signed unbound
1947 · New York
by WILLINGHAM, Calder (1922 - 1995)
New York, 1947. unbound. very good. 1 page, 11 x 8.5 inches, New York City, April 20, 1947, to Professor William Seward, concerning the book "End of Man," in part: "I am glad to hear that you think so well of END OF MAN. Perhaps you have not heard, but the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice has taken action against the novel on charges of obscenity, and there was a hearing in Court on April 14. We will get a decision from the Magistrate on May 2nd...I believe the best way we can handle the matter of an inscribed copy of the novel would be this. Next time I am down at Vanguard Press, I will inscribe one to you, and have them send one down to you COD as customary. If this is not all right with you, then let me know. It is best for Vanguard to send it, because first I do not have any copies, except one, and second, I do not have any means of wrapping and sending it, because first I do not have any copies, except one, and second, I do not have any means of wrapping and sending it. But, I will be glad to have Vanguard send it on to you if you like..." Note: When Willingham wrote this letter, he was suffering severe economic difficulties, brought on by the lawsuit and injunction against the sale and distribution of his book. The truth was that he could neither afford the cost of postage and insurance nor the cost of printing personal stationery for his correspondence. Faint paperclip stain at the top; narrow stain along the right edge; still in very good condition. American novelist and screenwriter called the "father of modern black comedy." His screenwriting credits include: "Paths of Glory," "The Bridge over the River Kwai," "Spartacus," "The Graduate," "Little Big Man," and "Rambling Rose." His first book "End of Man" (1947) was targeted by the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, who filed obscenity charges against its publisher Vanguard Press. A landmark trial ensue, drawing testimony from Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, and Gore Vial. All three would become household names within a year. (Inventory #: 279391)