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Lou Henry Hoover – LS, October 8, 1929, one page on White House letterhead with envelope. She thanks famed harpsichordist Lewis Richards for a performance at the White House the night before. Apparently, all energy was focused on the financial crisis rather than socializing. A somewhat apologetic Hoover extends an apology that the guests of honor were so tired … “Otherwise, we should all have loved more of the harpsicord.”
Wonderful content with strong association, reflecting not only the stressful times but Lou Hoover’s interest in musicales at the White House and her interest in American musicians such as Richards.
The letter and signature are in excellent condition with a strong signature.
[#6580]
Harry Truman – LS, as vice-president, February 27, 1945. In a chatty letter to his close friend Eddie McKim, Truman confesses to a mistake with one of the most famous photos of Truman’s life. “When I see you I will tell you just how the gal picture happened. They will never get a chance to take another one. I knew it was wrong when it happened.”
Truman had been vice president for less than a month when he appeared at the Washington Press Club for a tribute to veterans. Truman was more than happy to do his part by playing the piano for hundreds of servicemen. In an unscripted moment, at least for Truman, the young actress Lauren Bacall was planted on top of the piano. Photographers quickly snapped photos of the starlet’s bare legs dangling in front of smiling vice president tickling the ivory.
When the photo appeared in all the papers, Truman had a very unhappy wife on his hands. In a rare reference to the incident and an even rarer admission of a mistake, Truman hinted at a being set-up. Bacall was such a little-known star, Truman seems not to have even known her name, referring to her obliquely as “the gal.” She would become more famous three months later when she married Humphrey Bogart. Of course, he would become more famous himself in less than two months when he became president.
Truman signs the letter “Harry” and adds a holograph postscript “My best to Mary & the kids”. The letter shows age toning, but the ink is strong and clear. The reference to one of his most famous and embarrassing moments makes this one of Truman’s best vice- presidential letters, indeed an outstanding Truman letter of any period.
#6450
Herman Wouk – Pulitzer Prize winning novelist. Signed letter, September 19, 1980, on BSW Literary Agency letterhead. Demonstrating his generosity with autograph collectors and connection with veterans, Wouk sends Ron Fisher at the New York Veterans Administration signed “sheets” of the Caine Mutiny “for you and your friends.” The sheets are not present. He also invited Fischer to read an upcoming article on “the present military situation” and offer any reaction. The letter is in mint, unfolded condition, with an attractive blue-ink full signature “Herman Wouk.” It has nice association to one of his most famous novels, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize and fame. The novel was adapted to both a Broadway play and a movie, starring Humphrey Bogart
#6536
Edward, Duke of Windsor – a spectacular signed excerpt from his address to the British people announcing his abdication as King Edward VIII. The excerpt of his December 11, 1936 address includes one of the most remarkable lines of the 20th Century, indeed in all Royal history: “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.”
The 8 x 11 plain sheet has the typewritten title King Edward VIII, below a line intended for signing. No longer able to sign as the ruling “Edward R.I.” the former monarch respectfully signed to the side, with his later title “Eward Duke of Windsor.” Edward and Wallis Simpson were somewhat accommodating to friends seeking an autograph. He considered his abdication an act of honor and personal courage, yet he seldom signed copies of the Instrument of Abdication or excerpts from his radio address.
This is a wonderful example with what looks like a small blue ink stain on the back showing through below the typed title but away from the signature. It is encased in a plastic slab with an authentication label by PS/DNA. These slabs can be broken open and the documents safely removed. It is accompanied with an 8 x 10 press photo of the Duke and Duchess on their Wedding Day.
[#6400]
The American Orator, With An Appendix …. – Lewis C. Munn, fourth edition,1855, Worcester self-published, printed by Stacy and Richardson, Boston. 446 pp, red cloth cover darkened to a brown color. This anthology of speeches and writings is a hidden gem for autograph collectors. The selected works of “American eloquence” lean heavily into political and patriotic topics, all forgotten or easily found in other books and of course the internet. The Appendix of 38 pages includes excellent facsimiles of hundreds of early signatures from the collection of Charles Morse. (A complete fourth edition includes 46 pages of facsimiles. This copy is missing the last 8 pages.) An additional appendix includes a transcript of the Declaration with facsimiles signatures of the Signers as they appeared on the document.
For autograph collectors, this is one of the first American publications, may be the first, reproduction of an autograph collection in facsimile. It is a wonderful example of early collecting with hundreds of strong facsimiles running back to some Mayflower passengers.
[#6326]