Description:

Marquis de Lafayette
La Grange, France, January 4, 1829
Lafayette ALS: "Maybe we can advance, by several steps, the Restoration of French liberty which proclaimed itself so well forty years ago" Tipped Into Lovely Custom 2-Vol. Biography
ALS tipped into book

An autograph letter in French signed by Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), the American Revolutionary War veteran, tipped into the first volume of a sumptuously bound presentation first edition copy of Lafayette's biography written by Charlemagne Tower, Jr. (1848-1923), the American scholar, lawyer, and diplomat. This was the author's personal copy of his biography of Lafayette: "The Marquis de La Fayette in The American Revolution with some Account of the Attitude of France Toward the War of Independence" (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1895). Printed in calligraphy as: "Bound especially for / Mr. Charlemagne Tower, Jr. / by / J.B. Lippincott Company" on a free endpaper located directly behind the tipped-in letter in the first volume.

The two-volume set features elaborate binding in full crushed brown morocco, with gilt-tooled covers, segmented gilt-embossed spines, gilt textblocks, blue leather doublures, and vertically ribbed blue silk endpapers. Each volume features a frontispiece engraving (Vol. I Lafayette; Vol. II, Madame de Lafayette) with original tissue guards. Also featuring ten maps throughout the two volumes. Expected wear including scattered foxing within the first free endpapers, but mostly clean and crisp within. Minor scuffs, spots, and shelf rubbing to the binding. Vol. I: Preface, iii-vi; 1-494pp; Vol. II: 5-537pp plus Appendices. The two books measure approximately 6.6" x 9.625" x 3.875" stacked.

The tipped-in 1p autograph letter in French is signed by Lafayette as "Lafayette" at lower right. Written at La Grange, or Château de Grange-Bleneau, Lafayette's 14th C. castle in northern central France. January 4, 1829. With contemporary typographical edits in Lafayette's hand. Docketed at upper left, recording the history of correspondence and gifts exchanged with this letter recipient. Expected wear including toning, foxing, flattened folds with some breaks, and isolated haloing. Areas of minor loss to breaks and edges may have been professionally restored. Else near fine. The letter measures 7.25" x 5.625."

The Marquis de Lafayette wrote this letter to an unidentified recipient to thank him for having sent a New Year's gift; to enjoin him to meet him soon either at La Grange or in Paris; and last, to welcome the opportunity to restore some French civil liberties eroded by the Bourbon restoration. Lafayette was a member of the Chambre des Députés, which he mentions would soon convene. Lafayette writes in part that he welcomed the opportunity to reclaim "la liberté française qui s'annoncait si bien il y a quarante ans" ["French liberty which proclaimed itself so well forty years ago"], that is, during the French Revolution.

Translated in part, with punctuation silently changed for clarity:

"La Grange 4 January 1829

It would be difficult, Monsieur, to receive a superb pike for New Year's without knowing where to direct my gratitude, accustomed as I am to the testimony of your friendship. Receive then my gratitude and the latest assurance of the value that I place on your good memory…

I would be very happy to express these [opinions and feelings] to you here or in Paris if your affairs take you there. The opening of the session [of the Chambre des Députés] will call me there soon. Maybe we can advance, by several steps, the Restoration of French liberty which proclaimed itself so well forty years ago…

Lafayette."

The historical context of this letter is significant. A zealous lifelong revolutionary, Lafayette was ideologically and politically opposed to monarchy. He chafed against the authoritarian policies of Charles X: dissolving the French parliamentary body, virtually abolishing freedom of the press, and modifying electoral laws in such a way as to reduce the voting population to about 25,000 people, almost all landed proprietors. When the Revolution of 1830 took place 18 months later, Lafayette took on an important leadership role, especially during the "Trois Glorieuses." This referred to three days, July 27-29, 1830, when insurrection swept through Paris and the French provinces. Charles X was forced to abdicate. Louis Philippe was hailed as the citizen king and took over the reins of government. Lafayette had participated in his third revolution!

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: 6.6" x 9.625" x 3.875" stacked
  • Medium: ALS tipped into book

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