David Schulson Autographs Catalog

LITERATURE
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ALGER, HORATIO (1834-99). American writer of boys' stories. The theme of his 100 books for boys was that by leading exemplary lives, struggling valiantly against poverty and adversity, Alger's heroes gain wealth and honor..

Autograph Letter Signed, 2 separate pages 8vo, n.p., Jan. 16, 1890.
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To Doctor Griffin. "I appreciate your kind offer, but hope I can keep my young minds out of mischief. If they are foolish I will gladly send them to you …. I shall send you a couple of books in a day or two, though I doubt if the young Griffin's are yet old enough to appreciate them." Signed, "Horatio Alger, Jr."
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A nice letter discussing his optimistic work with kids and the act of sending some of his books. Letters of Alger are uncommon. Slight splitting at folds.
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$1,200.00

ANDERSEN, HANS CHRISTIAN (1805-75). Danish author, best known for his fairy tales.

Autograph Letter Signed, in Danish, one page, 8vo, Copenhagen, Dec. 12, 1837.

He addresses the letter to, “Beloved,” and writes, “You will get…the German translation of ‘The Improvisator’…You will not dislike me for asking you to send me the book, which probably still is on your shelves…it interests me to know how it works out with your translation of ‘Only a Fidler’…Have you heard the…news that in the beginning of 1838 a French translation of ‘The improvisator’ will come out in Paris….” He signs, “H. C. Andersen.”

The Improvisator was Anderson’s first novel published in 1835 and turned the poet into a success. Later that year, the first installment of his classic Fairy Tales was printed. This is an unusual letter referring to Anderson as novelist and from an early period of his literary life.

$4500.00

ARENDT, HANNAH (1906-75). German born, American political scientist.

Brief Typed Letter Signed, in German, 8vo, n.p., July 2, 1970.

A brief letter of thanks, “for your kind words”. Signed, “Hannah Arendt”.

$225.00

ARENDT, HANNAH (1906-75). German political theorist.

Typed Letter Signed, in German, two pages on one 4to sheet of printed personalized stationery, New York City, December 8, 1970.

She writes about the publication of an essay and begins by thanking her correspondent for the proofs, “…from the Das Parlament paper and the review from the Suddeutsche Zeitung. I have noted with some amazement that you were able to sell the interview to such advantage. If you want to do that for England…they should wait for …translation. Regarding the publication: If the Piper publishing house really intends to include the entire text as an add-on to a new edition in the Spring…it will probably be done quite simply in France, and it is also possible that the American publisher…will print the English text with a new edition of On Violence. I am not familiar with the essay about me in the magazine Soziale Welt….” She signs, “Hannah Arendt, ” and continues in two post scripts. “The New York Review of Books, which originally printed the essay is also interested in the interview…Harcourt Brace told me that you only have the rights for the magazines and newspapers and that the book-rights are mine….” Arendt again signs the postscript “H.A.”

Arendt taught in America from 1959 including at The New School for Social Research from1967 till her death in 1975.This substantive letter on publishing contains three lines, heavily crossed out by hand, ending in a double asterisk which leads the reader to the second post script. Fine references to her later essays.

$600.00

BALDWIN, JAMES (1924-87). American writer.

Photograph Signed, 8vo, n.p, ca 1970.

Baldwin is shown full length, seated on steps, outdoors, wearing a bandanna around his neck and holding a cigarette. He looks right into the camera. To the right of his face, he signs, “James Baldwin.”

The pen appears to have skipped on two letters and to compensate, he seems to have written over the “l” and “d” several times. The signature is clear on this uncommon signed image.

$450.00

BALZAC, HONORÉ DE (1799-1850). Distinguished French writer.

Manuscript Document Signed, in French, 8vo, Paris, January 1849.

This document is a receipt for "twenty seven francs and fifty centimes for a copy of 'Valerie,' a new play in five acts and the notes attached to it …." He then writes, "H. de Balzac." Also signed by Clairville, Edouard Miot, [the rest is crossed out]" and "Clairville" again but this is crossed out. All three became equal partners in this collaboration.(#1797-0122)

Balzac, a prolific writer who was in debt since a failed attempt in the publishing business refers to the play Valerie. He refers to Louis Clairville (1811-79) who had written dialogue for a production of Balzac's Cousin Bette.

$1,650.00

BERLITZ, MAXIMILIAN (1852-1921). German born, American founder of the language schools that bear his name, founded in Rhode Island in 1878.

Autograph Quotation Signed, oblong small 4to, New York, April 3, 1911.

He comments on the difference between education and intelligence. In full, “Education is a very poor substitute for intelligence. An educated donkey is still a donkey. The promiscuous[sic] over education of the masses has done more harm than good, making turbulent parasites out of elements that would have been useful laborers and farmers.” He signs, “M. Berlitz,” with place and date.

Penned on an autograph album sheet so indicated on top margin in French, German and English. A superb, boldly written quote. Quite scarce.

$875.00

BIERCE, AMBROSE (1842–1914?). American writer best known for his vivid short stories, including the classic “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” and his satirical, “The Devil’s Dictionary.” In 1913, while traveling with Pancho Villa’s troops during the Mexican Revolution, Bierce disappeared, his ultimate fate remaining a mystery to this day.

Autograph Letter Signed, two separate 8vo pages, Los Gatos, January 19, 1897.

To “Peterson.” Bierce writes, “Your inference that I am not unfriendly is correct—you have trouble enough without that. I called at the Library the other day to see you, but you were out. I shall be glad to see you here any of my disengaged days that you care to call. And when again in Oakland, I shall try to see you.” Signed, “Sincerely, Ambrose Bierce”.

After a last letter to a close friend, sent from Mexico on December 26, 1913, he vanished without a trace, becoming one of the most famous disappearances in American literary history. Investigations into his fate proved fruitless, and despite an abundance of theories, his end remains shrouded in mystery. The date of his death is generally cited as "1914?”

