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Sale 118
Lot 121
Steinbeck, John -- Outstanding Content 1948 ALS Addressing Zena Holman's Request ro Read a Manuscript She Wrote (1902-1968) Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winning American author who authored 33 books and is considered one of the greatest novelists of the 20th Century. Some of his best-known works are "The Grapes of Wrath", "Tortilla Flats", "Cannery Row", "Of Mice and Men" and "East of Eden."
Autograph letter written and signed in pencil, 2pp. 14 x 11", Wednesday Sept. 1948. Original transmittal envelope included; Steinbeck also signed his name at upper left in return address. To Zena Holman, wife of Wilfred Rensselar Holman of the historic Holman's Department Store in Pacific Grove, CA, who was very active in the management of the store and who, through a letter of recommendation by John Steinbeck for his friend and published illustrator, Ritchie Lovejoy, became friends with the acclaimed writer. Written by Steinbeck ten years after their first correspondence and after the release of eight of his novels, including "The Grapes of Wrath" "Cannery Row and "The Pearl". With that knowledge, Zena Holman sent Mr. Steinbeck a manuscript she had written, asking for his "input". His response is a combination of gentle suggestion, candid advice and some amusement.
The letter begins with Steinbeck apologizing for the delay and saying that by the charges on his account at Holman's she should note he has been doing "cottage improvements" (a bit of hubris that Holman would be aware of every charge) and that the open windows, due to paint smells, caused him a bad cold. In response to the manuscript: "Surely I will read your manuscript but against the advice of agents and publishers. The reasons professional writers will not read manuscripts are these and neither has anything to do with you.- or maybe the second has a little. It is a common practice for certain people (I am convinced they are groups) to reach out to established writers." Steinbeck then explains that plagiarism lawsuits happen with the correspondence creating a paper trail then quickly adds "this does not apply to you."
Further into the letter Steinbeck addresses a slippery slope: "Now the only effect of criticism of unpublished work is destructive because through that, changes are indicated. But this kind of creative criticism is usually detested." He continues, "I said there were two but there are four reasons a friend and or acquaintance is incapable of good criticism since his judgment is warped by association. A thing should stand on its own. I would never think of showing work to some one I know or who knew me before it was published….there is no writer who is any good as a critic."
He then closes frankly speaking on a number of issues regarding her request he writes, "If in the light of things you still want me to read your book, I will but the advantage to you will be practically non-existent. I don't know what publishers will buy. Neither do they. Writing is a trade and a craft like plumbing or printing or merchandising." (A kind nod to Holman's expertise.) "The possibility of your first book being good is very remote just as the possibility of opening a new store without training is remote. I'm writing this all to show you that this craft never gets easy and you never get used to it."
Steinbeck closes with "This sounds like a lecture and I suppose it is. But I value the friendship of your family very highly. If you insist I will read the book if you want me to in light of what I have said. My head is reeling from the fever………following the chills. I shall hope to see you soon." Fine condition. Estimated Value $2,500 - UP
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