Description:

Guy de Maupassant
various, various
Guy de Maupassant Archive: 2 ALSs With Superb Literary Content Re: "A Woman's Life" & Probably "Bed 29"
Archive

A small archive of materials relating to prolific French writer Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893), including a 2pp autograph letter signed dated April 23, 1884; a 1p autograph letter signed dated September 16, [n.y.]; an Albert Capelle cabinet card photograph of the author; and a photo postcard of the author. Individual condition issues will be elaborated below, but are overall very good. The largest item, one of the letters, measures 4.625" x 7.25."

The two letters contain outstanding literary content relating to past, present, and future de Maupassant works. De Maupassant wrote both of these letters to magazine or newspaper publishers or editors, enabling us to see the warm and relaxed way in which he communicated with colleagues in the literary world.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 2pp autograph letter in French boldly signed by de Maupassant as "Guy de Maupassant" on the reverse of the card. April 23, 1884. Paris, France. Inscribed on either side of a custom dove-gray stock card bearing de Maupassant's monogram and street address. Scattered scuffs and light pencil marks, with slight edge darkening recto, else near fine. 4.5" x 3.625."

Translated in part:

"Monsieur, Thank you for your pleasant letter. As I am having a long hiatus from work, I find myself quite delayed in the completion of my little novel; and I come to ask you if the dates below will be convenient for you.

I would send it to you June 1st of our calendar; and I would ensure that it would not appear in 'Le Figaro' before July 15th. As it is much shorter than 'Une Vie,' I think that you would be able to publish it in a single issue.

Please accept, Monsieur, the expression of my grateful and very devoted sentiments.

Guy de Maupassant."

The letter mentions de Maupassant's first published novel by name. "Une Vie" [English title: "A Woman's Life"] was serialized in the French daily literary periodical "Gil Blas" beginning in February 1883. De Maupassant states that the story he is currently working on will be much shorter than "Une Vie," which was, in fact, an entire novel. "Une Vie" concerned the trials and tribulations of a Norman aristocrat's daughter named Jeanne Le Perthuis des Vauds, whose unhappy marriage leads to an even unhappier life.

From the context of this letter, we can speculate that the unnamed story which de Maupassant was then working on was probably "Le Lit 29" ["Bed 29"], which was serially published in "Gil Blas" after July 8, 1884. This short story was set in Rouen, shortly before and after the Franco-Prussian War. Capitaine Épivent, a scoundrel, returns from war to find his onetime lover, the promiscuous Irma, in the syphilitic ward of a hospital. Capitaine Épivent rejects Irma even though she was something of a war hero, having deliberately infected Prussians with syphilis.

2. A 1p autograph letter in French signed by de Maupassant as "Guy de Maupassant" at bottom. September 16, [n.y.] Étretat, Normandy, France. Inscribed on laid watermarked paper, probably once bifold but now neatly sheared along the gutter. Light evening toning, flattened paper folds, and isolated pencil inscriptions, else near fine. 4.625" x 7.25."

Translated in part:

"My dear Editor-in-Chief,

I would be very grateful if you give some hospitality in 'Le Figaro' to this little echo (attached) [presumably a clipping; not included in this lot]

These are friends of mine who were mistreated by some stupid policemen.

I will come to see you in about 15 days in order to propose something for your supplement.

Thank you in advance, my dear Editor-in-Chief, and believe in my very affectionate devotion.

Guy de Maupassant."

3. An Albert Capelle cabinet card, with a sepia-colored albumen photo depicting Guy de Maupassant looking very elegant in a top hat. Printed with the photographer's name, Paris address, and royal credentials along the bottom recto. With a handsome backstamp verso somewhat cluttered with later inscriptions and hand-stamps, including several from Brown Brothers of New York City. Isolated pin holes, toning, and scattered bumping and loss to rounded corners. Else very good. 4" x 6."

4. A gelatin silver photo postcard of de Maupassant. Minor toning to blank verso. Isolated silvering recto, with a wrinkled lower right corner. 3.5" x 5.5."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: largest item: 4.625" x 7.25"
  • Medium: Archive

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