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Lot #507
George Sand

"Our plays have not brought in any money, nor have the critics been lenient"

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Estimate: $800+
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Description

"Our plays have not brought in any money, nor have the critics been lenient"

Two ALSs in French, one signed "George Sand" and one signed "G. Sand," totaling five pages on sets of adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, August 2, 1856 and August 21, 1866. In one, Sand expresses delight that a mutual friend has recovered from an illness, and promises to do what she can to satisfy Madame Casena's request, although she is so busy that she can make no promises. She laments (translated): "I am such a slave to my word, that I get sick if I don't keep it." She closes by saying that her daughter has been seriously ill, but the worst is over.

In the second letter, Sand writes about how age is bringing a sense of peace and wellness that she had not experienced in youth; she also mentions collaborating with her eldest child, Maurice Sand. In part (translated): "You are among the five or six souls I think of when I write; thus when you are pleased, I say to myself that the sound and loving part of mankind must also approve [of what I do]. All those attempts I have been making in my life to postpone the moment when the mind decays or to hasten the one when it renews itself, achieved nothing most of the time, I know that. But it does not make me lose heart. On the contrary, I am more peaceful and more cheerful than in my younger days, and I believe more and more that the sense of duty gives one a lot of strength and that it is not a vain dream. Our plays have not brought in any money, nor have the critics been lenient about it. But you will read it and see that it is quite sweet. Anyway, Maurice and I will make a short story out of it. We are thinking of it already. He is in Paris with his little wife, and I do my best to show them round [the city]. They are leaving tonight for Nohant, and I will soon join them there to run about a bit, weather permitting, before winter comes. I will see you again here, won’t I? At the moment, I am going to look after a cold that is smothering me. I love you and send you thousands…My children send their kind and affectionate regards. I hope to hear from you soon." In fine condition, with light handling wear and soiling.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #541 - Ended December 05, 2018