VERLAINE (Paul). - Lot 301

VERLAINE (Paul). Born in Metz. 1844–1896. French poet. Autograph letter signed “P. Verlaine” to “My dear Savine” [the publisher Albert Savine]. Paris, August 28 (undated, circa 1888). 1 p. 3/4 in-8. Beautiful letter. In 1888, Verlaine wanted to change publishers. Huysmans and Bloy recommended the publisher Albert Savine (1859–1927) to him as a successor to Léon Vanier. A contract was signed on September 15, 1888, with Savine for the publication of *Bonheur* and *Histoires comme ça*. Ultimately, Verlaine quickly fell out with his new publisher over the alleged collaboration of Cazals on *Histoires comme ça*; Verlaine pitifully returned to his faithful Vanier, with whom he reconciled, thus bringing the “Savine episode” to a close. ...Mr. Cazals has informed me of your reply. I was unaware that you wanted such a large volume, but within a few days I will have four short stories and five or six prose poems sent to you. I was supposed to see you, but my leg prevents me from doing so, and I even think I’ll be forced to return to the hospital for the fifth time. I see little other way out of my situation, which makes my work very difficult. Before I leave, however, I would like to arrange a serious meeting with you at my home at a time you would be so kind as to set with Mr. Cazals. As soon as the volume of prose is finished, I will set about completing *Bonheur*, for which I would be grateful if you could, if possible, provide me with an advance. In any case, tomorrow you’ll receive the manuscript of *Abbé Anne* and that of a short story titled *Le Pot au Lait*. Do you have *Deux mots d’une fille*?...