"... ma seule objection étant l'adjectif à la mode prégnant qui me paraît à proscrire absolument dès qu'il ne s'agit plus de femmes enceintes".

Autograph postcard signed by Julien Gracq of 20 lines addressed to his friend and biographer Ariel Denis, written in black felt-tip pen, on the verso of a photograph representing the castle of la Flocellière in Vendée, not far from his apartment in Sion-sur-l'Océan.
Julien Gracq congratulates Ariel Denis on the accuracy of his latest article: "... I find your review excellent and particularly understanding..." although he offers a slight and humorous caveat: "... my only objection being the fashionable adjective pregnant (word underlined) which seems to me to be absolutely proscribed as soon as it no longer concerns pregnant women".
The author of "Au château d'Argol" shows confidence in his friend's future: "... Perhaps reviews of this quality will open access to a door at éditions du Sorbier for you?" while remaining cautious and modest about his own: "...I refuse to hope too much... finally, some positive turn of events will occur one day in this quest! "
Finally, Julien Gracq evokes the holiday period and concludes his missive with a question mocking the postcard's subtitle "Seminary of Elder Vocations east facade": "this card is also a riddle: what is a seminary of Elder vocations?"