Milne A.A.


A.A. Milne Letter in The Year of Christopher Robin's Birth, and the Start of a Long Friendship

Autograph Letter Signed in full signature "A.A. Milne" and dated "26. i. 20" (November 26, 1920). One page, 4.5" x 7" on Garrick Club stationary with the autographed return address of 11 Mallord Street / Chelsea / SW3. Expected center fold. Fine condition.

The significance of this letter and the undercurrent of events about to unfold should not be understated. This was the year that Christopher Robin was born. Up until this point , Milne wrote well received plays and stories, contributed humorous verse and whimsical essays to Punch, and published 18 plays and three novels. But Christopher Robin would soon become the catalyst to alter Milne's literary focus. Within 3 years, Milne would move away from writing plays, to instead composing Children's nursery rhymes. And within 4 years he would create a completely make-believe universe for his son known as The Hundred Acre Wood, a part of the fictional land inhabited by Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Winnie-the-Pooh series of children's stories (it is truly amazing how children alter one's direction in life!)

Milne was also about to launch a long and close friendship with the Vincent Seligman, one in which their constant written communique allows the reader an insight into this famous author, chronicled by 20 years of letters between the two. This letter was among the earliest.

"26.i.20


Dear Seligman,

Many thanks to you for sending me your books. I had heard of "The … show' of course, and seen review of it, his did not identify you with it. I have only had time to glance through them so far - stopping now and then to read jolly little bits, and enjoying them very much - but I hope to read them properly soon. Again many thanks, and best wishes for a pleasant (illegible) - though it always used to be the most unpleasant of the three … "

An important letter, in fantastic collectible condition.

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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