Alexandre DUMAS, Jr. Approximately 80 autograph letters and documents signed...

Alexandre DUMAS, Jr. Approximately 80 autograph letters and documents signed to the publisher Hippolyte Souverain. 1846–1874. Approximately 100 pp., in-8 and in-12 formats, 2 envelopes.
Hippolyte Souverain was the publisher of Balzac, George Sand, Alexandre Dumas, the Elder, and Alexandre Dumas, the Younger, for whom he published, among other works, *Antonine* (1849), *La Vie à vingt ans* (1850), *Trois hommes forts* (1850), and *Le Régent Mustel* (1850).
An important collection of letters (including a few receipts) spanning three decades, during which Dumas, Jr. discusses financial matters, his work, the theater, his collaborations with his father, and more.
The first note is dated May 1, 1846: “Received from Monsieur Souverain the sum of 250 francs.” Other receipts of this sort appear throughout the correspondence.
[1848?] – “Don’t worry as much as you are. You waited 18 years for the republic; you can certainly wait a few days for your serialized stories… I want to write an essential preface to this book, so you cannot begin printing until it is finished; however, as the novel progresses, the volume will include two or three chapters that I had to remove due to the excessive sensitivity of the subscribers.” – [September 14, 1849]. ““I have 160 pages completed that are being typeset, and you’ll have them tomorrow.” – [February 12, 1850]. “Every day I put twenty sous in a piggy bank. When *Les Trois Hommes* is published by you, I’ll break it open and give you your share.” – [1850]. “Today I’m starting a play based on *Les Trois Hommes*. It will be performed after *Urbain Grandier*. So please hurry if you want the book to be published first.” – undated. “Here are the corrected proofs. I was forced to make cuts in everything concerning Russia. A letter I received yesterday—which I will show you as an explanation—will make this necessity clear to you.” – [1869]. He returns from Constantinople. “You have been very kind to take care of these volumes. Please be kind enough to send them to me—or even better, to bring them to me… and I will make available to you 30 francs per volume printed on large Clémenceau paper, and 3 volumes of *Théâtre* with a preface.” – undated “Here are your proofs. You know you asked for eight days to publish them. Now that I see how you win your bets, you have no more excuses for your delays.” – undated. “My letter was, however, quite clear. It is yours that is a true ‘letter of a Norman.’ In short, explain to me why you don’t believe what I’m telling you…” – n.d. “I’m in talks with the newspaper, which wants the rights to edit the novel. But everything will work out, and you’ll receive your New Year’s gift.” – “I beg you, my dear Master, at least give these 50 francs to the bearer. I absolutely must pay this bill, not only because of the expenses I would have to pay later, but because of the very nature of the debt.” – August 4, 1871. “You’ve been misinformed. My father has named his friend Mr. Charpillon as his sole heir and executor… It is to him that you must direct your claim.” – June 8, 1873. “What a service you did me that day! My life might have been ruined forever if you hadn’t lent me that thousand-franc note! I often think about it, and I’ll remind you of it from time to time; for you might be inclined to forget it.” – undated “I’m sending you 20 pages to show you that I’m working on this for you. Return them so I can continue. In three days you’ll have the ending. You’d be very kind if you could advance me the 500.”