Romain GARY is preparing the publication of his novel Les Racines du ciel.

Romain GARY (1914.1980)

Typed letter to her friend and agent, Odette Arnaud.

A ½ in-4° page. New York. April 19, 1954

“I have big plans for this book. »

Gary is preparing the publication of his novel The Roots of Heaven.

“My dear Odette, Two things. I will send you the first part of “ROGUE” shortly. The second part is still in the first draft and will undoubtedly take many weeks. I suggest you discreetly let Gallimard know, but in passing, that this first part is in your hands – as soon as it is – If they insist on seeing it, hesitate for a second and then give it to them. Michel naturally is the man for this. Second for the news. I think that if the “Round Table” requires further reflection, it should be withdrawn. “Harpers”, surprisingly enough, seems ready to publish it in English (they are hesitant too!). On the other hand, if the “Round Table” publishes it, I would like 1° to change the names in the news (I would like to Germanize them a little) 2° I must tell them that I am asking to correct the proofs. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated the care you took over this trifle. I'm happy that "ROGUE" will be completely in your hands. I have big plans for this book. Above all, I want to avoid it appearing first in French, but at the same time as in America, the subject being golden for the cinema, and I once again let myself have great hope on this. (John Masters has just sold his latest novel about India to Hollywood for 100 thousand dollars). Kiss Monica for me. Very friendly to you. Romain Gary. (dictated but unsigned). »

. We enclose a carbon copy of a letter from Odette Arnaud to Gary, dated March 13, 1962, relating to an action by Gary against the Société des Auteurs Dramatiques.

. We also enclose a letter signed from Monique Guibert to Odette Arnaud, dated February 6, 1962, on Gallimard editions letterhead, about Gary's contracts on Les Racines du ciel, The talent Scout, La Promesse de l'aube and Lady L.

Novelist, Odette Arnaud published several novels such as Mer Caraïbe in 1934 or Pêcheurs de rêve in 1936. We also owe her a biography on the painter Pierre Subleyras (1699-1749). She subsequently became Romain Gary's press agent.