Highly influential, Nobel Prize–winning German novelist and social critic (1875–1955). TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, November 13, 1949. Mann writes to Mrs. C. E. Joiner. In part: “[Y]our mention of my novel ‘Doctor Faustus’ has given me pleasure. But I was sorry about the depressed mood in which your letter apparently had been written. Not that there isn’t ample reason for such a mood! The world situation looks dark enough, and even in this country, that has so many natural advantages over other nations, there are unfortunate tendencies. But these are counterbalanced by encouraging symptoms: there are many men and women of insight and good will; there are many good books on the crisis of our time trying to find a solution to it…. You are too young to surrender permanently to the despair with which the present state of civilization fills you. As regards myself—an old man today—I always return from moods of discouragement to new hope and new work.” In good condition, with scattered spotting and toning, show-through from mounting traces on reverse, scattered wrinkles and a few tears, and intersecting mailing folds (one fold touching signature. The signature is clear and mostly unaffected. R&R COA.
