Lot 123
Steinbeck, John -- TLS Referencing Release Date of "The Grapes of Wrath" Store (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."
Typed letter signed, one page, 11 x 8½" (April 1939). Continuing a year long working and friendly relationship with Zena Holman of the historic Holman Department Store in Pacific Grove, CA. She has clearly written him regarding the release of "The Grapes of Wrath" on April 5, 1939 after it was scheduled for release on the 14th by Viking. Evidently bookstores began selling them earlier and she has written him directly to ask if she can. Steinbeck writes: "I don't know why they have these release dates which no one keeps anyway. Apparently this book is being sold all over the state. And if one store does it I can't see any reason for others not to." She must have inquired about a pamphlet she saw in San Francisco that was being sold. "I did not know that was being sold or anything about it except that a few were sent me by Viking." He includes the pamphlet with this letter; it is titled "Personal and Bibliographical Notes" by Lewis Gannett, published by Viking in 1939, 14 pp and is clearly a promotional piece for "The Grapes of Wrath." The pamphlet was folded in half once to fit in a business size envelope. While archived the booklet has flattened nicely, with the crease barely visible; it sells for $25 to $35 today. With original transmittal envelope of letter. Estimated Value $750 - UP
The W. R. Holman Collection, Pacific Grove.
|
| |
| Realized $240 |
