Sale 2461 - Autographs, November 7, 2017

TO MARLENE DIETRICH:“BE ADVISED COCATRIX THAT IWILL . . . RETURN” 233 c   COCTEAU, JEAN. Autograph Letter Signed, “Jean Cocteau / [asterisk],” to Marlene Dietrich (“Marlene dear”), in French, declining to attend a gala but promising to embrace her and announcing his return on Wednesday. 1 page, 4to; folds. Np, 24 April 1962 [500/750] “I have just been ill and I’m not yet strong nor presentable enough for a gala. I will come to embrace you one evening with the real public who love you as I love you. Be advised Cocatrix that I will . . . return from the countryside nextWednesday . . . .” Property of the family of Marlene Dietrich. 234 c   COCTEAU, JEAN.Autograph Manuscript, unsigned, in French, fair copy of a passage from his book of poetry criticism, Le cordon ombilical: Souvenirs , in 20 lines. 1 page, 4to. Np, [1962-63] [250/350] “The umbilical cord which attaches us to the creatures of our work is felt all the more, as far as I am concerned, when it comes to those adorned with the walls and arches of the chapel of St. Pierre de Villefranche . . . .” 233