ALS signed “G. Bernard Shaw,” one page, 8 x 10, The Christian Science Monitor letterhead, December 16, 1925. Response at the bottom of a letter written to him concerning a question on the copyright of letters. In part: “The law on the subject is quite simple. This piece of paper belongs to me: you have sent it to me as a gift. But copyright does not pass without a consideration; therefore the copyright in what you have written on it remains yours. I may not publish or multiply copies of your letter; but if you forget what you wrote and wish to refresh your memory by reading it I can withhold it from you either absolutely or until you have paid me for allowing you to look at it. My property in the paper gives me this power. Now that I return you your gift of paper the position is reversed. It is yours again: you can refuse to let me see it. You can sell it or give it away or burn it. But you may not copy nor publish these lines. My letters are often sold. So are other manuscripts which have passed out of my hands. But they are sold, not as literature, but as material relics of a modern saint. I have never protested.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a transmittal letter forwarding Shaw’s response to an interested party. Provenance: The Everett Fisher Collection. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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