DENIS (Ferdinand) - Lot 46

DENIS (Ferdinand) Ferdinand Denis Paris, 1798 - Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 1890. Traveler, historian, bibliographer, administrator of the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève and leading specialist in the literary history of Brazil and Franco-Portuguese intellectual relations. Set of 2 autograph pieces addressed to Édouard-Benjamin Frère: a L.A.S. and an autograph draft, Paris and Rouen, October 1866; approx. 3 pp. in-8. Interesting bibliophilic exchange between Ferdinand Denis and Édouard-Benjamin Frère concerning bibliographical works and rare opuscules. The signed autograph letter, written on Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève letterhead and dated Paris, "27 Xbre 1866", is addressed to his "dear colleague". Denis courteously apologizes for the delay in sending a "small bibliographical document" requested by his correspondent, explaining that he had misplaced the letter in a separate file. He also thanks Frère for the promise of a "precious bibliographical opuscule", emphasizing the importance and richness of his collection: "Your collection in this genre is very fine and even considerable; it will therefore certainly be good fortune for us to receive your work." The autograph draft of the reply, heavily crossed out and corrected, bears witness to Édouard-Benjamin Frère's preparatory intellectual work. He discusses various editions of the Missel d'Arras, delicate bibliographical research, as well as a number of old notices and rare publications, in a dialogue of erudition characteristic of the Norman bibliophile milieu of the 19th century. This handsome set illustrates the scholarly exchanges between two important figures in 19th-century French bibliography, revolving around the circulation of rare books, scholarly notices and regional bibliographic publications. Usual folds; a few erasures and draft corrections; very good overall condition.