Two letters relating to James Joyce and his eye condition dated 1931

[JOYCE, James]; BORACH, Georges (1892-1934) and VOGT, Alfred (1879-1943). Two letters relating to James Joyce's ophthalmological treatment in Zurich.
 
Zurich, 24 July 1931.
 
Two letters comprising: (1) Autograph letter signed by Georges Borach to James Joyce, written in French on personal stationery, one sheet, written on two sides; (2) Typed letter signed by Professor Alfred Vogt on personal letterhead, one page. Old folds and light handling wear; very good condition overall.
 
An interesting pair of letters relating to James Joyce, directly concerning the arrangements for his consultations with the distinguished Swiss ophthalmologist Alfred Vogt, who treated Joyce throughout the 1930s for the eye conditions that plagued much of his adult life.
 
Georges Borach was one of Joyce's Zurich language students who became a lifelong friend. Modern scholarship identifies Borach as one of the individuals who repeatedly encouraged Joyce to seek treatment from Vogt. Joyce later acknowledged Borach's role in directing him to Vogt and was deeply affected by Borach's death in an automobile accident in 1934.
 
Writing to Joyce on 24 July 1931, Borach reports that he has received news of him through Paul Leon, Joyce's close friend and secretary. He then relays information received directly from Professor Vogt in response to Joyce's own letter, informing him that Vogt will be available in Zurich on 28 August despite being on holiday until September. Borach also discusses the Irish tenor John O'Sullivan and encloses a note concerning their mutual friend, the celebrated Italian tenor Giacomo Lauri-Volpi.
 
The accompanying letter from Alfred Vogt, written on the same day, is the communication upon which Borach's message is based. Vogt explains that although absent on holiday he will exceptionally be present at the Zurich eye clinic on 28 August and available for consultation. Borach was acting as intermediary and friend while conveying information received directly from Joyce's ophthalmologist.
 
Joyce suffered from chronic iritis, glaucoma and cataracts, undergoing numerous operations and consultations during his lifetime. Zurich became a recurring destination because of his confidence in Vogt's expertise. 
 
Provenance: By descent through the family of Frederic Moulder, manager of the Paris bookseller Galignani. A rare pair of letters, written to and about James Joyce and his eye conditions.