$925.00

BLIXEN, KAREN (1885-1962), née Karen Dinesen. Danish author also known under her pen name Isak Dinesen. Blixen wrote works both in Danish and in English and is best known, at least in English, for Out of Africa, her account of living in Kenya.

Typed Letter Signed, in Danish, 2pp .Rungstedlund, July 14^th 1959.

Blixen critiques a fellow writer. To Jurij [Moskowitin]. ”Hereby (I send you) your manuscript with many thanks for the loan. It is not easy to give an actual judgment regarding a single short fragment of a greater work. Your seven pages here can be the prelude to a mediocre novel – it can also be the first chapters of an excellent book. I want to present one single criticism: the people who perform in these chapters are not sympathetic, - this, one could say, is not a literary objection, but it is so for me, and for a great number of readers. They are all characterized by a certain blunt arrogance, a quality that always has had an unpleasant effect on me and made a relation difficult. Maybe this is the reason why, for me, there is no atmosphere or air in the book. Nothing creates ‘vacuum,’ I find, like arrogance. But finish the novel now, so that I can read it as a whole. I wish you good luck with all my heart – and thereby good fortune, and pleasure with what you are doing the whole summer.” Signed, “With many kind regards, Your sincerely Karen Blixen”.

During the 1950’s, Blixen’s health quickly deteriorated, and in 1955 she had a third of her stomach removed due to an ulcer. Writing became impossible, although she did several radio broadcasts. In her letters from Africa and later during her life in Denmark, Karen Blixen wondered if her pain was psychosomatic. Publicly she blamed her trouble on syphilis, which also afflicted her father. Whatever her belief about her illness, the disease suited the artist’s design for creating her own personal legend. Unable to eat, Blixen died in 1962 at Rungstedlund, her family’s estate, at the age of 77, apparently of malnutrition. The source of her abdominal problems remains unknown.

$l600.00

BLIXEN, KAREN. [Isak Dinesen] (1885-1962) Danish writer. Best remembered for her books Out of Africa and Seven Gothic Tales.

Autograph Letter Signed, on picture postcard of her home, small 8vo., Rungstedlund, (Dec. 29, 1942).

To Jorn Rubow. “With heartfelt thanks for ‘Bogvenned’ which pleased me a lot and kind regards.” Signed, “From Karen Blixen-Finecke”.

A friendly letter on verso of a photo postcard showing the front of her house in “Rungstedlund” her residence. “Bogvennen” means “The Book-friend” which is a publication dealing with the act of books and book making. Holographs letter of Blixen are scarce.

$575.00

BLOCH, ERNST (1885-1977). German philosopher. Broke from an orthodox Marxist philosophy and developed a "Philosophy of Hope." Fled East Germany for West Germany in 1962.

Autograph Letter Signed, in German, 4to, n.p. (Tübingen), May 2, 1962.

To a Mr. Zimmerman regarding the possibility of publishing. "I very much enjoy reading your journal and I thank you for sending it to me. Unfortunately, I don't currently have any 'up to date' manuscripts and others would probably not fit the scope. But I will soon be writing a little thing: Daring and Security, which I would then like to send you. "Soon" of course means probably towards the beginning of the Winter semester." Signed, "Ernst Bloch."

Bloch first began his professorship at the University of Tübingen the prior year. Though rejected by the Osterberliner Academy of Science, his theories came through in his teachings.

$600.00

BLOCH, ERNST (1885-1977). German philosopher. Broke from an orthodox Marxist philosophy and developed a "Philosophy of Hope." Fled East Germany for West Germany in 1962.

Autograph Letter Signed, in German, 2 pp 12mo, Tübingen, Oct. 15, 1962.

To Hans Dieter Zimmermann. "yes, I agreed in the beginning, but I can't find the time now. Lectures out of town, classes starting soon, editorial work on new material for the intended complete edition …. Maybe you could print something from my just published 'Disassociations 1' (Suhrkamp Bibliothek, p. 218 line 15 from the bottom to page 219. Starting with 'Quite easy is the more profound hope' … to 'one has never existed.' Then, after a paragraph, continues: 'Nothing is more human' … to 'with humani alienum — all of them.'" Nicely signed, Ernst Bloch." With holograph envelope.

$650.00

BROCH, HERMANN (1886-1931). Austrian modernist novelist. Best known in America for ‘The Death of Virgil’ (1945), a lyrical stream-ofconsciousness novel stylistically evoking James Joyce. Lived in the United States from 1938.

Typed Letter Signed, in German, 2 pages 8vo, n.p., January 5, 1944.

A beautiful and emotional letter to Fine [von Kahler]. “You had vanished by Christmas, and in all likelihood the Christmas cards I sent you then are being displayed by Mrs. [Albert] Einstein instead of you … Firstly, I have always rebelled against the mechanics of human relations, that is, against their solvability, because since my earliest childhood — this just is a part of my neurotic structure — I have never understood, or more correctly, been wanting to understand that people who share a piece of common ‘knowledge’ (in such knowledge alone rests intimacy) would ever be able to lose each other and secondly you have simply come to be important to me in these past years, even though I am extremely reluctant to enter a new relationship particularly by reason of the above mentioned neurosis. Of course I am now in such a state of panic about my work that I cannot deal with neurotic or any other non-work related thoughts. For two months now I have been completing Virgil, because it is to be printed in the Spring or Summer. I come to understand more and more, that Joyce needed 17 years for a book: I could — because I’m quicker — do it in 17months, but all I have is 17 days. I wouldn’t even want to have more, because in this day and age I find it immoral for someone to retreat into his ivory tower for years. I make up for it in intensity, though. I have reduced my sleep allowance to 3-4 hours a day. But this is not doable in the long run. The actual panicresults from putting ‘Mass Hysteria’ on the back burner, because it is a necessary and hopefully useful work for today’s society and on top of that it is supposed to ensure my continued physical existence. It is therefore high time that I return to this work, even more so because such long interruptions always have catastrophic results …." Broch continues, “You can imagine all the rest. On what Erich spends his time, I can’t rightly say. He is putting order into many old manuscripts and he is about to prepare an essay. That something in the lien of a professional pursuit is supposed to happen is clear to him, but so far only small attempts have been made." Signed, “your old, H."

