"My dear Sir, Here is the tough piece. If [Le] Figaro finds it too abstract, please send it back to me. In terms of current events, it only has my 73rd birthday.
I would like, if you publish it, to have a proof. In any case, do not forget the note! The unfortunate author of the book would be very sorry. I am all yours P." The daily newspaper opens its columns to the poet and writer from the early 1930s. Paul Valéry, who has been a member of the Académie française since 1925, has ample opportunity to address the themes he cherishes, in the precise and vivid style that is his.