"A friend of mine will bring you two contracts between Mr. Vanier and myself concerning the Memoirs of a Widower , the Gallant Festivals , the Romances Without Words , and The Accursed Poets ."
1.800€
Paul Verlaine (1844.1896)
Autographed letter signed to the publisher Albert Savine.
Two pages in-8°.
Paris. July 7, 1888.
"I remain the possessor of Wisdom and the Good Song ."
In 1888, Verlaine considered changing publishers, convinced he would receive higher royalties than from his long-time publisher, Léon Vanier. On the recommendation of J.K. Huysmans and L. Bloy, he turned to Albert Savine.
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"Sir, a friend of mine will bring you two contracts between Mr. Vanier and myself concerning the Memoirs of a Widower , the Gallant Festivals , the Romances Without Words , and The Accursed Poets . You will very soon have the contracts relating to the rest of my works belonging to Mr. Vanier."
I believe that nothing detrimental to the publication of the Complete Works is implied in these agreements, and that we can come to an understanding on this matter when the time seems right. I retain ownership of Sagesse and La Bonne Chanson and am free to make my own decisions regarding my future publications. Furthermore, I intend to visit you soon.
Please remember your promise of an advance this week, and I would be grateful if you could send me the largest possible sum by money order as soon as possible, as I am in dire financial straits. Pending your payment, please accept, Sir, the expression of your best regards, your most devoted P. Verlaine.
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A contract was signed on September 15, 1888 with A. Savine for the publication of "Bonheur" and "Histoires comme ça", but the poet, quickly falling out with his new publisher, finally returned to his faithful Vanier, who undertook the project of the "Complete Works".