French writer born Marie-Henri Beyle (1783?1842) considered one of the earliest and foremost practitioners of realism. Extremely rare ALS in French, signed ?H. B.,? three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.5 x 9, October 18, 1809. Letter to his sister Pauline, concerning his desired appointment as auditor of the State Council. In part (translated): "First the official. The letter should be sent to Mal [his cousin, Martial Daru] in Paris. 2. Underline the enormous difference between the Auditor job and Commissioner job. Because until the receipt of the letter there is a chance he would play the trick of making me Commissioner. 3. The idea should not be thought coming from me. Do the good and former thinking: 'When I asked you for the Auditor job 3 years ago you said: I will do it straight away but it was not done.' Talk about Noel Daru the father who could help us if he was alive. 4. Do it much about Charpentier?s help even if he?s dead. 5. Instead of 6,530, ask 7,530, which will look more natural. That?s it. See a letter I wrote to a friend of Naples which is a quite true portrait of my bad mood. Send it to Naples. Take off my books from the dresser. Clean them up with the help of the good John. I would be very sad if I lost one. I wish to read them with you in my bedroom at Claix. Wrap them with a nice paper. At a time when a dark wind will not allow us to go for a walk, we will read close to a good fire, forgetting entirely about stupid ambition and fortune. Because nothing is more important that these verses [from Jean de La Fontaine]: 'We read on the foreheads of those who are surrounded by a foolish luxury, that fortune sells what she is thought to give.' It is as accurate as a geometric description." In fine condition, with scattered light foxing, a light circular stain to the first page, and a thin strip of tape along the hinge. Stendhal received the appointment he sought a year later, when he was named auditor of the Conseil d'Etat in August 1810. Although this post of high responsibility raised his social profile, his newfound wealth did not fill his boredom, and he preferred to escape to the arts in his quest for happiness?something he came to call 'Beylisme' in 1811. Stendhal is extremely rare in any form, and this is just the third letter we have ever offered. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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