Lot #669

Margaret Mitchell

Description

Exceptional 1937 letter and press clippings on a Danish artist’s interpretations of Gone With the Wind

TLS signed “Margaret Mitchell Marsh,” one page, 7 x 11, personal letterhead, November 2, 1937. Letter to Danish cartoonist and illustrator Axel Mathiesen. In part: “I am enclosing clippings from the Atlanta newspapers which I promised to send you. I think they reproduced very well. I wish it were possible for me to convey to you the interest these illustrations have aroused here in Atlanta…I had lent copies of the illustrations (which Mr. Hasselbalch sent me) to our large Library and to the Atlanta Historical Society…crowds of people have come to see them. Already, other organizations have begged the Library and Historical society for the loan of the illustrations…I am delighted that Atlanta people agree with me as to the excellence of your drawings.” Also includes the clippings referenced, totaling 12 pieces, as well as a translation of Mitchell's letter on Mathiesen's personal letterhead, and a retained copy of his response to Mitchell, expressing excitement over the reception of his work in America. In fine condition, with mild foxing and a couple of creases and tiny edge tears to letter. Denmark became the third country to receive a foreign language edition of Gone With the Wind, released by Copenhagen publisher Steen Hasselbalch with illustrations by Mathiesen. It was initially published in the fall of 1937 with a print run of 10,000 copies and sold out in a mere eleven days; by the next year, 90,000 copies had been sold, making 'Borte med Blaesten' one of the most successful Danish books to have ever been published. A remarkable letter discussing the reception of Gone With the Wind at home and abroad, enhanced by the inclusion of the enclosures mentioned—clipped by the author herself. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
• Dates: #426 - Ended April 16, 2014

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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