This is a candid letter conveying his thoughts about von Kahler, mentioning fellow expatriate Einstein, his own neurotic behavior, his ‘Death of Virgil’ and his book, ‘Mass Hysteria’, published in 1959. A revealing glimpse of Broch, one of this century’s greatest authors.

$2,000.00

BROCH, HERMANN (1886-1951). Austrian writer, whose best known work is The Death of Virgil. He is considered one of the major Modernists.

Signed First Edition, of his most important work, The Death of Virgil, Pantheon Books, New York, 1945. This copy, in English, without dust jacket, is inscribed and signed on the first free endpaper, “To…very cordially, Hermann Broch, July 1945.” Scarce, especially inscribed.

$1400.00

BUBER, MARTIN (1878-1965). German Jewish scholar, philosopher and writer.

Autograph Letter Signed, in German, on “Urban Hotel Garni, Zurich” 8vo, stationery, two pages, Zurich, March 18, 1957.

To Mr. Rang rejecting an assignment. “ I have reached a stage in my life where one cannot allow oneself to take on tasks of such a fundamental nature.” Buber then offers complete access to his advice regarding his father and the correspondence between them. Signed, “Buber”

$525.00

BURROUGHS, WILLIAM (1914-1997). American Beat writer, best known for his novels, Junkie and Naked Lunch.

Two Typed Letters Signed, 4to, on typing paper with blue margin lines, New York City, Oct. 1, 1974 and Jan. 15, 1975.

Both letters are addressed to Carolyn Gaiser, book reviewer for Harper’s Magazine, critic and short story writer. Burroughs writes, “I certainly agree that ‘the definitive interview’ does not…have any particular meaning, and…it does not exist…I am not all that keen on interviews, but on the other hand I do not rule them out. I would be very interested to see your piece on Gregory Corso….” Burroughs refers to Gaiser’s essay titled, “ Gregory Corso: A Poet, the Beat Way,” in A Casebook on the Beat, University of California Press, 1961. In the Jan 15 letter, Burroughs rejects an interview, writing, “this is not the time for interviews,” and refers to Gaiser’s 1961 essay on fellow beat writer, Gregory Corso. “Reading your article from 1961 put me in mind of that time, when not many journalists were as sympathetic as you….” He signs both letters in full, “William Burroughs,” above his typed name.

A fine pair of letters with reference to Beat writer Gregory Corso.

$575.00

BURROUGHS, WILLIAM S. (1914-97). American novelist. Famed for his underbelly accounts of drug addiction and homoerotic tendencies. Noted for Queer ('52), Junkie ('53), and his cut and paste style developed within the pages of Naked Lunch ('59).

The Retreat Diaries, The City Moon, NYC, 1976 First edition printing of 2000 copies.

Signed by Burroughs on the title page, "William S. Burroughs." Written in 1976, when he was known as the grandfather of counterculture and was keeping close ties with Ginsberg. The rest of the writing is an interesting montage of his dreams during a two-week retreat from Aug. 9 - Aug. 25 of 1975.

$175.00

CARLYLE, THOMAS. (1795-1881) Scottish essayist and historian. One of the great thinkers of his era.

Autograph Quotation Signed, 12 mo., Chelsea, May 25, 1850.

Carlyle has penned a quatrain of verse originally written by his fellow countryman, Robert Burns. It comes from the poem, “The Deils Awa 10: The Exciseman”. Carlyle writes, “The Deil cam fiddling thro’ the town, And danc’d awa wi’th’ Exciseman, And ilka wife-cries: -- ‘Auld Mahoun, I wish you luck o’ the prize. Man!” Signed “T. Carlyle”.

A wonderful quatrain of verso by Carlyle, quoting an earlier Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

$600.00

CHANDLER, RAYMOND THORTON (1888-1959). American novelist; creator of the fictional detective Philip Marlowe, who was featured in such books as The Big Sleep (1939) and The Long Goodbye (1953).

Typed Document Signed, 4to, on watermakred "Paramount Pictures" onionskin paper, Hollywood, California, February 14, 1944.

This letter contract made out for Raymond Chandler states, "Please take notice that your employment agreement with the undersigned corporation dated November 16, 1943, will terminate on February 26, 1944, at the end of said day." Signed by two executives at Paramount Pictures Inc. and accepted: "Raymond Chandler."

At this time Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler collaborated on the adaptation of James M. Cain's novella, Double Indemnity. This contract binds Chandler for the completion. Chandler once said that working on Double Indemnity was an "agonizing experience and probably shortened my life, but I learned as much about screenwriting and as I am capable of learning, which is not very much …."

$3,500.00

CHANDLER, RAYMOND THORTON (1888-1959). American author, mystery writer. Introduced hard-hitting detective Phillip Marlowe with The Big Sleep (’39). Wrote for Black Mask Magazine and was renowned for his dramatic plot lines and abrasive humor. Screenwriting credit for Double Indemnity (’44), Blue Dahlia (’46), and Strangers on a Train (’51).

Typed Document Signed on "Paramount Pictures" watermarked onionskin paper, 4to, Hollywood, Nov. 15, 1943.

"This will confirm our understanding that pursuant to your request your employment agreement with the undersigned corporation dated May 12, 1943 is hereby terminated as of November 15, 1943, at the end of said day." Signed and accepted, "Raymond Chandler."

