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Sale 82
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Lot 968
Steinbeck, John (1902-1968) American novelist whose books gave expression to the social and economic tensions of the time. He won the Pulitzer Prize for The Grapes of Wrath (1939) and the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962. Autograph letter signed ("John"), 2pp (separate), Hotel de la Ville, Via Sistina, Rome, Dec. 20, 21, 1961. To "Dear Wallsts' [Robert & Cynthia Wallsten]" with personal and literary content. In part: "And a very merry Christmas to you….In recent times, too much space has been taken up with 'my health'." Let's forget it….I intend to ignore it….Seems like everything I have done this year has been late - even jokes. The illness was not really an illness and yet it was…It may be that I will find it impossible to continue at some later date. However, the gains are so great and the rewards even greater that I cannot discontinue right now. The boys are growing by leaps. And I think their understanding is also….I find myself going back to Ecclesiastes…--the lines 'a time to' ….we seem to put too much value on the qualitative in livin when the true span should be qualitative. This is a very private letter. I must tell you that next February I shall have had sixty years with more joy and more sorrow than is given to most people. I am a fortunate one. I have never been bored and I have always been curious. Therefore I cannot find any reason to complain. No one has ever had more love given nor taken than I….I have whomped a small talent into a large volume of work. And now I see the boys making such strides I am filled with wonder. With the very large help of Elaine [Steinbeck's wife] and Terrence [McNally, who would go on to be a renowned playwright and winner of the 1995 Tony for Best Play for "Master Class"] they are developing that hungry curiosity without which the human is worthless. They are gobbling up knowledge they cannever lose and they are beginning to love it for itself. Beginning, I say - but that beginning is the best Christmas present a father could have…." Written in blue ink, except for six lines in green ink. Small lightly stained area, not affecting legibility, else fine. Holograph envelope has Steinbeck's full signature on verso in return address.
Accompanied by a photo from the Steinbeck's 1961 trip to Europe; pictured on the S.S. Rotterdam are John and Elaine Steinbeck, their two sons, John and Thom, and tutor Terrence McNally, who was fresh out of college. Also included is correspondence between Elaine Steinbeck and collector Mel Smith, who wrote to Mrs. Steinbeck to ask for a copy of the photo: one letter, a notecard, and two postcards which Mrs. Steinbeck wrote to Mr. Smith, as well as a copy of his letter to her. All fine.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
Mel Smith Collection, ex Herman Darvick Auction, 1990.
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