Lot 171
Melville, Herman (1819-1891) American novelist, essayist, and poet. ALS ("H Melville"), 1p, 7½" x 5", Pittsfield (Massachusetts), n.y. May 9 (Melville lived in Pittsfield between 1850-1863). Very fine. To G. P. Putnam, his publisher:
"Dear Sir--As it is short, and in time for you June number, Therefore--in case it suits you to publish--you may as well send me your check for it at once, at the rate of $5 per printed page. If it dont suit, I must beg you to trouble yourself so far, as to despatch it back to me, thro my brother, Allan Melville, No 14 Wall Street. Yours H Melville"
The letter is, in effect, signed twice because Melville writes his brother's name. An internal note from the publishing house, initialed "B", is at the top of Melville's letter. It says in part, "Melville wants the Ms. sent to his brother Allan. I have written to him, and I think you had better write to him….It will be the best one for the public and the Maga."
Melville's early novels (such as Typee and Omoo) brought him success. Most were based on his sea-faring experiences, and some were serialized before being printed as books. Moby Dick, now considered his masterpiece and one of the greatest literary works of all time, was not appreciated until after his death, and Billy Budd was not even published until 1924. Melville gave lectures to earn money and spent 19 years as customs inspector for the City of New York.
Estimated Value $9,500 - 11,000.
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| Realized $18,975 |
