André Gide and the ambiguous proposition of Marcel Jouhandeau. 1927.

Andre Gide (1869.1951).

Autograph letter signed to Marcel Jouhandeau.

Two pages in-4°.

Slnd “Sunday” (1927)

 "I'm only just beginning to understand that I'm still alive..."

Jouhandeau and his intriguing proposal to Gide.

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“ My dear Jouhandeau , No, no, you haven’t misunderstood me. It’s now that you’re mistaken, fearing you’ve displeased me with a proposal that, on the contrary and at a completely different time, would have greatly appealed to me. But I received your letter two days before a rather serious operation that has kept me confined since Christmas; I’m only just beginning to understand that I’m still alive , to reconnect with the outside world. This planned evening out must be postponed for much longer. I’ll return to Cuverville as soon as I’m well enough to travel; until then, I’ll hardly leave my chaise longue or armchair, and if you have a moment, you would do me a favor by letting me know that the misunderstanding caused by my silence is no longer an issue. No need to announce yourself. Yours sincerely, André Gide.”

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Marcel Jouhandeau – Correspondence with André Gide , Marcel Sautier Editions, 1958 – Letter 16, page 25.