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Lot #555
Albert Camus

Camus counsels an author to clean up his act: “It would be to your advantage if you were to delete some of the vulgar language, which, although it is in fashion, clashes with the book’s profound modesty”

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Description

Camus counsels an author to clean up his act: “It would be to your advantage if you were to delete some of the vulgar language, which, although it is in fashion, clashes with the book’s profound modesty”

Highly influential French writer and thinker and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957. Group of two ALS in French. The first letter, dated May 26, 1959, reads in full (translated): “I am a little embarrassed to tell you that no manuscript of mine has ever been refused. I am therefore unable to satisfy your request, but your project is certainly amusing, and I wish it success.” The second letter, January 30 [no year], offering praise, criticism, and support to an unnamed author, reads in part: “I read your book with much pleasure. Beneath its voluntarily modest form, I found much intelligence and sensitivity…. I would only quibble with you over certain lapses in form which with a pretension excusable only by the interest I have in you, I have underlined in your manuscript…. Do you want me to help you publish it? I will try, and despite my absence from Paris, I might have some measure of success.” Both letters are framed together with a photo to an overall size of 27 x 14.5. Accompanied by a framed English translation of both letters. In fine condition, with usual mailing folds (one touching one signature), mild toning, and first letter a little light but fully legible. R&R COA. Oversized.

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