106 - MEYER, Conrad Ferdinand (1825–1898).

MEYER, Conrad Ferdinand (1825–1898). 18 letters and 6 notes on cards, 1884–1887 and 1894–1896, to Johannes LANDIS; 61 pages in-8 and 8 pages in-12 or in-16 (5 calling cards), a few envelopes; in German. A fine and substantial collection of friendly correspondence. Note: The letters are addressed to his friend Johannes LANDIS (1823–1896), a physician in Richtersweil. Meyer and Landis had attended the Kantonsschule in Zurich together, where they were taught by Ferdinand Meyer (1799–1840), Carl Ferdinand’s father. At the time, the two classmates do not appear to have formed a close friendship, and their paths parted at the end of high school. In 1884, they met by chance at a conference; a deep friendship then developed, involving their wives as well. This is evidenced by this candid correspondence, which recounts family events and literary life from 1884 to 1887, when the correspondence ceased (with the exception of two notes), as Meyer was then suffering from severe bouts of depression that led to his admission to the psychiatric facility in Königsfelden. The attached letters from his wife Luise fill this gap. Four notes from Carl Ferdinand, dated 1894 through 1896, conclude this exchange. Most of the letters were written from Kilchberg, near Zurich. We provide an overview here, along with a few excerpts. 1884. – October 10. Their reunion moved him deeply and strangely. He has already read *Maurerlied* (a Masonic song by Carl Fierz-Landis, Landis’s son-in-law) twice and considers it excellent, especially the ending. He would like to organize a gathering with their wives. But it is impossible for him to be away before Easter, by which time, barring any major unforeseen circumstances, he should have completed his novella *Die Richterin*; he must make the most of every hour... (“Our reunion has deeply and strangely moved me as well. We would do well to celebrate the next one after a shorter interval. I have already read *Das Maurerlied* twice. It is quite excellent—especially the ending—and has downright surprised me. […] I, too, would very much like to bring the women together soon. But before Easter—when, barring any major complications, my new novella *Die Richterin* should be completed—I cannot possibly leave here. I must make the most of every hour”)... – November 18. Regarding a call to erect a monument to Emanuel GEIBEL in Lübeck, for which Meyer is going to form a local committee in Zurich; he would like Landis to join it, along with Aloys von Orelli and Paul Hirzel. He asks him to put him in touch with his son-in-law Fierz, the author of the lovely Masonic song, and recalls the time when their names appeared side by side in the high school records. 1885. – February 27. On the success of the Geibel fundraising campaign. He has been working hard lately, inspired by the atmosphere of early spring. This is, in fact, essential if he is to fulfill his commitments (“Ich arbeite zeither viel und Leicht in der Stimmung der Vorfrühlings. Es ist aber auch absolut notwending, wenn ich meinen Verpflichtungen Ehre machen will”)... – November 21. He regrets being unable to attend a lecture by Aloys von Orelli, as he is confined by a fever, which will affect his short story project (“Ich leider bin hier durch ein Flussfieber gehalten, was mein Nov[ellen]-Programm in mehr als einem Puncte modifiziert”). He is delighted that Landis approves of *Die Richterin* (*The Judge*); the fundamental intention justifies the means, and one cannot fail to recognize the central idea of immanent justice; he believes he has handled it well. (“I’m glad you approve of *Die Richterin*. Here, the fundamental intention does indeed justify the means, and this central idea of immanent justice surely cannot be overlooked. Every biography is a mixed blessing for the subject—but I’ve managed to get off fairly lightly here”)… – December 26. His wife is crazy about Birnweck, and he himself enjoys this excellent homemade treat. He calls down God’s blessing on their two homes… (“My wife adores Birnweck, and I appreciate this delicious homemade treat. In all seriousness and in the old-fashioned way: God’s blessing upon both of us and our two homes!”)... 1886. – November 27. Among his new publications is a reprint of *Engelberg*, a work that had long been out of print; he slightly revised this short poem, without, however, altering its original childlike simplicity. It lacks any profound thought or composition in the noble sense of the term, but it possesses a certain innocence and delicate charm (“Among my new editions is one of the long-out-of-print Engelberg, which I nevertheless intend to take the pleasure of presenting to your ladies. I’ve