French writer, artist, and statesman (1802–1885) best known for such canonical novels as Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and whose 1851 inflammatory writings denouncing Louis-Napoleon forced him into a two-decade exile. ALS in French, two pages, 4.25 x 5.75, June 5, [1862]. Letter to critic Jules Claretie about his favorable review of Les Miserable. In full (translated): “I have just read the last issue of Diogene. When a man creates, or tries to create, as I have, a work that is useful and honest in the face of, and in opposition to, the immense evil that governs the world, when hatred pursues him and he has become the focus of all the furies, he is grateful to those intrepid souls who fight at his side; but when those brave hearts also have beautiful and radiant minds, instead of just taking casual note of it, he is softened by it. This is the emotion that I am feeling. In the struggle for progress, you have supported me with your inspired thinking and your noble and generous style, in which all that is great, pure and true is reflected. I thank you, Sir, for this new and eloquent reflection of Les Miserables. I thank you for it, not for myself, not for the book, but on behalf of those who suffer, whose friend you are, and on behalf of an ideal whose champion you have been. I shake you by the hand.” Reverse of second page bears an address panel in Hugo’s hand. Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a few small edge tears and dings, small pencil notation at top, and some scattered light toning and wrinkling, otherwise fine condition.
Les Miserables brilliantly examined the nature of good, evil, and the law, in a sweeping story that expounded upon history, politics, morality, philosophy, law, justice, and religion. Although it took Hugo 17 years to complete, his great novel was an instant success—although most literally reviews caustic. Not so in the eyes of Claretie, a leading dramatic critic of the period and the leading voice in literary artistic expression. Claretie was a mere 22 years old in 1862, but saw the brilliance of Les Miserables and on April 13, 1862, just days after the work became public, wrote a review in La Diogene calling Les Miserables one of the greatest works ever written and a coup de force for the downtrodden.
Hugo was clearly moved to find a kindred spirit. “When a man creates, or tries to create, as I have, a work that is useful and honest in the face of, and in opposition to, the immense evil that governs the world, when hatred pursues him and he has become the focus of all the furies, he is grateful to those intrepid souls who fight at his side,” he gratefully states as he reflects upon his masterpiece. “I thank you, Sir, for this new and eloquent reflection of Les Miserables. I thank you...on behalf of those who suffer, whose friend you are, and on behalf of an ideal whose champion you have been.” Letters by Hugo referencing his most important work—particularly those with such incredible passages—are of the utmost rarity. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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