Famed American photographer (1902–1984) best known for his monumental images of the western American landscape. Significant TLS, two pages, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, March 10, 1984. Adams writes a detailed response to collector Jerry Granat, who had earlier written regarding a letter by Adams published in the New York Times. In part: “I am fully aware of the intransigence of the Soviet Union. I would be the first to agree that they are dangerous, paranoid, and apparently opaque in many areas. However we should attempt to be objective and inquire how they arrived at this worrisome state of mind…. The situation is desperately dangerous. Any nuclear conflict would destroy the world as we know it. We are goading the tiger, and the tiger may, in desperation, hate and anger take desperate action…. We must have adequate defense, anything less would be suicidal. Offence [sic] is another matter; we have been on an offensive stance far too long…. We are now in a political pattern that is reminiscent of the Roman Expansion period—and you know what happened to that!… Reagan is living World War II days (before the Nuclear Bomb) and does not see beyond the conventional procedures involved with ordinary tools of destruction…. I honestly believe that if Reagan is returned to power that the world will be in tremendous danger, simply because he and his group have no wisdom or understanding of the impending catastrophe…. As a friend remarked: ‘Reagan is the only President could say what he does without blushing.’ After signing, Adams adds a typed postscript (signed “AA”) outlining “National problems which Reagan has not handled well”; he has initialed again at the top of the first page, beneath the typed notation, “This is not a form letter, but a personal communication.” Adams died just a month after writing the letter, on April 22. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and copies of Granat’s letter to Adams and Adams’ letter as published in the Times. Staple holes and a hint of toning to edges, otherwise fine condition. Certainly one of the most important Adams letters ever offered for sale! R&R COA. From the Jerry Granat collection.
