Poignant letter from René Char to Paul ÉLUARD shortly before his death. 1952.

René CHAR (1907.1988)

Autograph letter signed to Paul Éluard.

Two oblong octavo pages. Envelope.

Paris. September 30, 1952.

“This revolt of my youth against injustice or the fatal comes back to me…”

Tragic epilogue to twenty years of friendship, collaborations and poetic creativity, René Char writes a poignant letter to the ill Paul Éluard, a few weeks before the latter's death.

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“My dear Paul, I learned from Yvonne Zervos that your health is causing you painful problems. I feel a strong sadness, and this revolt of my youth against injustice or the fatal comes back to me because of you, of this affection that I have for you so old that it seems to me the very feeling of friendship and some poetry ; over all obstacles.

If I can be of any use to you, please let me know: I will be quick. I don't know Dominique, your wife, but I know from those who love you that no one better than her can take care of you, help you, heal you. I think of you well, in this fervent solidity of the heart that no peak can break. I kiss you, Brother Paul. At least let yourself be treated . René Char. »

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Suffering for more than two months from angina, Éluard was struck down by a heart attack on the morning of November 18, 1952, alongside his wife Dominique. He had just finished Uninterrupted Poetry II , which would be published the following year, illustrated with a portrait of the poet by Picasso.