Description:

James A. Michener
various, various
James A. Michener Collection of Five Signed Items, With Content
Archive
A fine group of five items by acclaimed American author James Michener.

1. A fine content typed letter signed "Jim", two pages, Austin, Texas, May 2, 1983. On letterhead of The University of Texas at Austin to Herbert Mitgang of "The Authors League Fund," in part:

"...Yours are among the most interesting letters I receive. Thank you for your general comment about the fund…that a James A. Michener Medal may be initiated on a long-term basis – is enormously flattering, but I seem unable to respond enthusiastically. Such an honor…ought to be awarded only after a man or woman is dead, and I hope to delay such eligibility as long as possible…The nature of life has prevented me from serving the profession as others have done, but this has not diminished my gratitude for those who have carried the ball. I think of those workhorses like John Hersey, Madeleine L'Engle, Elizabeth Janeway, Barbara Tuchman, Jerome Weidman, Herman Wouk and Herbert Mitgang to whom we are all so very much indebted. So I must disqualify myself both as to person and as to function…". Fine.

2. A typed letter signed, one page, 5.5" x 8.5", Austin, Texas, December 30, 1983. On University of Texas at Austin letterhead to Herbert Mitgang. In part: "I have laid plans to send you $100,000 this coming year. Last time you asked if I was prepared to allow any statement about my charities, and I said no. But this year the White House made an announcement and several journals have had cryptic and sometimes misleading bits. I just now that it would be proper and that you would be the preferred channel….". Fine.

Herbert Mitgang (1920-2013) was an American author, editor and journalist. He served as a correspondent during World War II, earning six battle stars, and went on to create documentaries for CBS on such as Sandburg's Prairie Years", "Anthony Eden on Vietnam", and "D-Day Plus 20 Years." 

3. A typed letter signed, one page, 6" x 9", Pipersville, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1969. On his personal letterhead to Larry Diefenbach, in part: "…I think you have chosen a poor title for your exhibition. I have no intimations of immortality at all. Of course, I do think that some of my stories will be around for a long time after I'm gone. May I suggest a more appropriate title "Local Boy Trying to Keep His Head Above Water…". Boldly signed and fine.

4. A handsome signed Random House publicity photo measuring 6" x 7" b/w, showing Michener in a casual standing pose, straw hat in hand. Boldly signed in the bottom blank margin and in fine condition.

5. A typed letter signed, one page, 8.5" x 11", Austin, Texas, December 13, 1982. Michener writes on letterhead of the University of Texas at Austin to Emile J. Gex, sending thanks for his letter and adding: "…I am glad you are living such a full life and that you are blessed with good health. Many people younger than ourselves have neither…". Slight bleeding to blue ink signature, otherwise fine. Ex. Collection of Steve Forbes.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: Archive

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

August 7, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000