Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Letter from the author, Paris - Lot 112

Jean-Baptiste SAY (1767–1832). Letter from the author, Paris, April 15, 1822, to Simonde de Sismondi; 3 pages in-4, addressed (traces of a tab, one edge slightly frayed with loss of a few letters at the end of lines). Regarding Sismondi’s work *Julia Severa, or the Year 492*, which Treutell & Wurtz took a long time to send to him. “It is one of the most genuinely instructive books I have come across since your *History of the French*, which will become increasingly esteemed and would already be considered a classic were it not for the freedom with which it is written or the imbecilic pettiness of those who preside over public education. I have no less earnestly recommended this work to young professors—who are more liberal than their superiors—and who make use of it by promoting it as much as possible without jeopardizing their livelihoods. Take heart, see your noble undertaking through to the end; the end will do justice to the beginning; political and religious prejudices will not always prevail […] reason will ultimately prevail.” Little is known about “the customs of Gaul during this significant and prolonged transition from polytheism to Christianity. Even scholars do not know much about it […] the books have provided you with the canvas, and your embroidery has brought the figures to life.” He highlights the character of the prelate Volusianus, who “clearly illustrates the dominance of the priest and the means by which this caste—or rather, this plague—took root in minds dulled by misfortune and ignorance.” The same is true of the courtier Severus, who is among those “ready to serve any ruling power and to flatter passions they inwardly scorn.” This struggle between an old religion and a new one, the occupation of Paris by the barbarians, the depiction of Clovis’s court at Soissons, and several other passages seem to have been drawn from the account of an eyewitness.” He laments, however, the poor quality of the printing, the indifference of the booksellers, the choice of paper, the newspaper advertisements, and the attitude of “the public, which is far more concerned with balls and dinners than with reading; and after having thus taken offense at everyone, your courage and perseverance have reconciled me with humanity”… He adds: “The Political Economists of London have just formed a free society and have done me the honor of naming me a foreign associate”…