215 - HÉDOUIN (Pierre) (1789–1868). Born in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Lawyer, man of letters, historian, and musician.

HÉDOUIN (Pierre) (1789–1868). Born in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Lawyer, man of letters, historian, and musician. Autograph letter signed “P. Hédouin” to “My dear friend” [his publisher]. No place, no date [December 1829]. 4 pages, in-4. IMPORTANT AUTOGRAPH LETTER DEDICATED TO THE DEFENSE OF FRENCH TYPOGRAPHY AND THE INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE OF NATIONAL LITERATURE. Pierre Hédouin submits to his correspondent a draft article intended for the journal *La Littérature et l’Art musical*, in which he laments the lag of French printers behind their foreign competitors. He observes in particular: “...among us there are printers whose work is in no way inferior to that of the most famous typographers of Italy and England, and the names of Robert Estienne, Didot, Barrois, Elzevier, Ackermann, Baskerville, and Bodoni (...) ” He emphasizes the importance of publicizing the work of the great French printers and booksellers, whose publications have greatly contributed to the prestige of French literature. Hédouin offers a genuine defense of French publishing, highlighting the role of typography in the dissemination of culture and in the influence of classical writers. He raises the possibility of publishing an annual anthology bringing together the finest works of contemporary literature, accompanied by engravings created by the most renowned artists. Among the authors considered are Benjamin Constant, Hugo, Mérimée, Michaud, and several other writers of his time. The letter concludes with a mention of a Parisian music dealer and various proposed articles. A VERY INTERESTING INSIGHT INTO FRENCH PUBLISHING AMBITIONS IN THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY AND THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PRINTERS, BOOKSELLERS, AND MEN OF LETTERS. Some creases from age and a few signs of handling.