PAUL (MAX O'RELL) BLOUET - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/01/1899 - HFSID 73150

PAUL BLOUET (MAX O'RELL)
The popular Gilded Age author wrote and signed this letter to a colleague, unsure if he will return from the United States in time to give a lecture
Autograph letter signed: "Max O'Rell" in black ink. 1 page front and verso, 4½x7 folded. London, England. August 1, 1899. In full: "Your letter catches me just in time. I am off to [illegible]. I deeply appreciate your complement, and I should like to talk the chair at your annual dinner on May 4th; but I am afraid I can do so conditionally only. I shall sail for America in January for a twelve week time. I shall be back in the very last days of April, but something may happen to delay me a few days. Will you have a special guest? Who? The French Ambassador so that we only talk entente cordial? I should have to know in advance so as to preface a few remarks. Can you let the matter stand over till the beginning of October when I return to England? In the meantime I will not engage the 4th of May, but keep it for you. Sincerely yours". Paul Blouet (1847-1903), also known by his pen name Max O'Rell, was a hugely popular French author whose comedic anecdotes about French and English customs won him fans throughout the Western world. In Mark Twain-esque fashion, he conducted lecture tours throughout Europe and the United States. His first publication, John Bull and his Island (1883), was translated into 17 languages. He frequently clashed with Mark Twain himself, with his pen and, allegedly, with his fists. Normal mailing folds Corners rounded. Slightly toned. Light surface creases. Mounting residue on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.