ROSTAND (Jean) - Lot 179

ROSTAND (Jean) Paris, 1894 - Ville-d'Avray, 1977. French biologist, moralist and writer. Member of the Académie française, a leading figure in twentieth-century popular science. L.A.S. "Jean Rostand" to Bernard Grasset. Ville-d'Avray, January 18, 1942. 1 page small in-4 on ivory wove paper, in blue ink. Interesting autograph letter to publisher Bernard Grasset, in which Jean Rostand talks with curiosity about the book Chemins de l'écriture, about which he hears "a lot". He writes: "... I read so much about 'Chemins de l'écriture', and I hope I'm not being too indiscreet if I ask you for a copy...". The letter concludes with a particularly warm formula: "Believe, my dear friend, in our affectionately devoted sentiments." A fine exchange between two important figures in the French intellectual and publishing world during the Occupation years, testifying to the literary networks around the Grasset publishing house. Very fine signature by Jean Rostand. Well-preserved document with the usual reading folds.