EDGAR LEE MASTERS TRIES TO BUY CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

 

EDGAR LEE MASTERS (1869-1950).  An American poet and novelist, he is best known for the Spoon River Anthology (1915).  In it, Masters tells the story of a small town through a series of free-verse monologue epitaphs.  He also wrote Mitch Miller, The Nuptial Flight and a biography of Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln the Man.

 

ALS. 1pg. 8” x 10”. November 23, 1920. No place.  An autograph letter signed “E.L. Masters” to Mrs. Smith.  He wrote in pencil on unlined paper: “Dear Mrs. Smith – Your letter is very cordial – and I want to come your way at Christmas.  There is just this thing: I have been postponing a trip to New York.  It may happen that it will fall then, unless I can go soon; as I must stay there a number of weeks.  But this can be done anyway – I want to give happiness to the children there – not in my name but in Lillian’s -  and will you write me saying what I can do?  Would a doll to each girl, and a…to each boy do?  And if so how many girls and boys are there?  Help me in this.  Another thing: can you conceive of something…I can send Lillian that would give her delight?  What as a child, a little girl, a twenty-year old did she want and never have?  Or what is there now?  I can’t think of a thing.  Tell me – and let me get this off in time for her Christmas.  So you understand I may be with you; and why it is if I’m not.  Faithfully yours E.L. Masters”.  The letter has light folds and is in fine condition.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

My name is Stuart Lutz and I am a full time dealer of autographs, letters, documents and historic manuscripts.  I am a member of the Manuscript Society, the Professional Autograph Dealers Association, the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America, the Appraisers Association of America (Certified in the field of Historic Documents), the Universal Autograph Collectors Club (Registered Dealer #166) and the Ephemera Society.  I am the historical document appraiser and authenticator for the History Channel program Pawn Stars. 

 

If you have any questions, you can call me toll free at 1 (877) 428-9362.  I guarantee the authenticity of this piece forever, and will gladly refund your money if it is ever proven not to be authentic (not many Ebay autograph dealers boast of that!).  All items are issued with an invoice that states in writing at the bottom "All autographs and historical papers are guaranteed authentic for life by me.  If any piece is ever proven not to be genuine, I will gladly refund the full purchase price to the original buyer."

 

Your piece will be professionally packed and shipped, will be fully insured, and will be sent by trackable USPS mail.  

 

I offer interest-free layaway plans, but please contact me or call me toll free at 1 (877) 428-9362 before bidding to notify me that you would like a payment plan.  These plans spread out three equal payments over three consecutive months; the first payment is due within seven days of the purchase agreement and is NON-REFUNDABLE for any reason.

 

Full payment is expected within five days, unless other previous arrangements have been made.

 

New Jersey residents, please add 7% for the Governor's salary ;-).

 

Buyers who do not live in the United States must pay using PayPal

 

Best of luck bidding and thanks for your business!