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Lot #705
Lin Yutang

“My new book is called ‘Between Tears and Laughter’”

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Description

“My new book is called ‘Between Tears and Laughter’”

ALS, one page both sides, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, May 5, 1943. Letter to Madonna, in part: “My new book is called ‘Between Tears and Laughter’—do you know the feeling when you discover you’ve made a big stupid mistake & you can neither weep nor laugh? That is the feeling I have about this war—going crazier & crazier as time goes on. It is all about the peace to come & how we are for certainty driving Peace away from our very doorsteps by our materialistic thinking. In this book, I say, & I say again, ‘Materialists must continue to fight eternally. Materialists cannot end wars or devise a peace. They have no brains for it.’ So you ought to be able to get the hang of it, & I am sure you agree with my stand. In a short little ‘Preface to Myself’ I say ‘Our problem is the problem of moral decay and regeneration. From a handful of dust faith must come. There is more hope in a heather rose than in all the tons of Teutonic philosophy.’ Am I right? The book will be out in July, and I shall autograph a copy for you and send it to you.” In fine condition, with trivial creasing to top edge and a tiny partial separation to mailing fold. Written during the Second World War, Between Tears and Laughter offered a harsh condemnation of Western racism and imperialism, and urged the West to reconsider its view of justified Western dominance and embrace the wisdom of the East. An uncommon and insightful letter regarding one of Lin’s most controversial books. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #456 - Ended July 15, 2015





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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