Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #513
Thornton Wilder

Wilder's advice on first drafts—"Let go restraint, in sentimentality, rhetoric, good form,—you can clean them up later "

This lot has closed

Estimate: $200+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

Wilder's advice on first drafts—"Let go restraint, in sentimentality, rhetoric, good form,—you can clean them up later "

ALS signed “T.N.,” one page, 5.75 x 8.25, November 8, 1969. Written from Baden-Baden, a letter to author James Herlihy, in part: "Just a quick word to apologize for my silence. As we used to say in the Army when rebuked by an officer: 'No excuse, sir.' But I leave for Switzerland and more quiet waters tomorrow. I was delighted to read that you were prepared to get more 'fun' out of writing. Especially first draught should be free outrageous improvisation—let go restraint, in sentimentality, rhetoric, good form, —you can clean them up later but they will have contributed their vitality. Lots of young artists used to be brought to Gertrude Stein—hereafter known as St. Gertrude—with the whispered recommendation 'he (or she) is a very sensitive artist.'" In very good to fine condition, with creasing to the upper and lower right corners. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #580 - Ended April 08, 2020





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $30.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.