Description:

Otto Frank
Birsfelden, Switzerland, February 24, 1979
Otto Frank TLS: "reading Anne's Diary...spreading Anne's message for peace and understanding"
TLS
Otto H. Frank (1889-1980). Typed Letter Signed, "Otto Frank", 1p, on his personal stationery measuring 5.75" x 8.25", Birsfelden, Switzerland, February 24, 1979. Central horizontal mailing fold and expected light creases. Minor discoloration to upper margin recto from show through of stain on verso. Overall, in near fine condition.

Frank's letter to school teacher Mr. Hedman is just one example of his lifelong commitment to preserving his daughter's spirit. It reads, in part: "Thank you for your very kind letter from which I could see that by reading Anne's Diary with your class again, you are continuing spreading Anne's message for peace and understanding contained in it. In a time in which violence and crimes are raging this is more necessary than ever. To fulfil your wish I signed all the bookplates you sent me. As much as I like to receive reactions from young people to the Diary, I must tell you that I am not able anymore to answer all the letters I receive. Since some time I have heart troubles and my doctor advised me to keep very quiet and to avoid emotions. So much to my regret I have to ask you not to encourage students to write to me. I hope you will understand."

Less than two years after writing this letter, Otto Frank died in Basel at the age of 91. The news of his death was noted around the world. Without him, the diary of his daughter Anne would not have been published. Shortly before his death, he said in an interview: "I am almost ninety now and my strength is slowly fading. But the mission that Anne passed on, keeps giving me new strength - to fight for reconciliation and for human rights across the world."

The father of teenage German Jewish diarist Anne Frank, Otto Frank was the only member of his four person family to survive the Holocaust. The Franks, along with four others, hid in a secret annex located in the back upper stories of an Amsterdam business between July 1942 and August 1944. They were discovered, arrested, and sent to Auschwitz in September 1944. Otto was released after the Soviets liberated Auschwitz in late January 1945. Otto had initially transcribed Anne's diaries in order to give them to family members but was eventually persuaded to seek publication. The final manuscript was a combination of two versions of the diaries Anne wrote, with Otto's edits and redactions.

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: 5.75" x 8.25"
  • Medium: TLS

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