Edith WHARTON (Writer): Autograph Letter to Edward SINGLETON HOLDEN (Astronomer)

Wharton, Edith. (1862-1937) [Holden, Edward S. (1846-1914)] Autograph Letter regarding "The Rembrandt" and her feelings about Magazine Editors A very interesting autograph letter from the beloved American novelist and short story writer to the American astronomer Edward Singleton Holden. London, May 21st, [1900]. Wharton mentions her story "The Rembrandt," noting that "I should send more contributions to magazines if their editors had someone to jog their elbow occasionally and rouse them from the death-like torpor which seems to be their normal condition." After discussing her travel plans in Europe, she adds a postscript about Holden's new article "Three Writers Compared--Kipling, Sienkiewicz, Shakespeare" (published in 1900): "I have first received your "deadly parallel" between Shakespeare & Kipling. I have had only time to glance at it, but I see you have developed the amusing thesis you spoke of last winter & am so interested to see the result." Another hand, presumably Holden's, has added an underline below "amusing thesis" and noted: "I think this is a nasty dig! What do you say?" 3 pp. on a bifolium. In very fine condition.Although she did not publish her first novel until she was forty, Edith Wharton was an extremely prolific writer, publishing fifteen novels, seven novellas, and eighty-five short stories, as well as poetry, books on design, travel, literary and cultural criticism, and a memoir. She and her husband, Edward Wharton, were keen European travelers, often spending four months of the year away from the United States. A well-connected member of the upper class, Wharton was also a friend and confidante to many gifted intellectuals of her era, including Henry James, Sinclair Lewis, Jean Cocteau, and Teddy Roosevelt.Edward Singleton Holden was an  American astronomer and the fifth president of the University of California. A prolific writer, he wrote mostly on scientific subjects, but also published several books and articles on history and current events. "Three Writers Compared--Kipling, Sienkiewicz, Shakespeare" seems to have been his only venture into literary criticism!34 Brook St, London, May 21stDear Mr. Holden,I am very glad that Mr. Walker likes "The Rembrandt," & I beg you will thank him for his cheque of $200, which is probably awaiting me in Paris. I should send more contributions to magazines if their editors had some one to jog their elbow occasionally & rouse them from the death-like torpor which seems to be their normal condition. We have had a very pleasant fortnight in England & we are now on our way to France & Italy, turning homeward about July 1st. Don't forget, please, that we have the --- place at ----, & are to be looked for there on & after July 10th. With many thanks for your note, sincerely, E. WhartonI have first received your "deadly parallel" between Shakespeare & Kipling. I have had only time to glance at it, but I see you have developed the amusing thesis you spoke of last winter & am so interested to see the result. Schubertiade Music & Arts LLC - BUY WITH CONFIDENCE! ***ALL AUTOGRAPHS GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC WITHOUT LIMIT*** I was the President of the Professional Autograph Dealers Association from 2013-2018 and a leading and trusted authenticator of autographs, including for many of the world's auction houses and for James Spence (JSA). Schubertiade Music & Arts are also members in good standing of ABAA/ILAB, the most exclusive consortium of Rare Book and Manuscript Dealers in the world, as well as the MLA (Music Librarian Association), and MARIAB (Massachusetts and Rhode Island Antiquarian Booksellers). You can read more about us by searching for Schubertiade Music & Arts and may buy with utmost confidence! SCHUBERTIADE MUSIC & ARTS deals in Music, Entertainment, Literary and other Autographs, Antiquarian Music, Books, Prints, Photographs & Paintings and Ephemera. Please read more about us in our "about me" page by clicking next to our username / feedback listing. We issue seasonal and occasional catalogues - please contact us if you would like to receive notifications or let us know about your collection. Everything we offer is guaranteed authentic without limit and is so stated on the signed and detailed receipt which comes with every item. Because this Guarantee is attached to an actual and meaningful money-back guarantee (see our Terms for further details), this is much more significant than most COAs which are generally but worthless pieces of paper if not issued by recognized experts in the field and backed by a real authenticity return policy. We accept payment by ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS, Check, and by Paypal. Shipping Charges are as listed and are not subject to negotiation. We will of course be happy to combine shipments and do NOT charge multiple shipping charges except for large/heavy items which naturally affect the cost. We ship exclusively via insured FedEx and pride ourselves on our thorough and expert packaging.

A very interesting autograph letter from the beloved American novelist and short story writer to the American astronomer Edward Singleton Holden. London, May 21st, [1900]. Wharton mentions her story "The Rembrandt," noting that "I should send more contributions to magazines if their editors had someone to jog their elbow occasionally and rouse them from the death-like torpor which seems to be their normal condition." After discussing her travel plans in Europe, she adds a postscript about Holden's new article "Three Writers Compared--Kipling, Sienkiewicz, Shakespeare" (published in 1900): "I have first received your "deadly parallel" between Shakespeare & Kipling. I have had only time to glance at it, but I see you have developed the amusing thesis you spoke of last winter & am so interested to see the result." Another hand, presumably Holden's, has added an underline below "amusing thesis" and noted: "I think this is a nasty dig! What do you say?" 3 pp. on a bifolium. In very fine condition.

Although she did not publish her first novel until she was forty, Edith Wharton was an extremely prolific writer, publishing fifteen novels, seven novellas, and eighty-five short stories, as well as poetry, books on design, travel, literary and cultural criticism, and a memoir. She and her husband, Edward Wharton, were keen European travelers, often spending four months of the year away from the United States. A well-connected member of the upper class, Wharton was also a friend and confidante to many gifted intellectuals of her era, including Henry James, Sinclair Lewis, Jean Cocteau, and Teddy Roosevelt.

Edward Singleton Holden was an  American astronomer and the fifth president of the University of California. A prolific writer, he wrote mostly on scientific subjects, but also published several books and articles on history and current events. "Three Writers Compared--Kipling, Sienkiewicz, Shakespeare" seems to have been his only venture into literary criticism!

Dear Mr. Holden,

I am very glad that Mr. Walker likes "The Rembrandt," & I beg you will thank him for his cheque of $200, which is probably awaiting me in Paris. I should send more contributions to magazines if their editors had some one to jog their elbow occasionally & rouse them from the death-like torpor which seems to be their normal condition. We have had a very pleasant fortnight in England & we are now on our way to France & Italy, turning homeward about July 1st. Don't forget, please, that we have the --- place at ----, & are to be looked for there on & after July 10th. With many thanks for your note, sincerely, E. Wharton

I have first received your "deadly parallel" between Shakespeare & Kipling. I have had only time to glance at it, but I see you have developed the amusing thesis you spoke of last winter & am so interested to see the result.