CRÉMIEUX (Adolphe). - Lot 83

CRÉMIEUX (Adolphe). Nîmes, 1796 – Paris, 1880. French lawyer and politician. Served as Minister of Justice on several occasions; a leading figure in liberalism during the July Monarchy and the Third Republic. Signatory of the famous Crémieux Decree (1870). Autograph letter signed “Ad Crémieux,” to a friend. No place, May 10. 1 page, in-8, bearing his initials. An interesting letter of recommendation in which Crémieux introduces his correspondent, Mr. Curnier—a former member of the Constituent Assembly and the National Assembly—whom he describes as “as much a Republican as you are an Orléanist” and “an ardent bibliophile worthy of you.” He mentions a 1490 Bible, an object of bibliophilic curiosity, and emphasizes the desire for the two men to meet, declaring himself “delighted to refer you to him.” This letter is doubly interesting, blending political networks with the world of bibliophiles, and offering insight into the intellectual social circles of the nineteenth century centered around rare books.