74 - HUGO (Victor). Autograph letter signed “Vr Hugo” to ANDRE VAN HASSELT. Paris, November 12, 1829. 2 pp. 1/2 in-8, address on the spine, red wax seal with coat of arms intact; cut-out with a small tear caused by opening, with minimal damage to the signature.

HUGO (Victor). Autograph letter signed “Vr Hugo” to ANDRE VAN HASSELT. Paris, November 12, 1829. 2 pp. 1/2 in-8, address on the spine, red wax seal with coat of arms intact; cut-out with a small tear caused by opening, with minimal damage to the signature. “It has been a long time, Sir, since I should have thanked you for your beautiful verses. But working through the night has left my eyes in such a state that for several days now the doctors have forbidden me to write. So blame them, then. I preferred to wait a little rather than reply through someone else’s hand, for your beautiful ode deserves at least an immediate thank-you. I cannot tell you how surprised I was to receive, from so far away, a poem of such high quality that harmonizes so well with all those I love. My friends were no less struck by it than I was, and you probably have no idea of the stir your verses have caused here in this happy, secluded world that concerns itself only with art and poetry. You prove to us, Sir, that, despite what Voltaire said, THERE IS NEITHER PARIS NOR GERMANY FOR BEAUTIFUL VERSES. Talent is found in every place and in every age; and as for me, when I am asked where to find excellent French poetry, I will point to Maastricht. Please accept, Sir, my heartfelt gratitude and my warmest regards... ” THE GREAT FRANCOPHONE BELGIAN POET ANDRÉ VAN HASSELT (1806–1874) made his debut with a philhellenic collection in 1828 and subsequently visited Victor Hugo, who remained a major source of inspiration for him. For example, André Van Hasselt founded a literary circle in Brussels, and the influence of *La Légende des siècles* can still be seen in his vast epic poem *Les Quatre incarnations du Christ* (1867). He also published numerous works of prose, particularly for young readers.