ALS signed “LeRoy,” three pages, penned in black ink and ballpoint, 8.25 x 10.5, November 12, 1961. Letter to Playboy founder and publisher Hugh Hefner, in part: "A quick word to give inside tip the ‘Gaslight’ is a Paris sensation. The in-crowd really digs it. Guys like at ‘Paris Match’ are holding up spreads in order to take over the place before it becomes public property. The film crowd and all really think it makes it. Thought this may interest you providing what a real smash the Playboy Club will be. Parisians are begging for anything American—begging. Wimpy hamburger joints popping up—Snack Bars—Bowling Alleys—U.S. records only—they are crying for American fare. Playboy is up front on all stands. Joni looks out from the calendar wrapper wherever you look. They are ready for the club. The mag is real hot. Everyone discusses it. One large left-bank second hand book dealer told me he has more calls for back issues of Playboy than any book or magazine…It’s evident I dig Paris very much. It never shuts down. The nites are black and white strictly. The whole city glitters like a huge chandelier. All lights are whiter. Clubs are deep, dark, full of ‘French chicks’ and American Jazz. And all they want is more of America-More-encore!…I’m painting this place as I experience it by nite. My palette seems to have been affected somewhat by this—toned down—more blacks-whites-greys. I feel good here, easy and here comes the statement that goes without saying. I’m doing my best work ever…One man show of my stuff opens at Sarasota on Feb 9—London Show at O’Hara Gallery March 1st—Hammer N.Y. late Sept—plus a couple other shows at galleries of no particular consequence but top galleries in St. Louis and Philadelphia however. Also exhibiting for the first time in Paris this coming opening Dec 4 at the Salon d’art Modern. Come on over now Hef. Another statement that goes without saying is ‘my heart and talent belongs to Playboy.’” In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Around 1954, Neiman first met the Playboy mogul while doing freelance fashion illustration for the Carson Pirie Scott department store chain, where Hefner was employed as a writer. Hefner later hired Neiman as a contributor to Playboy, a position he held for 50 years; Neiman famously created the Femlin character for the Party Jokes page, as well as the ‘Man at His Leisure’ feature.