At this time Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler collaborated on the adaptation of James M. Cain's novella, Double Indemnity. This contract binds Chandler for the completion. Chandler once said that working on Double Indemnity was an "agonizing experience and probably shortened my life, but I learned as much about screenwriting and as I am capable of learning, which is not very much …." A fantastic contract, to a great movie.

$3,500.00

Typed Letter Signed on personal stationery, 4to, London, March 14, 1956.

To his lawyer, Michael Gilbert, "Thank you for sending me on the letter from Cook's and I should certainly like to receive the £42.17.6 ... with regard to the fuss about the refund on air tickets ... I paid the full price for the Spanish tickets from Tangier to Madrid ... I had my BEA tickets endorsed for refund, also from Tangier to Madrid, leaving the portion from Madrid to London still usable." Signed, "Ray." A naturalized citizen of England, Chandler was living in London until forced to return to the U.S. for tax reasons. Later, in May of 1956, he was hospitalized in NYC for alcoholism and exhaustion.

An uncommon signature late in his life.

$1,100.00

CHANDLER, RAYMOND. (1888-1959) American novelist and screenwriter. Creator of fictional detective Philip Marlowe. Wrote screenplays for the classic film noir movies, Double Indemnity and Blue Dahlia.

Typed Document Signed, 4to, Universal City, Ca. Nov. 20, 1947.

This is a scarce document between Chandler and Universal Pictures “relating to the story entitled ‘Play Back’ and our notice to you… confirming therein our desire that you prepare a final screenplay.” It continues.” You agree to complete and deliver said final screenplay to us within 12 weeks after the date of our said notification… Approved and accepted” and signed, “Raymond Chandler”. And countersigned by two Universal Picture Company Officials”.

The screenplay, “Playback” never came to fruition as a movie but became Raymond Chandler’s final novel after Cissy’s death late in 1954. Raymond Chandler’s depression and drink problems following his wife’s death have been recorded elsewhere.. but they were very severe and it was only after several prolonged stays in hospitals and rest homes that Chandler managed, in 1957, to finish the book. “Playback” was in fact a book version of what had begun as a screenplay many years before. Therefore, this contract represents a rare, and significant glimpse into his earlier years as a screenwriter and later his last novel.

$2000.00

CHRISTIE, AGATHA (1890-1976). Enduring British mystery writer.

Autograph Letter Signed, 3 pages on one 8vo folded sheet of printed address stationery, South Devon, July 19, n.y.

She writes to Mr. Franklin thanking him for bringing a book mark. “So glad the books & autographs arrived all right. My literary agent, Mr. Cork, is usually very good at doing the things I ask of him…books that have been published in America as well as in England encounter certain copyright difficulties and regulations.” She signs using her married name, “Agatha Mallowan.”

After a divorce, Christie remarried Sir Malcolm Mallowan, the archeologist, in 1930. Her experiences traveling with him, particularly to the Middle East, contributed to the backgrounds of several of her novels including, Murder on the Orient Express.

$675.00

CLAIR, RENÉ. (1898-1981). French film director, producer, and writer.

Autograph Letter Signed in French, two pages on one folded sheet of address stationery, 8vo, December 12, 1954.

To Max Favalelli, "`The way one gives,' is worth just as much as what is given, but not more...I want to believe - because I am an old sentimental man under all my disguises that you did it also to make me happy...." This gracious letter is signed, "René Clair."

Clair widely considered to be the first director to explore fully the potentials of film sound. Just prior to this letter his book, Reflections on the Cinema (1953), was published and the thanks he expresses here may relate to a compliment about his book.

$350.00

COCTEAU, JEAN (1889-1963). French poet, novelist, playwright, visual artist, and film director. Considered one of the most creative, diversified artists of the twentieth century.

Superb folio multicolored formal drawing Signed, n.p., 1953.

This is a wonderful finished drawing of two men, one in profile and one head on, both three quarter length standing. The drawing is executed in black ink, with blue, purple, gray, and red. Signed in red, "Jean Cocteau."

This is a splendid image, typical of his male portraits.

$4,250.00

CONRAD‚ JOSEPH (1857-1924). Polish-born novelist who spent most of his adult life in Britain. Some of his works have been labeled romantic but his supposed "romanticism" is heavily imbued with irony and a fine sense of man's capacity for self-deception. Many critics regard Conrad as an important forerunner of Modernist literature.

Typed Letter Signed two separate 4to pages, 4 C Hyde Park Mansions‚ Marylebone Road‚ 2 February 1918.

To Mr. J. H.Thomason‚ thanking him for his comments on his work‚ those of “leisured intellectuals”‚ and drawing his attention to critical works on Conrad by Richard Curle‚ Hugh Walpole (“which I have not read”) and John Freeman‚ and another to be published in America after the war. “He appreciates especially the recognition of my work by those who are living in close contact with the realities of life: such as working-men in the usual sense , and men engaged in professions or in the conduct of mankind’s affairs generally. I must say that I have found as much ability and discrimination among working men in judging literary work that is amongst what I may call leisured intellectuals And what’s more I have found in them much more fairness. They may be often wrong‚ of course; but their opinions‚ however limited they may be‚ are never swayed by idle literary prejudices‚ and by those theories of composition which‚ after all‚ express nothing but personal preferences affecting airs of superiority to which they can lay no claim. Therefore, to have heard from you is a pleasure. The enclosing of stamps was not necessary. A friendly reader‚ a man who understands one‚ belongs to the circle of one’s friends. For what more can one expect from a personal friend than to be understood….” Signed with a long holograph postscript “Believe me‚ with friendly regards‚ faithfully yours‚ Joseph Conrad”. With the original envelope.

In Conrad's time, literary critics, while usually commenting favorably on his works, often remarked that his exotic style, complex narration, profound themes and pessimistic ideas put many readers off. Yet, as Conrad's ideas were borne out by 20th-century events, in due course he came to be admired for beliefs that seemed to accord with subsequent times more closely than with his own. Conrad held a starkly lucid view of the human condition. This important late letter expresses his own view of the readers appreciation.

