REBELLIAU (Alfred). - Lot 264

REBELLIAU (Alfred). (Nantes, 1858–1934) Historian, librarian, and teacher. Director of the Thiers Foundation. Member of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences (elected in 1913). Specialist in contemporary history and a prominent figure in Parisian academic circles. Autographed business card, signed “A. Rebelliau,” addressed to André Le Breton. No place, February 9, 1928. 2 oblong pages. A printed mourning calling card bearing his name, address, and titles. Letter of thanks regarding a book on Victor Hugo Rebelliau thanks his correspondent for sending him the book *La Jeunesse de Victor Hugo*, which he has just received and read carefully. He highlights its qualities—both stylistic and historical—describing it as a “substantial and charming” book, marked by a lively and generous approach: “…the vivid portrayal of his dazzling early years…” He also emphasizes the value of this study for younger generations, noting the need to convey the image of Victor Hugo in all its richness: “…his posthumous glory still needs to be passed on to younger generations…” The letter thus stands as a testament to the mutual esteem between men of letters, within the context of the critical reception of a work dedicated to one of the great figures of the French literary pantheon. This document is of interest due to: - the status of the signatory, a member of the Institut de France and director of the Thiers Foundation; - his place within the Parisian university and academic circles of the early 20th century; - his connection to the reception of a work dedicated to Victor Hugo, a recurring and significant theme; - the use of a mourning calling card, typical of the epistolary customs of the time. This document illustrates the practices of intellectual sociability and the critical exchanges between authors and historians. Alfred Rebelliau belonged to a generation of scholars committed to preserving the historical and literary heritage. His works, like his correspondence, attest to the vitality of scholarly networks centered on major figures such as Victor Hugo.