Lot 969
Steinbeck, John. Autograph letter signed, 2pp (separate), 11 x 8¼", Rome, Jan. 9, 1963 [sic: 1962]. To Robert and Cynthia (Wallsten), in part: "…I've had to face many things these last few weeks of ceiling staring and one is my sin of pride. I have never before permitted myself the simple admission that there were things I could not do so only my will held out….I'm sure Elaine has told you of our adjusted plan and how we intend to settle in the sun on Capri for a time, then perhaps to Delphi for a time, and maybe the islands and then with the summer to go home and out to Long Island….The last section of Travels With Charley has been giving the publishers trouble. It deals with some rough things in the south. Of course, Holliday [sic] will clean it up and even then think they will get cancelled subscriptions. but Viking wants to keep it tough and still not be sued. And I have been so bloody weak that I just didn't give a dam[n]. It seems to me that everybody in America is scared of everything mostly before it happens. I finally sent word that what reputation I had was not based on timidity or on playing safe. And I hope that is over. What I wrote either happened or I am a liar and I am not a liar. And I know that truth is no defense against libel. But there is no way of being safe except by being completely unsafe. And in the succeeding months I don't think that being careful of my health is likely to improve it. Rather it will give me another sickness called self preservation. And that's our national sickness and I hate it….My pencil has wavered and my hand has been shaky. I know it doesn't matter a dam[n] whether I ever write another word but it matters to me. For I would be a gelatinous mess without that hope that one time something really and truly good would come of it…."
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
Mel Smith Collection, ex Herman Darvick Auction, 1990.
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| Realized $1,845 |
