American novelist (1892–1977) best known as the author of such crime/noir classics as The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity. TLS signed “J.M.C.,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, April 14, 1974. Cain writes to literary scholar, Professor Matthew J. Bruccoli, at the University of South Carolina, regarding a meeting he had with another author—undoubtedly novelist John O’Hara. In part: “O’Hara, in his twenties, was quite necessitous, and not too pleasant about it…He was very cold, reserved, very unapproachable…Altogether, he’s not the pleasantest recollection of my life.” Cain has corrected some typos in the text and added a handwritten note in the margin that refers to the other author's piece, "The Christmas Speert” [sic] published in the New Yorker Magazine, "probably 1929 or 1930 but most likely 1929. Could be his 1st published piece in N.Y." In fine condition. RRAuction COA.
