Dec 6, 2024 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
716
Chandler to Jean: "Je me rends"
Estate / Collection: The Jean Vounder-Davis Collection of Raymond Chandler
CHANDLER, RAYMOND
Typed note to Jean Fracasse. [La Jolla:] 8 June 8 1957. One page typed note addressed to "Jean, my beloved" and signed "Ray" in type, with on annotation by Chandler. 10 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches (26 x 18 cm). Light creases and folds, rust spot at center.
A brief but impactful note from Ray to Jean following an uncomfortable exchange as their feelings for each other become clearer. Ray here attempts to straighten out an exchange in which he used the word "ridiculous" in relation to Jean reporting that "Your note about 'ridiculous' proves, among other things, that you are a writer" and continues defeatedly that "the competition may be too much for me." Chandler then describes himself as "a rather collapsed semi-author" and that what he meant was that "it might be 'ridiculous' for you to get involved with me" and he hopes Jean will accept that he did not "in any way mean to suggest that loving you would be (that word). I was merely making a rather silly attempt to protect you from me. If it is your resolve that you do not desire that sort of protection, je me rends [I surrender]."
This note is critical to understanding Jean and Ray's relationship as it establishes two things: first, that although hired as a personal secretary, Jean was a writer in her own right, and Raymond Chandler acknowledged and supported that aspect of her life. Secondly, the argument over the use of the word 'ridiculous' when it came to Jean's career peels back Chandler's protective layer and he recognizes that in his reduced state, Jean's burgeoning career might take her from him, and that he is also willing to put aside protecting her from him if that is what she wants. The comment "je me rends" is Chandler allowing love into his life even at this late phase.
Sold for $544
Estimated at $400 - $600
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: The Jean Vounder-Davis Collection of Raymond Chandler
CHANDLER, RAYMOND
Typed note to Jean Fracasse. [La Jolla:] 8 June 8 1957. One page typed note addressed to "Jean, my beloved" and signed "Ray" in type, with on annotation by Chandler. 10 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches (26 x 18 cm). Light creases and folds, rust spot at center.
A brief but impactful note from Ray to Jean following an uncomfortable exchange as their feelings for each other become clearer. Ray here attempts to straighten out an exchange in which he used the word "ridiculous" in relation to Jean reporting that "Your note about 'ridiculous' proves, among other things, that you are a writer" and continues defeatedly that "the competition may be too much for me." Chandler then describes himself as "a rather collapsed semi-author" and that what he meant was that "it might be 'ridiculous' for you to get involved with me" and he hopes Jean will accept that he did not "in any way mean to suggest that loving you would be (that word). I was merely making a rather silly attempt to protect you from me. If it is your resolve that you do not desire that sort of protection, je me rends [I surrender]."
This note is critical to understanding Jean and Ray's relationship as it establishes two things: first, that although hired as a personal secretary, Jean was a writer in her own right, and Raymond Chandler acknowledged and supported that aspect of her life. Secondly, the argument over the use of the word 'ridiculous' when it came to Jean's career peels back Chandler's protective layer and he recognizes that in his reduced state, Jean's burgeoning career might take her from him, and that he is also willing to put aside protecting her from him if that is what she wants. The comment "je me rends" is Chandler allowing love into his life even at this late phase.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, Dec 6, 2024
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Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on December 6, 2024
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
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We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Books, Autographs & Maps
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle held a successful auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps onDecember 6, 2024 showcased is a wonderful diversity of Americana, maps, autographs, early books and landmarks of literature and science.
Highlighting the sale was the first edition of Spinoza's Tractatus theologico-politicus from 1670 that soared to $70,350. Spinoza’s Tractatus is his only work published during his lifetime and remains his most significant. It presents a clear theory of natural right, asserting that the love of God leads to love for others. The state exists to ensure liberty, not oppression, with justice, wisdom, and toleration as key. Influential to thinkers like Blake and Goethe, it shaped Romanticism.
The Jean Vounder-Davis Collection offered the largest trove of unpublished Raymond Chandler stories, poetry, letters, books and personal artifacts to come to market. Best known for his Philip Marlowe detective novels including The Big Sleep (1939) and Farewell, My Lovely (1940) and as screenwriter of film noir classics such as Double Indemnity (1944) and The Blue Dahlia (1946), Raymond Chandler is considered one of the top writers in the hardboiled fiction genre alongside Dashiell Hammett and James Cain. Held for decades, the archive belonged to Jean Fracasse [later Vounder-Davis] who was first hired in January 1957 as Chandler's personal secretary but quickly became his close friend, confidant, fiancé and muse to whom he dedicated his last book.
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Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141 ext 248, Edward Ripley-Duggan at ext 234, or Noah Goldrach at ext 226, or email Books@Doyle.com
