AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED

1855. No binding. Single sheet. 10.25 x 8in. A letter of congratulation from Flaubert to his friend Dr. Jules Germain Cloquet, who had just been inducted as a member of the Academy of Sciences. A fine example of Flaubert at his most personal, the text conveys much warmth, humor, and a mention of his most seminal influence, Montaigne. Dr. Cloquet himself was an esteemed French physician and surgeon, having come into acquaintance with the Flaubert family after studying under Gustave's father, Dr. Achille-Cleophas Flaubert. In 1840, Dr. Flaubert rewarded his son for passing his baccalaureate with a trip through the south of France and Corsica. At his mother's insistence, Dr. Cloquet, who was thirty years Gustave's senior, acted as tour guide. Even still, it was this journey that provided Flaubert his first sexual encounter and Dr. Cloquet who instilled in the young writer 'a taste for the society life' as they frequented fine inns and were always sure to dine well. The trip was to make them lifelong friends. [Winock, 'Flaubert' pp. 41-49] [Brown, 'Flaubert: A Biography' pp. 98-106]. Several creases from folding, else Fine. As pictured.