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Lot #474
Gustave Flaubert

Poetic criticism from the French master: "Metaphors must be rigorous and right from one end to the other"

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Estimate: $5000+
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Description

Poetic criticism from the French master: "Metaphors must be rigorous and right from one end to the other"

Celebrated French novelist (1821-1880) best known for his classics Madame Bovary, Salammbo, and A Sentimental Education. ALS in French, signed “G,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 7.5, December 22, 1852. Letter to his mistress, the poet Louise Colet, offering a critique of her poem 'La Paysanne.' In part (roughly translated): "Metaphors must be rigorous and right from one end to the other…We have told you and we repeat to you that we could make the Peasant a completed thing, that there was the stuff of a masterpiece—probably published as it is, (or was) it will always be very remarkable in fragments, especially. But should we stop in the best?—And it seems to me that there is a morality of the mind consisting in constantly wanting perfection…One must not say to oneself that's all because the weak cry out for pride. But when we are not convinced that we can reach the first rank, we miss the second.—Come on, name of God! Get up, then.—Take me back this end with full arms and return us all, complete. Farewell, I kiss you dear." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Flaubert's hand.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs
  • Dates: #521 - Ended February 07, 2018





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