy A.L.S., A. Dumas, seven pages, 8vo, n.p. Puys, close to Dieppe, n.d. [1868], to Emile Deschanel, in French. Dumas thanks his correspondent for his fair critics which prove he has fully read and understood his thoughts and states in part ‘In my mind of son of a romantic are still hanging remnants of a former language. I get rid of it as much as I can, but may be due to a filial respect I cannot do so abruptly. And then there is a meeting shock between too old words and too young words, of a form which disappear and a form which starts.’ One of the double 8vo pages bears a blind embossed monogramme to the heading with the initials “N.D”, the other bears the initials “A.D”. VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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DICKENS CHARLES: (1812-1870) English Novelist. A.L.S., ‘Mr Charles Dickens’, in the third person at the heading, one page, 8vo, Tavistock House [London], 3rd April 1854 to Lord and Lady Granville. The novelist cannot attend his correspondent’s invitation and states ‘Mr. Charles Dickens greatly regrets that he is so unfortunate as he is engaged on Saturday the sixth of May, otherwise he would have had much pleasure in accepting the kind invitation with which Lord and Lady Granville have honoured him.’ With blank integral leaf. Folded. Small annotation to the fourth blank page in the hand of a collector, otherwise about EX £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
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DICKENS CHARLES: (1812-1870) English Novelist. Bold dark fountain pen ink signature, ‘Faithfully Yours Charles Dickens’, one page, on a 4 x 3.5 clipped piece, n.p., dated 25th January 1840 in his hand. The clipped piece being the bottom part of a letter addressed to George Seton. Dickens, in the third person, adds at the base ‘With W. Dickens’ compliments’. Matted alongside a 2.5 x 3.5 photograph showing Dickens seated in a full length formal pose. Attractively matted in sepia colour, framed in wood and glazed to an overall size of 12.5 x 9. VG £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
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[BAUDELAIRE CHARLES]: (1821-1868) French Poet, a pioneering translator of Edgar Allan Poe. An excellent unsigned 7.5 x 9.5 woodburytype print monochrome photograph of Baudelaire, the image being by Etienne Carjat (1828-1906), French photographer. The most famous portrait of the French poet corresponds to the “Galerie Contemporaine” edition, printed to the heading and matted white border. With a very small tear to the upper matted edge, and extremely small age wear, otherwise VG £600 - 900 €680 - 1000
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BAUDELAIRE CHARLES: (1821-1868) French Poet, a pioneering translator of Edgar Allan Poe. A.N.S., Charles Baudelaire, a full, bold and clean signature example, one page, oblong 8vo, Paris, 5th of November 1857, in French. The document is a bill of exchange hand written by Baudelaire, getting obliged to pay ‘On fifth of January, I will pay to Monsieur Cousinet, or to his order, the sum of two hundred francs, value received in goods’. Baudelaire adds underneath his signature, his own address ‘17 quai Voltaire’ in his hand. Two ink stamps validating the document, to the front. To the verso Cousinet transfers his credit, in Paris, 15th December 1857, Pay to the order of M.M. Lecuyer. Together with two letters, one page each, 4to, being documents related to Baudelaire and Cousinet and to the lawyer’s expenses related to a court claim. Very small overall age wear with a pinhole only affecting to letters of the address. G to VG £1500 - 2000 €1700 - 2300
Baudelaire acknowledges this debt, and this would be an ongoing situation for all of his life.
Louis Cousinet was a Restaurateur at the Tour d’Argent in Paris. Baudelaire used to eat at his restaurant, often with friends and without money to pay his bills.
