Description:

Else H. Minarik, Author of the "Little Bear" Series, Archive of 36 Letters

A large correspondence of 36 letters from children's author Else Holmelund Minarik to fellow author, Jan Wahl. The letters date from August 23, 1962 to December 7, 1970, and cover a wide variety of topics, from writing, to travel news, to publishing advice, and even a dramatic episode among her friends. There are 35 autograph letters signed and one typed letter signed. The majority are signed either "Else" or "Mother Bear".

Else Holmelund Minarik (1920-2012) was born in Denmark but immigrated to the U.S. with her family at the age of four. She graduated from Queens College, City University of New York and became a journalist for the "Daily Sentinel" during the Second World War. Following the war, Minarik became a school teacher before breaking into children's literature. She is best remembered for her "Little Bear" series, illustrated by Maurice Sendak, which followed the daily lives and adventures of Little Bear and Mother Bear. Her last book of the series, "Little Bear and the Marco Polo" was published in 2010. A small sampling of highlights from Minarik's letters to Jan Wahl can be found below:

August 23, 1962, New Concord: "I'm delighted with the bears - thank you so much! I wonder what that pink and white child threw to the bear on the pole. It looks like a truffle - I've never seen one. The frame is just right for the picture. It stands on my desk - and everyone remarks on it - often to the point of dating the observer. So few seem happy about age. I'm at least a hundred - and I don't mind at all! We are eagerly awaiting your new book - hope you are busy writing…"

January 2, 1964, East Chatham: "I shall try to do justice to your long wonderful letter. Did I offend you about the mice? Sometimes my words have a way of not laughing - as I do when I write them. Let me tell you about my mice. There were just a few of them when winter started - and they are marvelously charming. They have large ears and white stomachs. I left out things purposefully for them to eat. I even laughed when they made no effort to get out of my sight. But you see - they are civilized. They contracted marriages - and had large families and the children go dancing every night in the kitchen sink. They make nests in the spice drawer, and I cannot bring myself to catch them!..."

January 18, 1965, East Chatham: "…I'm very concerned about you - that life not become dreary for you - this is very bad for a writer of lovely little children stories - such as you are. You are not obliged to accept my philosophy about working - in addition to writing - don't think I think you are…"

March 15, 1965, East Chatham: "Dear little Janny - you mustn't lose heart. You are a very very fine writer. It is most difficult to earn a living just with children's books - at least in the beginning. The only reason I can - is that the parents see a use in readers. Most other writers, I believe, have to build up a whole shelf before the living is there - and in the between they do other things. I met one who was a shill in Las Vegas - there! I don't want you to do that…Why don't you ask your friends in publishing - or Candida - about part-time reading, or editing. This is something you are very good at - try that Jan. You can still write. This is bread and butter advice - and for your good, my dear - cut and spread by your very sage friend, Mother Bear."

August 9, 1966, No place: "…that was a fearful thing - the car accident. I'm glad you were saved - but how terrible for you to lose your friends…I may not go to Denmark, and I'm definitely going to work - at the library - clerking - $2 an hour. I'll be with the children - and perhaps write again. Let me know how you are. Put on your roller skates & come East, young man!..."

October 31, 1966, No place: "…The Country shock has worn off but I see my hand still shakes when I write the name. this is what happened - the usual clan gathered here. They talked about Wallie. I drank too much - wept - and announced that I was sick - went upstairs to die quietly. Goldbergs went home. Brooke & George went walking. Terry began playing Ouiji with Ben, and Ed roamed the house. He roamed upstairs to see if he could get me up & downstairs. I was vomiting. Ed - potted as usual was saying 'You'll have to get up & come down!!' Terry came dashing up - and finding him standing there, in my room, she exclaimed - 'Oh my God-Ed!' - and went home without him. Ed was furious - Ben took him home to his studio, and I continued vomiting. I had a minor brain fever the next day, resolved to sell the house the third day. Then Ed called to say that Terry recognized he was the only culprit - in coming to my room. The memory of it still sickens me. Even if Terry makes the first move back - as Ed says she will - I doubt that I can be friends…"

November 7, 1966, Huntington: "…Now Janny - if you are well - send me a few words, even a 'I'm sorry for you' would do. I count you as my dearest friend, and I need consolation. Terry's sentence hangs over me like doom. She's talking to no one - and I'm developing an ulcer. I guess I wanted to be blind to the situation between Terry and Ed. If I had seen it with mature eyes I would - sick or not - have urged Ed to go downstairs. As it was, I was glad for company. This fills me with guilt. But Terry herself should have come up to look after me, instead of playing Ouiji with Ben. I don’t know if I wrote you that I had the first warning at the dinner table - and took it as a big joke. I'm a fool. Ed suggested to Terry that they take me along to a musical at the college. She snapped out, 'We only have two tickets. Maybe you'd rather take her!' Janny - I miss Terry. If only you could talk to her. I would never hurt or deceive her. How can she believe such a thing? As for Ed - he's not himself these days. We all know that. There's the sad story. Ursula is glad you're both working on the book. How is it coming? I've been asked to be children-librarian in Huntington, they'll give me two years to finish my degree & pay expenses. Maybe I ought to settle & do it. I can buy a country house in the Berkshires for lovely country weekends, & continue my pleasant daily routine of telling stories to children. I see several hundred children a week - thing of that!..."

The majority of the letters have retained their original envelopes, and four of the letters appear to have been resealed. All have mail folds and varying degrees of toning and soiling. Bold signatures. Overall very fine.

Jan Boyer Wahl (1931- 2019) was an American children's author. He published over 120 works and is best known for his award-winning children's books, including "Pleasant Fieldmouse", "The Furious Flycycle", and "Humphrey's Bear". He was also an early consultant on the television show that would eventually became "Fraggle Rock". 

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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