Collection of nine TLSs, dated from June of 1956 through May of 1965, all on New York Times letterhead and all addressed to either John P. Sullivan or David Jackson, both theatre fans who took an active role in communicating their many approvals of, and qualms with, Atkinson’s work. In one letter, Atkinson thanks Mr. Jackson for his letter, adding a short, handwritten note at the bottom, “Let me add my admiration for the depth and range of your memory and information”; in a letter to Mr. Sullivan, the editor comments, “I’m sorry you don’t like my columns on our fine feathered friends. Max Gordon, the Broadway producer, agrees with you. But since I enjoy birds I’m happy to know that what I write about them pleases many readers. The supreme challenge for a writer is to get on paper some of the facts and spirit of nature. It’s not easy. In fact, it’s impossible”; in another letter to Mr. Sullivan, Atkinson muses, “Although you are irritated with me I have enjoyed your spirited and pungent letter. I like people who object, and that is what I like the Becks…They quite understand that I do not accept their philosophy, which is anarchism. But I am always curious about people who defy common sense, in particularly if they are cultivated people like the Becks and have civil manners. I guess I like lost causes”; and finally, concluding with a letter to Mr. Jackson dated April 15, 1965, Atkinson bids a farewell to his life’s work: “I wish I could go to England for any reason, and specifically to write about some of the plays you mention. But after 42 years on the staff of The Times I am retiring at the end of this month.” In fine condition, with light toning, some trivial creasing, and intersecting folds to one letter. Accompanied by a TLS sent on Atkinson’s behalf by his secretary, and 10 original mailing envelopes. RRAuction COA.
