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STEINBECK ON HEMINGWAY'S PLANE CRASH. Autograph Letter Signed ("John") to his sister Mary discussing the news that Hemingway's plane is down, 2 pp recto and verso, on three-hole foolscap, 4to, Caneel Bay V.I. / St John, January 26, 1954, image 1
STEINBECK ON HEMINGWAY'S PLANE CRASH. Autograph Letter Signed ("John") to his sister Mary discussing the news that Hemingway's plane is down, 2 pp recto and verso, on three-hole foolscap, 4to, Caneel Bay V.I. / St John, January 26, 1954, image 2
Lot 76

STEINBECK ON HEMINGWAY'S PLANE CRASH.
Autograph Letter Signed ("John") to his sister Mary discussing the news that Hemingway's plane is down, 2 pp recto and verso, on three-hole foolscap, 4to, Caneel Bay V.I. / St John, January 26, 1954,

25 October 2023, 14:00 EDT
New York

Sold for US$4,864 inc. premium

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STEINBECK ON HEMINGWAY'S PLANE CRASH.

Autograph Letter Signed ("John") to his sister Mary discussing the news that Hemingway's plane is down, 2 pp recto and verso, on three-hole foolscap, 4to, Caneel Bay V.I. / St John, January 26, 1954, with original autograph transmittal envelope, leaf creased and toned, mild spotting, envelope stained.

"WE HAVE WORD THAT HEMINGWAY'S PLANE IS DOWN ... I BET HE IS ALIVE. I JUST FEEL THAT HE IS."

In what is a warm and affectionate letter written from a relaxing vacation in the Virgin Islands, Steinbeck writes in the space between the news of Ernest Hemingway disappearing in a plane crash in Africa and his safe reappearance not long after. In part: "We have word that Hemingway's plane is down. I hope to goodness that he is safe. Should be some word tonight. I just feel lousy about it but I can't believe he is dead. I bet he is alive. I just feel that he is." Steinbeck's words were prophetic, as Hemingway survived not one but two crashes in Africa in January of 1954.

The rest of the letter lays out a generous invitation for sister Mary to use John's apartment later in the year: "... if you haven't seen a New York spring and summer, you have a treat ... We just want you to know that there is no obligation of any kind. Every thing is insured and there is absolutely no responsibility. The beds are comfortable and the kitchen works. You can dig in the garden if your thumbs feel green or not if they don't. It is probably the best theatrical season in years."

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