The Swiss Literary Archives (SLA) of the Swiss National Library have received an outstanding addition: the literary archives of André Gide (1869–1951), one of the most influential French writers of the 20th century and recipient of the 1947 Nobel Prize in Literature. The donation was made in autumn 2024 by the Catherine Gide Foundation, based in Olten, and its president, Professor Peter Schnyder.
The André Gide Collection comprises handwritten manuscripts, correspondence, personal documents, photographs, and a library of original editions—materials that shed light on the multifaceted legacy of a writer deeply engaged with the moral and aesthetic debates of his time. It includes drafts and notes for seminal works such as Voyage au Congo and Thésée, along with extensive editorial correspondence.
Gide maintained close ties with Switzerland throughout his life. Several of his works were written or set there, including La Symphonie pastorale and Les Faux-monnayeurs. His connection to Swiss intellectual and literary circles further underlines the significance of this collection finding its home in Bern.
The SLA will carry out a complete inventory of the archives over the next two years, pursue research collaborations, and highlight the collection through public and academic initiatives.
This new acquisition joins other literary archives of international authors such as Patricia Highsmith, Hermann Hesse and Rainer Maria Rilke, reflecting the SLA’s commitment to preserving and promoting cross-border literary heritage.
More information (in French and German):