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BAUDELAIRE CHARLES: (1821-1868) French Poet, a pioneering translator of Edgar Allan Poe. A.N.S., signed twice ‘Charles Baudelaire’ and ‘C.B’, one page, 4to, n.p. [Paris], 15th August 1858, in French. By this document Baudelaire authorizes M. Cousinet to ‘be paid on my behalf the sum of five hundred francs being the price of my articles for the “Revue Contemporaine”; This delegation is issued to be substituted by a bill of exchange to the bearer, for the same sum, and due date of 15th August 1858.’ Beneath his signature Baudelaire adds ‘Will have to be paid on top the charges and interest from 15th August 1858’ and signs with his initials ‘C.B’. One ink stamp validating the document to the upper left front. Together with D.S., two pages, 4to, the partially printed document being a citation for Baudelaire, calling him for a conciliation before justice, stating ‘To sentence the mentioned Mr. Charles Baudelaire to pay the amount of six hundred francs..’ Small overall age wear, mostly to edges and few pinholes not affecting the signatures. VG £2000 - 3000 €2300 - 3400
Louis Cousinet was a Restaurateur at the Tour d’Argent in Paris. Baudelaire used to eat at his restaurant, often with friends and without money to pay his bills.
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FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French Novelist. Widely considered the leading exponent of the literary realism. Best-known for his debut novel Madame Bovary (1857). A good A.N.S., ‘Gu.Flaubert’, one page, 4to, n.p., Friday evening, n.y., to a friend, in French. Flaubert states ‘My dear friend, I am fully available for you and for the people you have recommended to me. Would you come at home next Sunday close to 4h!..’ With blank integral leaf bearing a Lacroix Brothers watermark. Light folding marks. VG £1000 - 1500 €1100 - 1700
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FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French Novelist. Widely considered the leading exponent of the literary realism. Best-known for his debut novel Madame Bovary (1857). A good Autograph poem, one page, 12mo, n.p., n.d., in French. The copied verses by Flaubert being from a Voltaire’s poem, stating ‘Toujours un peu de vérité - Se mele au plus grossier mensonge - Cette nuit, dans l’erreur d’un songe - Au rang des Rois j’étais monté. - Je vous aimais… Les Dieux à mon réveil ne m’ont pas tout oté - Je n’ai perdu que mon empire.’, adding beneath ‘Voltaire and the Queen of Sweden’. The manuscript poem in Flaubert’s hand includes few words changed if we compare it with the usual Voltaire’s poem edition. Voltaire addressed this poem to Princess Ulrike, sister of the King of Prussia. With blank integral leaf bearing an annotation. VG £1200 - 2000 €1400 - 2300
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FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French Novelist. Widely considered the leading exponent of the literary realism. Best-known for his debut novel Madame Bovary (1857). An excellent and rare autograph manuscript by Flaubert, two pages, folio, n.p., n.d., entitled Loi Salique (“Salic Law”), in French. A lengthy handwritten text by Flaubert, related to the spirit of the Salic Law, commented by Montesquieu, about its Germanic origin, stating in part ‘Two texts about the Salic Law, both of them in Latin but the second being full of German words mixed with Latin.. It is a matter of defining which one is the most ancient text..’ further saying ‘The Salic Law is not a standard code of laws but a simple enumeration of judicial customs… the criminal law holds the main important place.. We can feel at every moment the passage from one society to another, since the tenth century the customs succeed them..’ A curious and interesting lengthy document y Flaubert. Folded. With right edge slightly trimmed, otherwise G £2000 - 3000 €2300 - 3400
The Salic Law was the ancient Salian Frankish civil law code compiled by first Frankish King Clovis AD 500. The written text is in Latin. It remained the basis of Frankish law throughout the Medieval, and influenced future European legal systems.
‘I am going to be, as I use to, unmerciful.. Let’s work and leave tenderness aside’ -
‘Ma B.[Madame Bovary] is progressing so slowly!’
