Georgia-born American writer (1925–1964), best known for her quintessentially ‘Southern Gothic’ stories and novels, who died of lupus at the age of 39. Rare DS one page, 8.25 x 11, August 23, 1962. Document from Doubleday and Company, preparing to publish Prize Stories 1963: The O. Henry Awards, requesting “permission to reprint your story ‘Everything That Rises Must Converge’ from New World Writing, 19, in all editions of our volume…In addition the prizes which will be paid to the winners, fifty percent of the editor’s earnings from the book will be divided equally among the contributors…We should also appreciate your enclosing a short ‘up-to-date’ autobiographical note to be included with the story.” Signed at the conclusion, “Flannery O’Connor, 28. Aug. 62, biographical information same as previous.” O’Connor has also made two corrections to the letter, which originally addressed her in the male gender. In fine condition, with staple holes to top edge, and a pencil notation to top right. O’Connor is quite scarce in any form, even more so with direct literary association to one of her best known stories, which would become the title of her posthumously published collection of short stories. RR Auction COA.
