French military officer (1859–1935) whose central role in the Dreyfus Affair, the most sensational cause célèbre in the final years of the 19th century, thrust him into the international spotlight. Discovering the murky circumstances—the recklessness of the French government in pursuing a speedy conviction, the sloppy procedure of the court-martial—author Emile Zola wrote his famous open letter, “J’Accuse!,” laying bare the entire disgraceful affair. Zola was convicted of libel and fled to England, though he returned to France in time to witness the fall of the government and Dreyfus’s release following an overturned second conviction. ALS in French signed “A. Dreyfus,” on the correspondence side of a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard featuring a Wright flyer and pilot le Comte de Lambert [postmark indistinct; evidently 1909]. Dreyfus pens a brief friendly note to Madame Zola [wife of Emile Zola]. Dreyfus’s daughter, J[eanne] Dreyfus, has penned a note above her father’s and has also addressed the card. Usual postal markings, blue crayon mark to address panel, and a hint of mild soiling, otherwise fine, crisp condition. RRAuction COA.
