TLS by Mary Hemingway signed in red pencil, “Mary,” with a lengthy postscript signed in pencil by Ernest, “Papa,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, Finca Vigia letterhead, July 9, [1948]. A lengthy letter to screenwriter Peter Viertel, attempting to convince him to collaborate with Hemingway on a book about a German submarine commander. Hemingway’s postscript, in part: “I have about 40,000 words done on the commander coming in from a trip…This I might use or might throw out and take it straight from the minute they hit the traces of your guys. The measure of a book is how good the stuff is that you can throw out. I think we could do a hell of a book but think we would probably be going at it ass backwards for you not to research the sub end first and us make the trip to the island so we both know what we are writing about before we start. I really think this (collaboration ie. partnership. don't want to call you a collaborator. you've got your hair cut short enough already.) is a sound move and could put you into the big time…Just don't say nothing to nobody about it, really, not Irwin, nor Jesus, nor nobody. I would never have the time nor be able to allow the work to doing the Kraut end, so you know how important it is." Mary also makes an addition to the postscript in the left margin. In fine condition. Although this project never came to fruition, Viertel would write the screen adaptations of The Sun Also Rises in 1957 and The Old Man and the Sea in 1958. A wonderful letter rife with excellent content, particularly in its references to writing and the writing process. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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