Samuel Beckett (1906-1989), writer - Lot 238

Samuel Beckett (1906-1989), writer Large set of approximately 70 autograph letters signed by Beckett, addressed to his friend Bogdan Manojlovic, founder of the Association Samuel Beckett, and to his wife Teresa. The vast majority of these rather short missives are written on Beckett letterhead, and retain their original envelopes with autograph addresses. This friendly correspondence spans some thirty years, from 1960 to November 1989, a few weeks before the writer's death. On numerous occasions, Beckett thanks his correspondent for his solicitude and the gifts he has sent him, particularly bottles of wine and brandy. There is frequent mention of appointments, both planned and missed, in the Boulevard Saint-Jacques district of Paris, where the writer lived. Beckett doesn't go into much detail about his personal life, but he does mention on several occasions the pace of his work and his travels, which prevented him from seeing his correspondent. In 1975: "I'm very tired from too much theater, I'm leaving Paris very soon". Literary subjects are sketched out in the letters: Beckett talks about out-of-print books, radio recordings of his plays, Editions de minuit, and sends his correspondent tickets for forthcoming performances, notably at the Théâtre d'Orsay. In June 1975, he wrote: "I have nothing against your project, but you also need the agreement of Madeleine Renaud and Pierre Chabert". He also agreed to the recording of Godot (1970), and regretted that there was no recording of Fin de Partie (1968). He also wrote to INA, asking them to grant Mr. Manojlovic the right to consult the audiovisual archives of his work. Other letters also mention the magazine L'Herne, dedicated to Manojlovic. Beckett also occasionally mentions his health. The last letters, written in shakier handwriting, show a man who was tired after his placement in a retirement home, yet always attentive to thanking his correspondent. Throughout this correspondence, the writer is deeply grateful to Bogdan Manojlovic and his wife Teresa, a sculptor who donated some of her creations to the writer. Close to the family, the writer also asks for news of their daughter, and congratulates her on passing her exams. Enclosed are a number of Bogdan Manojlovic's papers, including a draft of a letter to Beckett in May 1980, several theater programs and tickets, letters addressed to him, in particular concerning his thesis on Beckett, and a letter from Editions de minuit a few months after the writer's death. A fine set for study. Provenance: Bogdan Manojlovic's family. Expert: David CHELLI