Canadian explorer and ethnologist (1879–1962) best known for his expeditions to the Arctic and for his studies of the native peoples there. TLS signed “V. Stefansson,” one page, 8.5 x 11, business letterhead, May 7, 1926. Letter to author Mark Sullivan. In full: “In a general conversation between several people the other evening I heard that you intend to include some consideration of the Cook-Peary controversy in one of the forthcoming volumes of your History. Judging from articles I have read in the Independent, I should think that you are likely to get off somewhat on the wrong foot. I am sure you want to consider anything thoroughly before it goes into such final and authoritative form as that of one of your books. In any case, I am anxious for the opportunity to have a further talk with you. This is, accordingly, a very pressing invitation to lunch with me when you are next in New York. But if that is impossible, could we have some opportunity to talk together without food for a pretext?” Stefansson has also added a postscript in his own hand: “I tried to see you in Washington a few weeks ago, but you were said to be ill in bed—flu or something.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, a few pencil notations to the top, and light irregular toning to the bottom and right side. The controversy Stefansson references has to do with the first man to reach the geographic North Pole—Robert Peary claimed to be the first on April 6, 1909, while Frederick Cook claimed to have reached it the year before. Stefansson is noted as supporting Peary’s claims. RRAuction COA.
