American religious leader (1821–1910) who founded the Church of Christ, Scientist and authored the influential text outlining its doctrines, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The church had its genesis in her recovery from a disabling fall, which stemmed, she believed, from intense Bible study. She thereafter devoted her efforts to promoting “spiritual” healing, attracting legions of followers and building an empire that included a still-well-regarded newspaper, the Christian Science Monitor, and a worldwide network of churches and “reading rooms.” After more than a century, Eddy and the church remain the focus of much debate. Her personal wealth and the cult of personality that surrounded her has been viewed with suspicion by many, while one of the church’s principal dictates, which precludes conventional medical treatment, has become an enduring hot-button controversy in the wake of numerous deaths of children whose parents refused life-saving surgery or drugs. Uncommon TLS signed “Sincerely yours, Mary Baker Eddy,” one page, 4.75 x 7.75, personal Pleasant View, Concord letterhead, July 29, 1905. Eddy writes to Gilson Willets of the Christian Herald in New York City. In full: “Your favor of June 1st was highly appreciated. I earnestly hoped to comply with your request in due season for I always have been deeply interested in the subject of your symposium, and wanted to have a hand in it; but could not owing to the special demands on my attention at that time.” A bit of light soiling to right edge, otherwise fine, bright condition. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
