André Breton encouraged the young poet Pierre Dhainaut. 1961.

André Breton (1896.1966)

Autographed letter signed to Pierre Dhainaut.

One page in quarto. Autograph envelope.

St Cirq. August 17, 1961.

André Breton encouraged the young poet Pierre Dhainaut.

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"Dear Pierre Dhainaut, I love this 'Gold City' and I am delighted that you have dedicated it to me. It has a very fresh tone that would be particularly suited to  La Brèche . I will suggest it to our friends for the second issue."

Upon my return to Paris, I will carefully gather your poems, and you can tell me whether I should return them to you or keep them for possible publication. I will also be sure to send you back the little illustrated albums. Would you like me to include the cigarette case you left behind? I was sorry you had to leave so quickly, as there was no room for the night. I was hoping, in truth, to see you again the next day.

The barracks… The key is to “master the situation.” You are quite well-equipped for that. Please keep me informed. Any other poems you would like to share with us? It would be best, indeed, to send them to Benayoun, whose table is less cluttered than mine. Believe me, you are both your friend. André Breton.

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Pierre Dhainaut (1935-) met André Breton during the year 1959. After having been influenced by surrealism, he published his first book, Le poème commencé and gradually turned towards a poetry inspired by his growing interest in the history of religions and spiritualities.

He received the Jean Arp Francophone Literature Prize in 2010 and the Guillaume Apollinaire Prize in 2016