ALS, two pages, 5.25 x 6.75, no date. Steinbeck writes from Pacific Grove, California to Albert Rhys Williams. In part: “You know my wife and I want very much to go to Russia either next fall or the following spring. And it begins to look as though we can. I mean finances are looking up. In the light of our desire I wonder whether it might be possible to arrange Russian publication of some of my work. I have no way of knowing whether it would be of any interest to Russian readers but it occurred to me that you might know or might know some one who could render an opinion…. I don't think you know that the last book is being dramatized for New York production. These things have no emphasis except that they indicate some interest in my work…. I'm sending you a couple of books.” Rhys Williams, born in Boston in 1883, was a Socialist activist and scholar who traveled to Russia with John Reed following the 1917 Revolution and wrote a number of important historical works, including Through the Russian Revolution (1923). The stage production Steinbeck refers to is almost certainly Of Mice and Men, likely dating this letter to early 1937, the year in which he also made his first trip to Russia. In fine condition, with usual mailing fold, rusty paperclip impression and stain at upper left, and a few pencil underlinings. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