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FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French Novelist. Widely considered the leading exponent of the literary realism. Best-known for his debut novel Madame Bovary (1857). An excellent and lengthy A.L.S., ‘Ton Gustave’, eight pages, 4to, Croisset, Wednesday 3h, 29th December 1852, to Louise Colet, the date is in her hand, in French. An exceptional literary content letter, where Flaubert expresses lengthy opinions and sends his literary advices to his muse and correspondent Louise Colet. At that time Flaubert is working on his Madame Bovary, and together with his friend Louis Bouilhet, makes a deep literary analyse of each verse of Paysanne, a feminist poem by Colet. Flaubert states in part ‘Always remember these great words of Vauvenargues “the correction is the varnish of the masters”’, further explaining which parts he considers excellent, which he considers too long, and saying ‘I am going to be, as I use to, unmerciful. This way of working is making me succeed and won’t consider changing it. Do you know that you make me feel proud, my poor beloved heart, when I see you following my advices and creating beautiful things. Let’s work and leave tenderness aside..’ Flaubert lists 23 points, numbering them, including corrections, duplications, naivety to avoid, poetic expressions, etc.. and states in part ‘Make the corrections indicated previously and send us back a legible manuscript. Most probably we will still find things to say. But it will be the last revision. You will at least have a good thing, a written and touching work, durable and yours…’ further on and before concluding Flaubert states ‘We will not see it before the end of January, the earliest, my poor beloved. Ma B.[Madame Bovary] is progressing so slowly! I do not complete four pages per week, it is still a long way.. However, I want to progress and do not want to spend the next whole winter. What a pyramid to stir for me, such a 500 pages book! A boldly written letter of excellent content, with corrections. Accompanied by the original envelope addressed in Flaubert’s hand, with two post ink stamps and bearing to the verso a red wax seal. VG £15000 - 20000 €17000 - 23000
Louise Colet (1810-1876) French Poet. Lover of Victor Cousin, Alfred de Musset and Flaubert. At her salon used to meet contemporaries in the Parisian literary community, including Victor Hugo. When Louise broke with Flaubert, she was so angered that she wrote a novel, ‘Lui’, in an effort to target the French author. Flaubert’s letters to her, especially between 1851 and 1855, are a precious source of information on the progress of the writing of Madame Bovary. In others, Flaubert gives lengthy appreciations and critical comments on the poems that Louise Colet sent to him for his judgment before offering them for publication. The present letter is a good example of this.
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COLLINS WILKIE: (1824-1889) English Novelist and Playwright. His work The Moonstone (1868) is widely considered the first modern detective novel. A.N.S., ‘Very truly yours, Wilkie Collins’, on a 6.5 x 4 page removed from an autograph album, dated 16th December 1873 in his hand. A bold black ink signature. Very small area of paper loss to the upper edge, not affecting the signature. G £100 - 150 €110 - 170
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TOLSTOY LEO: (1828-1910) Russian Novelist. Rare signed postcard photograph of Tolstoy ‘Leon Tolstoy’, the image showing the Russian novelist seated in a three quarters length pose. The postcard was issued on the occasion of Tolstoy’s seventieth birthday, with printed commemorating text beneath his image, in Cyrillic and French, 1828-1898. Signed in bold, dark fountain pen ink to a clear area of the white background postcard, and dated 12th August 1904 in his own hand. Bearing to the verso several ink post stamps from Moscow August 1904, and Buenos Aires, September same year. Small overall minor staining, otherwise G £2500 - 3500 €2800 - 4000
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COPPEE FRANÇOIS: (1842-1908) French Poet and Novelist. Also known as “The Poet of the Humble”. A.N., on his personal printed visiting card, bearing his name “François Coppée”, and his Parisian address at “12, Rue Oudinot”, Paris, 12th May, n.y., to an unidentified correspondent, in French. Coppée has carefully written in bold black ink to the front card ‘My dear friend, please give then a copy of l’Exilée to my friend Diemer, Your friend,’ VG £60 - 90 €70 - 100
L’Exilée (1878) is a poetry work by Coppée which got a great popular contemporary success.
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MAUPASSANT GUY DE: (1850-1893) French Writer. A.L.S., ‘Guy de Maupassant’, a bold signature example, two pages, small 12mo card, La Guilette, Etretat, Normandy, n.d., on his personal stationery, bearing his embossed initials, to a colleague, in French. Maupassant states in part ‘I deeply thank you for your thoughts and for your article which you have announced to me; I would be much obliged if you kindly send me a copy of your national gazette where it will be published. I’ll tell my editor to send you the books you have requested..’ With blank integral leaf. With a binder hole to the upper border, not affecting the text or signature. VG £400 - 600 €450 - 680
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MAUPASSANT GUY DE: (1850-1893) French Writer. A.L.S., ‘Guy de Maupassant’, a good and in full good signature example, one page, small 8vo card, Antibes, n.d., on his personal stationery, Yacht Bel-Ami, also bearing his embossed initials, to an unidentified correspondent, in French. Maupassant states in part ‘Monsieur, your wish is too easy to please for me and to accomplish it with pleasure..’ VG £1000 - 1500 €1100 - 1700
Bel-Ami (1885) was a very successful novel by Maupassant, and was also the name of his small sailing yacht.
