LIREUX (Auguste). - Lot 187

LIREUX (Auguste). Rouen, 1810–1870. French man of letters, journalist, and publicist; a leading figure in the satirical press and Parisian serialized fiction during the July Monarchy and the Second Republic. Autograph letter "A. Lireux" to "My dear Jacques" (Jacques Arago), undated and undated, 1½ pages, in-8. A charming and witty autograph letter addressed to Jacques Arago, a man of letters, playwright, and traveler, and brother of the famous François Arago. The tone is lively, informal, and particularly spirited. In it, Lireux mentions sending his journals and asks his correspondent to contribute to his publication: “I had my little journals sent to you” before continuing in a very personal and amused style: “a thousand malicious remarks, gossip, and witty observations” A particularly delightful passage on an editorial project announced for Sunday: “a few lines—even if only twenty—on the cuisine of the world’s various peoples” This theme, at once social, journalistic, and literary, lends the letter a distinctly 19th-century charm. The text directly attests to Lireux’s activity in the world of satirical press and literary journals, in connection with *L’Indiscret*, *La Patrie*, *Le Charivari*, and the major journalistic networks of his time. A clearly visible autograph signature at the end of the letter. Good overall condition; slight creases from handling, minor scattered foxing that is not significant.