$4500.00

DESTOUCHES, LOUIS-FERDINAND [LOUIS-FERDINAND CELINE] (1894-1961) French physician and novelist. Best known for his classic, Journey to the End of Night, 1932.

Autograph Letter Signed, in French, folio, n.p., the 15^th,n.d.

To a friend in New York. “Oh, so you know nothing of my tragic and grotesque adventure? It would be too much to tell you. To long! When you come to Paris I will tell you where to go to get the information.” Signed, “L.F. Celine” With a damaged holograph envelope.”

A typical letter, depicting Celine complaining again of his tragedies and adventures.

$1350.00

DINESEN, ISAK (1885-1962). [Pseudonym of Karen Blixen-Finecke]. Danish writer, who incorporated supernatural elements and erotic undertones with an aristocratic view of life. Best known for her Out of Africa.

Typed Letter Signed, in Danish, 2 separate pages folio, Rungstedlund, September 24, 1953.

A late letter to the editor Schelde-Møller, discussing the politics of the animal rights movement. "I am not sure that my speech will be good for the animals. The friend of the animals is for the supporters of the vivisection is a fresh thought." Blixen then expresses concern about how the opponents will try and gather interest by focusing on the split of the organization "and I could do more harm than good …. All test animals of higher species have my deepest compassion and I do not differ between dogs and cats. My whole action is built upon the pronouncements of Prof. Okkel. I lost confidence in the discussion because it has become virtually impossible to communicate with the scientist …. I would not accept that only dogs would be accepted by vivisection. I saw in this gesture, a beginning." She continues in this dissection about he conflicts and finally gives her views. "I myself am of the opinion that the community of animal friends is more important than these differences. I wrote this to you so you could, in case, that I withdraw it not to think that I have betrayed our common goal, but to support it." Nicely signed, "Karen Blixen Finecke."

In her later life Karen Blixen paid to educate Africans and she was an active supporter of animal rights, an interest she pursued with her friend, Danish writer Ole Wivel.

$1,750.00

DOYLE, ARTHUR CONAN (1859-1930). British physician and writer. Best known for his detective stories centering on Sherlock Holmes. In his later years, he supported spiritualism.

Autograph Letter Signed on "Athenaeum 8vo stationery, London, n.d.

A surprisingly good literary letter. "I think the money was forgotten in sealing the letter, but it does not matter for you would help the cause more if you would spend it in buying French copies and giving them to those who need them most. Galignani, Rue de Rivoli [publisher], Paris will have them ready very shortly. Perhaps you would get a copy and try if you could get the editor you mention to publish portion — Chapters IV, VIII and IX are I think most essential …." Signed "Yours very truly A. Conan Doyle."

It is difficult to guess the book Doyle is referring to, but it probably is his History of Spiritualism, published in 1926.

$1,850.00

“I know nothing about the medium. I neither fear nor hope. I simply note results”.

DOYLE, ARTHUR CONAN (1859-1930). British physician and writer, best known for his detective stories centering on Sherlock Holmes. In his later years, he supported Spiritualism.

Autograph Letter Signed on his “Bignell Wood‚ Minstead‚Lyndhurst” stationery, 2 pages, Lyndhurst, November, 29, n.y.

Addressed, “Dear Madam,” describing a spiritualist experiment‚ referring to her, “unreasonable complaints”‚ commenting further that “I know nothing about the medium. I neither fear nor hope. I simply note results”. In this letter, Conan Doyle comments on a spiritualist experiment. “Had this gentleman and lady come with any credentials they would have been attended to more carefully‚ though I do not think they were met with any discourtesy. But do they‚ or you‚ imagine that strangers without credentials are allowed into the strong room of banks in order to open sealed packets? The whole experiment would be vitiated if it were so loosely conducted. Three witnesses and also the Bank Manager are in a position to testify that the cross was in the box. How could your friends’ testimony strengthen this? You say in your letter of Sir Oliver that your husband says I ‘fear failure’. I know nothing about the medium. I neither fear nor hope. I simply note results. I cannot broadcast this explanation as you have done your alleged grievance but you may do so if you wish.” Signed, “Yours faithfully, A. Conan Doyle.”

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the author of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes‚ and a champion of spiritualism. The 1920s were dominated for him by a world crusade to evangelize for spiritualism‚ resulting in most of his last books‚ including The Wanderings of a Spiritualist (1921) ‚ The History of Spiritualism (1926)‚ and Pheneas Speaks: Direct Spirit Communications in the Family Circle (1927).

$2100.00

DOYLE, ARTHUR CONAN (1859-1930). British physician and writer, best known for his detective stories centering on Sherlock Holmes. In his later years, he supported Spiritualism.

Autograph Letter Signed, 2 pages on one 8vo sheet of printed address stationery, Windlesham, Sussex, Dec. 8, n.y..

He writes about Spiritualism. “I have never heard from Robinson but that I have heard beyond all doubt from others. I made no special call upon Robinson and as a good many years have elapsed I would be more difficult to get him… On the other hand Robinson knew something about Spiritualism and that is a help. I should advise …to make an appointment with Mr. Vont Petero ( a true medium but a desperately nervous man)...My name should be mentioned. He wants delicate handling like every other sensitive instrument…He gave me some very remarkable tests….” He signs, “A. Conan Doyle.” In a postscript he adds, “I should like to hear the result….”

Doyle had become convinced that the dead could communicate with the living , and this is a fine letter on the controversial topic that occupied the prolific writer in his later years particularly after the death of his son. Robinson is, most probably Fletcher Robinson, a medium Doyle had first met in 1900.

$1650.00

ELIOT, GEORGE (1819-80). English novelist, best remembered for her Silas Marner, Middlemarch, and The Mill and the Floss. She became the center of Victorian intellectual and literary life.

