February 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, February 22nd, 5pm Pacific

J.D. Salinger Autograph Letter Signed -- ''...I missed you by inches, once...''

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/22/2018

J.D. Salinger autograph letter signed from November 1966. Composed on stationery from The Sherry-Netherland hotel in New York, Salinger writes to Joyce Miller, a friend who worked at ''The New Yorker'' in mid-century, during the time Salinger was publishing stories there and working on ''The Catcher in the Rye''. Letter is dated only ''Sunday Nov. 6'', but comes with the original envelope, hand-addressed by Salinger to Joyce, ''c/o The New Yorker'', which is postmarked 7 November 1966. Salinger reflects upon their missed encounter, beautifully showcasing his ability to turn the smallest phrase into something personal and vivid: ''Dear old Joyce - If this reaches you by the latest Thursday morning (if at all!), would you phone or leave word for me here? I'm the bearer of two shady-sounding messages, not to mention the fact that it would be fine to see you - I missed you by inches, once, at the magazine, when you were visiting friends. Many greetings, Joyce. / Jerry Salinger''. Interestingly, Salinger writes this letter two months after separating from his wife Claire. Two page letter on card-style stationery measures 5.25'' x 3.25''. Near fine condition. With two original Sherry-Netherland envelopes; one blank, and one addressed by Salinger for mailing.