DENIS (Ferdinand) - Lot 42

DENIS (Ferdinand) Ferdinand Denis Paris, 1798 - Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 1890. Traveler, historian, bibliographer and administrator of the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, renowned specialist in Brazil and Portuguese literature. 2 L.A.S. "Ferdinand Denis", Paris and Rouen, June 5 and June 25, 1868; together 4 pp. in-8, including one letter on Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève letterhead. Very interesting set of two autograph letters concerning Ferdinand Denis's efforts on behalf of his correspondent's son, in connection with his university studies and examinations. In the first letter, dated Paris, June 5, 1868, Ferdinand Denis is pleased to announce that he had "eagerly" taken the steps requested, and confirms that the young man "had passed his examination perfectly". This assurance came from the very teacher to whom he had recommended him. The letter also refers to his relations with various scholarly and journalistic circles, notably in connection with an article in the Moniteur universel on M. Malouet's memoirs. The second letter, written in Rouen on June 25, 1868, extends these interventions and bears witness to Denis's attentive follow-up to this affair. In it, the great scholar recounts the approaches he had made to a number of influential figures in the academic and literary world, with a view to promoting the candidate's academic future. The manuscript, abundantly corrected and reworked, offers a valuable insight into Ferdinand Denis's working methods and the importance of recommendation networks in Second Empire scholarly circles. This particularly lively collection reveals the intellectual, administrative and academic relationships maintained by Ferdinand Denis, combining personal benevolence, academic influence and scholarly sociability. A fine autograph set, highly representative of Ferdinand Denis's correspondence. Usual folds, numerous autograph corrections and additions, good condition.