ALS, one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, embossed Naulakha letterhead, January 25, 1896. Handwritten letter author and illustrator Mary Hallock Foote, known for her stories of the American West. In part: "I have to thank you on the wife's behalf for the little lucky-shoe charm. When I opened the letter it fell out and I whooped for I thought it was all for me and gifts that tumble from letters are always fascinating…Tell you daughter with my most humble compliments: That if I had come across the Cup Of Trembling on the top of Pike's Peak (new works are scarce in Brattleboro) I'd have written first the same as I have: only I'd probably have written at greater length. Don't I know the loving child's feelings when an outsider compliments their own flesh and blood? There was a man once, was Viceroy of India and Lytton was his name and I was in Eton jacket & white collar and he told me he 'had a great regard for' my own Sacred Pater! I friz at once down my youthful backbone and said with as deep a voice as I could in those years command that 'most men I knew thought the same way.' But in my heart I don't think I've forgiven him yet. But please tell the little lady it was strictly on the literary side that I wrote and her mother did not 'fish.'
Our babe has approached literature in a large & serene spirit, arguing from the Jungle Books she assumes that all the Books on my shelves were written by 'Faver' and the pictures to them were drawn by 'Gran'faver'—all for her. It's a good view to take when you come to consider it: and I grieve for her awakening. She is a great child and the delight of our days. We are expecting her successor in a few days and so far thank God all omens point favourably." He adds a handwritten postscript, initialed "RK," in full: "If you wouldn't think it impertinent, I'd like to have three (3) copies of the Cup of Trembling to send over the other side with an eye to reviews and if you'd care to have me write to my literary agent A. P. Watt with a view to pushing it the other side & making your English contracts I'd be even better pleased." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Kipling's own hand, as well as a letter to Foote by his wife, Caroline Kipling, dated February 19, 1893, commenting on her daughter, home, and travels. Both letters, along with interpretive research, were published in the June 2021 issue of The Kipling Journal, a copy of which is included. A superb letter in which Kipling refers to his "Jungle Books"—The Jungle Book (1894) and The Second Jungle Book (1895)—two of his most famous and popular works.
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