Lot 972
Steinbeck, John. Typed letter signed, 1½pp (two separate pages), 11 x 8¼", on personal letterhead, New York City, April 13, 1955. To Stuart Hample (1926-2010), an American children's book author, performer, playwright and cartoonist, who had written to Steinbeck suggesting that he write "the life and times of Al Capp." Steinbeck responds humorously: "…A sublime suggestion, but one that is mystically and mysteriously impossible. To me Al Capp is a nature myth. I don't believe he exists and any evidence to the contrary might drive me mad….Were I to ask him direct questions about his own past, he would lie, just as I would. As a matter of fact, while we're on the subject, why doesn't he write a book about me? Anything which I could write about Al Capp would be highly actionable and I don't want to be sued right at this point. I know that he has denied that he got his start as a cat burglar; that he has absolutely denied that he was the protagonist in THE SUN ALSO RISES, and suffered a war wound of an unmentionable nature and hence has lived a monastic life…." Steinbeck continues in this vein and ends with, "Thank you anyway for thinking of me and if you ever see the little man give him my love and tell him I've got some great ideas for Lil Abner." Fine condition.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
Mel Smith Collection, ex David Schulson Autographs, 1989.
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| Realized $984 |
