Description:

Extensive Maria von Trapp Archive- (2) ALS, (2) Signed Books, Plus Related Ephemera

An archive related to Maria von Trapp, matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers, spanning approximately twenty years [ca. 1967-1987]. Totaling seven items in all, the grouping includes a pair of later edition signed books, (2) ALS, and (1) TLS, as well as several pieces of ephemera including a newspaper clipping from The New York Times and a memorial card. Features varying degrees of foxing, toning, creasing, and minor tearing throughout. Good to fair overall, highlighting intimate details of Maria's life following the success of The Sound of Music (1965). Please see accompanying photographs for further condition information.

The lot includes:

1.) A first edition, third printing of Maria: My Own Story by Maria von Trapp (Carol Stream, Illinois: Creation House, 1973), 202p. Signed as "Maria von Trapp" on front end page; features an array of photographs depicting Maria and the rest of the von Trapp family. Some tearing and general soiling to unclipped dust jacket, with scattered foxing along top edge of pages. Sound binding.

2.) A later printing of The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp (Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1967), 309p. Signed as "Maria Trapp" on front end page; with black and white illustrations from Agathe and Martina Trapp throughout. Bumped corners and expected creasing to unclipped dust jacket, with scattered foxing present along top edge of pages near spine. Else, very good.

3.) ALS, 1p, n.p., undated. A handwritten letter from Maria to her friend Louise Smith regarding money troubles. Reading in part: "I had the hardest week. You know there are gentleman-farmers. Well there are also gentleman-gangsters, and I'm the middle of the battle. Please pray for me. I could have a 39 week serial on TV with a fine producer and 'Sound of Music Inc.' doesn't let me. Now I fight for it. This would solve all my money troubles." Accompanied by related newspaper clipping from September 1967 detailing Maria's financial situation.

4.) ALS on postcard sent by Maria to Louise Smith from the island of Martinique, dated October 30, 1967. She begins, "I feel like a bird which has escaped his cage! It is terrific to be a tourist on a ship. No telephone- no appointments- no autographs-!"

5.) TLS from Maria addressed to an unknown recipient "Yarrow", dated June 28, 1967. Features newspaper clipping attached on opposite side. Reading in full: "I just heard that you have some trouble and I want to tell you how sorry I am and that my heart goes out to you. I hope very much that very soon I will see you on the front porch in Stowe and hear you singing your aria. I tell you, Yarrow, nobody can do it as beautifully as you."

6.) Memorial card for Maria von Trapp after her death in 1987.

Maria Augusta von Trapp (1905-1987) was the stepmother and matriarch of the von Trapp family singers following her marriage to Georg Ritter von Trapp in 1927. The two met while Maria was working as a teacher to one of his seven children. Trapp, a retired naval officer and widower, observed how much Maria cared for his children and asked her to marry him. Despite her original intentions to become a nun, she agreed to the match and was married on November 26, 1927. In addition to becoming the mother of Trapp's seven children from his previous marriage, the couple would have three more kids of their own. The family had historically decided to leave their native Austria in 1938 following Hitler's annexation of the region, traveling around Europe until finally settling in America in 1941. Throughout the rest of their time in the United States, the Trapp's would record several records and perform in over 30 countries, continuing even after Georg's death in 1947. Maria's memoir, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, inspired several film and stage adaptations including the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews.

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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