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ZOLA EMILE: (1840-1902) French Novelist, Playwright & Journalist, a prominent figure in the Dreyfus Affair. A.L.S., Emile Zola, two pages (separate leaves), 8vo, Paris, 3rd April 1889, to a colleague (‘Mon cher confrére’), in French. Zola apologises for not having replied to his correspondent earlier and adds that, instead of disturbing him, it may be simpler to come and see him, enquiring ‘Don’t you all gather at the seat of the Society of Men of Letters?’ and adding ‘If yes, please make me an appointment there, at 4pm, on the day that will suit you best, except Thursday and Saturday’. A few minor spots of foxing and some extremely light age wear, otherwise VG £300 - 400 €340 - 450
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ZOLA EMILE: (1840-1902) French Novelist, Playwright & Journalist, a prominent figure in the Dreyfus Affair. A.L.S., Emile Zola, one page, 4to, Medan, 19th May 1896, to Attilio Luzzatto, in French. Zola sends a receipt to his correspondent, acknowledging a payment and stating ‘Received from M, Attilio Luzzatto, on behalf of “La Tribuna”, the amount of seventeen hundred and fifty francs, with a cheque, clearing the price agreed for the purchase and full property of the translation into Italian language of my novel “Rome”.’ Folded. EX £800 - 1200 €900 - 1400
Rome (1896) is a novel by Zola.
‘I doubt about myself despite the experience of Madame Bovary.’
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ZOLA EMILE: (1840-1902) French Novelist, Playwright & Journalist, a prominent figure in the Dreyfus Affair. A.L.S., Emile Zola, one page, 4to, Medan, 11th August 1882, to a colleague (‘Mon cher confrere’), in French. Zola sends a clean and carefully written letter, stating in part ‘You are too kind my dear colleague, and you talk about my works using too much praise.’ further saying ‘Considering the whole matter, I only wish one thing: that readers believe a little, and that they come as huge crowd to Réveil. I doubt about myself despite the experience of Madame Bovary.’ With blank integral leaf. Folded. VG £1000 - 1500 €1100 - 1700
‘I shall be home…and have the book done the end of October.
I shall publish it a year later.’
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TWAIN MARK: (1835-1910) American Writer. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Mark Twain being his pen name, and best known for his novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876). A.L.S., ‘S.L. C’, one page, 4to, n.p., 25th August 1888, to Bren. Twain refers to a book he is writing and explains what is his scheduled plan stating in part ‘Good; and I am particularly glad the stock is back.. it is noble good stuff, and he got it for me originally..’ further saying ‘I’ve got 16 working days left yet, before I go West (if I go), and in that time I will do another 120,000 words to my book if I have luck. I shall be home the 23rd or 24th of September and have the book done the end of October. I shall publish it a year later.’ The book Mark Twain refers to could possibly be A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, first published in December 1889. Folds repaired to the verso, otherwise G £1500 - 2000 €1700 - 2300
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LONDON JACK: (1876-1916) American Author. D.S., Jack London, being a signed cheque, San Francisco, 23rd February 1910. The partially printed cheque is drawn at the Merchants National Bank for the sum of $5.50. Signed by London in bold black ink with his name alone. With bank cancellations and several additional bank cancellations to the verso. VG £60 - 90 €70 - 100
