Lot 134
Milne A.A. 1882 - 1956 A jocular A.A. Milne ironically writes wishing he authored "The Wind In The Willows"
Single page ALS written on verso and recto, signed in full signature "A.A. Milne" and dated "8.i_20" , 4.5" x 5.75" on stationary with letterhead of 11, Mallord Street, Chelsea, S.W.3. Tel Kensington 2074. Expected center fold. Near fine condition.
A.A. Milne, with his typical satirical sense of humor, writes a letter to his friend Vincent Seligman, almost six years before his famous "Winnie The Pooh" stories were written. Milne notes how much he loves the book by Kenneth Grahame "The Wind In The Willows" which was originally published in 1908. The book focuses on four anthropomorphized animals in a pastoral version of Edwardian England and is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality and camaraderie. Apparently Milne loved the story so much that much later in 1929, and after his huge successes with his trilogy of the Winnie The Pooh stories, he adapted part of The Wind In The Willows for the stage as Toad of Toad Hall.
In his letter, Milne continues poking fun at Seligman perhaps alluding to Vincent's most recent published novels, Macedonian Musing and The Salonica Side-Show, (both lighthearted memoir of service in World War I), penning "I loved your entirely untrue story of the sensual. I always though it was my Uncle Wood who said it when somebody told him that his rubbers heels would leave footprints in the sands of time, but perhaps I was wrong."
The humorous letter reads in full:
"8.i_20"
"Dear Mr. Seligman,
Thank you so much for your letter. I like getting letters like that. In return I must go through my usual performance and introduce you to my best book - "The Wind In The Willows". In most editions the title page is spoiled by the additional of the words "by Kenneth Grahame" - in a better world this printer would have risked it and put "by a.a. Milne". I have recommended it so often that I almost feel as if I really did write it. However, I suspect you of having read it already; your letter makes me feel that you have a delightful taste in books. But if you haven't, then you will really have reason to be grateful to me.
Again many thanks to you. I loved your entirely untrue story of the sensual. I always though it was my Uncle Wood who said it when somebody told him that his rubbers heels would leave footprints in the sands of time, but perhaps I was wrong.
Your sincerely
A.A. Milne"
Milne's letter was written to Vincent Seligman, a German Jew whose family emigrated to London and the United States in the 19th century.
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