American novelist (1917–1994) best known as the author of Psycho, the novel upon which Alfred Hitchcock based his 1960 horror classic. ALS, one page both sides, 6 x 7, personal letterhead, February 9, 1990. Letter to an admirer. In full: “I am enormously pleased with the photos, and enormously sorry to tell you I don’t know what to do regarding your request. Ray is adamant about not allowing his address to be given out, and changes his phone number every month or so because the unlisted number gets around. As a result, the only way to reach him is to send a letter c/o Congdon, which seems to be the best available means: as far as I know, he’s still Bradbury’s agent. (If not, then Williamson should know, since he’d have to deal with Ray’s agent in order to purchase his work). I myself don’t know the stories you refer to—but there have been books on Bradbury, I assume, that must contain bibliographies with title sources. Lest you think it strange of Ray being so difficult to reach, bear in mind that he gets countless letters and/or requests, all of which impose demands on his time and attention. In the olden days a popular writer usually had the services of a competent secretary, but the breed is just about extinct now—at least in this country. Most of the limited number available can or will do nothing but transcribe material on a word-processor: the days of the ‘personal’ secretary seem over, at least for writers who can’t afford to spend a fortune for such services. At any rate, that seems to be the situation and I regret having to report it.” In fine condition, with a small piece of tape to the top edge and writing lightly showing through from opposing sides. RRAuction COA.
