Jean-Jacques GRANDVILLE and his illustrations of La Fontaine's Fables.

Jean-Jacques GRANDVILLE (1803.1847)

Autographed letter signed to Jules Taschereau.

A page in-4°. Autograph address.

No place. November 3, 1836

"There is talk of another edition of La Fontaine, which, it is said, is being built with the help of celebrities and typographic luxury."… »

Grandville is worried about rumors concerning a competing edition of La Fontaine's Fables

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"My dear Mr. Taschereau, It may be indiscreet of me to ask you for news of the Lafontaine and to try to find out the reasons why I have not had the pleasure of seeing you for more than three weeks?

However, I must admit that I've heard certain rumors and reports that might put me on the right track: there's talk of another edition of La Fontaine, which, it's said, is being produced with the help of celebrities, luxurious typography … in short, using all the modern means for success. (They're talking about letters decorated by François)

If, on the one hand, any competition whatsoever is a despairing and unbearable thing for me, it is quite possible that, on the other hand, it might become a material obstacle to the continuation of your undertaking for you. This, at least, is the only thing that can explain the silence you have maintained since our last meeting. Therefore, please, my dear Mr. Taschereau, clear me of my doubts, and bear in mind that I cannot undertake anything without being informed of your latest intentions regarding the work in question ; I find myself here on guard, weapon in hand, pencil loaded, unable to either fire or disarm. I await your explanations and your orders until then. Yours sincerely, With consideration and friendship, J. Grandville.