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Victor Hugo Thanks "Toilers of the Sea" Literary Critic: "You are more than a critic … you are a philosopher and an artist"
Victor Hugo Thanks "Toilers of the Sea" Literary Critic: "You are more than a critic … you are a philosopher and an artist"
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Description:

Victor Hugo
Hauteville House, Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, April 20 [n.y. but probably 1866]
Victor Hugo Thanks "Toilers of the Sea" Literary Critic: "You are more than a critic … you are a philosopher and an artist"
ALS

A 1p autograph letter in French signed by novelist Victor Hugo (1802-1885) as "Victor Hugo" at bottom. April 20, [n.y. but probably 1866]. Written at Hauteville House, Saint Peter Port, Guernsey, where Hugo lived in exile between 1856-1870. Inscribed on pale blue bifold stationery. The inner pages and outer leaf are blank. Expected transmittal folds and a few ink blots only touching one word at top recto. Minor loss to the back page edge, and mounting traces on the back page. Else near fine. 5" x 8." Also comes with a large engraving of Victor Hugo, signed in stone near center, matted to a completed size of 11" x 16" x .25."

Victor Hugo wrote this beautifully worded letter of thanks to an unidentified correspondent, almost certainly a French-speaking literary critic or magazine/book editor, who had recently reviewed Hugo's latest novel, "Les Travailleurs de la Mer" [English publication title: "The Toilers of the Sea"]. Hugo had completed the book's preface in March 1866, and advance notices and book reviews began appearing the same month. The book was published in mid-April 1866, which makes it likely that this letter dates from April 20, 1866. "Les Travailleurs de la Mer" was simultaneously published in two forms: in the French magazine "Le Soleil"; and in a book set of three volumes published by the Librairie Internationale chez Lacroix & Verboeckhoven in Paris, France. Hugo quickly entertained plans to publish illustrated editions of the novel as soon as May 1866.

"Les Travailleurs de la Mer" takes place in Guernsey, one of four islands in the English Channel, and where Hugo had come to escape Napoleon III. In the book's preface, Hugo dedicates the work the islanders who had harbored him while a political refugee. Hugo's tale is a tragic romance with larger implications concerning technology, the environment, and human nature. The protagonist of the tale, a fisherman named Gilliatt, battles rough seas and an epic octopus in order to liberate a steamship that has run aground a reef in the harbor. The shipowner of the steamship promises that his niece will marry the man who can free the ship; however, Gilliatt sacrifices his reward because he knows that Déruchette loves the pastor Ebenezer.

Please see below for a partial English translation of Hugo's letter. Punctuation has been silently added to improve clarity:

"Hauteville House
20 April

My first letter, Monsieur, has it reached you? They talk lately about the infidelities of the post, thus I doubt. I like better to write you two times rather than seem insensitive to the two articles, so elevated and so profound, that you published in the "Impress" (?) on "The Toilers of the Sea." You analyzed this book in the same way that you understood it: from high. You are more than a critic of the ordinary occupation associated with this word; you are a philosopher and an artist. From there, in these beautiful pages written by you, so many delicate, attentive, and penetrating appreciations. One could reread the articles like one could look again at a jewel: the details are of an infinite value… It would be a happiness to me if you shake my hand.

Your faraway friend,

Victor Hugo."

A full catalog of all of Victor Hugo's correspondence remains incomplete, but the existing inventory is hosted by the Université Paris Cité and can be found online. This exact letter is not found in their collection, but many letters discussing the upcoming publication of "Les Travailleurs de la Mer" can be found through keyword search. Correspondence exchanged between Victor Hugo, his wife, his children, and his large social network during this period indicate that Hugo often reached out to personally thank friends or professional contacts who promoted his work.

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: matted portrait: 11" x 16" x .25"
  • Medium: ALS

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