LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Feb Grand Format Book & Manuscript #682  / 

56914

Robert Bloch. Archive of 1950s Correspondence

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:725.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Robert Bloch. Archive of 1950s Correspondence
<B>Robert Bloch. Archive of 1950s Correspondence to Prominent Canadian Science Fiction Fan and Toronto Science Fiction Society Member William D. Grant</B></I>, including: <B><BR>Three two-page Typed Letters Signed</B></I> "Bob", 8.5" x 11", n.p., n.d. [1950s]. Written on Bloch's personal stationery. In these letters, Bloch writes of his personal life and of his life in the science fiction community, and of Grant's involvement in Torcon, the Toronto Science Fiction Convention. One of the letters is a scathing review of Chaplin's film, <I>A King in New York</B></I>. All in fine or better condition.<BR><BR>[And:]<BR><B><BR>Four single page Typed Letters Signed</B></I> "Bob", 8.5" x 11", n.p., n.d. [1950s]. Written on plain paper. In these letters, Bloch discusses Grant's Canadian science fiction publication CANFAN, his own abiding interest in jazz music, and events relating to the Midwest science fiction convention, MidwestCon. All in fine or better condition.<BR><BR>[And:]<BR><B><BR>Two-page Typed Letter</B></I>, signed "RB" in print, 8.5" x 11", plain paper, n.p., n.d. [1956]. Bloch was the Guest of Honor at the first Torcon in 1948, and William Grant wanted to republish the speech Bloch gave at that hallowed event. Bloch agreed. This is the "Introductory Note" to Grant's republication of Bloch's 1948 speech. Fine condition.<BR><BR><And:]<BR><B><BR>Three Typed Notes Signed</B></I> "Bob", 5.5" x 3.25", plain postcards, two with Bloch's return address stamped on the front, Weyauwega, Wisconsin, 1955-1956. One of these postcards is especially interesting, in that Bloch wrote it while Fritz Leiber was a house guest, and the bulk of the card discusses H. P. Lovecraft. Bloch writes "Fact is, HPL, despite physical and psychic and economic handicaps which would swamp a lot of people (including, I suspect, most of his critics) managed to help support his maiden aunts, worked like a dog, was a friend to scores of writers, and-most important-never compromised in his own work but wrote it honestly: i.e., as he thought it should be written. How many of today's check-hungry authors can say the same? The man had guts." Indeed. Also includes an unsigned postcard advertising <I>Unknown and Unknown Worlds</B></I>, a publication for which Bloch wrote the introduction. Fine condition.<BR><BR>[And:]<BR><B><BR>Typed Letter from William D. Grant to Robert Bloch</B></I>. One page, 8.5" x 11", plain paper, n.p., July 23, 1954. In this brief but cordial letter, Grant consoles Bloch on his wife Marion, whose health had recently worsened, hastening the Blochs' move to Weyauwega, Wisconsin. Fine condition.<BR><BR>[And:]<BR><B><BR>Manuscript Note Signed from Marion Bloch to William Grant's Wife </B></I>"Marion". One page, 9" x 6.75", card stock, n.p., n.d. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope with Bloch's pre-printed return address label. This short note from Bloch's wife is a Thank You note for a painting that Mrs. Grant recently sent to the Blochs. Fine condition. <I>From the Robert and Diane Yaspan Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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