REVEL (Jean, Paul Toutain, known as). - Lot 269

REVEL (Jean, Paul Toutain, known as). [NORMANDY] Conteville (Eure), 1848 – Rouen, 1925. Norman writer, notary in Rouen, president of the Rouen Chamber of Notaries. Set of 3 autograph letters and 3 signed autograph cards, Rouen, 1891–1896, sold as a single lot. A fine collection of documents relating to Jean-Paul Toutain, known as Revel, a prominent figure in Rouen’s scholarly circles of the late 19th century, comprising: - two autograph signed letters on notary letterhead, “Paul Toutain, Notary, 17 quai de la Bourse, Rouen,” dated August 13 and October 27, 1891; - one autograph letter signed on letterhead of the Société Normande de Géographie, dated August 4, 1896; - three autograph business cards, also signed, enclosed. The collection primarily concerns relations with the Société Normande de Géographie, applications for admission and the introduction of members, as well as the practical organization of meetings of Rouen’s learned societies. Notably included are a request for membership in the Société Normande de Géographie, a recommendation from Mr. Hervé, a licensed professional in Rouen, as well as various matters concerning scholarly meetings and the provision of meeting rooms. One of the letters also mentions the Rouen Cycling Club, which requested to hold its bimonthly meeting at the scholarly society’s headquarters—an interesting testament to the social life of Rouen’s associations during the Belle Époque. A beautiful, cohesive collection, well-preserved, and of genuine interest for the cultural and scholarly history of Normandy.