Autograph letter signed from Voltaire to Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, written from Aux Délices and dated 9 October [1756].
Detailed Summary:
Voltaire writes that he and Madame de Fontaine have been discussing what becomes of the soul after death, but hopes to remain in ignorance for some time yet. He asks d’Alembert to send him the articles from the encyclopedia, if he has them, a little in advance because ‘a patient is not always the master of his moments’. Voltaire notes that he is very unhappy with the ‘story article’ because he wanted to show the different literary styles appropriate for a variety of different writings. He states, however, that he was in a hurry, ill, and overwhelmed by ‘this accursed general story that you know.’ Voltaire goes on to say that he does not know the dictionary [of which, presumably, d’Alembert had spoke] because he did not subscribe to it. Instead, he says that he will buy it when it is finished but quickly adds that he will probably be dead by the time it is done and so asks d’Alembert to suggest that Briasson sends him the printed volumes and Voltaire will give him a bill of exchange on his notary. Voltaire then discusses the articles on theology and metaphysics, saying that they pain his heart and that it is very cruel to print the opposite of what one thinks. He notes that he is angry that people still write dissertations and give particular opinions on recognised truths as he would prefer to know the definition and origin of words with examples. Voltaire concludes by apologising, claiming to be ‘a talker who says what he should have done and didn’t do anything worthwhile’, and ends by saying that if d’Alembert was featured in a dictionary he would be defined as ‘the most amiable of men.’
Passed at the Naudet sale in Paris on 25 May 1847 (Lot 264), then the Charles Hodges sale in London on 18 December 1848 (Lot 837) and the Donnadieu sale in London on 29 July 1851 (Lot 973). It later passed at the Baron Heath sale in London on 24 April 1879 (Lot 333). Sold as a joint lot at auction by Christie’s on 6 November 2013 (Lot 157) for €54,300. All of the letters were sold again at auction by Drouot in Paris on 8 April 2022 (Lot 251).