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Description
[Books]
Memoirs of Madame Récamier
Madame Lenormant
Memoirs and correspondence drawn from the papers of Madame Récamier
2 volumes
Paris, Michel Lévy, 1860
small quarto, half-basane binding (signs of wear)
Glued to the endpaper is a handwritten letter, dated 19 September 1835, signed by Pierre-Simon Ballanche (1776–1847), writer, friend and correspondent of Madame de Récamier, addressed to Alfred de Montferrand at the offices of Mr Armand Daubrée, publisher, in preparation for the collection *Les femmes célèbres contemporaines*, published in 1843
Sir, I beg you not to be surprised if it is I who have the honour of replying to the letter, so full of honourable courtesy, which you were kind enough to write to Madame Récamier. You will readily understand all the reasons for her reserve. Your project includes, amongst the contemporary women you intend to feature, only female authors; and indeed, only they are in the public eye.
Madame Récamier does not fall into this category; moreover, her name has always remained unconnected with any political party. As for the role which your kindness—far too flattering, in her view—might lead you to assign to her, she cannot accept it under any circumstances; yet she has no intention, Sir, of shirking the gratitude she owes you. If you knew her better, Sir, you would realise that she is devoted to her friends for their own sake, without regard to the greater or lesser fame of any of them. What would most wound her extreme sensitivity would be precisely this sort of patronage of which you speak, so far removed from all her feelings, so at odds with her whole way of life.
I realise, Sir, how much such a categorical refusal may displease you; but I have no doubt that you will agree with the reasons on which it is based. Allow me, Sir, to take this opportunity to reiterate the very eager offer I made to take charge of the profile of the most charming daughter of a man whom I have long since come to love.
Madame Récamier, Sir, will convey to you the heartfelt expression of all her regrets and her deepest gratitude...
See original version (French)
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