Colorful American film director and pulp author (1924–1978) who, though widely reviled in his lifetime, became the subject of cult-like fascination after his death. Wood’s reputation, such as it is, rests primarily on a string of films that attained legendary status for their singular combination of laughable production values, ridiculous dialogue, stilted performances, and haphazard direction. Rare TLS signed “Ed,” one page, trimmed in size to 8.5 x 9, August 1, 1966. Wood writes to Forrest J. Ackerman, the pioneering editor and writer who was a key figure in the promotion and widespread acceptance of science fiction and horror as ‘serious’ genres. In full: “Going into the second month that I haven’t heard from you. I certainly know all things take time, but do drop me a line and let me know if, and how things are progressing.
Two new paperbacks through San Diego. ‘69 Rue Pigalle’ and ‘Naked Bones.’ Both should be interesting for foreign sales. ‘Bones’ will be especially interesting to you for its horrific qualities. Deals with many a carnival murder—monsters and mad men. I am working on ‘Devil Girls’ for this month’s sale.
Also, just as some information for your benefit. Some time ago I put my little three bucks in an envelope and mailed for ‘Famous Monsters Speaks’ [sic]. After much time I wrote, ‘Why do I not receive the record?’ and of course there was the return—‘We never received the money.’ Better advise your people not to send cash. Thus this time I sent a check which was cashed from New York to here by Captain Company on June 27—also for one of the back issues of the serial’s magazine -- but have not arrived as yet.
Let me hear from you from time to time and what is happening. As soon as I get the phone back, and a car, we’ll see you.”
Trimming as noted, intersecting mailing folds, and somewhat irregular light strips of toning to edges, otherwise fine condition.
Renowned (and at times reviled) as a producer-writer-director-actor, Wood’s motion career continued on a rapid downward spiral by the mid-1960s. Never one to let looming defeat stand in his way, Wood embarked on a different career—as a prolific short story writer and novelist. Much of this early work was less sex-driven and more focused on unique characters and bizarre situations.
Writing here to Ackerman, his agent, a nearly broke Wood exalts his latest works—69 Rue Pigalle (also known by the more lusty title Parisian Passions), Devil Girls (made into a film in 1999), and his apparent personal favorite, Naked Bones. Eventually, Wood teamed his fascination with classic horror movies with the publisher's demands for sexually explicit tales, once again creating a genre of its own. All autograph material from Wood is quite elusive; examples with connections of this distinction are of the greatest scarcity. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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