Lot 236
O'Neill, Eugene (1888-1953) American playwright; winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature (1936) and four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1920, 1922, 1928, and 1957). Three Autograph Letters Signed, one as "Eugene O'Neill" and two as "Gene O'Neill," total of 3 pages, Provincetown, Mass, written between Dec. 4, 1921 and June 30, 1923 (one letter has no date but comes with postmarked holograph envelope signed "E.S. O'Neill" in the return address). To Jeanie Begg, a young actress, encouraging her and discussing possible work in his plays. In 1921: "Of course, I remember you!…The when, where, how of 'The Fountain' is still very much in the air….I greatly admired your work in 'The Moon' [of the Caribbees], No one could have played that part better. And I hope when you get with Hopkins you will be in many of my things. You can rely on me to be always a 'booster' to that end."
In Sept. 1922 he writes, "My advice is: Go see Arthur Hopkins. Tell him I sent you. Show him this letter, if need be. Tell him you played 'Pearl' in 'The Moon'--damn well, let me add…And when I come down to town I promise to speak to him personally about you…." In June 1923, he wrote, "Keep after Hopkins. Unfortunately there is nothing in 'The Fountain' or 'Welded'…but I know there will be sometime…" First letter is totally separated at top fold, not affecting text, and has a partial fold separation in text, both easily repaired. The other two letters are fine. Also included is a 3-page letter to Jeanie from friends Lillian and Sam with theater news.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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| Realized $2,040 |
