American author and journalist (1871–1900) best known for his novels Maggie: A Girl of the Streets and The Red Badge of Courage. Crane served as a war correspondent in Cuba and Greece, an experience he drew on when crafting his famous short story “The Open Boat.” After taking up residence in Europe, Crane died of tuberculosis in Germany at the age of 28. Very rare ALS, one page trimmed to 4.5 x 6, no date. Crane arranges a meeting, most likely with Daniel Greenleaf Thompson, Secretary of the Author’s Club. In full: “33 East 22d. Dear Mr. Thompson: I am to be in the city now for some time. Won’t you come in—say—Tuesday morning at 11 o’k. Yours sincerely, Stephen Crane.” While in New York City, where he gathered much source material for his evocative portraits of the underclass, Crane moved often in a series of rooming houses, frequently returning again to an address which he had previously occupied. At the time he wrote the present letter, Crane lived at 33 East 22nd Street, his address during two separate periods in 1894 and again in March 1896. The letter appears to be from early March 1896; the addressee, Mr. Thompson, is likely Daniel Greenleaf Thompson, secretary of the Author's Club. Light uniform block of toning from previous matting, otherwise fine condition. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell remarks that “autograph material of Stephen Crane … is extremely rare, and anything in his hand is nearly unobtainable.” A true treasure from this most elusive of American literary figures! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
