Pierre Jules Hetzel Autographed Letter Signed ANGER vs DENTU / EDMOND ABOUT 1861

  

Autographed letter signed, The Roman Questions, 1861. French publisher, writer, translator, and politician. Autographed letter signed by Pierre Jules Hetzel. Dated April 1, 1861, in Paris. Written in brown ink on a double sheet of laid paper.

An exceptional letter of "editorial warfare." The famous publisher of Jules Verne and the Extraordinary Voyages "shows his claws" with rare violence to defend the integrity of his catalog. Usually perceived as the paternal mentor of Romantic writers, Hetzel reveals himself here as a formidable and ruthless businessman. He also mentions his treaties not respected by About and his declining health. "Please let About [Edmond About] know that I do not accept that any [edition] can be made otherwise than by me of the Roman question.

And that while I am astonished by what I have been told, I am amazed that someone other than About had to tell me. I have suffered the consequences of this operation; I do not understand why I should be left with the rheumatism to allow others to reap the profits. Even if one had the right - and one does not - the process would be so unfortunate that once again I refuse to believe what I am told. I will take action against Dentu as a counterfeiter if the book is published.

About could not have authorized him to publish it. I am sorry about all this. You know how I have been patient with About under other circumstances - I have treaties with him that he has not fulfilled, which I would be entitled to demand execution of - and he knows it well - For a man of his intelligence can only be mistaken about me knowingly - or through lack of examination. I will take all this back, and we will tear each other's eyes out if necessary in front of the whole world rather than let a fact pass where About does not put anything in the balance even by the most vulgar considerations. I have been ill for 15 days and bedridden for three-quarters of the time - if I were in better health I would go to [Saverne]. I am angry because I am distressed. Please share my letter with About and send it to him wherever he may be." Dimensions: 13.5 x 21 cm. Condition: Good state of preservation. See photos and description for more details. Number of pages: 2 pages.

Pierre-Jules Hetzel, born January 15, 1814, in Chartres and died March 17, 1886, in Monte-Carlo, is a French publisher, writer, translator, and politician. François Edmond Valentin About, born February 14, 1828, in Dieuze and died January 16, 1885, in Paris, was a French writer, journalist, and art critic, a member of the Académie Française. Autographed letters, old papers, rare books, photographs, engravings, stamps... We appraise and/or buy your letters, letter collections, and rare books throughout France.

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