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TLS signed “G. Bernard Shaw,” one page, 7 x 4.5, personal letterhead, dated June 12, 1925. In this letter, Nobel Prize-winning author George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) kindly refuses payment from McNaught’s Monthly magazine for a previously written article. (McNaught’s Monthly was one of the rare failed enterprises of media tycoon V.V. McNitt, lasting from 1924-1927.) In full, Shaw writes: “I am much obliged to you for offering me an honorarium of $50 on the occasion of your reprinting my article; but I must return it, as I make too much money out of my literary property in the United States to leave me an excuse for accepting gratuities. The article being in the public domain you are quite within your rights in using it. – Thank you all the same”. A bisecting vertical fold affects a small portion of the middle name in the signature, and a paperclip impression is present at the top edge; a few modest wrinkles are also evident, yet the piece exhibits fine condition. Ironically, in addressing the letter, Shaw notes Mr. McNitt as “V.V. McNitt Esq,” which makes curious Shaw’s statement to Mr. McNitt, who was apparently an attorney, that his magazine could benefit from the prevailing copyright law—that is, Shaw mentioned, “The article being in the public domain you are quite within your rights in using it.” RRAuction COA.