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BARRIE JAMES: (1860-1937) Scottish Novelist, created Peter Pan. A good A.L.S., J M Barrie, two pages, 8vo, 23rd January 1919, to Nicholas Murray Butler. Barrie states ‘In answer to your cable I enclose a message for the performance on the 20th. It would be better understood by audience if read at end of play than earlier.’ further referring to the invitation received from his correspondent ‘Please let me take this opportunity of thanking you heartily for your invitation to America. I should very much have liked to be able to accept it but had to decline because some matters tie me down here. I think a true friendship between America and this country would be the finest thing that could happen in the world.’ With two ink reception stamps from University of Columbia and from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to the upper left corner. Very small overall, minor age wear. Folded. VG £100 - 150 €110 - 170
Nicholas Murray Butler (1862-1947) American Philosopher and Diplomat. Awarded with the Nobel Peace prize. President of the Columbia University and President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
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GORKY MAXIM: (1868-1936) Russian Writer and political socialist Activist. An excellent and rare signed unusual large size 10.5 x 8 sepia photograph by Gorky, matte-finish, the studio image depicting the author seated before his desk in a half length pose. Signed in bold dark ink to the lower left corner, in Cyrillic. To the bottom right corner bearing the photographer’s blind-stamp “Cav. D. Macari, Via Roma 317, Napoli”. Signed in 1926 during his second exile in Sorrento. The photograph is affixed to his original cardboard mount to an overall of 15 x 12. Extremely small overall minor age wear, otherwise VG £3000 - 4000 €3400 - 4500
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KOUPRIN ALEXANDER: (1870-1938) Russian Writer, Pilot, Explorer and Adventurer. Best known for his story The Duel. A.N.S., ‘A. Kuprin’, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to Vladimir Lvovich, in Cyrillic. Kouprin states in full ‘Dear Vladimir Lvovich, I am sending you two tickets for Yama.” Two file holes to the left border, not affecting the text or signature. G £800 - 1200 €900 - 1400
Yama, or The Pit, 1909-15 is a work by Kouprin, based on the lives of prostitutes in a brothel. One of Kouprin’s most ambitious and controversial novels.
‘The bolshevism bandits have taken all I had..’
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BALMONT KONSTANTIN: (1867-1942) Russian Symbolist Poet. An excellent autograph signed thoughts ‘Constantin Balmont’, one page, 4to, Capbreton, Landes, 21st January 1932, in French. A very interesting and lengthy carefully written text about his own literary life, and his own opinions about his works, stating in part ‘My first book “Quelques poésies” by Constantin Balmon, Jaroslavl, 1890, got no success. My second book: “H. Jaeger. Henrik Jbsen. Translated from Norwegian, Moscow , 1892, was stopped and burnt by censorship..’ further saying ‘Almost all my literary life (1890-1930) was a difficult struggle with very complicate circumstances, I have been three times in exile (1902-1903; 1906-1912; 1920- until an uncertain date.) My personal fortune has always been very humble. The bolshevism bandits have taken all I had..’ further referring to his recent last ten years in France, and listing the works he considers have being more successful ‘My collection of poems (Most titles In Cyrillic), “Soyons comme le Soleil” (“Let’s be like the Sun”) Moscow, 1903, and “Poésie comme Sortilège” (“Poetry as a spell”), Moscow, 1915’ and responding poetically to which one of his works he considers a chef d’oeuvre, Balmont states ‘Forgive me for believing that it is not fair for a mother: she loves all her children’. Dated and curiously annotated in is hand ‘Malgré tout 1931, 21 Janvier’ (“Nevertheless 21st January 1931”). A document of very interesting content. To the heading bearing the collector’s annotations with questions Balmont responds to. Folded. VG £1200 - 2000 €1400 - 2300
‘The purpose of my life is to give it entirely, without reserve, to the last drop of blood, to communism’s cause.’
