(1850 – 1893) French author, celebrated as a master of the short story and associated with the naturalist literary school of thought, depicting human lives, destinies, and social forces in disillusioned and often pessimistic terms. Many of his works are set during the Franco-Prussian War, describing the futility of war and the innocent civilians who, caught up in events beyond their control, are permanently changed by their experiences. Scarce, excellent content A.L.S. 'Guy de Maupassant' on his monogrammed correspondence card, 2pp. 12mo., Paris, Apr. 23,1884 to a gentleman, in French. In part: 'Sir, Thank you for your pleasant letter. As I am having a long hiatus from work, I find myself quite delayed from in the completion of my little novel; and I come to ask you if the dates below will be convenient for you. I would like to send it to you June 1st...and I would insure that it would not appear in Le Figaro before July 15th. As it is much shorter than 'Une Vie', I think you would be able to publish it in a single issue...' Fine condition. The letter mentions de Maupassant's first published novel 'Une Vie' which was serialized in the French daily literary periodical 'Gil Blas' beginning in February 1883. 'Une Vie', actually a full length novel, concerned the checkered life of an aristocrat's daughter named Jeanne Le Perthuis des Vauds who suffers through an unhappy marriage. It appears that the unnamed story to which de Maupassant refers was probably 'Le Lit 29' ['Bed 29'], which was serially published after July 8, 1884. This short story was set in Rouen, shortly before and after the Franco-Prussian War. Capitaine Epivent, a scoundrel, returns from war to find his onetime lover, the promiscuous Irma, in the syphilitic ward of a hospital. The officer rejects Irma despite her efforts to intentionally infect the Prussian enemy with syphilis. Sold with a 3.5 x 5.5 in. period postcard portrait photograph.