Rare TLS signed “Jerry,” two pages, 5.5 x 8.5, October 20, 1981. The reclusive author responds to a prior message from his longtime pen-pal Mary Janet Eagleson, and waxes on about his family, astrology, philosophy, and even offers an anecdote in response to Eagleson having experienced a “near accident.” It seems that Eagleson informed Salinger that on her way home from a weekend at his house, she was involved in a rather messy happening with the hood of her jeep. In part, Salinger responds [his spellings and capitalizations retained]: “The news about your (more than just possibly) very narrow escape on the road knocks my hat off, needless to say, or would if I had one on. I think, though, that what happened to you happens once (only once, let’s see to it) to every Jeep driver [Eagleson’s hood had flown open]. I’ve had it happen, too. Long ago. Once it does happen, I don’t think one ever again forgets or fails to see that those side latches on the hood are fastened after every Opening. Interesting—some might say a bit eerie—the way you felt somewhat alerted before the fact. Happens, though, I’d say. If you left that 5:07 P.M. reading in Daylight-saving time, and didn’t adjust (on your own) back into Standard time, that good kid Sarah had Aquarius rising when she entered this veil of you know what. Moon in Cancer. Nearly everything else in Libra or Virgo. A thinker and a doubter’s chart, largely. Somebody who wants evidence, proof, not promises, not enthusiasms. So it appears at first glance, anyway. Someone who rarely expects to find character or nobility or unselfishness in people. Which seems to [handwritten insertion: me] reasonable enough, smart enough. Many might say too reasonable perhaps, but the longer in the tooth I get, the more I’m in favor of looking at everything as hard and as reasonably as the body and mind can stand…. Son and girlfriend come and gone. Girlfriend brought soup—not bad, either—and seemed very fond and attentive to son, and sort of vice versa. Who knows. The movie projector somehow repaired itself, which is always a big help for social relations in these parts.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, as well as a copy of Eagleson’s letter to Salinger, dated October 14, 1981. In fine condition.
The offered letter reveals the reclusive author's characteristically caustic—yet charming—tone, and the fact that he has signed “Jerry” rather than relying upon his usual practice of a pseudonym marks an interesting departure from Salinger's typically isolationist lifestyle. As his last published work was in 1962, the only insight admirers have into his literary genius is through correspondence such as this. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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