” For this single story, Alphonse Daudet can be considered
one of the main writers of the 1870 war “. (Stéphane Giocanti)
Daudet, Alphonse. Robert Helmont – Studies and landscapes.
Paris, E. Dentu, 1874.
In-12 of (1) blank leaf, (2) leaves, 304 pages, (1) leaf, (1) blank leaf. Some insignificant foxing. Half green calf, spine with raised bands decorated with gilt bindings, speckled edges. Binding of the period.
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 perspective on the world, from which he never stops learning. Bitten by reality, a small actor and great witness, Alphonse Daudet writes ‘Robert Helmont, journal of a hermit’. In this narrative written in the form of a journal (1870-1871), he transposes himself into a narrator-character, wounded and convalescent in Champrosay during the Prussian occupation. He brings to the ‘Monday Tales’ the personal touch they lacked, with the right rhythm and tone they called for. Far from placing his story at the heart of events, or evoking famous characters or significant battles, the writer evokes a man-sized war, in a muted effect that only accentuates its oppressive nature. Common characters, soldiers, farmers, immediately bring the reader closer to an unknown space, of which he must apprehend mysteries and imminent dangers. The historical interest of ‘Robert Helmont’ lies in the evocation of the climate of terror during those months, when nothing seemed in its place anymore. These memories precede by ten years the collective volume of tales ‘Evenings of Médan’ where we find notably ‘Boule de suif’ by Maupassant and ‘Sac au dos’ by Huysmans. For this single story, Alphonse Daudet can be considered among the main writers of the 1870 war. Of a related ideological anchoring – patriotism is assumed by almost all the French, especially with the humiliation of defeat -, these pages confirm the storyteller’s art in which Alphonse excels. Where the beauty and indifference of nature contrast with the horror of war, the sense of detail coincides sovereignly with poetic intention. ‘Robert Helmont’ seals a successful alliance between poetry and realistic literature, where Alphonse Daudet’s creative and sensitive genius triumphs “. (S. Giocanti, It was the Daudet).
” On December 15th, 1870, Robert Helmont departs for Paris. He recounts his journey towards the besieged capital. However, he will not be able to enter Paris. He will return to the Hermitage. The narrator learns on January 19th that Paris fought all day. On January 30th, 1870, Paris surrenders. The armistice is signed. Robert Helmont reads, on the front page of the ‘National’, that the French army has capitulated: he is shocked, he cannot believe his eyes (September 3rd, 1870). On September 24th, 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 somewhat ashamed of his mole-like life. He doesn’t even succeed in killing a uhlan. During one of his cart rides, led by Coquelet, Robert Helmont discovers the carnage left by the Prussian army. Robert Helmont leaves Champosay with a heavy heart (October 1870). The rural guards, recalled to Paris to be reincorporated into the Customs, are all seasoned and disciplined former soldiers (September 6th, 1871). Sitting under a large oak tree, Robert Helmont is startled by the rustling of branches. Twenty snipers roam the forest of Sénart. Robert Helmont invites the soldiers to drink a few bottles at the Hermitage. The soldiers’ confidence warms Robert Helmont’s heart, who would have gladly joined their troops and fought alongside them if he hadn’t broken his leg (September 10th, 1871) “. (P. Hamon and A. Viboud, Thematic Dictionary of the Novel of Manners in France).
Beautiful copy preserved in its period binding.
