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

Lot #590
George Bernard Shaw

On the copyright of letters “sold, not as literature, but as material relics of a modern saint”

This lot has closed

Estimate: $400+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

On the copyright of letters “sold, not as literature, but as material relics of a modern saint”

ALS signed “G. Bernard Shaw,” one page, 8 x 10, The Christian Science Monitor letterhead, December 16, 1925. Response at the bottom of a letter written to him concerning a question on the copyright of letters. In part: “The law on the subject is quite simple. This piece of paper belongs to me: you have sent it to me as a gift. But copyright does not pass without a consideration; therefore the copyright in what you have written on it remains yours. I may not publish or multiply copies of your letter; but if you forget what you wrote and wish to refresh your memory by reading it I can withhold it from you either absolutely or until you have paid me for allowing you to look at it. My property in the paper gives me this power. Now that I return you your gift of paper the position is reversed. It is yours again: you can refuse to let me see it. You can sell it or give it away or burn it. But you may not copy nor publish these lines. My letters are often sold. So are other manuscripts which have passed out of my hands. But they are sold, not as literature, but as material relics of a modern saint. I have never protested.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a transmittal letter forwarding Shaw’s response to an interested party. Provenance: The Everett Fisher Collection. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts
  • Dates: #473 - Ended April 13, 2016





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*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.