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an old document with a black ink writing on it
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112 - Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Letter from the author, Paris…
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Estimate €500 - €600
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Description
Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Letter from the author, Paris, 15 April 1822, to Simonde de Sismondi; 3 pages in-4, addressed (traces of a tab, one edge slightly frayed with loss of a few letters at the end of lines). Regarding Sismondi’s work *Julia Severa ou l’an 492*, which Treutell & Wurtz took a long time to send to him. ‘It is one of the most genuinely instructive books I have come across since your *History of the French*, which will become increasingly highly regarded, and which would already be a classic were it not for the freedom with which it is written or the imbecilic baseness of those who preside over public education. I have no less earnestly recommended this work to young teachers, who are more liberal than their superiors, and who make use of it by promoting it as much as possible without jeopardising their livelihoods. Take heart, see your noble undertaking through to the end; the end will do justice to the beginning; political and religious prejudices will not always prevail […] reason will ultimately prevail’. Little is known of ‘the customs of Gaul during this significant and protracted transition from polytheism to Christianity. Even scholars do not know this well […] the books have provided you with the canvas, and your embroidery has brought the figures to life’. He highlights the character of the prelate Volusianus, who “clearly illustrates the dominance of the priest and the means by which this caste—or rather, this plague—took root in minds dulled by misfortune and ignorance”. The same applies to the courtier Severus, who is one of those ‘ready to serve any ruling power and to flatter passions of which they secretly mock’. This struggle between an old religion and a new one, the occupation of Paris by the barbarians, the depiction of Clovis’s court at Soissons, and several other passages, seem to have been drawn from the account of an eyewitness. ’ He laments, however, the shoddy printing, the indifference of booksellers, the choice of paper, the newspaper advertisements and the attitude of ‘the public, who are far more concerned with balls and dinners than with reading; and after having thus taken offence at everyone, your courage and perseverance reconcile me with humanity’… He adds: ‘The Political Economists of London have just formed themselves into a free society and have done me the honour of appointing me a foreign associate’…
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About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part I
Auction location
Auction time 10/13/2026 at 2:00 PM
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