Important Swedish novelist and playwright (1849–1912) who takes a place among the most influential figures in the development of modern theater. His best-known works include Miss Julie, The Dance of Death, and A Dream Play. ALS in Swedish and German, one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, December 15, 1902. Strindberg writes to his translator, Ernst Braisewetter, responding to questions about a passage concerning Swedish funeral customs (“simple wooden coffins which are painted black and covered with some kind of black dust”). Strindberg explains, “Rich people have coffins of oak, the very poor, coffins of pine, which are painted in black but without dust (imitation of cloth of velvet/velour…. More I cannot say!” The original passage may relate to Strindberg’s story “In Midsummer Days,” which includes a description of “a black coffin with silver feet, and in the coffin lay a young girl with a bridal crown on her head,” or to Dream Play, in which a character wakes up at his own funeral. A touch of light soiling, otherwise fine, bright condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
