Lot #535

Margaret Mitchell Typed Letter Signed on 'Negro Dialect' in Gone With the Wind

Description

Mitchell replies to a review of Gone With the Wind: "Any Southern housewife who has had to raise a little darkey girl is going to want to smack Prissy because nearly every Southern woman has had a Prissy"

TLS signed “Margaret Mitchell Marsh,” one page, 7 x 11, personal letterhead, February 25, 1937. Letter to "Mrs. Meyer," in full: "I thought your review most excellent and I thank you so very much for sending it to me. I especially liked the part where you mentioned the Negroes, and was so glad you thought that Prissy and her big talk sounded authentic. I have wondered frequently how Prissy sounds to people born outside of the South. I am afraid many will think her overdrawn. But, as my husband remarked when he first read my manuscript, 'any Southern housewife who has had to raise a little darkey girl is going to want to smack Prissy because nearly every Southern woman has had a Prissy on her hands at one time or another.' You could not have said anything that would have pleased me more than that 'Gone With the Wind' brought back memories of your grandmother…P.S. Last night I was reading a book entitled 'The Story of the Great March,' written by one of General Sherman's staff officers—I cannot remember his name and I do not have the book with me. However, he made many mentions of Savannah and its capture and I thought, if Sherman occupied your grandmother's home, you might find this book of interest if you can locate it in a second hand book shop." In very good condition, with creasing and intersecting folds. Accompanied by a two-page carbon copy of Mrs. Meyer's review and letter sent to Mitchell. A fantastic letter concerning Gone With the Wind and its reception around the country, and specifically within the South.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #676 - Ended October 11, 2023

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