$36,800
POE, EDGAR ALLAN (1809-1849) Autograph Letter Signed, Philadelphia, October 19, 1843, two pages, to A. M. Ide, Jr., concerning their friendship, Poe's attitudes with respect to writing and general advice, with holograph address leaf, text in full: My Dear Sir, Upon returning to town after a short absence I find your letter of the 1st and regret that you should have considered it necessary to apologize for addressing me. It will give me true pleasure to hear from you at all times, and I hope you will believe me in earnest when I say so. You ask me for my hand in friendship. I give it with the deepest sincerity. Had I met the few lines you send me, in any journal in the country, I should at once have felt myself the friend of the author - as I am unfeignedly of every man of genius. You well know that I am not given to flattery. I would say to you, without hesitation, aspire. A literary reputation, it is true, is seldom worth much when attained - for by this time the appetite for applause is sated - but in the struggle for its attainment is the true recompense. You are young, enthusiastic, and possess high talents. You will not fail of success. Be bold - read much - write much - publish little - keep aloof from the little wits, and fear nothing. I hope you will write me frequently and freely, and regard me as your friend, and consider me bound to further your literary interests as far as lies in my power. That power, at present, is little. By and bye it may be more. In the meant Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2001-11-10
