VALÉRY Paul (1871-1945). 2 L.A.S. "Paul Valéry", 1923 and n.d., [to Joseph BÉDIER]; 3 and a half pages in-8, and 1 oblong page in-12. On his failed candidacy for the Académie française. [Valéry had applied for the Haussonville chair. He will be elected on November 19, 1925 to the chair of Anatole France]. Paris June 28, 1923. He was honored to have received Bédier's vote: "My ambition has never been anything but to do my best in a language that you know in its depths. [But this attempt presents dangers that I know I have not always avoided. I see, however, that I have not been so reckless that a master such as yourself has not thought it possible to put himself on my side. Numbers have not been on this side; I am hardly accustomed to seeing them with me. [...] I am beaten and happy" Saturday, congratulating him on his promotion. A P.A.S. followed by a P.A.S. from Marie LAURENCIN (1 page oblong in-4) is attached. Plus the booklet of the speeches pronounced in the public session held by the French Academy for the reception of Mr. Paul Valéry on Thursday, June 23, 1927 (Firmin-Didot, 1927), with sending a.s. "to Marie Monnier, with silk and gold wishes Paul Valéry".