Typed Letters Signed

Pair of TLS from the Romanian-French playwright to Professor Irma Antonetto of the Associazione Culturale Italiana, written shortly after Ionesco returned to Paris from a speaking tour with the ACI in Italy.  In the first letter (Paris, 17 December 1963;  1 pp. on A4 paper), Ionesco writes, in part (translated from the French): "I will not forget your welcome and I am happy to have received from you a sign of friendship that honors me."  The second (7 January 1964;  1 p. on A4 paper) thanks her again for her "Favole," and "now in turn I am sending you the text of the conference, as well as the receipt you asked for," adding also an autograph postscript note.  The mentioned text is absent, but a paperclip mark can be seen to the upper left corner of the letter.  Ionesco delivered a lecture at the ACI in November of 1963 entitled "L'auteur et ses problèmes."  Expected mailing folds, two punch holes to left margin, else in fine condition.

Ionesco started his writing career as a poet and critic published in Romanian journals before turning to the stage.  He is best known for his work in the French Avant-garde theatre.

Irma Antonetto (1920-1993), was founder and director of the Associazione Culturale Italiana [Association of Italian Culture] for 46 years, during which time she brought some 400 philosophers, writers, scientists, artists, and Nobel winners to lecture in Italy. She was recipient of the 1964 Cavaliere al merito della Repubblica italiana. (19138)

---

TLS

Literature

Theater

• Sold