Autograph Letter Signed, 4 pages , 8vo, on printed letterhead of “The Priory,” 21 North Bank, Regents Park, 21 November 1867.

A very good letter to her eventual biographer, Oscar Browning, discussing the philosophy of education and acknowledging receipt of an unidentified volume of poetry which "came last night…I have already dipped into [the Poems] with pleasant result. 'Mimnermus in Church' [by William Johnson Cory] I like especially. If Time were more elastic, or if I were strong enough to stretch it more, I should like to write you a long letter…But I must just emphasize my hatred, in common with yours, of negative destructive teaching given to the young. Superstition, of almost any sort, is better, & has more moral truth in it, than an attitude of contemptuous superiority to the hard-earned experience of other generations. The moral atmosphere, as you imply, is the first second and third requisite -- yet I cannot help thinking that higher beliefs may be gradually infused…I am sure that your practice has taught you more than I know of such matters…." Nicely signed with her married named, “M. E. Lewes.”

This is a fine letter discussing a poem and more importantly her views on education. It is not included in The George Eliot Letters edited by Gordon S. Haight (New Haven: 1955). In 1895, Browning edited an edition of Milton's Tractate on Education. Browning was also the author of numerous studies on educational theory, including An Introduction to the History of Educational Theories (1882), Aspects of Education -- A Study in the History of Pedagogy (1888) and The Science of Education: Its General Principles (preface, 1896). His Life of George Eliot was first published in London in 1890. A superb, most important letter.

$ 3850.00

ELUARD, PAUL. [Eugene Grindel] (1895-1952). French poet. Leader of the Surrealist movement.

Scarce and desirable Original 4to Photograph Signed, n.p, n.d. [ca. 1940].

A scarce Harcourt, Paris photograph of the famed writer during a transition period of his career, wearing a gray suit, white shirt and tie, peering slightly to the right. Signed in the upper right corner, “a Paul Dolonne, son ami, Paul Eluard.”

By 1940, Eluard had broken with the Surrealists, but became more active, writing poetry of political militancy. He became a member of the resistance, and later the Communist party. A scarce signed portrait.

$675.00

FAULKNER, WILLIAM (1897-1962). American novelist and poet whose works feature his native state of Mississippi. He was regarded as one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century and was awarded the 1949 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Four notes or fragments handwritten by Faulkner and one miscellaneous note written anonymously, on different size sheets of paper, n.p., n.d.

These intriguing notes come from his niece, Dean Faulkner Wells, who had inherited them at the author’s death. The first penciled is on a envelope, “Was all the love in the world…full payment is possible $10000000000000 love you, If you don’t spend this on something you want. I’ll kill you.” A second love note on verso of a receipt, “Best wishes on your holiday, dear lady. Do you know how much I love you?” Included are three additional scraps.

Anything written by Faulkner, is scarce and desirable and these scraps from the family archives ,especially so.

$3000.00

GAINES, Bill. American humorist and creator of Mad magazine and Tales from the Crypt.

Printed Document Signed, 8 separate pages legal folio, New York, January 4, 1973. #(5124)

An agreement to publish "Crypt of Terror No. 1" by East Coast Comix, Inc., comprising material that originally appeared in Tales from the Crypt No. 46 in exchange for royalties of 10% of the U.S. list price. Signed at the conclusion "William Gaines, Agent."

$450.00

GENLIS, STEPHANIE FELICITE, COMTESSE DE (1746-1830). Celebrated French novelist and educator. At the age of 16, she was married to the Comte de Genlis, who eventually was killed during the Revolution. In 1770, she was a lady-in-waiting to the Duchesse de Chartres, and 12 years later became governess to the future French King, Louis Phillipe; the Revolution drove her to Switzerland, but returned under Napoleon’s rule, received a pension, which continued under the restored Bourbon dynasty. She was a voluminous writer of moral tales, and comedies and is best known for her celebrated Mémoirs.

Autograph Letter Signed, in French, 8vo, Essex, England, August 8, 1810.

To Mrs. Chinnery. “One wants to see my note right away and one wants a few lines only. I received the charming verses, they elate me; what triumph, how I feel your happiness! How fair it is that the most enlightened, the best of mothers may also be the happiest, that you and I cannot talk of anything else…According to all, his talent has become incomparable, and his behavior is perfect. He adores you and I cherish you from the bottom of my heart.…. Farewell, perfect mother; I kiss the angel Caroline and your amazing and beloved George. Farewell, my friend, that I may be able to send you my latest work or, in the meantime my Rustic Home, which was decreed a teaching manual at the Imperial School at Ecouen …send all of this! Farewell my charming and dear friend. Do think of your faithful friend….” Signed, “Genlis, from time to time.”

Genlis, who wrote often of the period, wrote four volumes entitled, Theatre of Education and many romance novels and works in today’s category of self help books. Letters of de Genlis are scarce.

$775.00

GOETHE, JOHAN WOLFGANG VON (1749-1832) German poet. In his later years he was celebrated as a sage as well as a poet and is considered the presiding literary giant in Germany

Autograph Document Signed, in German, on an ornate 12mo sheet, Weimar, March 31, 1806.

Possibly to his wife, Christian Vulpius. "Four of the oak planks in the lower archives will be handed over to master Johles when showing this - or so. I don't know what kind of construction was going on then in the "unteren Archiv…." Boldly signed, “Goethe”.

Published in Weimarer Ausgabe (Nachträge) Nr. 5187a. Christian Vulpius, a member of his circle lived with Goethe from 1788 and married him in 1806. A splendid, and most attractive note penned late in life.

$4750.00

GRILLPARZER, FRANZ (1791-1872). Austrian dramatic poet, who was essentially a dramatist. His lyric poetry is in the intensity of its personal note, and the bitterness of his later years found expression in biting and stinging epigrams that spared few of his contemporaries.

