ALS in French, one page, 5.25 x 8.25, blindstamped Camille Berru letterhead, October 20, [1854]. A dinner invitation to French socialist politician and historian Louis Blanc, written on Friday morning. In full (translated): "The good storm prevents you from leaving. Do not forget, dear Louis Blanc, that you dine with me today. You will be dining with Mr. and Mrs. Berru, Mr. Gustave Frederix and Mr. and Mrs. Considerant. I count on you. To see you is a sweetness and joy…We sit down at 7 o'clock, rue de l'astronomie, 3." Affixed to a slightly larger sheet. In very good to fine condition, with light show-through from mounting at the corners, and a tear to the top edge passing through the date.
Hugo fled France and moved to Brussels in 1851, beginning nineteen years of exile. Here, he arranges a dinner with several notable figures who were also living in exile: Victor Considerant, a French utopian socialist who would famously found a colony in Texas in 1855; Camille Berru, a journalist; and Gustave Frederix, also a journalist. The only Friday, October 20th where these men can be placed together in Belgium is 1854. A desirable, boldly penned letter by the great French author which boasts several desirable associations.
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