Description:

Herman Melville ALS to Editor and Book Lover!

Herman Melville (1819-1891). Autograph Letter Signed, "Herman Melville", 1p, bifolium, 5.25" x 8", [New York], "Wednesday Morning". Addressed in Melville's hand on the integral leaf. Evidence of prior mounting and tape repair. Remnants of red wax seal with small opening tear at verso. Expected folds and minor creasing. Toning and scattered foxing. Notations from previous collector at top and bottom blank margins, none of which affect Melville's bold, bright handwriting. Sold for $9,600 in 2004, a much weaker market. Ex-Maurice F. Neville Collection.

Melville pens a social note to his longtime friend and frequent correspondent, Evert Duyckinck (1816-1878). In full: “In compliance with your friendly invitation I will be very happy to call this evening about eight o’clock. Do not let me detain you home however if otherwise engaged.” 

Duyckinck came to know most of the important writers of the day and fostered the careers of many; the most important of his relationships is the one he cultivated with Melville. The pair first met in 1846 and became fast friends. Evert's literary advice influenced the art of Melville's fiction and poetry. Melville frequently contributed to Duyckinck's magazines and was a constant borrower of books from his library.

According to Correspondence, edited by Lynn Horth, this letter could have been written during Melville's two residencies in New York (1847-1850 and after 1863). A review of their published letters suggests that this letter dates before 1849, when Melville had dropped the formality of his correspondence from "Dear Sir" to  "Dear Duyckinck". 

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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