August 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2013
Joseph Heller typed letter signed, dated 28 June 1984 as he was recovering from Guillain-Barre syndrome. Heller writes to Professor James Nagel, who had just finished ''Critical Essays on Joseph Heller.'' Single page letter reads in full, ''Dear Jim: Thanks for the letter. I've asked the publisher to send you a copy of the bound galleys [of ''God Knows''] and it should be there when you return. I insist you send me a copy of the essays. To answer your questions: After my last mission, I waited around for a couple of months to be sent to the U.S. in January, then, from Atlantic City, I was shipped to the air base at San Angelo, Texas, where I waited around to be discharged, along with thousands of others who'd completed their missions and for whom there was no longer need elsewhere. Technically, I was employed in the Public Relations office, but I can't remember doing any work at all. Armoror's school took only about three or four months; again, after a month or two of waiting after qualifying, I was sent to the Santa Ana Army Air Base as an aviation cadet, then to training school as a bombardier. The mission you ask about never happened, and I've never heard of it--not the incident you mention. Hope you had a good time on your trip. The timing for the essays should be good. The new novel will be out in early October. Best, [signed] Joe''. Single page letter on Heller's personal stationery with his East Hampton address measures 5.75'' x 7.75''. With Heller's original mailing envelope. Fine condition.
''The mission you ask about never happened''
Click above for larger image.