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Lot #607
Marcel Proust

Desirable letter by the revered author of In Search of Lost Time

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Estimate: $4000+
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Description

Desirable letter by the revered author of In Search of Lost Time

French writer (1871-1922) known for the monumental sixteen-volume In Search of Lost Time, regarded as one of the greatest achievements in world literature. Scarce ALS in French, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 6.75, no date but circa 1919-1922. In full (translated): "Robert de Flers (to whom I am going to write to thank him) tells me that the simplest would be that Mr. Levaillant comes at my day and time and that I will let you know so that you can send Mr. Levaillant to me. Would you then be kind enough to ask Mr. Levaillant if he would come to dinner either tomorrow Sunday, or, after tomorrow Monday, next to my bed at 8:30 PM, 44 rue Hamelin and I will let him be free right after dinner. If he prefers that I write to him what I would have told him in person, it seems to me that it would be a lot simpler but I would be, in case Mr. Levaillant prefers the 1st combination, very happy to shake the hand of this noble and charming poet. My admiring feeling for chronicles which I have never forgotten and it has been such great regret not having them to read anymore that I still remember reproaches I allowed myself to direct at Colette when you were nominated sub-editor." Proust adds a short postscript: "If need be I could also see Mr. Levaillant at the Figaro, Monday at 11:00 PM, because having been recently out of bed I intend to go out Monday after dinner." In fine condition.

In this fantastic letter, Proust tries to arrange a meeting with Maurice Levaillant, literary columnist at Le Figaro, a Paris newspaper. He also references his close friend, the playwright Robert de Flers. Proust lived in a fifth-floor apartment at 44 rue Hamelin in Paris from 1919 until his death. A desirable letter boasting literary associations.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: September
  • Dates: #535 - Ended September 12, 2018





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