In Literature
A renowned literary carte blanche (literally 'white card') was handed out by Cardinal Richelieu in Alexandre Dumas, père's The Three Musketeers:
Dec. 3, 1627 It is by my order and for the good of the state that the bearer of this has done what he has done. Richelieu
or in French:
3 décembre 1627. C'est par mon ordre et pour le bien de l'Etat que le porteur du présent a fait ce qu'il a fait. Richelieu.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used the term carte blanche in several of his Sherlock Holmes stories.
- A Scandal in Bohemia
"Your Majesty will, of course, stay in London for the present?” “Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Count Von Kramm.” “Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress.” “Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety.” “Then, as to money?” “You have carte blanche.” “Absolutely?” “I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to have that photograph.”
- The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet
"I understand that you give me carte blanche to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you place no limit on the sum I may draw.” “I would give my fortune to have them back.”
Read more about this topic: Blank Cheque
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