Legendary GREAT GATSBY author, novelist and short story writer, F. SCOTT FITZGERALD incredibly scarce typewritten letter signed discussing his early writing influences, and matted in a handsome, oversized display.
Widely considered one of the greatest authors of the 20th century, Fitzgerald is also among the scarcest and most highly sought after literary autographs, having died at the relatively young age of just 44 years old.
In a two page letter from his Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD residence, the noted GATSBY author writes,
"The first help I ever had in writing in my life was from my father who read an utterly imitative Sherlock Holmes story of mine and pretended to like it.
But after that I received the most invaluable aid from one Mr. C.N.B Wheeler then headmaster of the St. Paul Academy now the St. Paul Country Day School in St. Paul, Minnesota. 2. From Mr. Hume, then co-headmaster of the Canterbury School. 3. From Courtland Van Winkle in freshman year at Princeton -- now professor of literature at Yale (he gave us the book of Job to read and I don't think any of our preceptorial group ever quite recovered from it.) After that comes a lapse. Most of the professors seemed to me old and uninspired, or perhaps it was just that I was getting underway in my own field.
I think this answers your question. This is also my permission to make full use of it with or without my name. Sorry I am unable from circumstance of time and pressure to go into it further.
Sincerely,
F. Scott Fitzgerald"
Sale includes accompanying original LOA from the highly-respected PSA/DNA Authentication Services who have thoroughly examined the letter and certify its authenticity. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE.
Fitzgerald added a few hand corrections in ink throughout the letter. 2pp. letter on 2 sheets of plain stationery, measuring 8.5'' x 11", attractively custom framed and matted alongside a photo of Fitzgerald to an overall size of 17.5" x 32''. Light toning, creasing and paperclip imprint to letter, else near fine.
Authentic Fitzgerald documents are relatively scarce, and seldom come to market. Don't miss your chance to add this legendary signature to your library or collection.
Own a remarkable, original piece of Literary history! The perfect gift for the author, autograph enthusiast, or literary buff.
This letter originally sold at Nate D. Sanders Auction on June 27th, 2013 for $13,045.
Sold as is, as shown.