Musset-Pathay, Victor Donatien de, French dramatist, poet, and novelist (1768-1832). Autograph letter signed.

N. p., 31. X. 1822.

8vo. 1 p. on bifolium with papered seal.

 180.00

Highly interesting letter to Madame Soehnée, probably Caroline-Wilhelmine Soehnée (1760-1830), concerning the publication of the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau: "Je vous remercie de l'avis que vous voulez bien me donner et j'en ferai part à M. Lequien. Mais je crois que les ouvrages de J. J., frappés d'anathèmes sont entre vos mains et qu'il n'y a plus à publier que la correspondance, les Confessions et La nouvelle Héloïse. Il faut espérer qu'à force de sottises, de ridicules et d'absurdités, les Bonnegens finiront par se noyer. Mon ami le Docteur Petrol m'a fait espérer, madame, qu'il me présenterait chez vous pour vous exprimer ma reconnaissance. J'attends que ses malades lui en laissent le loisir [...]".

After losing his post in the Ministry of the Interior due to his liberal political views in 1818, Victor Donatien de Musset-Pathay produced the first complete edition of the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It was initially published in 22 volumes between 1818 and 1820 in Paris by A. Eymery. Soon a revised edition was brought forward by the Parisian publisher Dupont from 1823-25.

The Alsatian family Soehnée successfully produced printed fabrics, so called "Indiennes", since 1797. The letter suggests that the family owned manuscripts of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and supplied them to Musset-Pathay for publication. Incidentally, one of the popular motifs for their fabrics was Rousseau's famous grave in the park at Ermonville.

Traces of folds. With minor browning and traces of former mounting.

Stock Code: BN#54250 Tag: