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Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

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Auction Date:2018 May 09 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
French poet, writer, and pioneering aviator (1900–1944) known for the classic book The Little Prince. While flying for the Free French Air Force in North Africa during World War II, he disappeared over the Mediterranean. ALS in French, signed “A. Ex.,” one page, 7.5 x 10.75, Societe Anonyme des Grands Cafes de Toulouse letterhead, no date but circa 1930–1935. Letter to a friend, in full (translated): "I protest in writing thus against these horizontal lines that attempt to take my freedom, or at least take me for an idiot. Why not adorn also the calligraphy examples page? Since the spirit of Icarus holds you so strong and you give up my company for the sake of gain, I accepted an invitation from Cazes. I waited until 7:55 to beat you again but you can not. I hope that at midnight when you have the skull stuffed with figures, you will come to me, at Lafayette, the intellectual rest, the moral peace, the healthy joys of the dull, without forgetting the cream coffee that I will have the kindness to offer you." In fine condition, with scattered light creasing.

In the 1920s, Toulouse became a pioneering city of aviation under the impetus of Pierre-Georges Latecoere, who set up links with Casablanca and Dakar. In 1927, Aeropostale was created, with famous figures such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Jean Mermoz joining as pilots. In this letter written during his Toulouse period, St. Exupery talks about Cafe Lafayette, where he regularly went to work, read, and play chess. He also makes mention of innkeeper Marcellin Cazes, who in 1935 established the Prix Cazes, a literary prize awarded each year to an author who has won no other awards. A fascinating letter rife with interesting associations.