MILLE (Pierre) (1864–1941). - Lot 233

Lot 233
Go to lot
Estimation :
80 - 100 EUR
Bid on drouot.com
MILLE (Pierre) (1864–1941). - Lot 233
MILLE (Pierre) (1864–1941). Signed autograph letter. Paris, September 10, 1936. Signed autograph letter, 2 pages in-12 (on a letter card), dated 10-IX-36. An interesting letter addressed to a friend, devoted to a particularly detailed literary appraisal of a recently published novel, in which Pierre Mille subtly sets forth his critical analysis. After apologizing for the delay in his reply due to an extended vacation, he expresses the pleasure he derived from reading it: “I have finally read *La Famille Pérouse*. Please excuse the delay… ” He emphasizes the psychological depth of the work and the accuracy of its observations: “One could not employ such irony with such precision in observation.” Referring to the character of Mr. Cuvier, he highlights the subtlety with which irony is constantly tempered by the authenticity of the characters. He then sums up the spirit of the novel with an old saying: “When there’s no hay in the rack, the horses fight.” Before concluding that the true subject matter transcends family rivalries to become a portrayal of the tensions within the contemporary bourgeoisie: “It is not merely that they fight; they bite one another… this is a consequence of the war, which has brutally laid bare the flaws of our former high bourgeoisie.” The letter ends with a strong endorsement of the work: “And the novel’s ending is unexpected and so witty… That is what makes the work so original.” followed by the closing line: “I shake your hand and offer my sincere congratulations,” and Pierre Mille’s handwritten signature. A writer, journalist, feature reporter, and literary critic, Pierre Mille was a regular contributor to *Le Figaro*, *Le Temps*, *L’Illustration*, and numerous other magazines. His letters here reveal a lesser-known aspect of his work: that of an attentive reader and a discerning literary critic, offering a penetrating analysis of the works of his contemporaries. An interesting critical letter, offering a detailed literary assessment of *La Famille Pérouse* and bearing witness to the intellectual exchanges Pierre Mille maintained with the writers of his time.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue