Lot #565

Samuel L. Clemens

Description

Reference to his recent submission to a Boston literary magazine-one that would rile French novelist Paul Bourget

ALS signed “S. L. Clemens,” two pages, 4.5 x 7, November 30, 1894. Letter to General [Lloyd S.] Bryce. In full: “I am located here for the winter–with gout in both ankles; but it is passing away, after a three—weeks’ attack. I am glad you have got that article, & I wish I could write one on Joan of Arc, but through illness in my family & my own person I have now lost two solid months & am away [sic] behind—hand on my engagements. It will take me all the winter to catch up, I think. I don’t suppose I shall have a chance to do any extra work in all that time.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered toning and soiling, a bit heavier to lower blank portion of second page, missing lower left corner tip of second page, and slight show-through from a mounting remnant to top left. Bryce was editor and publisher of America’s first literary magazine, the Boston-based North American Review, when he received this letter from Clemens. Clemens was a frequent contributor to the publication, including one sent several weeks earlier entitled ‘What Paul Bourget Thinks of Us,’ in which a recent work by the French writer was criticized. In that submission, he wrote that ‘no foreigner can report [on America’s] interior—its soul, its life, its speech, its thought.’ A unique correspondence referencing an article that would raise the ire of the French. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
• Dates: #406 - Ended April 17, 2013

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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