HENRY MILLER
Signed Photograph, 12mo original photograph, Big Sur, August 1949; plus TLS on 4to brown paper, n.p., n.d., with autograph letter on Miller's behalf by Emil White on Miller's 4to Big Sur stationery, Sept. 28, 1945.
Original black and white photo of Henry Miller inside, looking out of the top of a Dutch door. On verso signed, inscribed and dated by the writer, “For Stefan... from Henry Miller Big Sur 8/49.” A Typed Letter Signed, to “Dear Friend,” one page of browned paper with two repairs to vertical folds and three unrepaired tears, 4to, n.p. (Big Sur), n.d. Miller apologizes to his correspondent that he is no longer able to respond to mail about his books as he has no time to actually write these books any more. “I regret that I am unable to answer your letter myself... for years the letters from readers of my books were a sustaining note in my life... Of late... has become a burden....” He specifies, by writing about the book he is working on. “Since 1942, due to the pressures of other work, I have... put off the consummation of the one book which means more to me than any I have written thus far – THE ROSY CRUCIFIXION. I want the luxury of being able to concentrate on this work....” The Rosy Crucifixion consisted of three works, Sexus (1949), Plexus (1953) and Nexus (1959) and were all three published together by Grove Press in 1965. Miller introduces his friend, Emil White who would be answering letters for him. “Emil White, who has volunteered to answer my mail, is a close friend who lives nearby... He is doing this without compensation... Be kind to him!” Signed in full, with Emil’s address in Big Sur below. Emil White, (1926-99) artist and close friend of Henry Miller. The Autograph Letter Signed by Emil White, on Henry Miller personal Big Sur stationery with trapezoidal photo illustration of Miller at head, is to a bookseller named Mr. Lindmark, Sept. 28, 1945. White writes on behalf of Henry Miller who had entrusted his friend, Emil White, to act as his secretary. “Enclosed is a picture of Henry Miller, the only one he has at this time. Mr. Miller regrets he cannot do the “blurb” for your book store... As for B. Traven, he knows... little about him.... If you think you can get by the customs authorities, you may try to import his earlier books from... Obelisk Press... Paris....” In a P.S., written along the side margins, “Can you obtain for Mr. Miller the following books at reasonable prices: Knut Hamsun “Mysteries”; Jean Giono – “Joy of Man’s Desiring” and Duhamel...." White's letter is related in spirit but unrelated in date and inscription to MIller's signed photograph.
Condition: photograph shows some cracking in upper left corner but overall in good condition as is White's ALS, but Miller's TLS on brown paper has been backed on Mulberry paper due to a full tear across a horizontal fold and splits along vertical folds.
Item #2583
Price: $1,100.00