Alain GERBAULT - Navigateur - Rare lettre - Polynésie - 1932

Alain Gerbault (1893-1941) was a French skipper and writer. He was also a tennis player and a pilot during World War I. He is the first Frenchman to complete a solo circumnavigation by sailing.

Gerbault is also famous for his advocacy on behalf of Polynesians and their culture, which is expressed in his work The Gospel of the Sun.

---- “I think I will soon depart for climates where the sun shines constantly.” ----

Rare autograph letter signed by Alain Gerbault, written around 1932 in Casablanca ("Casa"), on the letterhead of his yacht the Alain Gerbault, for which he had designed the plans. Addressed to his "dear Teddy," it mentions the completion of the English translation of The Gospel of the Sun, published by Fasquelle, as well as his upcoming departure toward the Pacific seas, where he intends to stay for several years.

Good condition - small tear at the lower margin

"Alain Gerbault
Yacht "Alain Gerbault"
Casa

My dear Teddy,

Sorry for taking so long (sic) to reply. I was very busy with the English translation of my book, which I finished just yesterday, and I think I will depart soon for climates where the sun shines constantly. I hope you are pleased with your new book. I am very satisfied with Charles Vasquelle who is a friend; unfortunately he does not fully deserve the house, and his father has ideas too 1900.

Two of my nephews are in Cambrai at a school where one of their uncles, the Abbot de la Mothe, can look after them. Unfortunately the younger one has been expelled from the Hériot school, and is currently in Neuilly.

My sister-in-law is still with Madame de la Chemelière (20 rue de Grenelle), whose business isn’t going very well due to the lack of students. I have written to our friend Lanthion in America to try to have some sent.

I hope everything is going well for you as you wish, and with all my best wishes, I send you my affectionate remembrance.

Alain

"Envoi soigné
Retour accepté"