Description:

Halleck Fitz-Greene


Fitz-Greene Halleck, the "American Byron," Archive

 

Small archive of 8 ALS and 1 signature belonging to Fitz-Greene Halleck (1790-1867), a prominent mid-19th century American poet. Halleck's signatures appear variously as "Fitz-Greene Halleck" (2), "Fitz-Greene Halleck" (3), "Fitz:Greene Halleck" (1), "F.G. Halleck" (2), and "F.G. Halleck" (1). On cream and pale blue stationery, some bifold and featuring embossments. In mixed but mostly very good to near fine condition. Three items are laid down. Expected wear including light paper folds and scattered foxing. One letter badly faded, another with adhesive tabs and incised hole. The average letter measures 4" x 6.25".  From the Collection of Norman Boas of Seaport Autographs and purchased at Christie's December 5, 2017 sale.

 

The letters, mostly 1p, are of routine content but exquisitely inscribed in Halleck's whimsical handwriting. Three address autograph requests, one demands payment of a debt, one declines an invitation, two are thank-you notes, and one concerns accepting a real estate offer. The recipients include Halleck's sister Maria Halleck (1788-1870), business acquaintances, and autograph seekers. Written in Guilford, Connecticut and New York City, ca. 1848-1862.

 

Fitz-Greene Halleck was called the "American Byron" because of the style and subject matter of his poetry. He moved from shoreline Connecticut to become a banker in New York City at age 20. Abundant work dating from this early period secured his reputation as one of America's most talented poets, and Halleck befriended members of the Knickerbocker Group including William Cullen Bryant, James Fenimore Cooper, and Washington Irving. After 1832, Halleck served as the personal secretary as well as art and literary adviser to fur trade and real estate mogul John Jacob Astor (1763-1848). Halleck returned to Guilford, Connecticut in 1849 and lived there the rest of his life.

 

Provenance: Ex-Christie's December 5, 2017 sale; Ex-Norman Boas, Seaport Autographs

 


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