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Hart Crane

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Hart Crane

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Auction Date:2018 Aug 08 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
ALS signed “Hart,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Cunard Line letterhead, December 9, 1928. Letter to his good friend Samuel Loveman of New York's Rowfant Book Shop, written aboard the "Tuscania, Off Newfoundland," in part: "Ahoy Sam! The ship is rearing like a high-strung broncho—and I'm out walking the quarter deck much of the time—enjoying the rythmical lift and plunge of it. We've had high seas running and sleet and rain since Sandy Hook and I've been down for every meal. O it's great! The bad gin pains are leaving my head—and taking only the bad memories with them—not the pleasant thoughts of you and Mary and others. This is a pleasant boat—not at all crowded—and such nice people. English servants know how to be pleasant as well as efficient. And of course I would be given the only really handsome English waiter in the salon! Rather tough food—but I'm getting used to it. The whisky—which is all I've tried thus far — is like balm of Giliad—or whatever Poe said. A little goes a long ways—and really doesn't sadden one." As a postscript, he adds: "Melville makes fine reading on this trip." In fine condition, with light show-through from writing on opposing sides. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in his own hand.

A fabulous letter, as Crane speaks of two titans of American literature—Edgar Allan Poe and Herman Melville. He specifically alludes to a line from Poe's classic, The Raven: 'Is there—is there balm in Gilead?—tell me—tell me, I implore! Quoth the Raven 'Nevermore.'' In the postscript, he makes reference to Melville's famed seafaring tales, including his magnum opus Moby Dick. The recipient, Samuel Loveman, was a poet, critic, and bookseller known for his associations and correspondence with Crane and H. P. Lovecraft. An absolutely beautiful specimen.