COLETTE is preparing to enter the Royal Academy of Belgium.

Sidonie Gabrielle Colette , known as COLETTE (1873.1954)

Autograph letter signed to Hélène Berthelot.

Two pages in-4° on blue paper addressed to the Marignan Building

[Paris. Spring 1936]

“In Brussels, my great torture took place on March 14. »

Colette prepares to enter the Royal Academy of French Language and Literature

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“Dearest Hélène, excuse me: because of too much work, my personal service has not yet started. I'll start tomorrow, it will start with you. Thank you for your affectionate words. In Brussels, my big torture took place on March 14. Would I be happier to know you in the room? Or even more intimidated? Let's not think about it, and do according to your heart. Mine, dear Hélène, is yours, never doubt it. I “work” at the ABC morning and evening every day, until the 21st. I feel like a plow mare. I kiss you very tenderly, and my husband is at your feet. Your Colette. »

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Colette was elected, as a foreign member, to the Royal Academy of French Language and Literature of Belgium, in Brussels, on March 9, 1936, to succeed Countess Anna de Noailles, who had died three years earlier.

On Saturday April 4, she came to Brussels to deliver her reception speech at the said Academy.

Grasset Editions published the contents on April 30, 1936, in a small octavo volume of fifty-nine pages entitled “ Colette – Reception Speech at the Royal Belgian Academy of French Language and Literature ”.