American writer, editor, historian, poet, and literary critic (1898-1989) who was an an influential editor and talent scout at Viking Press. TLS, one page, 7.75 x 9.75, personal letterhead, July 24, 1985. Letter to James Wylie, in part: "This summer, for reasons of ill health and advancing age, I was forced to retire from the literature business. That means no more manuscripts read, no more letters written with advice and encouragement, no more books autographed, packed, and carried to the post office, no more recommendations, and a long list of other 'no mores.' I will be 87 years old next month and I can scarcely walk upstairs to my study. Also I have a few things of my own still to write, with no hope at all of writing them unless I absolutely stop working for other people…You write well and it is a misfortune to the world that various difficulties have kept you from writing more. Leopold Senghor is an outstanding subject for a biographer, though one that requires knowledge of the French literary scene, the vicissitudes of post-colonial governments, and the history of Senegal from the time of its great medieval civilization." In fine condition, with light toning to the left edge. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
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