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Herman Melville. Autograph letter signed ("Herman Melville"), to [William Clark Russell]. New York, 9 February 1890....
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Description
A very fine letter from Melville to his fellow author of sea tales William Clark Russell
Herman Melville. Autograph letter signed ("Herman
Melville"), to [William Clark Russell]. New York, 9 February
1890.2 pages, 8vo (176 x 113 mm), on a bifolium; cloth slipcase.
A FINE LETTER FROM MELVILLE TO WILLIAM CLARK RUSSELL. Melville expressing his heartfelt appreciation after receiving a set of Russell's three-volume work An Ocean Tragedy, published in 1889, which he dedicated to Melville. The book's printed dedication reads: "To Herman Melville...as a further public avowal of my hearty admiration of your genius."
In this letter, Melville responds to Russell's gesture: "Your three handsome volumes have arrived.-now shall I have the satisfaction of reading a book of yours in fair type, tho' yet, on account of my eyes, it must be by piecemeal. For the Dedication, nothing in the way of mere literary commendation ever gave me a tithe of the pleasure. And how highly do I estimate that kind magnanimity which has led you, in one point at least, so much to overrate me. God bless you, Herman Melville."
William Clark Russell (1844-1911), was an English writer best known for his nautical works. A former merchant sailor, he began his writing career as a journalist, writing primarily on nautical subject, and contributed articles to The Daily Telegraph under the pseudonym "Seafarer." He corresponded with Melville for many years, and as this letter attests, they had a high mutual regard for each other's work. Russell was one of Melville's most ardent defenders in the last years of Melville's life. In 1888, Melville dedicated John Marr to Russell, who returned the kindness with a dedication to Melville the following year for his An Ocean Tragedy.
Condition: The addressee's surname inked out in the salutation; creased at folds.
Provenance: H. Bradley Martin (his sale, 30 January 1990, lot 2173); purchased from Ximenes Rare Books, Inc., New York, 1990. From the William A. Strutz Library.
View all of [The William A. Strutz Library ]
Auction Info
2024 June 27 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part I, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6295 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2024
27th
Thursday
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