Henry Miller Literary ALS Re: H. Hesse and A. Rimbaud

Autograph Letter Signed, "Henry Miller", 1p, on his personal stationery, 7.5" x 8.5", Big Sur, California, July 21, 1949. A printed illustration titled "Fantasmagoria" by American-Israeli artist Bezalel Schatz (1912-1983) appears at top right. Hand-addressed at verso with 3-cent stamp, postmarked on August 1, 1949. Expected mailing fold, crease at bottom right corner, lightly toned. In overall fine condition. 

Miller writes to Bruno Adriani, mentioning French poet Arthur Rimbaud, as well as Hermann Hesse's classic Siddhartha. His letter reads: "Do you recall ever seeing a photograph of Rimbaud's mother? Mermod in Lausanne are bringing out the (2) parts of my work on Rimbaud, in French, this year. Letter from H. L. Mermod advises no photo of the mother in the famous Matarosso Collection. Yet I saw one of her (Vitalie) in an old issue of 'Labyrinthe' (Matorosso coll. too!) Wonder if this was a mistake of the printer? I suppose Mermod wishes to include some photos in the book. Roger-Cornaz is doing the translation. Did you ever know a Gerhart Muench (composer & pianist) from Dresden? He's in Altadena now and invites me frequently - rather amazing letters. Just read Hesse's 'Siddhartha' in French. Wonder if you know the book? Impresses me tremendously." 

Henry Valentine Miller (1891-1980) was an American novelist who developed a new type of semi-autobiographical novel that blended character study, social criticism, philosophical reflection, stream of consciousness, explicit language, sex, surrealist free association, and mysticism. His most characteristic works of this kind are Tropic of Cancer, Black Spring, Tropic of Capricorn, and the trilogy The Rosy Crucifixion, which are based on his experiences in New York and Paris (all of which were banned in the United States until 1961). Miller also wrote travel memoirs and literary criticism, and painted watercolors.

Bruno Adriani (1881-1971) was a German-born lawyer, art historian and patron. He moved to the United States in 1936 with his wife, American painter Sadie Adriani. In 1941, he became an American citizen. 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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