Description:

Charles Addams ALS Re: "graveyard period" and Classic Cars

Autograph Letter Signed, "Charles", 1p, on The New Yorker stationery, 4.5" x 7.25", New York, January 14, 1977. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope postmarked same, completed in Addams's hand and signed at back flap, "Addams", above The New Yorker logo. Expected mailing fold and mild creasing. Lightly toned. In fine condition. 

Addams writes to Lucy Purdy in Connecticut, who is the widow of his good friend, regarding a cartoon graveyard he illustrated for The New Yorker. In full: "A sort of graveyard period has just passed and I did use the names of quite a few friends including Ken's. A sort of remembrance, I suppose, with no particular comment in mind. I'll look for the classic cars story - I do miss Ken. All the best to you."

Included is a page torn from the magazine picturing the cartoon referred to in Addams's letter, along with an ALS by Lucy Purdy to Charles.

Charles Samuel Addams (1912-1988) was an American cartoonist known for his darkly humorous and macabre characters, some of which became known as the Addams Family, and were subsequently popularized through various adaptations. Born in Westfield, New Jersey, Addams was known as "something of a rascal around the neighborhood." He was distantly related to U.S. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, despite the different spellings of their last names.

Kenneth William Purdy (1913-1972) was an American automotive writer and editor. He produced 35 short stories and scores of automotive pieces for Playboy, winning Playboy's annual writers' award three times. His Kings of the Road, published in 1952, is still a landmark. The International Motor Press Association presents an annual Purdy Award to journalists for excellence in covering the auto industry. The award was created in 1972 in memory of Purdy after his death by self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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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