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an old manuscript with a black ink writing on it
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120 - Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Autograph letter, Paris, 13 J…
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Estimate €600 - €800
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Description
Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Autograph letter, Paris, 13 June 1828, to Alexandre Duval of the Académie française; 3 pages, small quarto, addressed. A fine literary letter, concerning his refusal to stand for election to the Académie française. He had read Duval’s preface: ‘You are absolutely right, and I am annoyed that you did not quote Voltaire, who, in response to the objection: ‘How can one recognise a nation that possesses good sense and good taste?’ replied: ‘It is the one whose works can be translated and performed anywhere, without anything being changed’”… The staging of foreign plays in France reinforces their argument: ‘Any person of good faith, on seeing them, will think that there is far more interest in our plays, and better humour, than in those for which such foolish enthusiasm is professed; and that, consequently, one is better entertained by them. The Romantics have been treated as one treats little dogs to discipline them; their noses have been rubbed in their own filth, and several of them have already been brought to heel, or at least have considerably toned down their rhetoric. To make up for this, they are going to admit Mr de Barante to the Academy, after which they will form a doctrinaire league that will draw in its wake many people whom I could name, including Cousin. Consequently, I am withdrawing for now and for the foreseeable future […]. The opposition is too strong for me. I am hailed throughout Europe as the second founder of political economy; my works have been translated into every language; yet I must bow to Mr Guiraud and other ‘immortals’ who are known no further afield than the Pantin barrier. The Academy will not prevent me from exerting a powerful influence after my death; but it will be entirely innocent of this, and does not even know what the matter is’…
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About the sale Letters and Autograph Manuscripts – Part I
Auction location
Auction time 10/13/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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