Lot 141
Hemingway, Ernest (1899-1961) American author and sportsman; winner of the Nobel Prize for literature (1954). Typed Letter Signed "Papa," 2pp, 11 x 8½ in, Torcello (Italy), Nov. 12, 1948. Typed by Hemingway on Finca Vigia (Hemingway's home in Cuba) letterhead, to his friend Pete (screenwriter Peter Viertel, 1920-2007). A rambling, expletive-filled letter with stream-of-consciousness comments on current writers (Irwin, Wolfram, Miss Martha), the state of duck hunting in Italy, boxing, and how his being circumsized ("on my father's theory that you got the clap less that way….") hasn't caused anyone to think he was Jewish. He explains how to find his local hangout when Pete comes to Italy ("…someone…will recognize you if you present your one half of the enclosed stamp. The permanent password is Gloria En Excelsis and the answer is In the Pig's A.Hole." Signed vertically in pencil in the lower right margin of the second page, "Best always Papa." Minor toning, else fine. A wonderful letter that really gives the flavor of Hemingway.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
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| Realized $3,525 |
