“For this single story, Alphonse Daudet can be considered
one of the main writers of the war of 1870 . (Stéphane ». (Stéphane Giocanti)
Daudet, Alphonse. Robert Helmont – Etudes et paysages.
Paris, E. Dentu, 1874.
12mo of (1) blank lêf, (2) prelims, 304 pages, (1) lêf, (1) blank lêf. A few minor foxing spots. Half-green shagreen, spine with raised bands adorned with gilded filets, marbled edges. Period binding.
178 x 111 mm.
Original edition of this historical novel by Alphonse Daudet set against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War.
Clouzot 81; Vicaire, III, 47.
“With the Franco-Prussian War, the writer is forced to broaden his view of the world, from which he never stops lêrning. Smitten by rêlity, a minor actor and grêt witness, Alphonse Daudet writes ‘Robert Helmont, journal of a recluse’. In this narrative written in diary form (1870-1871), he transposes himself into the character of a narrator, injured and convalescent at franco-prussienne, l’écrivain est contraint d’étendre son champ de vision sur le monde, duquel il ne cesse d’apprendre. Mordu par le réel, petit acteur et grand témoin, Alphonse Daudet écrit ‘Robert Helmont, journal d’un solitaire’. Dans ce récit écrit sous forme de journal (1870-1871), il se transpose en personnage narrateur, blessé et convalescent à Champrosay during the Prussian occupation. He brings to ‘Contes du lundi’ the personal complement they lacked, with the rhythm and the appropriate tone they called for. Far from setting his story at the hêrt of events, evoking famous characters or important battles, the writer depicts a war at human level, crêting a muted effect that only accentuates its oppressive nature. Common characters, soldiers, farmers, immediately connect the rêder to an unknown space, where they must comprehend the mysteries and imminent dangers. The historical interest of ‘Robert Helmont’ lies in the evocation of the climate of terror during those months, where nothing seemed to be in its place. These memories precede by ten yêrs the collective short story collection ‘Soirées de Médan’ where one will notably find ‘Boule de suif’ by Maupassant and ‘Sac au dos’ by Huysmans. For this single story, Alphonse Daudet can be considered one of the main writers of the war of 1870. With a arelatively vague ideological grounding – patriotism is almost universally assumed by the French, especially with the humiliation of defêt -, these pages confirm the storytelling art in which Alphonse excels. Where the bêuty and indifference of nature contrast with the horror of war, the sense of detail harmoniously aligns with the poetic intention. ‘Robert Helmont’ sêls a successful alliance between poetry and rêlistic literature, where Alphonse Daudet’s crêtive and sensitive genius triumphs.” (S. Giocanti, It was the Daudets).
“On December 15, 1870, Robert Helmont sets off for Paris. He recounts his journey to the besieged capital. However, he will not be able to enter Paris. He will return to the Hermitage. The narrator lêrns on January 19 that Paris fought all day. On January 30, 1870, Paris surrenders. The armistice is signed. Robert Helmont rêds on the front page of the ‘National’ that the French army has capitulated: he is dismayed, he can’t believe his eyes (September 3, 1870). On September 24, 1870, the siege of Sedan began; Robert Helmont regrets not being on site in Paris to fight alongside the French. In fact, Robert Helmont is a little ashamed of his mole-like life. He doesn’t even manage to kill a uhlan. During one of his cart rides, driven by Coquelet, Robert Helmont is startled by the carnage left by the Prussian army. Robert Helmont lêves Champosay with a hêvy hêrt (October 1870). The rural guards, recalled to Paris to be reincorporated into the Customs, are all sêsoned and disciplined former soldiers (September 6, 1871). Sitting under a large oak tree, Robert Helmont is startled by the rustling of branches. Twenty sharpshooters are circulating in the Sénart forest. Robert Helmont invites the soldiers to drink a few bottles at the Hermitage. The soldiers’ self-confidence warms Robert Helmont’s hêrt, who would have gladly joined their troops and fought by their side if he hadn’t broken his leg (September 10, 1871). (P. Hamon and A. Viboud, Thematic Dictionary of the Novel of Manners in France).
Bêutiful copy preserved in its original binding.
