Lot 400
Groucho Marx: Beloved American Entertainer for Nearly 66 Years. Five (5) Typed Letters Signed to Leading Book Publlisher, William Jovanovich (1890-1977) Immensely popular comedian, actor, writer, singer, stage, film, radio, television star and vaudeville performer. Groucho's appearance (black greasepaint mustache and eyebrows) actually gave rise to the massive successful novelty item, "Groucho glasses". In the 1970's the resurgence of popularity for Groucho, the Marx Brothers films as well as original exhibition material for those films prove that his legacy is firmly secure as one of the greats of the 20th Century.
This lot consists of five (5) typed letters signed to William "Bill" Jovanovich, acclaimed publisher at Harcourt Brace and Jovanovich, spanning April 6 to December 10, 1971. All on Groucho Marx stationery, the letters cover a host of topics, most significantly, not wanting to write another book. Groucho's humor is significantly on display in each. These two particularly great.
4/6/1971: "Since I last saw you when we bought gum drops together on Canon Drive, I haven't been well. No, I'm not pregnant, its just a problem I have had for some years………I don't feel up to writing a book. I don't feel like coming to New York. I'm supposed to do a show with Dick Cavett and one with David Frost. But getting on a plane and being interviewed by a couple of intellectual jerks is to much at the moment."
5/10/71: "I have made an about face and decided I will go to New York and do a couple of shows. I might also go with you and Martha and see a couple of shows in Vegas….was surprised to find out that Martha is your wife. I thought you were going steady with Dick Cavett. My secretary, the current one is married. She's got a great pair of gams. That's like owning a distillery when you're on the wagon."
Letters are in fine condition with staple holes in top left corners on two of them, and some toning spots on one. 10.5 x 7.25". Wonderful collection. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500
Peter L. Stern & Co., Inc. Rare Books, Newton MA.
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