Lot n° 133
Estimation :
600 - 800
EUR
FLAUBERT (Gustave). Letter from M. Gustave Flaubert to the m - Lot 133
FLAUBERT (Gustave). Letter from M. Gustave Flaubert to the municipality of Rouen concerning a vote on Louis Bouilhet. Paris, Michel Lévy frères, 1872.
In-8, 20 pp. paperback, printed cover.
First edition of this violent text resulting from one of Gustave Flaubert's rare but holy literary anger, aroused by the refusal of the majority of the Rouen City Council, in early February 1872, to grant a site for a memorial following Bouilhet's death in July 1869.
"Conservatives who conserve nothing: you know neither how to hold a pen nor a gun! With all your capital and wisdom, you can't make an association equivalent to the International! All your intellectual effort consists in trembling before the future. Imagine something else! Make haste! Or else France will sink deeper and deeper between a hideous demagogy and a stupid bourgeoisie." (Vicaire III, 728.)
Good copy enriched with an AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED "Gus. Flaubert", slnd ("dimanche matin"), 1 p. in-8, concerning the outcome of the Rouen Council vote and rehearsals for the play Aïssé by his friend L. Bouilhet: "My dear friend, I learn that we are beaten for one vote. Please send me the newspapers that talk about this affair - which I have no desire to let pass like this! Aïssé*'s rehearsals are going very well. Arrange with Philippe** for me to receive the portrait of Aïssé (belonging to H.B. by Argenson [or Argentan?]) as soon as possible. If you know of any interesting details, please write to me. All yours".
*Louis Boulhet had finished writing his play Aïssé a few weeks before his death. Delayed by the Franco-German war, the first performance didn't take place until January 6, 1872, directed by G. Flaubert.
** possibly Philippe Leparfait (adopted son of Louis Bouilhet).
Ex-libris J.M.
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