Hemingway "awfully glad" Mitchell likes Old Man and the Sea so he doesn't have to get a job "with some Vice Ring... [or] on a gun-boat."
Legendary author and outdoorsman ERNEST HEMINGWAY. Autograph letter on lightweight onion skin paper signed to Joseph Mitchell (1908-1996). Sent from San Francisco de Paula, Cuba, and dated August 20th 1952. 1 page, 4to, Finca Vigia stationery, with original handwritten envelope also from Hemingway.
Hemingway thanks famous New Yorker writer Mitchell for his praise of Old Man and the Sea, engaging in some characteristic macho joshing.
"Dear Joe, Thanks very much for the letter, kid. I'm awfully glad you liked it. If you hadn't I don't know what the hell I would have done except get a job with some Vice Ring or apply for work as an under-writer at Bromfield's farm, the Malabar Boys on a gun-boat. Hope we win. Anyway it is ok with me now that you like it. Mary sends her very best. Hope you keep well and that we will get together in town in the months with R in them. It's been more than two years now." In a postscript below his signature, he adds: "Very sorry to hear about Mark Murphy."
Hemingway may have been more than a little sarcastic about the importance of Mitchell's opinion, but the bluster hid his great emotional investment in what he considered to be his masterwork. Hemingway adds "hope we win" seemingly hinting at the Pulitzer Prize win he would attain one year later for the novel.
Sale includes accompanying original LOA from the highly-respected PSA/DNA Authentication Services who have thoroughly examined the letter and certify its authenticity. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE.
Includes original envelope fully addressed in Hemingway's hand to Joseph Mitchell with original, vintage Cuban postage.
Letter measures appx 8.5" x 11" and is in fine shape overall with expected mailing folds and ink pooling, as shown.
Authentic Hemingway documents are relatively scarce, and seldom come to market. Don't miss your chance to add this legendary signature to your collection.
Own a remarkable, original piece of history! The perfect gift for the author, autograph enthusiast, or literary buff.
This letter sold originally at Christies June 12th, 2008 "Fine Books and Manuscripts" auction lot #201 for $10,625.
Sold as is, as shown.