August 2023 Auction Ends Thursday, August 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2023
Ernest Hemingway autograph letter signed, undated but likely March 1939 according to pencil note on first page. Written to his attorney Maurice Speiser on Hotel Ambos Mundos stationery in Havana, Cuba, Hemingway writes,
''Dear Moe: / I hunted all through my papers for the Al Woods-Stallings contract but could not find it. But Howard Rheinheimer--Stallings' lawyer--of N.Y.C. drew it up and he would certainly have a copy.'' Woods and Stallings were the producer and writer, respectively, for the 1930 play ''A Farewell to Arms''. Hemingway continues,
''About the Have and Not price, I would take 12,500. As matter of fact, would take 10 cash due to the censorship angle. / Am working well. / Wrote Barney a letter he may have shown you. No need to elaborate on it. If he has not shown it to you ask him to please. I sent him the letter air-mail on either Feb 17 or 18th from here. / Best luck always / Ernie''. Hemingway refers to the successful Detroit censorship of ''To Have and Have Not''. The novel was censored for its use of foul language, triggered by Hemingway's desire for realism in literature and his commitment to the ''full use of the language.'' The legal battle with the city must have spooked him however, as revealed in this letter.
Two page letter on two separate sheets, each measuring 6.25'' x 10'', composed in pencil. Staple puncture at upper left, Folds affecting beginning of signature and minor discoloration to first page. Very good to near fine condition.
Ernest Hemingway Autograph Letter Signed on ''To Have and Have Not'' -- ''...About the Have and Not price, I would take 12,500. As matter of fact, would take 10 cash due to the censorship angle...''
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