Victor Hugo ALS referencing Plato (likely 1862)
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ALS in French, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 5.75, January 15, no year [likely 1862]. Letter to French writer, journalist, and politician, Eugene Pelletan, who in December 1861, appeared before the 10th correctional chamber for a press offense and was sentenced to three months in prison, which he served in the Pavillon des Princes of St. Pelagie. In part (translated): "Dear philosopher, all my soul is yours when I read you. This excerpt from the Holidays of Intelligence [written by Pelletan] that a newspaper brings me, is a moving and profound page. It's kind of a double picture of where I am and where you are. I can see my face and the look on your face. I'm very close to you. Our two minds enter into each other; our two hearts enter into each other. Why isn't my exile prison when you're in it? Why isn't your prison exile when I'm in it? What sweet and good things we would say to each other between the four walls of St. Pelagia that you have inhabited, or between the two infinite ones of the sky and the sea that I inhabit. What a voluptuous mixture of austere thoughts! I have read your Babylon [The New Babylon. Letters from a Provincial published in 1862] applauding on every page. Mr. Lacroix has probably told you that in Brussels I was constantly preaching a book by you to him. A novel by you, summing up in a human and social idea, all your current power, would, I am sure, be a resounding success. It comes in memory of a writer like you is one of the needs of his time. You…are light. What would become, without men like you, this sad cruel world which has two poles, crime and vice, and where matter makes the night. I'm indulging in conversation with you as I would with Plato. But with valiant Plato. So intrepid serenity in the face of persecution of all kinds is one of the beautiful spectacles of this time. See you soon, right? Or? Everywhere. I hope to shake your hand soon. I don't have enough room left to tell you how much I love you." Hugo adds a postscript across both pages: "Your admirable pages were read as a family at this table in Hauteville House, where I hope one day you will come and take your place between the sons and the father, as the brother of one, and the others too." In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds and light creasing.
An excellent letter penned from Hauteville House in Guernsey, where Hugo would live in exile with his family from October 1855 until 1870. Written around the same time Hugo's masterpiece, Les Misérables, was published.
An excellent letter penned from Hauteville House in Guernsey, where Hugo would live in exile with his family from October 1855 until 1870. Written around the same time Hugo's masterpiece, Les Misérables, was published.
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