GAGNEUR, Just-Charles-Wladimir dit Wladimir Gagneur - Lot 59

GAGNEUR, Just-Charles-Wladimir dit Wladimir Gagneur Wladimir Gagneur L.A.S. "W. Gagneur" to a friend. S.l.n.d. [ca. 1880-1885]. 2 pages in-8 on National Assembly paper. Interesting letter concerning proofreading and editorial preparations for a book. Gagneur sends his correspondent the proofs of a text already composed: "Here are your proofs. The text is just 191 pages long. The volume will be very attractive in every way. He recommends limiting typographical corrections: "Try to make as few corrections to the text as possible..." and gave his correspondent a great deal of freedom regarding the preface: "As for the preface (...) you will have complete freedom to modify it...". The letter goes on to reveal very concrete concerns about manufacturing and marketing: "If you were unable to return the proofs to us on Monday with the final press proofs, we would print immediately in order to put the book on sale next week. This is a fine example of how publishing and book production worked at the end of the 19th century, from the pen of a journalist, anticlerical pamphleteer and Jura republican politician close to Jules Grévy. A fine piece of literary and publishing work, on elegant Assemblée Nationale letterhead. Very well preserved.