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Lot #421
Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s favorite literary works: “All of Jane Austen, of course!”

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Estimate: $1500+
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Description

Harper Lee’s favorite literary works: “All of Jane Austen, of course!”

ALS, one page, 8.5 x 11, May 13, 1997. Letter to Phil and Michelle Thooft, in full: “Your charming and most original gift went straight to my heart, as did the first one, and the picture that came with it is a delight! Thank you! I’m sort of in the same boat as you; I so seldom read current fiction that I’m ashamed to admit it, for I should if only to keep up with what’s going on. However, I’ve found the poverty of language in so many of today’s novels so extreme that I’m content to lapse into old fogeydom with a few tried and true classics: All of Jane Austen, of course! Thackeray’s Vanity Fair and Henry Esmond. Jane Eyre (’Reader, I married him!) And if you want pure delight, Anthony Trollope’s Barchester novels and the Palliser novels, I never tire of them—you’d think they were written in this century instead of in the last. By all means, read them to each other. If you get through the Palliser novels you will be old and gray and I in my grave, but you’ll never have better reason to remember.” Lee adds a short postscript, “When I’ve really thought about them, I’ll give you a break and send you a list of fun books!” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Lee’s own hand. Rife with personality, this letter offers substantial insight into several of Lee’s major literary influences. A wonderful letter from the typically reclusive scribe. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts
  • Dates: #491 - Ended January 11, 2017





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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