Victor HUGO (1802-1885). L.A.S. "V.," Marine Terrace December 18 [1852, to Pierre-Jules Hetzel]; 4 pages in-12 (trace of tab; portrait attached). On Les Châtiments. He first mentions money issues and a dispute with the publisher Tarride... "we have only counted so far after each edition. Please, I beg you, return to the treaty and count with Mr. Tarride on January 15 and every 15 following. We can have a long future together, and very profitable for him, and as for me, I do not ask for more, but it is necessary that he executes the conventions well. The new book is almost finished. What is delaying it is the Pope. Yes, the Pope. - I wouldn't want to close the book without thanking him for making the man holy. But there is still some doubt. - If you make the printing run smoothly, we can publish from February 1st to 15th. - How about this title: Châtiments. I rather like it. It is rough and to the point". He evokes the "delightful drolleries" of the story of Augustine Brohan... ". My valiant and dear companion of combat, I am ashamed of these letters all of business that I write to you, when I would like to speak with you only heart to heart, spirit to spirit; but under our figures there are ideas"...