ALS in French, signed “de Balzac,” one page, 3.5 x 4.5, September 12, no year but likely circa 1832. Letter to Jules Mabit, written from Aix-les-Bains. In full (translated): "Sir, please do me the honor to deliver a response to the person you chose as editor in charge, the contents of which should not be associated with me, and please accept my thanks for the things that you kindly think of me.” Double-matted and framed with a portrait of Balzac to an overall size of 15.5 x 13. In fine condition. According to records this letter was once sold in a 1922 auction held by New York’s Anderson Galleries and, was also previously held in the collection of William Randolph Hearst.
Balzac went to Aix in late August 1832 upon the invitation of Madame de Castries, a one-time ‘secret admirer’ and the subject of his unrequited love. During the month he was there he continued to work at his typical furious pace and frequently wrote home to his mother in Paris, who was handling most of his business affairs. At this time Balzac was engaged with multiple publishers and contributed to several magazines; although this meant working with many different editors, he generally demanded that he have final control of his work. Concerning one of these myriad publishing endeavors, this is a wonderful letter by the prolific French author. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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