Lot 54: BRYANT, WILLIAM CULLEN Interesting Autograph Letter Signed, thanking someone for sending Longfellow's sonnet on Mrs. Kemble.

Est: $300 USD - $400 USD

SpinkNew York, NY, USJune 18, 2008

Item Overview

Description

BRYANT, WILLIAM CULLEN American journalist and poet (1794-1878); long the editor of the New York Evening Post, which made him one of the city's leading cultural and political voices; his support helped Abraham Lincoln win the presidency; built support for what would become Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fine association Autograph Letter Signed "Wm. C. Bryant," 1 page, 12mo, New York, March 20, 1849. He thanks a Mr. Sedgwick "for Longfellow's sonnet suggested by Mrs. Butler's readings. So should such talent be praised. I regret that I cannot accept your kind invitation to dine with you tomorrow; I have a previous engagement on board the Tennessee steamer in which I depart for Savannah..." Blank integral leaf is tipped closed to the verso of letter. Small paper clip stain at top, larger stain, tears, and mounting traces in blank integral leaf, otherwise in very good condition. The Longfellow poem Bryant refers to is entitled "Sonnet on Mrs. Kemble's Reading of Shakespeare," inspired by the actress Fanny Kemble, who - until their divorce six months after this letter - was married to wealthy planter Pierce Butler. It would be published in Longfellow's collection By the Seaside and by the Fireside in 1850.

Artist or Maker

William Cullen Bryant

Auction Details

Summer Autograph Auction

Spink

June 18, 2008, 10:00 AM EST

145 W. 57th St. 18th Floor, New York, NY, 10019, US

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