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ALS, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, Gad’s Hill Place letterhead, July 12, 1858. Handwritten letter to French journalist Octave Lacroix, in full: “I feel exceedingly obliged to you for your flattering and interesting letter. I have a great ambition to be extensively read and well understood, in France; and you give me the liveliest and most cordial pleasure when you predict that I shall become widely known among the great French people. I owe you many apologies for not having answered your letter sooner. But I have been constantly occupied, and it was unfortunately mislaid, and has but this day been recovered.
It would gratify me very much if I could give you any details that would be useful to you, or interesting to your readers. But all that I could say of my books, I have said in them. They originate in my own reflections and fancies, and in my observation of the world around me. Little Dorrit is my last published work. It was published monthly (de mois en mois) and completed in 20 parts (livraisons). Hard Times was originally published week to week (de semaine en semaine), in my own literary Journal, ‘Household Words.’ I have no dates, here, in the country, to refer to; but I think Hard Times was completed about 4 years ago. Little Dorrit was completed and published entire, in May 1857. Accept the assurance of my great regard and esteem, and Believe me always.” In fine condition. Accompanied by an export certificate from the French Ministry of Culture.
Dated to the prime of Dickens’s professional career, this marvelous letter not only boasts references to three of his published works—the novels Little Dorrit and Hard Times, and the weekly magazine Household Words—but it also offers insight into the author’s philosophy on his own work, namely, that it speaks for itself: “…all that I could say of my books, I have said in them.” A desirable literary letter from one of the 19th century's foremost authors, one which reflects his modesty and the belief that his books are the best representation of his ideas and artistry.
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