FOURIÉRISME. Georges CONSIDÉRANT (Salins 1800-1885), Phalansterian and Fourierist, elder brother of Victor. 7 autographed letters signed to Fourierist Édouard BENOIST (1816-1871), later mayor of Le Croisic; he was Jules Benoist's brother. 21 pp. in-4 and in-8. Saumur, 1838-1847. Addresses on back. Interesting correspondence, particularly on Fourierism, his brother's militant activity and the establishment of a phalanstery. He justifies Victor's positions, which surprised many followers. "But I understood immediately, and any Phalansterian could understand, that Victor was not expressing this opinion as a blind supporter of the government, but as a fear of war, which, at the moment, could be very unfavorable to us. It would have been opportune to go to war in 1830, when the allies were no better placed than we were, and we had the enthusiasm of a large part of Europe for our cause; at present, things are very different, and our army, which was supposed to number 400,000 men, may not even number 250,000, counting what is in Africa [...]. On the other hand, Victor sees Phalansterian ideas, which he regards as the salvation of humanity, making rapid enough progress to hope for a first trial soon; all this would be compromised by the war and postponed to an undeterminable time. His election, as you know, was unsuccessful, but he stayed a few days in Colmar and Montbéliard, where he developed the Fourier doctrine in a few sessions and won many supporters [...]". On several occasions, he mentions inventions whose patents should bring in enough to finance a first phalanstery; he also proselytizes. "My brother-in-law is very fond of Phalansterian ideas, he has Destinée Sociale and the first volume of Fourier's great treatise, then the journal La Phalange, and he will devote a small sum to it when necessary. War, if it comes, will undoubtedly harm our air machine, which has been perfected and is a fine invention, but the Phalanstère will continue to function [...]. Social ideas are making immense progress, and I'm convinced that within three years at most, we'll see a Phalanstère shining in the sun [...]". He also looks back at the failures to implement Fourier's doctrine. "You find that Phalansterian affairs are not moving fast, I think so too. The Phalanstère de Cito [Citeaux Abbey] is in my opinion an unfortunate thing, and without the intrigues of Mr. Gassi de G. the funds devoted to Cito would have been devoted to Condé. I've always considered the Cito affair to be foolishness, wanting to make a Phalanstère out of an old convent has always seemed absurd to me, the layout and dimensions have no connection, and I'm convinced that the influence of the shape of the dwelling must be enormous in such a case. My poor brother wasn't helped very well either, and I'm afraid he's going to die of grief; I'll tell you this in confidence. Young was in a hurry to complete the project, and if the plans had been finished he would have placed the funds on Condé, but neither Maurice nor Daly kept their word to Victor, and now, despite their promise, the plans have yet to be completed [...]". Enclosed: - Photographic portrait of Clarisse VIGOUREUX (1789-1865), Fourierist and fellow traveler of Victor Considérant, cabinet size (14 x 10 cm). - 3 business cards: Clarisse Vigoureux + 2 (different) from Victor CONSIDÉRANT.