Correspondence with Publisher William Jovanovich
Unbound
1979
by CLARKE, Arthur C.
1979. Unbound. Near Fine. A small archive of correspondence from Arthur C. Clarke to Harcourt Brace Jovanovich publisher William Jovanovich. It is comprise of two Typed Letters Signed, one Typed Note Signed, an Autograph Notes Signed on a printed card, and a Signed offprint, all sent between 1974 and 1979. Additional material includes Javanovich's retained carbon responses to Clarke, along with two photocopies of Clarke's letters, and assorted carbons of internal publisher's correspondence relating to Clarke. Overall near fine with typical wear and folded to the Clarke letters from being mailed. The correspondence shows the warm friendship and professional respect shared by the two men, with Clarke's typical charm and humor on full display. The correspondence references several of Clarke's novels (*Rendezvous with Rama*, *Imperial Earth*, and *The Fountains of Paradise*), Javanovich's effort to get Clarke to write his biography, and Clarke's acceptance of a directorship at Sea World at Javonvich's prompting. Also notable is a printed souvenir card containing a photo of Adam's Peak in Ceylon with an ANS from Clarke: "Dear Bill, I still can't believe I actually climbed these steps! But it was certainly worth it, as it gave me the best part of two novels [*Rendezvous with Rama* and *The Fountains of Paradise*]... all the best, Art Dec.78." A small but charming archive between a major figure of 20th Century science fiction author and his American publisher. Arthur C. Clarke Correspondence: 1. *Coming Distractions*. Offprint of Clarke's fictional book reviews printed in *The Worm Runner's Digest* Vol. XIV, #2, 1972. Single sheet folded twice to form four pages. ANS at the top: "Bill - want to publish any of these? Best - Arthur." Stapled to the reprint is a carbon of Javanovich's typed response, dated June 14, 1974, with a comment about *Rendezvous With Rama*. 2. TNS, 1p., Sri Lanka: May 12, 1975, on Clarke's letterhead. Quick note about a positive response on his new novel, likely *Imperial Earth*. 3. TLS, 2pp., Sri Lanka: June 15, 1975, on Clarke's letterhead. Clarke's playful rebuff of Javanovich's suggestion he write a biography, with a citation of three other Clarke's works that have biographical elements that could be reissued. Clarke also discusses the release of *Imperial Earth* and thanks Javanovich for his kind comments about the book. Accompanied by a photocopy of Javanovich's original letter containing the biography suggestion. 4. TLS, 1p., Sri Lanka: April 24, 1978, self-mailer. Letter to Javanovich confirming Clarke will accept the directorship of Sea World, as well as a comment about *Playboy* printing his latest novel. Accompanied by a carbon from Javanovich, dated May 2, 1978, thanking Clarke for accepting the Sea World post. 5. Card, Sri Lanka: December 1978. Single sheet folded once to make four pages. A printed souvenir card with a tipped on color photograph of Adam's Peak in Ceylon with an ANS from Clarke inside: "Dear Bill, I still can't believe I actually climbed these steps! But it was certainly worth it, as it gave me the best part of two novels [*Rendezvous With Rama* and *The Fountains of Paradise*]... all the best Art Dec.78." Javanovich's handwritten note is on the front of the card to which is stapled the carbon of his typed letter sent to Clarke. (Inventory #: 413336)