185 - CARCO (Francis), 1886–1958.

CARCO (Francis), 1886–1958. A collection of 10 autograph letters, cards, and documents, most of which are signed. 1913–1955. An interesting collection spanning more than forty years of Francis Carco’s career, from his early days in literary and publishing circles to his election to the Académie Goncourt. The first and most detailed item, dating from 1913, offers a valuable series of insights into the publishing profession; the letters from 1922 document the success of *L’Homme traqué*, while the later documents touch on bibliophilia, radio, poetry, and literary life. - February 12, 1913, Nice, autograph letter signed “F. Carco,” 3 pp., in-8, to a colleague. A very interesting letter on publishing and its commercial realities, written by Carco when he was 26 years old. After mentioning articles by “Derême Zavie[?]” and the expected responses to a survey, he asks his correspondent about the “anthological section” of his project. Having learned from Mr. Verdier that the latter was considering starting a publishing house, Carco immediately offers his help and provides a series of extremely practical pieces of advice: do not deal with a bookseller who does not operate on a consignment basis; have an agent and a small office in Paris to handle shipments and deliveries; and keep the books in order. “Publishing is a difficult business,” he warns, but he sees a path to success in launching book series, following the example of “Grasset and Sansot.” He also mentions the possibility of reprints and advertising through inserts in magazines, a method from which he claims to have “made some money in the past.” Finally, he offers to meet with his correspondent in Nice to discuss his project at greater length. - Dax, Hôtel des Baignots, undated (c. 1916–1918), handwritten letter “Francis,” 2 pp., in-8, to a friend “Jeanne.” He asks her for a favor regarding his future wife: “Would you be willing to help me obtain for Madame Germaine Jarret […] a first-class ticket […] from Paris to Dax?” He leaves her a volume of *Les Innocents* to give to his friend at the “P.O.” (Compagnie Paris Orléans) and urges her to “hurry up” on this matter. - June 21, 1922, L.A.S. “F. Carco"" 1 p., 8vo, on Cormeilles-en-Vexin letterhead, with envelope, to A. [Pouthier?]. Carco warmly thanks his colleague for his article on *L’Homme traqué*: “It touches me deeply because, in addition to its literary merit, it is proof of the goodwill you have shown me.” (L’Homme traqué, published by Albin Michel in 1922, would earn Carco the Académie Française’s Grand Prix du roman that same year.) - September 5, 1922, L.A.S. “F. Carco,” 1 p., in-8 on Cormeilles-en-Vexin letterhead. A brief and warm thank-you for an article (probably still regarding *L'Homme traqué*): “It gave me the greatest pleasure.” - Paris, June 15, 1934, autograph letter “F. Carco," 1 p., in-4 on letterhead from 79 Quai d’Orsay, bearing the printed motto in the margin: “It is better to be helped by God than to get up in the morning.” Carco thanks his correspondent for providing him with “white pearlescent Japanese paper,” “exactly what I wanted.” - Unsigned, autograph document (on the same paper as the previous letter, and therefore likely contemporary). A long list of about thirty names and addresses, including writers, booksellers, gallery owners, and various prominent figures, among whom are notably Germaine Beaumont, Jean Marx, Gaston Doumergue, Jean Fillioux, etc. - December 28, 1945, L’Isle-Adam, La Planque, autograph letter signed “F. Carco,” 1 p., in-8, addressed to “my dear Marcel.” Carco returns a duly signed document to his correspondent: “Here is the signed piece of paper; make good use of it,” before sending him his best wishes for 1946 and concluding affectionately: “Yours wholeheartedly.” - October 7, 1947, L’Isle-Adam, La Planque, handwritten letter “F. Carco,” 1 p., in-8, to a radio colleague. He sends him the text of his fourth episode of *À voix basse* and asks him to have it typed so he can review a copy before the recording. Carco focuses primarily on the program broadcast the previous day and thanks his correspondent for his work: “Thanks to you, the montage of memories was very successful.” He has no doubt that the praise it will elicit will rightfully go to his collaborator. - slnd, 18 Quai de Béthune, Paris IV, M.A.S. Two lines to Pierre Béarn: “For the Mandate of the Poets, I’m voting for Robert Lorho.” - Paris, November 19, 1955, C.A.S. “F. Carco,” on Académie Goncourt letterhead. Carco sends him five notes intended for his “Mandat des poètes,” accompanied by a few friendly words.