Offprint from the official publication of the Institut de France — no. 11 for the year 1986. This address bears witness to the Académie’s admiration for the work and memory of Maurice Genevoix, writer of the Great War, Prix Goncourt laureate, eminent member of the Institut and former Permanent Secretary. Druon succeeded him in that office (after an interim term by Jean Mistler), holding the post from November 7, 1985 for thirteen years, until 1999 — roughly the same length of tenure as Genevoix, who held the office from 1958 to 1973.
Enclosed:
A typed letter on letterhead of the city of Orléans (Department of Cultural Affairs), dated August 11, 1986, signed on behalf of Dr. Guy Penot, deputy mayor for Culture. It is addressed to Madame Genevoix, the writer’s widow, accompanying the sending of Druon’s address.
From the library of Maurice Genevoix, at “Les Vernelles” (bookplate).