PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) - Lot 138

PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) Lyon, February 7, 1828 - Autun, February 10, 1906. Oratorian, bishop of Autun, cardinal and French historian. L.A.S. "Ad. Perraud, Pr de l'Orat.", Rideauville (Talouard), Maison Mazurier, August 12, 1869; 4 pages in-8. Interesting letter concerning the distribution of French Catholic publications in England and religious bookshop networks in London, written a few months before the opening of Vatican Council I. Perraud recommends several religious works and lectures to his correspondent: "Desur's lectures on the revolutionary spirit will appear in volume after Easter". He also indicated various London intermediaries likely to distribute French Catholic works, notably "the great Catholic bookshop of London", as well as several booksellers established in the French quarters of the English capital. The letter mixes editorial concerns, personal recommendations and health considerations. Perraud speaks of his nervous fatigue and his stay at the seaside: "I have been on the seaside for three weeks [...] a season of bathing is beginning to do me good". There is also a touching token of friendship addressed to the correspondent, to whom the author promises to send further speeches and publications: "Believe him in his sincere attachment". This beautiful letter bears witness to Franco-English Catholic intellectual and religious networks under the Second Empire, and to the active role played by Perraud in the circulation of Catholic ideas and works. Good condition despite folds and minor marginal wear.