Famed and highly influential French poet (1844–1896). Though he produced such lasting classics as Poèmes saturniens and Romances sans paroles, he is probably better known for his tumultuous love affair with the prodigiously gifted teenaged poet Arthur Rimbaud. Verlaine abandoned his wife and child in pursuit of Rimbaud, but the stormy, up-and-down relationship ended shortly after Rimbaud shot the older poet in the hand. Verlaine later underwent a religious conversion and, though well regarded even in his lifetime, died in poverty an alcoholic. ALS in French, signed “P. Verlaine,” one page on an irregular 4.5 x 3.5 slip, April 28, 1886. Verlaine writes to his publisher, Vanier. In part (translated): Please pay Mme. Allermoz[?] all or a good part of the sum … for food…. And my 7 francs … and these manuscripts.” The note is pinned to a larger sheet with a period pencil notation in another hand. Irregular edges and noted and pinholes to blank portion, otherwise fine, clean condition. R&R COA.
