COUTIL (Léon Marie) - Lot 81

COUTIL (Léon Marie) Villiers-en-Vexin, 1856–1935. Engraver, archaeologist, Norman scholar, and corresponding member of the Academy of Rouen. Autograph letter to a colleague, Saint-Pierre-du-Vauvray (Eure), July 3, 1912, 2 pp., in-8, black ink on laid paper. A very interesting autograph letter signed by Léon Coutil, devoted to the history of aeronautics and the scholarly research conducted by Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a pioneer of ballooning born in Les Andelys. Coutil mentions having read an entry on “Dom Gourdin and the Aerostats” published in the *Recueil de l’Académie de Rouen*, and very courteously requests a reprint to enrich his personal collection: “which would supplement my documents on Blanchard, who was born in Les Andelys, my hometown” The letter is particularly lively. The author recalls the events he himself organized in Les Andelys centered on Blanchard, notably: a commemorative exhibition the unveiling of a plaque on his birthplace the erection of a monument with this delightful critical remark: “a monument (a failure! thanks to the local architect)” The tone then becomes more personal, as Coutil humorously confesses his passion for books: “a sweet little collector’s quirk” On the reverse side, he again mentions his research on Thomas Corneille, his brother Pierre, and local figures from Les Andelys. A beautiful account of the development of scholarly documentation in the provinces in the early 20th century, blending historical scholarship, local memory, and a passion for collecting. Very good overall condition. Very legible and elegant handwriting.