Comparing The House of the Seven Gables to the Scarlet Letter

Lot 95
15.06.2023 10:00UTC -05:00
Classic
Prix de départ
$ 30 000
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Lieu de l'événementEtats-Unis, New York
Archive
La vente aux enchères est terminée. Vous ne pouvez plus enchérir.
Archive
ID 967653
Lot 95 | Comparing The House of the Seven Gables to the Scarlet Letter
Valeur estimée
$ 30 000 – 50 000
Comparing The House of the Seven Gables to the Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne, 11 March 1851

HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Autograph letter signed ("N.H.") to Elizabeth Hawthorne, Lenox, 11 March 1851.



Two pages, bifolium, 211 x 135mm (contemporary ink smudges, mild dampstains).



Hawthorne on the recently-completed The House of the Seven Gables, "[it] has more merit than the Scarlet Letter; but it will hardly make so much noise as that." A superb letter written in the weeks prior to the publication of the second of Hawthorne's four romances, addressed to his sister Elizabeth while she was staying near Beverly. Addressed "Dear E," Hawthorne opens by relating that "Sophia is busy from morning till night; and I myself am so much occupied with pen and ink that I hate the thought of writing, except from necessity." He then comments about the impending publication of The House of the Seven Gables: "My book will be out about the 20th inst; and I have directed two copies to be sent to the care of Mr. [John] Dike (Hawthorne's uncle). You can dispose of them both as you like; but I should think it best to let him have one. The book, I think, has more merit than the Scarlet Letter; but it will hardly make so much noise as that." He continues, discussing copies of the new edition of Twice-Told Tales just sent to him, and complains of the many "literary people, who send me their books, and expect mine in return." He then asks Elizabeth about her work on an English translation of Cervantes: "it appears to me that there can be hardly any doubt of success and profit from it" (it was never published). He outlines his plans for coming to Salem and Boston in June, mentions a coming visit from Dr. Peabody, and remarks on the pleasure of country living ("I think winter the best time for living in the country"). He concludes (apart from a six-line postscript). "Write me what you think of the House of the Seven Gables. Yours affectionately, N.H." A fine letter by Hawthorne mentioning his best-known works. Published in Letters, Centennial Edition, 16: 402-403.

Adresse de l'enchère CHRISTIE'S
20 Rockefeller Plaza
10020 New York
Etats-Unis
Aperçu
15.06.2023
Téléphone +1 212 636 2000
Fax +1 212 636 4930
E-mail
Conditions d'utilisationConditions d'utilisation
transport Service postal
Service de messagerie
ramassage par vous-même
Modes de paiement Virement bancaire
Heures d'ouvertureHeures d'ouverture
Lu 09:30 – 17:00   
Ma 09:30 – 17:00   
Me 09:30 – 17:00   
Je 09:30 – 17:00   
Ve 09:30 – 17:00   
Sa fermé
Di fermé

Plus du Créateur

Mosses from an old Manse, inscribed by Sophia Hawthorne
Mosses from an old Manse, inscribed by Sophia Hawthorne
$3 000
Mudie’s Natural History of Birds
Mudie’s Natural History of Birds
$100
True Stories from History and Biography, The Snow-Image, and A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys
True Stories from History and Biography, The Snow-Image, and A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys
$100
On Franklin Pierce and his new office as U.S. Consul
On Franklin Pierce and his new office as U.S. Consul
$1 000
Inchiquin, 1810
Inchiquin, 1810
$100
Thanking his friend for his financial support
Thanking his friend for his financial support
$5 000
Tanglewood Tales
Tanglewood Tales
$100
The Marble Faun, inscribed by Pierce
The Marble Faun, inscribed by Pierce
$2 000

Termes connexes

?>