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106
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Alexandre DUMAS the Younger. Approximately 80 autograph lett…
See original version (French)
106
-
Alexandre DUMAS the Younger. Approximately 80 autograph lett…
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,200 - €1,800
Voluntary lot
Description
Alexandre DUMAS the Younger. Approximately 80 autograph letters and documents signed to the publisher Hippolyte Souverain. 1846–1874. Approximately 100 pp. in-8 and in-12, 2 envelopes.
Hippolyte Souverain was the publisher of Balzac, George Sand, Alexandre Dumas the Elder and Alexandre Dumas the Younger, for whom he published, notably, *Antonine* (1849), *La Vie à vingt ans* (1850), *Trois hommes forts* (1850) and *Le Régent Mustel* (1850).
An important collection of letters (including a few receipts) spanning three decades, in which Dumas the Younger discusses financial matters, his work, the theatre, his collaborations with his father, and so on.
The first note is dated 1 May 1846: ‘Received from Monsieur Souverain the sum of 250 francs’. Other receipts of this kind appear throughout the correspondence.
[1848?] – ‘Do not be so alarmed as you are. You have waited 18 years for the republic; you can well wait a few days for your serialised instalments… I wish to write an essential preface to this book, so you cannot begin printing until it is finished; however, in the course of the novel, the volume will include two or three chapters that I was forced to remove due to the excessive sensitivity of the subscribers.” – [14 September 1849]. ‘I have 160 pages ready, which are being typeset and which you will have tomorrow.’ – [12 February 1850]. ‘ Every day I put twenty sous into a piggy bank. When *Les Trois Hommes* is published by you, I shall break it open and give you your share.” – [1850]. “Today I am beginning a play based on *Les Trois Hommes*. It will be performed after *Urbain Grandier*. So do hurry up if you want the book to be published before then.” – undated. “Here are the corrected proofs. I was forced to make cuts in everything concerning Russia. A letter I received yesterday—which I shall show you by way of explanation—will explain why this was necessary.” – [1869]. He has returned from Constantinople. “You have been very kind to look after these volumes. Please be kind enough to send them to me, or even better, to bring them to me… and I shall make available to you 30 francs for one volume on large Clémenceau paper and three volumes of *Théâtre* with a preface. – undated. “Here are your proofs. You know you asked for eight days to be published. Now that I see how you win your bets, you have no more excuses for your delays.” – undated. “My letter was, however, quite clear. It is yours that is a real ‘Norman letter’. In short, tell me why you do not believe what I tell you…’ – undated. ‘I am in talks with the newspaper, which wants the right to edit the novel. But everything will work itself out and you will receive your New Year’s gift. ” – “I beg you, my dear Master, at least hand over these 50 francs to the bearer. I absolutely must pay this bill, not only because of the costs I would have to pay later, but because of the very nature of the debt. ” – 4 August 1871. “You have been misinformed. My father has appointed his friend Mr Charpillon as his sole heir and executor… It is to him that you must address your claim.” – 8 June 1873. “What a service you did me that day! My life might well have been ruined forever had you not lent me that thousand-franc note! I often think of it and shall remind you of it from time to time; for you might well forget it. ” – undated. “I am sending you 20 pages to show you that I am looking after you. Return them so that I may continue. In three days’ time you will have the ending. You would be very kind if you could advance me the 500.”
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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