Collection of Letters from "Les Temps Modernes" on Sartre's Behalf

Autograph Letters in an unidentified secretarial hand from Les Temps Modernes written on behalf of the philosopher to the Associazione Culturale Italiana, declining multiple invitations to speak.  In the first letter (19 June 1950;  1 pp. on A4 Les Temps Moderne stationary), Sartre has "too much work, and is obliged to refuse all invitations that would move him about Europe."  The ACI reached out again a few months later, but in the reply (5 October 1950;  1 pp. on A4 Les Temps Moderne stationary), Sartre "cannot yet give you his final agreement, not knowing the exact dates during which his work will allow him to leave Paris."   Despite multiple attempts over the next several years, Sartre's work appears unceasing.  Letters dated 10 May 1952, 18 June 1953, and 15 October 1953, all on 5.5 x 8.25 inch (14 x 21 cm.) Les Temps Modernes stationary, find him equally as indisposed.  Expected mailing folds, else in fine condition.

Les Tempes Modernes was a French journal cofounded by Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986), and Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961) in the aftermath of World War II.  The publication ran uninterrupted until 2019.

Founded in 1947, the Associazione Culturale Italiana [Association of Italian Culture] has brought hundreds of philosophers, writers, scientists, artists, and Nobel winners to lecture in Italy.  Professor Irma Antonnetto, founder of the ACI, was recipient of the 1964 Cavaliere al merito della Repubblica italiana. (19208)

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Literature

Philosophy & Religions

Autograph Letter

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