Typed Note Signed / Typed Manuscript Signed.
Prolific Missouri author of historical romances such as "Fran," "Lahoma," "Wolves of Holland" and "Stork's Nest." Two items: First, a TNS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Plattsburg, MO, 1923 January 22. Addressed to Albert Johannsen (1871-1962), a University of Chicago geology professor who authored "The House of Beadle and Adams and Its Dime and Nickel Novels" (1950), the definitive reference work on the subject. Near fine. Nice note to an admirer: "Yours... finds me in my winter home far from my library, so I cannot send the MS.-page of any published novel. However, I inclose a page from my last book, not as yet announced, named (but only tentatively) 'Tandy Sees the World.' ... The MS. notes for revision are in shorthand of my devising." Bold full signature. Second is the aforementioned page, a TMS, 1p, 8½" X 11", n.p., n.y. Very good. On thin onion-skin type paper typed in purple ink, this nice double-spaced typescript opens with characteristic Ellis prose: "The younger man stared at him perplexedly, puzzled less by the dancing eyes, which seemed scintillating with a rush of sparks blown in a wind, than by the enigmatic utterances of the kindly mouth...." Crossouts, additions and deletions penned throughout, including several lines added to the verso of the leaf. In the left margin, vertically, he writes, "First draft of novel of 1922-1923 / J. Breckenridge Ellis / All rights reserved." Ellis does not seem to have published a book by this title, but whether this title was published under another title warrants further research. Accompanied by Johannsen's original 8½" X 11" file folder, bearing a printed "Collection of Albert Johannsen" label (partly filled in by Johannsen). A handsome pair. Item #26772
Price: $100.00