Two ALSs, both addressed to Christine Schunck in Germany, one signed “John Steinbeck,” and one signed “J. S.” Incredible content in this duo of intimate letters: Steinbeck addresses his lineage, his two sons, and his latest book, as well as offering rare insight into his thoughts on words.
The first letter, signed in full, is dated October 13, 1956, on both sides of a lightly-lined 8.5 x 11 yellow sheet. The letter reads: “Dear Christine: I am very glad you wrote the letter and very glad that you sent it. Perhaps everything we do is a blind and blundering attempt to communicate, to send signals that may be received. The ultimate, of course, comes when the code is understood. This, to a writer, is what he works for and what he lives for. And it doesn’t happen very often for words are seldom used for communication. They are rather little mirrors in which we catch our own reflections. But when a word becomes an arrow released at random which our landing has a little scrap of understanding tied to its shaft, then the angels must rejoice and all the good fairys [sic] of light go dancing and the dark recede[s] a little. Yes, I am glad you sent the letter. I have two sons of ten and twelve, electric little people and very different one from the other and still very [a]like. Now they are coming to the age you wrote of in yourself. They are very brave and violent and loving but sometimes I see in their eyes the panic of aloneness and there is nothing I can do, surely not say, except to touch them in such a way that it might be an accident. Sometimes I think that reassures them a little, not that they are less alone. It’s not so bad when you know there are others. And it is the nature of little boys and some little girls to go about everyday inventing the world and being both wonder struck and horrified at their invention. And so the message is uncoded and and it says always the same thing - ‘I am here. Where are you?’ I like your father Josef. It is not common in latter day Christians to understand the virtue and the difficulty of receiving. We are so bloated with the ego vice of giving. To receive requires true humility, and huge tact and monstrous understanding. Joseph must be a good man to permit himself to be puzzled. You yourself write very well, or say very well which is another thing. I am sorry that I do not know German. My grandfather was a German and I guess the family came from Westphalia from the place of my name which is such old German as to be almost old English and near old Norsk. When first heard of they were called her Steinbeck but there they moved and grew fat with something so that they were called von Grosssteinbeck. I don’t think they ever went home to become von and her. But in America that was too much name. We hadn’t time for it and so my grandfather too back his ancient name - the name of a little stony stream in Westphalia. I guess that is the way it was. We can only guess. And my grandfather died when I was very young, so that I never learned German in my heart. But may be just as well. I am still struggling with the firebreathed dragon of English. Thank you again for writing. It is like the little touch on the shoulder which may be an accident.”
The second letter , signed “J. S.,” on one side of a lightly-lined 8.5 x 11 light yellow sheet reads: “Dear Christine: I am sorry I did not answer you at once. I was working very hard for Mr. Stevenson in the election. We lost. Then I had a book to get corrected and through the usual publishing battle. Then my son catbird was ill. And so I did not answer. Thank you for the bee’s wax candle. I have never had one. I should save it for Christmas. But I lighted it and it has a lovely odor. Out on our country place we have berry called barberry which is boiled to an essence and the essence added to wax to make a beautiful odor when the candle burns. Next year I should try to make some. The candles as green like the Hungarian candles. The boys and I are building a little boat in the garden. But I have been so busy that it is taking long. However, we will complete it by spring. It’s a pretty little boat 12 feet long and and will take a motor. To be called Rogue after ‘Oh! what a rogue and pleasant slave am I.’ Sorry to be so short but I have a great pile of correspondence which must be caught up. Thank you again for the candle.”
Both of the original mailing envelopes, addressed in Steinbeck’s hand, are included. In fine condition, with some scattered creasing and toning to envelopes. An exceptional prize for Steinbeck collectors. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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