André BRETON encourages the young poet Pierre Dhainaut. 1961.

André Breton (1896.1966)

Autograph letter signed to Pierre Dhainaut.

A page in-4°. Autograph envelope.

St Cirq. August 17, 1961.

André Breton encourages the young poet Pierre Dhainaut.

______________________________________________

"Dear Pierre Dhainaut, I love this "Gold City" and I am very pleased that you dedicate it to me. It has a very new tone that would be particularly suitable for  the Brèche . I will propose it to our friends for the second issue.

When I return to Paris, I will carefully collect your poems and you will tell me whether I should return them to you or keep them in reserve for possible publication. I will also not forget to send you the little illustrated albums. Would you like me to include the cigarette case you left here? I was sorry you had to leave so quickly, for lack of a room to spend the night. I was actually hoping to see you again the next day.

The barracks... The whole point is to "dominate the situation." You are quite resourceful in that regard. Please keep me informed. Any other poems to share with us? The best thing would be, in fact, to send them to Benayoun, whose table is less overloaded than mine. Believe me, you are both your friend. André Breton."

______________________________________________

Pierre Dhainaut (1935-) met André Breton in 1959. After being influenced by surrealism, he published his first book, Le poème débuté and gradually turned to 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.