Charle MAURRAS - Lot 144

Charle MAURRAS Original manuscript of "Lettre à mon ancien confrère M. Georges Duhamel" concerning Provençal dialects. No date (1950) In-8 (220 x 165 mm) Half burgundy morocco with corners, smooth spine (Blaizot) Autograph manuscript of 63 pages (plus a few additions) written on school paper. This precious document offers the complete first draft manuscript (with numerous erasures and corrections, as well as a few additions) of Charles Maurras' letter to Geores Duhamel in defense of Provençal dialects. "Sir and former colleague, I have been able to follow from afar your four public interventions against the law on dialects in schools - the responses you received from a minister - the unanimous support of the Académie for your admonitions - that of the Head of State. I've come late to the battle. My objections to your criticisms will seem bold and prolix as much as belated. But the question is of national interest, and even of human interest, insofar as the future of the world depends on the people and the human spirit..." This letter was written in response to various articles published by Georges Duhamel in Le Figaro (articles dated April 29-30 and May 5, 12 and 19, 1950); it was also Charles Maurras' last text written in prison. The text was published in 1951 as "Jarres de Biot" by Pierre Lanauve de Tartas, illustrated by Tavy Notton. Enclosed: A handwritten letter dated June 10, 1950 (one sheet recto) signed by Maurras and addressed to Hélène Maurras, concerning the letter: "Ma petite Ninon, j'ai oublié de te parler, jeudi, de ce gros travail. Will you take care of it as soon as you can? Here's the copy made, show it to Pierro (for Pierre de Tartas) he could have a look at it. Can he...send it all back here. Can't you write carefully, a little elliptically, 4, 5 or 6 words invisibly? I'll answer you the same way... Love Ninon. Old Uncle." From the library of Pierre Lanauve de Taratas with his fine engraved bookplate.