« vous êtes arrivé à rehausser la langue, à la rendre ni inerme ni inerte. Et je sais combien c'est malaisé et rare cela ! »

Autograph letter signed addressed to Jacques Le Lorrain from Joris-Karl Huysmans, 30 lines written in black ink on 2 pages. Manuscript correction by the author.
Fold inherent to the letter's mailing.
Remarkable letter with sometimes obscure remarks where Huysmans emphasizes the importance and rarity of the writing craft at work in the novel Nu by the cobbler-poet Jacques Le Lorrain.
« In these times when people rush books, in simple language - you know as well as I what these indigences mean - it is a pleasure to see elucidated sentences, labored over, expression delivered with forceps ». Sharp as usual, Huysmans positions himself as a fierce defender of literary writing experienced as labor, which contemporary production seems to be abandoning: « this concern is too exhausted by all and despised, for me not to congratulate you on your care ».
Accustomed to receiving works from his colleagues, Huysmans endeavors to highlight the innovative particularities of each author he receives: « Many pages are truly curious. Lorgeral on the grass, closing his eyes, listening to the voices - it's fresh and absolutely accurate. The scene of Juliette's armpit kissing. This work so well explained of man's jealousy for the child, are particular, original corners of this book whose very scrupulous style has captivated me. ».
The author Huysmans distinguishes himself here, always attentive to the right measure, necessary according to him, for literary expression: « you have managed to enhance the language, to make it neither powerless nor inert. And I know how difficult and rare that is! »