Description:

Karen Blixen
various, ca. 1950-1962
Karen Blixen, "Out of Africa" Author, TLS & (2) ALS on Photographs
Archive

An exceptional collection of three letters signed "Tania" from author Karen Blixen (alias Isak Dineson), including (1) TLS and (2) ALS written on verso of photographs. Ranging in date ca. 1950-1962. All written in English to the same correspondent, addressed throughout as Ruth. Exhibits varying degrees of light age toning and soiling, with minor bumping to corners of photos. Letter shows expected surface creasing and isolated residue present at lower right corner. Overall, very good. Please see below for further information on contents.

The lot includes:

1.) TLS signed at conclusion "yours ever/ Tania", measuring 7.5" x 9", Rungsted, Denmark, January 4, 1962. Dated nearly 8 months before her death at the age of 77, Blixen writes in part: "I do not know how to thank you for the lovely dark-red roses which did on Christmas day fill my room with beauty and fragrance… Looking back over the past year, I am so glad to think that you have been here, and that you know my home and surroundings, down to Pepper [her dog] and the Dinghy Club… and respectfully ask me to convey to you their best wishes for 1962 and thanks for 1961. I myself hope and trust that you will be happy and feeling yourself in harmony with the universe."

2.) ALS on postcard photograph of Blixen in Africa feeding a small group of cattle. Measuring 5" x 7", n.p., n.d. [ca. 1950s]. Reading in full on verso: "So many thanks for your lovely birthday present- the one thing you could find to give me- and for your telegram- I think of you very often with the kindest wishes, and hope that we may meet again some time./ Yours ever/ Tania."

3.) Uncommon 5" x 7" portrait photograph of Blixen in profile, mounted to a slightly larger backing. Affectionately inscribed on the verso: "With much love and all my best wishes, in kindest remembrance/ Love Tania/ God bless you."

Karen Blixen (1885-1962) was a Danish Author best known for her memoir 'Out of Africa', an account of her life in Kenya, that was later adapted into the 1985 Academy Award-winning film of the same name. Then referred to as British East Africa, the book offers a comprehensive look at colonial African life in the last decades under British rule. Also known by the pen names Isak Dinesen and Tania Blixen, used in English and German-speaking countries, respectively, she is also noted for her short story collection 'Seven Gothic Tales', published in 1934.

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: 7.5" x 9" (largest)
  • 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 world-wide 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 that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, 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.

November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
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