Highly regarded American writer (1900–1938) whose four novels, including Look Homeward, Angel and Of Time and the River, take a place among the high points of twentieth-century fiction. Check, 6.5 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Wolfe, payable to Rogers Peet for $22.54, May 14, 1938. Wolfe’s notation at bottom reads, “Payment in full; four shirts and eyelit collars.” Wolfe had been living at the Chelsea Hotel in New York before deciding to make a speech at Perdue on June 19, 1938. Disorganized at best, Wolfe enlisted the help of a man and a tailor in packing and selecting his clothing. On his 1938 trip to the Pacific Northwest, Wolfe was stricken with pneumonia. Complications arose, and he eventually was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the brain. He was treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital, but the attempt at a life-saving operation revealed the disease had overrun the entire right side of his brain. He died three days later, never regaining consciousness. Expected holes to body, bank stamp over a small portion of first name, and all of Wolfe’s writing a shade or two light, but completely legible, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
