Description:

E. E. Cummings TLS "beware of the KKK (KikesKweensKumrads)..."

1p, measuring 8.5" x 11", New York, postmarked July 24, 1944. Signed "EEC" and addressed to Professor Ted Spencer. Avery politically incorrect letter from the famed author, writing about his wife's illness. Reading in part: "Thank you for giving us 'Stephen Hero'! Marion wanted to write; but was prevented by what her doctor calls a 'flare-up', which (luckily) is subsiding. I feel like anything save a hero: she, however, is most certainly a heroine…beware of the KKK (KikesKweersKumrads) and don't take no plastic pennies…" Accompanied by the original envelope, which Cummings has also signed in the return address on verso "Cummings". The letter has expected mail folds and is boldly signed. Expected wear to the envelope, with a torn upper edge.

Despite outwardly portraying a radical and bohemian image to the public, Cummings was a Conservative Republican and an ardent supporter of McCarthyism. He also published some highly questionable anti-Semitic poems and sentences, thought to be in response to his failed attempt to break into the screenwriting business in Hollywood. Although Cummings denied anti-Jewish intent, his language would ultimately put somewhat of a blot on his legacy. Marion Morehouse was Cummings' third wife - a high-profile model and photographer. She greatly suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, which she likely inherited from her father.

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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February 16, 2022 10:30 AM EST
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