André MALRAUX / Signed Autograph Letters / Cat / Vilmorin / Travels / Gide

  

Interesting collection of letters and autographed cards from the novelist, in the last years of his life, at the time when he was in a relationship with Sophie de Vilmorin. 8 autographed business cards (4 signed) printed in his name.

1 typed and signed letter. 2 handwritten and signed letters. Four letters are solely written by Sophie, addressing Strauss for a loan of money: "We have returned from Japan: an amazing trip. But we have spent a lot!" (letter dated June 6, 1974). And two days later, she specifies that the check can be sent to the French embassy, which will take care of paying the concerned antique dealer! The last word of gratitude is dated January 19, 1976, the year of Malraux's death. The 5 postcards, written by Sophie de Vilmorin and signed by both of them (Malraux draws a little cat next to his signature on one of them).

The postcards (all illustrated) are sent from Bombay in India - Port au Prince in Haiti where "painting is fascinating" - Kyoto in Japan. A rare copy of "Pour une connaissance authentique de Gide" (For an authentic understanding of Gide).

Printed separately, 50 copies on bouffant alfa paper of the Preface to the Cahiers de la Petite Dame by Maria van Rysselberghe, with a signed autograph dedication from Malraux: "For Karl-Hans and Minka, with warm regards". Sophie de Vilmorin, Malraux's last companion, thirty years his junior, niece of Louise de Vilmorin, met him in the family home in Verrières where he resided and where she herself served as secretary to her aunt.

After Louise's death, she became Malraux's assistant, and then his devoted and attentive lover, typing his books and sharing his last great journeys. Sotheby's, May 129, 2013, lot 82.

[No sale outside the European Union for this collection of documents].