VOIVENEL (Paul). Born in Séméac, 1881-1975. French neuropsyc - Lot 195

VOIVENEL (Paul). Born in Séméac, 1881-1975. French neuropsychiatrist, essayist and literary columnist. 2 L.A.S. "Paul Voivenel" to "Mon cher ami" [Bernard Grasset]. Toulouse, March 2 and May 25, 1937. 2 pp. in-4 on headed paper: "Maladies nerveuses - 18, rue de la Dalbade". Set of two interesting letters concerning publishing projects and the doctor-writer's literary relations with publisher Bernard Grasset. In the first letter, Voivenel displays a form of literary modesty mixed with esteem for his correspondent: "You're always very chic. Agreed on the unpublished, but I don't want to force my talent, whose limits I know. An essayist I am, an essayist I intend to remain...". while promising to continue their exchanges: "I won't do anything without keeping you informed; but, as you advise, I'll see Grasset on my next trip to Paris..." The second letter, signed "Compagnon", adopts a more personal and warm tone: "You are an artist and an emotional person. I haven't asked you for anything, not even the press service for your books...". He also mentions a publication entitled Archer "which has been in existence since January 1930", as well as an article devoted to Coja. A doctor specializing in nervous diseases, Paul Voivenel was also a prolific writer and critic. A contributor to Le Mercure de France and Le Figaro, he was a singular intellectual figure of the 1930s, dividing his time between medicine, literature and psychological reflection. A fine collection of literary and intellectual correspondence, revealing the links between the medical world and French publishing circles between the wars.