Joséphine BAKER considers herself French: “I love France”. 1935.

Josephine BAKER (1906.1975)

Autograph letter signed to Valentine Fauchier Magnan.

Two pages in-4°.

New York. [1935 according to a note on the shelf]

“You know that I love France and it is my country.”

Josephine Baker launched her career and success in New York.

______________________________________________________

"Dear dear Madame Fauche Magnan, how are you? Here I am in America, what a life here , everyone is having fun, I think of you all the time and I say to myself if only I can find the telephone, but that is impossible.

I've already had a lot of success here before I started, I'm just rehearsing how to do the big things. Here your film could be a huge success, because it gives everything it needs to be, there's an operetta on at the moment with 300 artists and 400 animals […] what a shame you're not here to see it, but who knows, maybe later. I hope so.

I don't like Americans, but I have to say they are very, very kind to me, but all this is because I come from Paris , they have a crazy respect for all French artists. Excuse me if I consider myself French, but you know I love France and it's my country.

I sang on the radio on Thursday, they gave me a thousand dollars for two songs . See how much money you can make here and you have to, take advantage of it. I received such a nice telegram from Mrs. Lebel when I left […] I send you a big kiss, how I love you. Here is my address: 43 East 66th ^Street . Apt. A. Josephine.

______________________________________________________

Note: For easier reading, we have corrected J. Baker's spelling.