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![STEINBECK ON HIS DISCOVERY OF MALORY AND READING. STEINBECK, JOHN. 1902-1968. Autograph Letter Signed ("John"), to his sister regarding his King Arthur project and the importance of Malory in his youth, 4 pp recto and verso, legal folio, on yellow foolscap, [New York], January 18, 1957, image 1](/_next/image.jpg?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg2.bonhams.com%2Fimage%3Fsrc%3DImages%2Flive%2F2023-09%2F13%2F25339857-109-2.jpg&w=2400&q=75)
![STEINBECK ON HIS DISCOVERY OF MALORY AND READING. STEINBECK, JOHN. 1902-1968. Autograph Letter Signed ("John"), to his sister regarding his King Arthur project and the importance of Malory in his youth, 4 pp recto and verso, legal folio, on yellow foolscap, [New York], January 18, 1957, image 2](/_next/image.jpg?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg2.bonhams.com%2Fimage%3Fsrc%3DImages%2Flive%2F2023-09%2F13%2F25339857-109-1.jpg&w=2400&q=75)
Lot 82
STEINBECK ON HIS DISCOVERY OF MALORY AND READING. STEINBECK, JOHN. 1902-1968. Autograph Letter Signed ("John"), to his sister regarding his King Arthur project and the importance of Malory in his youth, 4 pp recto and verso, legal folio, on yellow foolscap, [New York], January 18, 1957,
25 October 2023, 14:00 EDT
New YorkSold for US$5,760 inc. premium
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STEINBECK ON HIS DISCOVERY OF MALORY AND READING.
STEINBECK, JOHN. 1902-1968. Autograph Letter Signed ("John"), to his sister regarding his King Arthur project and the importance of Malory in his youth, 4 pp recto and verso, legal folio, on yellow foolscap, [New York], January 18, 1957, with original autograph transmittal envelope, corners bumped, leaves creased and toned, light staining to envelope.
"Arthur was the first book that was really mine. Aunt Molly gave it to me when I was about ten. It was called The Boy's King Arthur and it was in middle English and I loved it. It was a red brown book. Do you know where it is?"
In this warm, chatty letter to his sister, Steinbeck opens with anticipation over their upcoming trip to Europe: "It won't be long now, will it. I'm beginning to get that breathless excitement I have never lost in anticipation of a trip. I remember it first—going to S.F. Couldn't sleep for several nights before. Still can't and I'm not a bit ashamed of it. Any way, we'll have fun."
Steinbeck turns to a discussion of his current work, his translation of Malory: "I'm working on a long project that is taking an enormous amount of research and enjoying it. It is a long time since I have done directed and disciplined reading and I love it." He continues a few pages later: "I love the work I am doing, a modern rendering of the Malory Morte d'Arthur and if I do it well Elizabeth says my grand [?] will be eating on it. There hasn't been any edition for 70 years and there has never been a good and faithful translation. I'm having fun in the Morgan Library with their great manuscripts and in England will go to associate with the Winchester mss which was only discovered in 1936. I'm going to take time with this and try to do a really remarkable job. Arthur was the first book that was really mine. Aunt Molly gave it to me when I was about ten. It was called The Boy's King Arthur and it was in middle English and I loved it. It was a red brown book. Do you know where it is? Do you think it might be in Esther's ware house? I think I'lll ask her to look. I would really love to have it again if it isn't thrown out."
John, Elaine and Mary traveled by steamship to Europe in March of 1957, beginning in Naples, Florence, and Rome before traveling (without Mary) to Stockholm and later England for Steinbeck to pursue his Malory studies. The Arthur project would engage him for many years, and he always thought of it as Mary's as well, but for some reason he was unable to complete it. However, after his death Elaine would follow through with its publication in 1976. See lots 83, 84, and 88.
"Arthur was the first book that was really mine. Aunt Molly gave it to me when I was about ten. It was called The Boy's King Arthur and it was in middle English and I loved it. It was a red brown book. Do you know where it is?"
In this warm, chatty letter to his sister, Steinbeck opens with anticipation over their upcoming trip to Europe: "It won't be long now, will it. I'm beginning to get that breathless excitement I have never lost in anticipation of a trip. I remember it first—going to S.F. Couldn't sleep for several nights before. Still can't and I'm not a bit ashamed of it. Any way, we'll have fun."
Steinbeck turns to a discussion of his current work, his translation of Malory: "I'm working on a long project that is taking an enormous amount of research and enjoying it. It is a long time since I have done directed and disciplined reading and I love it." He continues a few pages later: "I love the work I am doing, a modern rendering of the Malory Morte d'Arthur and if I do it well Elizabeth says my grand [?] will be eating on it. There hasn't been any edition for 70 years and there has never been a good and faithful translation. I'm having fun in the Morgan Library with their great manuscripts and in England will go to associate with the Winchester mss which was only discovered in 1936. I'm going to take time with this and try to do a really remarkable job. Arthur was the first book that was really mine. Aunt Molly gave it to me when I was about ten. It was called The Boy's King Arthur and it was in middle English and I loved it. It was a red brown book. Do you know where it is? Do you think it might be in Esther's ware house? I think I'lll ask her to look. I would really love to have it again if it isn't thrown out."
John, Elaine and Mary traveled by steamship to Europe in March of 1957, beginning in Naples, Florence, and Rome before traveling (without Mary) to Stockholm and later England for Steinbeck to pursue his Malory studies. The Arthur project would engage him for many years, and he always thought of it as Mary's as well, but for some reason he was unable to complete it. However, after his death Elaine would follow through with its publication in 1976. See lots 83, 84, and 88.