BLONDEL (Maurice) - Lot 8

BLONDEL (Maurice) Maurice Blondel Very important set of correspondence addressed to Frédéric Lefèvre, director of Nouvelles Littéraires. Aix-en-Provence, Auriol, Magny-la-Ville, Saint-Leu-sur-Vingeanne, 1927-1930. Set of 7 signed autograph letters, with several preserved envelopes, totaling approximately 26 autograph pages in-8. Exceptional set of philosophical and literary correspondence from Maurice Blondel to Frédéric Lefèvre, revolving around the famous "Entretiens" and "Matinées" published in Nouvelles Littéraires, Catholic intellectual debates between the wars, philosophical controversies and the reception of his work. The letters of 1927 directly concern the preparation of interviews with Lefèvre. Blondel thanks his correspondent for his "stimulating questions", and admits he fears he won't be able to answer fully without developing "at least 1,200 pages". He refers humorously to the "10-point note" presented by Lefèvre to acquitter, and wonders about the advisability of appearing in this "luminous and sonorous gallery". The letter of July 8, 1929 is particularly important. In it, Blondel returns at length to Lefèvre's unsuccessful bid for a literary prize, evoking the support of Henri Brémond and Bergson, as well as the opposition encountered in academic and religious circles. He finely analyzes the role played by the "Matinées" in this ambiguous reception, writing in particular: "the young authors, the varied initiators who surround you are more interesting than many Immortals". The supplementary letter of December 14, 1928 sheds interesting light on the critical reception of Lefèvre's work and on contemporary intellectual quarrels. In it, Blondel mentions an article by Régis Jolivet in the Revue Apologétique, as well as Father Webert's attacks on "gender theory". He vigorously defends Lefèvre against certain doctrinal polemics and highlights the growing influence of Nouvelles Littéraires, "far more competent and influential than the Revue des jeunes". The letters of 1928 and 1930 also develop more personal themes: physical fatigue, gradually failing eyesight, dictated work, health difficulties, stays in Burgundy and Provence, the satisfaction of seeing the "Matinées du Hêtre rouge" meet with a loyal audience, editorial projects, French and Romanian university networks, philosophical debates and articles for the literary press. Several preserved autograph envelopes addressed to Frédéric Lefèvre at 98 rue Caulaincourt, Paris, some with clearly legible postmarks, enhance the documentary interest of the set. A very rare and precious testimony to French Catholic intellectual and literary networks between the wars, as well as to the personality of Maurice Blondel, torn between philosophical reflection, academic life and media reception of his work.