ALS, one page both sides, 5.5 x 7.5, 11 Mallord Street letterhead, May 11, 1923. Letter to longtime friend Vincent Seligman, in full: "We have just come back from the country, and though we remained sufficiently civilized to have letters forwarded, parcels settled down heavily and refused to budge. So I have this moment found your book, with its inscription and dedication for both of which I thank you very much. I am proud, Sir, and honored, Sir—then he bowed profoundly, hand on breast. When I have read it I will tell you what I think of it. 'Mr. Seligman's little book…Take this little book for instance…On the other hand…Whereas…to return to Mr. Seligman's little book…' And so on. All in the most professional style. The great thing is to put the author in his place at once by calling it 'little,' thus making it pleasantly clear to him that we gaze upon him from a great height. I have finished 'The Wind in the Willows,' which I thought never to do. It has hung over me—(doubtful metaphor)—buffeted me—(much better)—for two years. And now at last I can do exactly what I like, which I have always done. But now with a clear conscience. We are all well—and Billy is also beautiful." In fine condition. A decidedly legible example enhanced furthermore by the mention of the Kenneth Grahame classic, which Milne adapted for the stage in 1929 as Toad of Toad Hall.
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