DENIS (Ferdinand) - Lot 38

DENIS (Ferdinand) Ferdinand Denis Paris, 1798 - Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 1890. Traveler, historian, bibliographer and administrator of the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, a major figure in 19th-century Brazilian studies in France. L.A.S. "Ferdinand Denis", Paris, December 14, 1868; 3 pp. in-8 on Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève letterhead, accompanied by an important autograph draft reply signed and much corrected. Beautiful and touching letter addressed to a bibliophile correspondent about the failure of the latter's son in an examination and the steps taken to support his career. Ferdinand Denis confides that he "did not have the satisfaction of seeing Monsieur votre fils admitted to his examination" and specifies that he had recommended the young man to "M. le B. Malbranc". He then recalls a recent conversation with "the worthy and learned Mr. Ortolan", who encourages him not to discourage the candidate and to have him retake the exam "on his first attempt, which will no doubt be soon". Denis is particularly affectionate and benevolent, claiming to have been "greatly touched by this affectionate gesture" and hastening to pass on "the good hopes it gives me for the future". The accompanying long autograph draft, extensively crossed out and annotated, develops in greater detail the efforts undertaken on the young man's behalf. In it, Denis emphasizes his work, his moral qualities and his interest in his future, in a style imbued with great humanity. This lively preparatory document sheds light on the writer's and librarian's mode of writing, as well as the scholarly and administrative networks in which he moved. An interesting group of documents testifying to the ties of intellectual and academic mutual aid around Ferdinand Denis and the Parisian scholarly milieu under the Second Empire. Very fine condition. Fine autograph signature "Ferdinand Denis". Usual folds; draft with numerous autograph corrections and additions.