170 / 194
ZWEIGWONDERSWHETHER BOMBS MIGHT DESTROY HIS
ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT BYVERLAINE
270
●
ZWEIG, STEFAN. Autograph Letter Signed, to “Dear Sir,” in French, in purple
ink, thanking for gifts of books byVerlaine and Shakespeare translated into Portuguese, and
wondering whether the original manuscript of [Paul Verlaine’s] “Fêtes Galantes”—which
he owns in England—might be destroyed by bombs. 2 pages, 8vo, written on the first and
terminal pages of a single folded sheet,“Paysandu Hotel” stationery; faint scattered staining,
horizontal fold.
Rio de Janeiro, circa 1941
[500/750]
“
You have given me great pleasure with
your two books of translations—a present
that was all the more welcome since it is at
the same time very useful for me. I do not
speak Portuguese but I read it and it’s so
much easier for me in a translation of poetry
that I know almost by heart. It will interest
you that I even own the original manuscript
of the “Fêtes Galantes”—alas in England,
threatened by bombs: will I ever see it
again? But what joy to read Shakespeare
and Verlaine in your language and to feel
their music: I thank you sincerely and with
all my heart.”
“PEOPLE ARE OPPRESSED BY MONEY (OR RATHER BY
THE FEAR FORTHEIR MONEY)”
271
●
ZWEIG, STEFAN. Autograph Letter Signed, to “Dear Miss,” in French, sending
Christmas wishes, remarking that he enjoys the solitude provided by his books, noting that
he has completed another story in a cycle that he expects to continue, reporting on the
health of her father, and, in a postscript, announcing his lecture tour travel plans. 2 pages,
oblong 8vo, written on recto and verso of correspondence card with printed monogram;
printedVienna address crossed out at upper right, faint scattered soiling.
Np, nd
[400/600]
“
My best wishes for Christmas: in your
white forest you feel, at least I hope, not too
alone. And interior solitude, we all carry it
within us and as for me, I like it well: I
[take refuge] more and more in my books
and my work, for the epoch seems bleak and
without joy to me. People are oppressed by
money (or rather by the fear for their
money), a great current of belief is lacking.
Therefore, let us take refuge in books, in the
silent world where voices come from afar! I
finished a book of stories, the third ring of
my ‘chain,’ as I call the cycle: it will take years more before the architectonic plan of this work shows
itself and I am working patiently.Three weeks in Marseilles (city that I love with all my heart for its
ardor and its oriental coloring) five days at the home of the great . . . Rolland . . . and I’m going now
for a few days toVienna. . . .”