[Manuscript]. [Americana]. GASNIER (René). American Cities. - Lot 243

[Manuscript]. [Americana]. GASNIER (René). American Cities. France and the United States. Autograph manuscript signed, [1907]. In-folio (20.4 x 31.5 cm.), blue ink on paper, 100 p., [1] f. (table), midnight-blue half-maroquin with corners, smooth spine, gilt title and decoration, double gilt fillets on boards [A. Lasneret, Angers] (corners and spines slightly rubbed). Important autograph manuscript, in very legible handwriting, with corrections, written by René Gasnier (1874-1913) during a trip to the United States. These notes, probably the first versions of his narrative, led to the publication of Villes Américaines in Angers in 1909. René Gasnier, an aerostation and aviation pioneer from Angers, represented France at the prestigious Gordon Bennett Cup in 1907. The manuscript begins with a description of the crossing to the United States, punctuated by reflections on the modernization of French ports and technical advances such as wireless telegraphy. He arrives in New York, describing the effervescence of a young, modern nation, its infrastructure, electric lighting and transportation. The story continues with a visit to Broadway, the New York Herald, and an immersion in the financial markets at the height of the 1907 crisis. Gasnier then recounts his trip to St. Louis to take part in the Bennett Cup, where he accurately describes the route, the stations and the trains. After leaving his balloon Anjou, he flies over Missouri and Ohio, crossing varied landscapes and vibrating to the rhythm of American modernity. He lands in Virginia after a 38-hour flight, finishing 7? of the race. The story continues with a tour of the cities he visits: Niagara and its spectacular falls, Buffalo, Chicago with its famous slaughterhouses and railroads, then Pittsburgh and the Carnegie factories. He marvels at the great industrial and architectural achievements, while noting the social and environmental contrasts. In Boston, he retraced the city's revolutionary history and visited Harvard, before leaving for Canada. Quebec City and Montreal inspired him to reflect on language and cultural contrasts. Back in the U.S., he explored Philadelphia and Washington, appreciating the calm and elegance of the latter. His account ends with comparisons between American and French industries and mentalities, concluding with an admiration for the energy and innovation of this country in the throes of transformation.