Jean-Paul SARTRE's mother recounts her son's trepanation.

[Jean-Paul SARTRE] – Anne-Marie SCHWEITZER – SARTRE (1882.1969)

Autographed letter signed to Joseph Sartre, his brother-in-law.

Seven pages in-8°. La Rochelle, October 21, 1921.

“Poulou, who was in perfect health, caught a cold […] he had to have an operation – a trepanation – because there was a risk of meningitis.”

A beautiful letter from Sartre's mother evoking her son's early years, his vulnerabilities, and the trepanation he underwent at the age of 16.

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“My dear Joseph, I did intend to write to you on September 17th – as I do every year – but at that time we were traveling and therefore not settled in to write at length, and I promised myself I would do it a few days later, upon my return to La Rochelle. Alas, our return from vacation was marked by a swift and very distressing event. Poulou [Jean-Paul Sartre, his son] , in perfect health, caught a chill during a last swim in the sea; an abscess in his ear worsened, and he had to have an operation – a trepanation – because there was a risk of meningitis. You can imagine, my dear Joseph, the anguish we felt before, during, and after this major operation! And that was barely 15 days ago! Poulou is walking proudly through the streets, as alert and robust as ever, except that his poor head is all swaddled and bandaged, which makes him look rather interesting.” Because of this setback, he won't be back in Paris until November 15th, as the dressings take a long time to heal and the journey is difficult. So he needs to be very careful. It's a scare we could have done without. In every sense of the word! The operation took place on the very day we were supposed to move; our house is full of workers, open crates, disassembled furniture, and we have to live in this mess for another three weeks! I don't know if you're aware of our return to Paris? My husband is going to be the director of the automotive division at Delaunay Belleville, and we're thrilled to be leaving La Rochelle, especially to be going back to Paris. Poulou's departure was so painful for me last year, and when you only have one child, you can't be separated from them. So when we found out we were coming back to Paris, we were overjoyed. Finding an apartment is definitely a major concern, but I'm still hoping we can find a place to live soon. Poulou won't be boarding this year after his operation, and my parents are very happy to have him stay with them. As for my husband and me, we'll be staying in a hotel. Never mind the scholarship! It will be a year to remember. I was so glad, my dear Joseph, to see that your stay at La Brugère (?) is going well for you. I thought so, but I was a little worried that the winter might seem long and lonely. It's true that the road to Thiviers isn't impassable, and you're quite fit. Poulou was very sorry not to be able to see you this year, but we've already planned to send him to you for a few days next year , when we're in Paris and can't take him on holiday. For about a week, he'll be sensible and won't cause you any trouble; besides, he's a man, and a very kind one at that. I'll leave you now, my dear Joseph, wishing you continued happiness in your current life. My husband and I send you our warmest regards, and Poulou sends you her most affectionate kisses. Anne-Marie.

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Joseph Sartre (1868-1927) was the older brother of Jean-Baptiste Sartre (1874-1906), father of the philosopher, who died of yellow fever in 1906, when Jean-Paul was only fifteen months old.