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STAVSKY VLADIMIR: (1900-1943) Born Vladimir Kirpichnikov. Russian Soviet Writer. Stavsky was the head of the Soviet Union of Writers succeeding Maxim Gorky, and as such leaded the prosecution and killing of prominent Russian literary figures, Pasternak and Sokholov being two of his main targets. Stavsky was editor of Novy Mir, and further became war correspondent for Pravda during WWII. He was killed in combat at the Western front. Unusual autograph signed statement ‘Vl. Stavsky’, one page, oblong 4to, Paris, 17th July 1937, in Cyrillic. Stavsky states in full ‘The purpose of my life is to give it entirely, without reserve, to the last drop of blood, to communism’s cause.’ Bearing to the heading a small collector’s annotation. VG £500 - 800 €560 - 900
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XU ZHIMO: (1897-1931) Famous Chinese free-thinking Poet. Widely considered one of the most renowned romantic poets of 20th century Chinese literature. Xu Zhimo died at the early age of 34 in an airplane crash. Rare and exceptional attractive calligraphy autograph album, 11.5 x 15, twenty-four pages, fifteen of them showing carefully written Chinese texts, annotations or statements by various eminent Chinese personalities, mostly writers. The hard cover album, with foldable inside large pages, contains two sets of attractive original handwritten Chinese calligraphy, including Xu Zhimo, Chinese calligraphy, paint brush, being a “Long Life” congratulation to Yu Shangwan for his 30th birthday, signed to the left in his hand; Lu Ding Yi (1906-1996) Chinese Politician. One of the most important leaders of the communist party, vice-Premier and Minister of Culture of China in the 60’s. Lu Ding Yi has drawn, paint brush, in Chinese calligraphy, “Ji Yu”, praise to Xia Zhi Gan for his charity works; Qin Shou Ou (1908-1993) Chinese Writer. A successful writer during war time, author of Qiu Haitang (“Begonia”); Guo Yi Wen (1899- ?) Chinese Poet, etc... Bearing to the right pages, opposite to the left pages authors’ written text, annotations in the hand of Xia Zhigan. VG £6000 - 9000 €6800 - 10000
The present album provenance being from the art collection of Xia Zhigan (1917- ?), Chinese art collector and charitarian, member of the Xi Lin society. Former Shangbao journalist until 1949, he worked at the museum of historic literature in Shangai.
Yu ShangWan (1897-1970) Chinese Theorist. In 1926 ShangWan was Professor at Shanghai GuangHua university. At that time and together with Xu ZhiMo they established New Moon bookstore, and translated several well-known western literature and drama.
‘..it would be priceless for me if before sending my letter related to my book I could get your advice on the terms..’
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PROUST MARCEL: (1871-1922) French Novelist and Essayist. Best known for his major novel A la Recherche du Temps Perdu (‘In search of Lost Time’). A good A.L.S., ‘Marcel Proust’, two pages, 8vo, two sheets written to the first and third page, n.p. [Paris], n.d. [1913], to a friend, in French. Proust tries to meet urgently his correspondent and states ‘I have allowed myself to make you call at home…They responded that you were at Madame de St Marceaux’s home. If by any chance between 9h1/2 and midnight you walk by close to my home (102 B[oulevar]d Hausmann, 2nd level without entresol, (two levels in total) it would be priceless for me if before sending my letter related to my book I could get your advice on the terms.’ and further saying ‘I am telling you what it is about in order that you do not think it is a honour affair..’ folded, otherwise VG £4000 - 6000 €4500 - 6800
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LOUYS PIERRE: (1870-1925) French Poet and Novelist. A good autograph manuscript poem by Louys, one page, 4to, being a seven verses poem, no title, in French. A rather scabrous and rude erotic text with contemporary funny popular rhymes, related to a sexual relationship in a cave at the beach, and stating in part ‘..Nous étions caches dans cet antre - Lison relevait son jupon - Sur les reins comme sur le ventre…’ Boldly and carefully written in purple ink by Louys. One stain to the lower part of the page, folded, otherwise VG £150 - 200 €170 - 230
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ROLLAND ROMAIN: (1866-1944) French Dramatist & Novelist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1915. A.L.S., Romain Rolland, one page, postcard, Switzerland, 17th September 1919, to Edouard Josghe?, editor, in French. Rolland informs his correspondent about his new address from now on, stating ‘I have received your letter dated the 11th, and I thank you for it. My actual address is - Territet (Vaud), Hotel Richelieu. I will keep you updated about my changes of addresses.’ Small overall age wear, otherwise G £80 - 100 €90 - 110
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ROLLAND ROMAIN: (1866-1944) French Dramatist & Novelist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1915. A good A.L.S., Romain Rolland, one page, 4to, Villeneuve, 8th April 1924, in French. Rolland responds to his correspondent’s request ‘I am leaving and will be away for few weeks travelling, and therefore will not be able to write the article which you have kindly requested..’. Very small overall minor age wear, two very small stains and small trace of former staple to upper left corner otherwise About VG £200 - 300 €230 - 340
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