Sale 2530 - Fine Books & Manuscripts, February 20, 2020

“I HAVE MADE A BEGINNING” ON THE NOVEL THAT LAY UNFINISHED UPON HIS DEATH 134 c   CHANDLER, RAYMOND. Two Typed Letters Signed, “Ray” or in full, to his publisher, Houghton Mifflin. The first, to Houghton Mifflin editor Hardwick Moseley, concerning his share of the “Pocket Book advance” [for Playback ?], and announcing his progress on a new Marlowe book [his unfinished novel that became Poodle Springs ]. The second, to “Dear sirs,” announcing his plan to move to London on March 8 [he died in La Jolla on March 26], with four-line Autograph Postscript Signed, “RC”: “Any payments due to me please remit to the Chase Manhattan Bank Rockefeller Center. Sorry to be such a nuisance.” Each 1 page, 4to, personal stationery, the first on pale green paper; folds. La Jolla, 14 January; 1 March 1959 [800/1,200] 14 January: “. . . I have made a beginning on a new Marlowe book, with only five or six chapters accomplished so far. . . .” 135 c   CLAUDEL, PAUL. Two Autograph Letters Signed, “Claudel,” to “Dear Mr. Leach.” The first, apologizing for not being able to meet in New York and giving plans to leave for France on the 23rd. The second, sending an 11-line Christmas greeting. Together 3 pages, 8vo, “Ambassade de France” stationery; second with paperclip stain at upper edge. Washington, 16 April 1927; 19 December 1928 [250/350] 16 April 1927: “. . . Pressure of business is a word of which you do not appreciate the meaning until you are in America. . . .” 19 December 1928: “. . . May the ‘Tidings brought to Many’ be brought to every heart whom this Christmas Eve will hear through distance and time the bells of Monsauvierge singing on a new born’s cradle: Glory to God in high places and peace on earth to all men of good will. Still the glory of God is a greater need than the good will of men. . . .” 134