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Lot #515
Alexis de Tocqueville Autograph Letter Signed

Tocqueville urges the speedy printing of Democracy in America: "Please, I beg you, make your men work as fast as possible. Yesterday, Gosselin was already on the verge of lacking copies of the book"

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Description

Tocqueville urges the speedy printing of Democracy in America: "Please, I beg you, make your men work as fast as possible. Yesterday, Gosselin was already on the verge of lacking copies of the book"

French political thinker and historian (1805-1859) best known for his works Democracy in America and The Old Regime and the Revolution. ALS in French, one page, 5 x 7.75, April 17. Handwritten letter to Mr. Fournier, a printer, sent during the printing of the second volume of 'Democracy in America.' Tocqueville urges the printer to make haste in order to meet demand and send him proofs of the text. In full (translated): "I hereby enclose the second part of my first volume. In two days at the latest, I shall have the second volume handed out to you. I do not worry at all about this reprinting. I know that you will take into account the small changes which I have indicated with your usual care. Please, I beg you, make your men work as fast as possible. Yesterday, Gosselin was already on the verge of lacking copies of the book." Addressed on the integral leaf to "Mr. Fournier, printer, in Paris." In fine condition.

Gosselin was the publisher of Tocqueville’s 'Democracy in America.' Fournier, the recipient of this letter, was the printer. The book was published in two volumes, the first one in 1835, the second one in 1840. When the second volume was printed, the first volume was printed again, with changes to which Tocqueville refers in this letter. Tocqueville’s letters regarding his epochal work 'Democracy in America' are very scarce and much sought-after.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Gangsters, Outlaws & Lawmen
  • Dates: #656 - Ended January 11, 2023





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