Famed and highly influential French poet (1844–1896). Though he produced such lasting classics as Poèmes saturniens and Romances sans paroles, he is probably better known for his tumultuous love affair with the prodigiously gifted teenaged poet Arthur Rimbaud. Verlaine abandoned his wife and child in pursuit of Rimbaud, but the stormy, up-and-down relationship ended shortly after Rimbaud shot the older poet in the hand. Verlaine later underwent a religious conversion and, though well regarded even in his lifetime, died in poverty an alcoholic. Scarce ANS in French, signed “P. V.,” one page, 4.5 x 4, October 5, 1891. Verlaine writes to an unnamed recipient. In full (translated): “I regret not being able to receive you. Very serious reasons for this. Give me your address and I will write you soon.” Rimbaud, estranged from Verlaine and having long forsaken writing for a lucrative career as a gun runner, died in the following month at the age of thirty-seven. In very good condition, with folds, mild toning and soiling, clipped corners, and a few mounting traces to edges of front. R&R COA.
