CHAMBE (René) - Lot 24

CHAMBE (René) Important L.A.S. to Paul Fort. Paris, Ministère de l'Air, June 21, 1933. 4 pp. in-8 on Ministère de l'Air letterhead; envelope retained. Beautiful autograph letter signed by General, aviator and writer René Chambe to the poet Paul Fort, combining literary admiration, friendly loyalty and an account of the world of French aviation in the thirties. First of all, René Chambe apologizes for not having been able to visit the poet, busy with his duties at the Ministry of the Air and his activities as a pilot: "In summer, you're swamped in aviation [...] obliged to lead a double life, in an office at the Ministry, and flying at Le Bourget or Orly. There aren't enough 24 hours in the day! The whole letter is shot through with deep affection and moral support for Paul Fort, who was facing material and personal difficulties at the time. Chambe emphasizes the outpouring of solidarity around the poet: "Literary rivalries are unfortunately a reality, but literary solidarity is even more real! And it's a great consolation to see it. Prevented from flying to Metz, Strasbourg and Nancy, he deeply regretted not being able to attend the gala organized in Salle Pleyel in honor of the "Prince of Poets". He nevertheless asked friends to represent him and bring his best wishes: "I am sure that it will be a magnificent celebration and that it will bring you the immense satisfaction of measuring the high esteem that Paris has for its 'Prince of Poets', whom it will be careful not to forget." The tone becomes particularly moving in the conclusion: "Mon cher maître, songez, si je n'ai pas le temps de revenir, même par les chemins du ciel qui sont les plus courts, que je sera de pensée et de cœur auprès de vous." And in a warm postscript: "If you only knew the admiration and sympathy people have for you!" A fine document on the networks of literary solidarity around Paul Fort, bringing together a leading figure in French aviation and one of the major poets of the early 20th century. A copy with a strong human and literary quality.