American writer Gertrude Stein (1874–1946) is best known for her novels, poetry, and opera libretti marked a distinctive, playfully experimental, sometimes nonsensical use of language. Stein, together with her lover and longtime companion Alice B. Toklas (1877–1967), spent most of their adult lives as expatriates in France. An invitation to their legendary Paris salon became the de rigeur stamp of approval for up-and-coming artists and writers of the so-called Lost Generation (a phrase coined by Stein), including such luminaries-to-be as Ernest Hemingway, Thornton Wilder, Sherwood Anderson, Ezra Pound, and Henri Matisse. Scarce and charming ALS, one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, on her 27 Rue de Fleurus letterhead, no date. Stein writes to Miss Bins[?]. In full: “And the hosts are charmed too. Thanks so much we think very highly of the Midford taste in flowers. I do hope you are better because it is really cooler. Will you dine with us Monday evening at seven. Golly its getting hot again.” In fine condition, with faint crease to one corner, otherwise fine, bright condition. Beautifully penned! R&R COA.
