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32
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(Manuscript) – Alexandre DUMAS.
See original version (French)
32
-
(Manuscript) – Alexandre DUMAS.
See original version (French)
Estimate €300 - €500
Voluntary lot
Description
(Manuscript) – Alexandre DUMAS. ‘A word to our readers’.
Signed autograph manuscript. Undated [1851]. [6½ folios] in folio on blue paper.
At the top of the first folio, a stamp from the Dunkirk Society for the Promotion of Literature and the Arts.
This text serves as a preface to the publication of *La Maison de Savoie*, a sweeping historical novel tracing the history of the Dukes of Savoy. The first volume began with the story of Emmanuel Philibert (1528–1580), whilst the second skipped several decades and four reigns to recount that of Victor Amadeus II (1666–1732).
Dumas explains that his intention ‘was not to provide a chronological history of the princes of this house, but merely to introduce [his readers] to its principal figures’.
‘However, as during this century and these four reigns, major events took place, not only in Savoy but also in France, Spain and Italy, we believe it essential to cast a brief glance at this intervening period. We shall endeavour to make this summary as brief and as vivid as possible.”
This manuscript summarises the reign of Charles Emmanuel I (1562–1630): “Louis XII had been nicknamed ‘the Just’ because he was born under the sign of Libra. As we can see, there was a reason for this. There is no reason whatsoever for Charles Emmanuel I to be nicknamed ‘the Great’. We shall prove our point by summarising his reign, which lasted fifty years…’
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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