ALS signed “Geo. Orwell,” one page, 5.5 x 7, October 2, 1949. Letter to an admirer. In part: “Many thanks for your letter & the review of ‘1984.’ My signature is below. I am afraid you must excuse bad handwriting, as I am in very poor health.” He also writes his location at the top, “Room 65, Private Wing. University College Hospital, Gower St. London WC1.” In fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds (the vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature).
Suffering from tuberculosis since 1947, Orwell’s health took a turn for the worse shortly before penning this letter from University College Hospital. His classic 1984 had been released only months earlier on June 8, and it was generally well received by critics, earning praise from V. S. Pritchett, Bertrand Russell, E. M. Forster, and Harold Nicolson. Sadly, Orwell would not live long enough to observe its wild success and vast influence—he never left the hospital, passing away on January 21, 1950. Any autographic material from Orwell is quite scarce, and the direct mention of his profoundly influential dystopian novel makes this an especially extraordinary piece. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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