Louis Blanc (1811 –1882) to Anonymous n. d.
Louis Blanc was a French historian and politician, whose thoughts were fundamental to socialism in France. Since the early phases of his career, he had started to develop political thoughts aimed at reforming people's working conditions. After the French Revolution of 1848, which overthrew King Louis Philippe of the House of Orleans, he became a member of the provisional government, where he started to set up and act on his ideas concerning labour. The letter exhibited here is undated, and represents a request for the address of Louis Viardot, as he wanted to pay him a visit. Louis Viardot (1800-1883) was the husband of the very famous opera singer, Pauline Garcia Viardot (1821-1910).
Viardot came to see me. I was not there. I have the vivid desire to go shake his hand. His address, please? All yours,
Louis Blanc