250 - MAC ORLAN (Pierre Dumarchey, known as), 1882–1970.

MAC ORLAN (Pierre Dumarchey, known as), 1882–1970. A significant collection of signed autograph letters, signed letters, postcards, and documents. 1944–1971. Numerous items on Pierre Mac Orlan’s letterhead, from Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin or 14 Rue Constance in Paris. Several letters addressed to Hervé Bazin, Philippe Hériat, Jean Marcenac, Mrs. George-Day, and various other correspondents. A significant collection spanning more than a quarter-century of Pierre Mac Orlan’s life, from the final weeks of the Occupation to the tributes that followed his death. Literary correspondence, the life of the Académie Goncourt, adaptations of his works, and reflections on old age come together to form a particularly vivid portrait of the writer in retirement at Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin. - July 1, 1944. C.A.S. to a friend, 2 pp., oblong in-12. Mac Orlan thanks his correspondent for sending a booklet and praises his ability to “transform a part of oneself into lyricism,” a way, in his view, of “recharging one’s batteries.” The war, however, casts a shadow over the entire letter. The isolation of Saint-Cyr and the difficulties of traveling to Paris prevent him from visiting his friend: in the face of so much “terrible sadness,” “words seem to [him] stripped of their evocative power.” He nevertheless hopes to see him again soon “in some bistro that’s still open.” - July 24, 1949, handwritten letter, 1 p., large in-4 format, to Hervé Bazin. He has indeed received *La Tête contre les murs*, a copy of which Bazin has just sent him. Mac Orlan has just finished reading it: “It is a book of discouraging sadness,” whose research is “clear and free of literary flourishes.” Above all, he acknowledges the talent of his younger colleague: “Your book is that of an authentic writer.” He also sees it as “a social document of endless bitterness” and feels as though he has “lived a little” alongside his “eternal fugitive.” He asks Bazin not to forget him in his future press releases. - November 15, 1950, handwritten letter, 1 p., large in-4 format, to Hervé Bazin. Mac Orlan reassures his correspondent regarding a press “report” mentioning an alleged letter from Bazin: “there isn’t a word of truth” in this story, a fabrication that does not, however, strike him as malicious. He jokingly advises him not to accept press clippings, then invites him to come see him at Saint-Cyr: “I would be happy to meet you.” - March 8, 1951, handwritten letter, 1 p., large in-4 format, to Jean Marcenac, with envelope. Asked to contribute an article on “the useful work of the Goncourt brothers,” Mac Orlan frankly declines. He is “truly weary,” has “little desire to write,” and looks with discouragement at the “backlog of work” piled up on his desk: “The best thing would be to throw it all away.” But he cannot, he adds, “afford such luxuries,” before concluding his expression of discouragement thus: “The sight of a bottle of ink makes me feel faint.” Nevertheless, he invites Marcenac to come for lunch at Saint-Cyr on a Saturday or Sunday. - 1956. Printed photographic portrait of Pierre Mac Orlan bearing a signed autograph dedication to Jean d’Azcona, “as a friendly memento of his visit to Archet.” - November 4, 1958. Autograph letter to “my old friend Pierre,” 1/3 p., in-4, on letterhead from 14 Rue Constance, Paris. A short, informal letter accompanying, among other things, a check for 1,000 francs and conveying hugs and handshakes to the correspondent and “little Gabrielle.” - December 29, 1960, To Mrs. George-Day. Mac Orlan returns a form he has filled out “as best he could” and jokingly admits his “inability to fill out forms and questionnaires.” He hopes to be able to visit his correspondent sometime in January. - December 4, 1960, Autograph letter, ½ p., large in-4 format, to Hervé Bazin. A moving letter of condolence. Mac Orlan has just learned that Bazin is “in mourning.” Aware of the inadequacy of words in such circumstances, he nevertheless believes that “a gesture of friendship from an old friend may bring some comfort” and sends him “this little note of affection.” - January 3, 1961, Autograph letter to Mrs. George-Day. He sends his “statement of declaration” regarding *La Lumière qui s’éteint*, in which he extends his best wishes and thanks his correspondent for her “constant kindness.” - June 28, 1961, handwritten letter to Philippe Hériat (or Hervé Bazin, added in another hand). Unable to go to Drouant on July 4, Mac Orlan gives his colleague “carte blanche for [his] vote”: “I will vote as you do, and that will be fine.” Exhausted from moving, he signs “your old friend.” A document illustrative of the workings of the Académie Goncourt and the delegation of votes among its members. - August 18, 1963, handwritten letter, 3/4 p., in-4 format, to Mrs. George-Day. Mac Orlan apologizes for the delay in replying: his wife has just