Description

Description: Laure Junot, Duchess of Abrantès (1784-1838), the French writer, penned this lengthy letter in French, probably between 1831-1834, when her infamous memoirs were published. The letter is untranslated though it mentions her memoirs, the name Campochiaro [possibly the Duke di Campochiaro?], and the Electorate. She has signed the letter “La duchesse D’abrantes”.

Madame Junot was the wife of French general Jean-Andoche Junot and was known for her beauty, extravagance, and oftentimes caustic wit. She claimed in her memoirs that during her mother’s widowhood Napoleon Bonaparte made her an offer of marriage that her mother declined. Bonaparte was indeed known to have frequented her mother’s home during the 1790’s. Junot’s memoirs have been described as “spirited” and “spiteful” and were compiled with the encouragement of Junot’s lover, Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850), the noted French novelist and playwright.

Written on two sides of an 8” x 6 3/8” sheet of stationery. Item #A01527

Condition: Mailing fold line, a few very faint spots of staining. Generally very good condition.