Autographed letter signed to Victor Hugo.
George Sand marvels at the power of Hugo's masterpiece, Les Misérables , thus erasing the broad criticisms expressed in her letter of April 17.
« Rest assured, deep down you hold in your hands a great current of the destinies of our time.»
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George Sand (1804.1876)
Autographed letter signed to Victor Hugo.
Four octavo pages on paper bearing his monogram.
Nohant, May 6, 1862.
« Rest assured, deep down you hold in your hands a great current of the destinies of our time.»
George Sand announces to Hugo the marriage of his son Maurice, then marvels at the power of Hugo's masterpiece, Les Misérables , thus erasing the broad criticisms made in her letter of April 17.
“ Master, I would feel I was failing in the affection due to you, and which I owe you in return, if I did not share my domestic news with you. It is my whole life, and however high your rank, you have proven more than anyone that you place family in your heart and in your very being far above glory. My son is getting married; he is wedding Miss Calamatta, the kind and charming daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends. The four of us have known each other—she since she was born, the other three for thirty years. We therefore have joy without fear and emotion without pain. We are very happy in the anticipation and faith of a life of love and mutual trust. If fate betrays us, it will be none of our fault, for we have not sacrificed to the false gods of this dark age, which are nothing but pride, lies, and greed.” You can well imagine, dear Master, that your work is reread more than once. Everyone in the family wants to read it alone first, and then we discuss it, and then we read it together. Some prefer one aspect, one situation, others another. I sometimes rail against a bit too much Christianity because of the times we live in, when we must stand together against the deceitful ones who exploit the doctrine. But I am reread "The Death of the Old Constitutionalist," another magnificent facet of the work and besides, these discussions you raise are a great proof of your authority . We discuss the actions of sovereigns, and this is something quite different from a kingship of a day. Rest assured, you hold in your hands a great current of the destinies of our time , the current that sweeps us all, the docile as well as the rebellious, toward the shores where we only run aground to build a new foundation. Believe me, dear Master, in my deepest and most devoted sentiments. George Sand. Nohant, May 6, 1862. If Madame Hugo has returned to you, please give her my warmest regards. You must have been delighted to learn of Paul Meurice's resounding success. He is one of your most devoted disciples and a great talent with a noble heart. For these three reasons, I signed the play with him.
On that same May 6, 1862, Hugo took up his pen to express his sorrow to Sand over her critical letter of April 17 Les Misérables Your letter saddened me… ”. Their letters would cross. On May 11, Sand finally wrote to Hugo expressing her admiration; then on the 18th, Hugo addressed this literary misunderstanding: “It is sweet to be wounded by goddesses when it is by them that one is healed. Thank you for your two exquisite and kind letters…”.