September 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, September 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2022
Edgar Allan Poe autograph letter signed, with dramatic content regarding his famous feud with poet and playwright Thomas Dunn English. Poe writes to John Bisco, publisher of the defunct ''Broadway Journal'', which Poe had once edited. Poe asks Bisco to call upon an attorney in relation to ''attacks made upon me'' by Mr. English. This is the first time since 1941, when it was sold by Parke-Bernet, that this letter has been at auction.
Although the public feuding between Poe and English was not new - with both men trading veiled barbs in various publications over the years, English raised the stakes when he wrote a letter published in the 23 June 1846 edition of the ''New York Evening Mirror.'' Not only did English accuse Poe by name of being a forger, drunk, deadbeat, and scoundrel for besmirching a lady's honor, but also, perhaps most unforgivable, a serial plagiarist. Poe likely got advance notice of the article as this letter is dated 17 July 1846, only six days before the publication. However, although Poe couldn't stop the article from running, he was successful in suing the ''Mirror'' for libel, collecting $225.06 in damages a year later, likely more than Poe made during his lifetime from writing. Letter reads,
''My Dear Mr. Bisco / You will confer a very great favor on me by stepping in, when you have leisure, at the office of E.L. Fancher, Attorney-at-Law, 33 John St. Please mention to him that I requested you to call in relation to Mr. English. He will, also, show you my Reply to some attacks lately made upon me by this gentleman. / Cordially yours. / Poe''.
Single page letter on pale blue stationery measures 7.875'' x 7'', framed with a CDV of Poe to a size of 21.25'' x 16''. Not examined out of frame. Folds, tape repair, faint discoloration and small areas of paper missing along edges. Irregular lower border. Overall in very good condition with bold handwriting and excellent legibility. A scarce letter by Poe with excellent association, backed by an intriguing story worthy of the famous author. With provenance from the 19th Century Shop, and exhibition history at The Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia.
Important Edgar Allan Poe Autograph Letter Signed, Regarding His Famous Feud with Poet Thomas Dunn English -- ''...in relation to Mr. English...some attacks lately made upon me by this gentleman...''
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