Autograph Letter Signed, in German, 4to, Vienna, June 12, 1850.

“My friend Holtai [Karl, writer] told me to send you a few lines of my handwriting, probably with the idea of having an album as an autograph collection. Following his wish, I am enclosing a page and I take the liberty of sending you my respects, even though we never met.” Boldly signed, “Grillparzer”.

Grillparzer's brooding, unbalanced temperament, his lack of will-power, his pessimistic renunciation and the bitterness which his self-imposed martyrdom produced in him, made him peculiarly adapted to express the mood of Austria in the 1840’s. A scarce letter.

$1250.00

HAMMETT, SAMUEL DASHIELL (1894-1961). American detective writer from the “hard boiled school of detective fiction.”

Typed Letter Signed, 4to, Aleutians. April 6, 1945.

To Dear Pru [Prudence Whitfield]. “I’m glad the flowers made you happy. That’s what they are for. I’d forgotten about the purple Iris, which we have up here, irises not being equipped with snow-shovels. A radiogram…asking that I be sent up there, I haven’t heard anything officially yet, but I imagine it’ll go through without too much trouble.” Hammett then discusses his 45 day furlough. “I’ll probably spend a month in the east and a couple of weeks out in California…” He continues, “Of course the transfer- if it goes through- will be a kind of sock in the nose to the boss, at least temporarily, but one can’t have everything, or so people keep saying.” In conclusion, “Much love, Sweetheart, and I’m tickled to death that you have finally found an apartment..” Signed in pen, “SDH”.

Pru was Prudence Whitfield, wife of fellow crime writer, Raoul Whitfield. In 1944, Hammet published his The Adventures of Sam Spade, possibly the book he mentions in this letter. Hammett served three years during WWII in Alaska because he needed a break from career pressures. His health was also threatened by his tuberculosis and irrational drinking.

$1250.00

HAMMETT, DASHIELL (1894-1961). American writer. Drawing from his experience with the Pinkerton Detective Agency, he wrote sophisticated crime stories starring “hard-boiled” heroes Nick Charles and Sam Spade. The Maltese Falcon (1930) was originally serialized in the Black Mask.

Typed Letter Signed, 4to, Alaska, September 8, 1944.

Hammett was stationed in Alaska during World War II. Here he corresponded with his friend's wife, Prudence Whitfield. "This morning, because somebody's screwed up my records and I'm too far away from my outfit to straighten it out, I've been down taking the first of three more typhus shots. Shots never bother me and the small nuisance of having to walk into an infirmary … failed to spoil my disposition. … I shall probably — if I know myself — be throwing a lot of things away rather than wash them, which would leave me naked with winter coming on if I don't stock up with refills. (Do my domestic problems interest you?) …" Hammett then thanks "Pru" for the Dewey money. "My guess is that there isn't going to be much of it …." A nice gossipy letter signed, "much love, darling SDH."

What Hammett fails to tell Whitfield is more important than what he does reveal. His dual correspondence with Prudence Whitfield and the highly reputed writer Lillian Hellman, one the wife of fellow crime-drama writer Raoul Whitfield and the other his long-time companion, was kept secret from both parties. Hammett was both private and intense. The three years he served during WWII in Alaska were a needed break from the career pressures threatened by his tuberculosis and drinking.

$1,450.00

Typed Letter Signed, full-page 4to, the Aleutian Islands, March 1, 1945.

To "Pru Darling," one Prudence Whitfield, wife of fellow crime writer, Raoul Whitfield. "This isn't likely to run to any great length. It's fairly late in the morning and I didn't get to bed yesterday and my antique eyes are heavy. I waited up to hear FDR's speech and then Vilhjalmur Stefansson came in for awhile to talk the day had gone and I was still in an at least upright position." He compiles, with brevity, reasons for his lack of communication and continues to keep her hopeful. "Time's spinning past very rapidly again -- as it always does for me here on the island -- and I suppose I'd better stir my stumps if I want to get back to the States on furlough in April, which is what I now think I'd like to do. But right now I'm going to grab a quick bowl of soup and take off for hut and bunk. Love, sweetheart, and kisses" Signed, "SDH."

What Hammett fails to tell Whitfield, is more important that what he does reveal. His dual correspondence, one with Prudence, the wife of fellow crime drama writer, Raoul Whitfield, and the other with long-time companion, the reputed writer, Lillian Hellman, was kept secret from both parties. Hammett was both private and intense. The three years he served during WWII in Alaska were a needed break from the career pressures threatened by his tuberculosis and irrational drinking.

$1,750.00

HAMMETT, DASHIELL (1894-1961). American novelist and screenwriter. Drew from his experiences as a detective to write”The Maltese Falcon” and”The Thin Man”stories. The House Un-American Activities Committee investigated his political associations in 1951.

Typed Letter Signed, 4to, Aleutians, February 25, 1945

A warm letter to his mistress Pru [Prudence Whitfield]: "I know that I'm a louse for not having written ... and can only beg you to forgive me.... I've been revolving like a pinwheel. I'm still a little woozy, but ... It's nice being back in the old rut again with days like today. Up at three-thirty in the afternoon to shower and shave and make a conference at four. Through that in time for early chow at four-forty-five and to the office to read my mail and a kind of empty and foolish book about the Polish underground —”The Story of a Secret State”...." He continues on about his erratic habits, writing at three-thirty, and staying up until breakfast. " … There's no news about what I'll do next if anything, and I've not yet got around to asking about my furlough.... I hope you won't be worried by all this talk about 'merry-go-rounds,' 'pinwheels,' 'woozy' ... most of what's happened to me is by no means bad and some of it may be swell.... So, sweetheart, with much love and many kisses ... " he signs "S.D.H."

