Description:

Margaret Mitchell
Atlanta, GA, December 23, 1947
Margaret Mitchell: "I am...author of Gone With the Wind" About Imposter Stealing Her Thunder, Fantastic
TLS
Margaret Mitchell (1900-1949). Typed Letter Signed, "Margaret Mitchell Marsh", Atlanta, Georgia, December 23, 1947. 2pp, on two sheets of her watermarked personal stationery measuring 7.25" x 10.5". Very minor expected wear including light creases, faint toning, and a few scattered spots, none of which affect the clean, dark text. In fine plus condition and boldly signed.

Mitchell writes to the editor of the "San Antonio Light" seeking a correction of damaging inaccuracies published about her, in part: "I am Mrs. John H. Marsh (Margaret Mitchell) of Atlanta, Georgia, author of 'Gone With the Wind.' I am writing you about an item published in your newspaper on August 5, 1947, stating that 'Mrs. John H. Marsh (Margaret Mitchell), nationally known author' had just arrived in San Antonio from Mexico City. With this item you published a photograph with the caption 'Margaret Mitchell Back to Hollywood'. I have learned that this woman also autographed copies of my novel 'Gone With the Wind' and in other ways created the impression she was me."

Mitchell's distress is evident as she continues: "This has caused me great embarrassment and I must ask you to publish a correction. At the time when your paper stated I was in San Antonio, I was at my home in Atlanta. I have not been outside of Atlanta in the past two years. In fact, I have scarcely been outside of our apartment, for my husband has had a long and serious illness and my place was here with him. That made your item especially embarrassing, for it wrongly gave the impression that I was gadding about on a pleasure trip when my husband was dangerously ill."

"Since 1936, when 'Gone With the Wind' was published, I have had a great deal of trouble with imposters...Time and again over the years, reports and rumors have come to me of some woman traveling about in your section representing herself to be me---and the reports I got were definitely not flattering to my reputation...I will tell you another reason why I am so anxious to have the truth known to the public about this whole matter...I have had correspondence with people in that part of Texas...in a most kindly way. They have all been so nice to me that I have felt as if I was writing to old friends, and I have looked forward to the time when I might visit Texas and meet these people in person. Now, as a result of your misleading item and the other rumors, my friends in Texas believe that I have already been there and ignored them. You owe it to me to help in dispelling that impression by making a public acknowledgement in your newspaper that your item was wrong..." Mitchell concludes by providing references of several Atlanta newspapermen for verification that "...this letter is not from another imposter."

"Gone with the Wind" is the only novel written by Mitchell that was published during her lifetime. Mitchell won the National Book Award for Fiction for Most Distinguished Novel of 1936 and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. The American Civil War-era novel was adapted into the 1939 film of the same name, which is considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made.

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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  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 10.5"
  • Medium: TLS

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