COCTEAU (Jean). Autographed letter signed addressed to Philippe Erlanger

  
Autographed letter signed addressed to Philippe Erlanger. 1 page in-4 signed "Jean", Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, July 12, 1951. You have performed this marvel of balance between fable and history. You have put into action this true, this truth that Goethe opposes to reality.

Perhaps it comes from the secret of your heart. After me, Francine Weissweiller has jumped on the volume. She thinks like I do and has asked me to tell you so. My play was more foolish than the character, a glorious disaster, due to English folly.

The second part (Les Flottes) is unimaginable. One could not better agree or better employ words (with an accuracy that is the hallmark of poets). May I (I who never ask for anything) now that the same friend Henriot is in power, ask you for a strange favor? It is difficult for me to wear a late red ribbon when Jouvet and Carco wear the tie.

Could you arrange for me to be promoted? I accepted a gift (I did not solicit anything) and this gift is a burden to me.

Please forgive me for a request that seems so little like me. I would prefer the diamond in the shape of an anchor... In postscript, he rejoices that the Pinakothek in Munich is organizing a major exhibition of his paintings and tapestries. "It is Germany that is taking charge of this festival, but it will need the support of the Fine Arts." Philippe Erlanger was in charge of France's cultural policy a few years before the creation of the Ministry of Culture.

COCTEAU (Jean); LETTERS AND AUTOGRAPHED MANUSCRIPTS.