ALS in English, one page, 11.25 x 7, personal folding airmail letterhead, June 18, 1959. Letter to John Goodwin in New York, in full (spelling and grammar retained): “Wishing this letter will reach you before your leaving New York, I like to tell you how I’m looking forwards to see you soon in my home town. In these few years I got marry, built new home and got a baby, but still I have sincere loyalty to everything and everybody from whom my youth was undoubtedly originated. As soon as you’ll arrive Marunouchi Hotel, I’ll touch you and like to invite you and your friend at dinner. Please let me know anything you like to see during the brief staying in Tokyo, I’m afraid, which might require sine preliminary arrangement.” He adds a brief postscript on one of the flaps: “P. S. Give my warmest feeling to Chris when you’ll see him on your way in California!” In fine condition.
Born in 1912, John Goodwin was a wealthy novelist, poet, painter, and world traveler who shared several acquaintances with Mishima—most notably the novelist Christopher Isherwood, likely the “Chris” mentioned in this letter’s postscript. Encouraging his friend’s visit to Tokyo, Mishima shares the news of his marriage and new baby, born just two weeks prior to this letter. Despite their happy marriage, widespread rumors of homosexuality plagued the author’s wife; extending such welcoming invitations to his numerous literary friends in the gay community, including Goodwin, only contributed to the gossip. A scarce and interesting letter touching on one of the key issues in the biography of this famously controversial writer. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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