Romanian Princess Helene KOLTSOV-MASSALSKY, known by her pen - Lot 510

Romanian Princess Helene KOLTSOV-MASSALSKY, known by her pen name DORA D'ISTRIA (born Elena Ghica on February 3, 1828 in Bucharest and died in 1888 in Florence, Italy), is a Romanian painter, writer, essayist, historian, traveler and woman of letters, polyglot, she wrote mainly in French and Italian. Letter A.S. "Princess Koltzoff Massalsky" from SARAU on April 15, 1857. 3pp in-8°. "Sir, among the atlases that you have indicated to me I believe that the one of Houzé is the most suitable to realize my views. Indeed, I do not hold on a careful execution for an object intended to undergo all the laborious vicissitudes of the packages. Moreover, I attach particular importance to the historical maps that I need at every moment, so to speak. Since I have already received several offers for the translation of The Monastic Life, I would ask you not to forget to send me the sales status of this work in May. I would resign myself with difficulty to letting it be translated as it is. If the first edition were to run out, I would then do what I have done for La Suisse Allemande a conscientious transformation of the text intended for translation. But this transformation would be much more complete for La Vie Monastique. I was, in fact, very happy to have had so promptly the opportunity to apply to La Suisse Allemande the excellent precept of Boileau: Vingt fois sur le métier remettez votre ouvrage. I must add that the translators also assist me with all their strength, doing everything possible to obtain a very careful material execution. The English edition will even have magnificent engravings..."