With hopes of experiencing combat, Hammett entered the service at age 48. After much teeth-pulling, he was sent to the Aleutian Islands as a corporal, but saw no action. He left the service September of that year, and in 1946, he became President of the Communist-supporting Civil Rights Congress.

One of a series of his wartime correspondences to the wife of Raoul Whitfield, a fellow writer for "Black Mask”. An excellent letter.

$1,750.00

HAWTHORNE, NATHANIEL (1804-64). American writer, also United States consul to Liverpool, England from 1853 to 1858.

Printed and Manuscript Document Signed, 2 pages folio, Liverpool, England, October 14, 1853.

This document acknowledges that the “Goods and Merchandise” aboard the ship “Arctic” from the port of New York “was actually delivered in this port from on board the said Ship or Vessel, within the time specified in the said certificate.” The document continues by stating that “I, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Consul to the United States of America, at the port of Liverpool, do declare that the facts set forth in the preceding Certificate...are deserving of the faith and credit….” Signed on the bottom of page one next to a blue wafer seal, “Nath. Hawthorne.”

A superb, and appealing document while he was in Liverpool working for the United States government. After Liverpool, he moved to Italy, then returned to London in 1859 and 1860, finally returning to Concord, Ma. Autograph material of Hawthorne is both scarce and desirable.

$1400.00

HEGEL, GEORGE WILHELM (1770-1831). German Idealist philosopher.

Autograph Letter Signed, in German, two pages 4to, Berlin, November, 3, 1830.

A lengthy, rare letter to Johann Martin Daniel Wohlfahrt, priest in Gehren, Uckermark, (1773-1837). This priest was looking for someone who had finished his exams and wanted to get a job as a house teacher. Hegel recommends Mr.Boos. “I am very grateful that you thought of me and showed me your benevolence in your kind writing of the 15th of last month. Following your wish, I looked around for a student who had just graduated and who was willing to assume a position as elementary teacher. Mr. Boos, who had been previously unknown to me, is said to be a bright and decent young man of flawless behavior and lively character, and he comes highly recommended. His sensible, respectable demeanor, lacking all pretense, confirmed this description to me. He believes himself up to the task of teaching music but no French. If I may say so, the expectations are significant compared to the salary. He will write to Your Honor himself, or has no doubt done so already. I hope that the situation will continue to develop to your and your patron's satisfaction and ask you to leave any further requests to me. With my respect to Your Honor's kindness….” Signed, “Your servant, Prof. Hegel.”

This letter is written in very bold ink, causing one small burn whole in the paper. It also has one clean tear in part of the text, but no text is missing. With integral address leaf. A superb and rare letter, written late in life when he was rector in a Berlin school. Here he is recommending a student and discusses the traits that would satisfy a Priest. Letters by Hegel are rare.

$4500.00

Hemingway dictates, the terms for the recording of his work

HEMINGWAY, ERNEST (1899-1961). American author and journalist. Among his works are A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea.

Typed Letter Signed, Finca Vigia, San Francisco di Paula, Cuba, 20 July 1952. 4to, on his usual thin paper,

To Barbara Cohen, co-founder of Caedmon Records, about the recording of his work for Caedmon. “Thank you for your letter which, due to registration, 1 did not receive until today. The phone connection was very poor here and 1 never could hear the name of your publishing house. Very stupidly 1 thought it was some Government agency. To be quite practical will you please tell me these things: What books has the Caedmon publishers published? Who are the officers and directors of the firm? What references will you give me? With your present distribution how many recordings can you expect to sell at $4.95? Is this recording an album or a double sided record? For your information if any recordings are made there can be no editing of the text. My books are not edited by my publishers and any excerpts from them to be read by me will not be edited or changed in content or in speech by anyone. I would only be interested in this proposition if you have mass distribution facilities and if the recordings were copyrighted in my name. If 1 were convinced that you had maximum distribution facilities and could give proper guarantees my terms for making a sixty minute recording such as you suggest would be an advance of $5000. (five thousand dollars) and a royalty of 16% on the retail price of the record or records to be paid semi-annually, 1 am afraid you mis-understood what I told you on the phone. It would be an arduous task for me to make these recordings, but 1 could make them as they should be made and without histrionics. Their value, commercially, is in direct proportion to the amount of books sold by the writer in question and the value of his name and his reputation. If you are not in position to give a writer a proper return for the work he has done in his life someone else will be. It is not a property to be disposed of lightly. We are quite capable here of recording anything that we wish and my wife or 1 can dispose of it as we wish. Please forgive any business-like tone in this letter and believe that high-pressure salesmanship should always expect a counter-attack. You are dealing with the disposal of a part of my life's work. 1 hope you did not think 1 would be so stupid as to give it to you to play with or to batten on.” Boldly signed, ”Very truly, Ernest Hemingway.” Hemingway then cryptically adds in his own hand, "Do you have any idea of the value of the property you are negotiating for? We have all seen parachutists before.”

Included with the letter are carbon copies of 3 letters (April 21.1952; July 16,1952; July 27.1952) sent to Hemingway by Caedmon Records, proposing the project, discussing various aspects of it, and offering him a $500 advance, plus a 10% royalty, far less than Hemingway was prepared to accept. An interesting detailed negotiation.

$7750.00

HEMINGWAY, ERNEST M. (1899-1961). American writer, awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1954. He is best remembered for novels include, The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, , and The Old Man and the Sea.

Early Autograph Letter Signed, 2 separate 8vo pages, Hotel Suizo, Santiago de Compostella, Spain, August 16, [1927]

This good letter is written to the editor, Harry Hansen. “Dear Mr. Hansen: I’m awfully sorry not to be in Paris - but why don’t you come down here? This is a long way the best town in Europe and I’ll try and see you had a good time. Come on down and bring Mr. Crowninshield’s beverage with you, but if you can’t will you write to this address? It’s really not so impracticable coming down here - you can get a train to Vigo - it’s only 2 hrs.