Text of recent auction:
This is a postcard from H.P. Lovecraft to Charles D. Hornig postmarked 4:30 PM Oct 23, 1933, Providence RI. Charles D. Hornig was editor of Fantasy Fan magazine, published a Lovecraft Memoir, edited Gernsback's Wonder Stories and Fantasy Magazine. The handwritten note from Lovecraft includes references to Fantasy Fan, (Clark Ashton) Smith; (Forrest James) Ackerman; (Robert H) Barlow; and his own article. It is signed HPL.
Smith (1893-1961) was author of Lost Worlds, Abominations of Yondo, Tales of Science and Sorcery etc. Ackerman (1916-2008) was one of science fiction's biggest collectors and promotors, editor, writer and agent who is credited with coining the term Sci-Fi. Barlow (1918-1951) was author, anthropologist, historian and longtime friend of Lovecraft and Robert Howard. He was Lovecraft's literary executor.
Howard Philips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was probably the most influential horror writer of the 20th century. The postcard is from the science fiction-horror collection of Joseph F. Hartdegen.
The postcard has the word General printed in ink at the left margin; the postmark surrounds and partially overlaps the HPL signature; otherwise
EX condition.
Showing posts with label 1933. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1933. Show all posts
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Charles D. Hornig ... September 24, 1933
Text of recent sale:
RARE Holographic Postcard H.P. LOVECRAFT to Charles D. Hornig (Editor The Fantasy Fan), January 20(?), 1934, "JOHN HAY MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Brown University, Providence R.I." Signed "HPL" UNPUBLISHED, Includes ARROW & NOTATION By Lovecraft Pointing To Court Behind Library Where HPL Lived (Samuel B. Mumford House, 65 Prospect St.), His Last Place of Residence
H.P. LOVECRAFT LETTERS & POSTCARDS: Truly a magnificent H.P. Lovecraft item. For those that know the Old Gent, they understand what a great epistolarian he was. In fact, one would find it difficult to find someone of any note that wrote as many letters as Lovecraft. Experts believe that he wrote over 100,000 letters during his lifetime, many of great length (a 50,000 word, one-hundred page letter was not unheard of). It is also surmised that fewer than 10,000 of the letters still survive. Of those, a vast majority are held in Brown University's H.P. Lovecraft collection at the John Hay Library (the Subject of this Postcard!). In fact, their aggressive acquisitions program for Lovecraft's manuscripts, letters, and postcards was (and is) so intense, that few remain in the hands of private collectors. Some believe that less than two hundred letters and postcards are still left in private hands, of these, few rarely show up for sale. Considering that writing (postcards and letters) was Lovecraft's favorite form of communication, and that each communication is a thoughtful tome in and of itself, an actual letter or postcard can be considered the cornerstone of a Lovecraft collection. We here at Arkham Books now offer that very cornerstone. Since letters typically run into the thousands ($4000.00 and up is quite common for a one or two pager), a postcard is a more affordable way to own a piece of Lovecraftian history. In the last six years on Ebay and at various Rare Books Shows we have sold two letters and a number of postcards, and they go quick (moreover, because of Brown University's voracious acquisition program, they are getting much harder to find -- a worn out cliche, but oh so true!) The postcards typically go between $900 and $1500, depending on the number of words (the highest price we have received for an HPL holographic postcard, was $1750.00 at World Horror Con 2008, and it had been written to weird tale author E. Hoffman Price). This will be the highest we have ever offered a postcard for, due to the association value. It is one that I had intended on keeping in my collection (buried with? Lovecraftian, no?), but medical bills seem to be a bit more pressing at the moment. As of this writing, we also have a less expensive card up in our Ebay store.
ADDRESSED TO: This postcard was written to Fantasy Fan Editor Charles D. Hornig. Hornig started The Fantasy Fan when he was just 17 years of age, in September of 1933, so this postcard is dated the same month and year. Two of Lovecraft's stoires were first published in the fanzine: "The Other Gods" (the third issue, November 1933) and "From Beyond" (in the tenth issue, June 1934). Moreover, and most significant, is the fanzine/magazine began a serialization of Lovecraft's essay on "Supernatural Horror in Literature," incorporating corrections and slight revisions to the text that appeared in The Recluse. Lovecraft maintained a fairly regular correspondence with Hornig, offering support, ideas, and corrections. Lovecraft's suggestions are frequently taken up with mechanical details concerning literary business, showing Lovecraft as conscientious and sometimes obsessive. Lovecraft scholar S.T. Joshi, in his book "H.P. Lovecraft A Life", wrote this about The Fantasy Fan: "This is, canonically, the first 'fan' magazine in the domain of weird/fantastic fiction, and it inaugurated a very rich, complex, and somewhat unruly tradition--still flourishing today--of fan activity in this realm."
THIS POSTCARD: This postcard is postmarked January 20 (?), 1934 at 7:30pm (most likely dropped off late at night by Lovecraft on one of his famous nighttime walks through the streets of Providence, where he was an oft seen shadow in the dark). I put a question mark next to the 20th, as the postmark is a bit light, and over Lovecraft's writing, so that is what it appears to me (could possibly be the 29th). Also, I am only about 95% sure on the 1934, as it has the same issue (since Lovecraft moved into this home in 1933, after January, I am pretty sure 1934 is the correct date). Has the one cent Ben Franklin stamp of the day, complete with HP Lovecraft DNA on the reverse side (yes, you too can clone Mr. Lovecraft -- a concept right out of Re-Animator ... or sort of). Oddly, the postmark is from Providence, Rhode Island (odd, because typically the postcards we have seen are postmarked from the Brown University Station -- perhaps there is some pattern to Lovecraft's mailing madness). One LOONNNGGG paragraph and approximately 198 words (I counted them, as with all of Lovecraft's writing, it is so diminutive and he uses every space possible, this is a give or take of 10 words -- the address is not counted in that 198 -- ALSO, there are 15 words, plus one arrow, on the front of the card). The content is unpublished.
POSTCARD LOCATION: Easily, the coolest HPL postcard we have seen or sold! Image on the front of the postcard is the John Hay Memorial Library in Lovecraft's beloved Brown University. Ironic, as this library would become the number one repository of Lovecraft's work, and easily has the premiere collection in the entire cosmos on the Ol' Gent from Providence. Lovecraft lived in relative obscurity, save for a few close friends, would be rolling in disbeliefe in his current Swan Point residence if he were to to know that the very Library that he worshipped and looked out his window to see each day, now rests much of its fame on the Starry Wisdom and Knowledge of HPL! What makes this card truly Cyclopean, is that Lovecraft's final residence, 65 Prospect Street (also known as the Mumford House), was right behind the John Hay Library--so close that Lovecraft claimed that from the kitchen of the Mumford house he could look into the stacks of the library!
65 PROSPECT STREET, LOVECRAFT'S FINAL RESIDENCE, THE SAMUEL B. MUMFORD HOME: On the front of this postcard, in the left margin, HP Lovecraft has drawn an error pointing to a location right behind the Hay Library. He has added the note "Entrance to the quaint court where I live." This was the entrance to 65 Prospect St., the final residence of Lovecraft, from 1933 until his death in 1937. The house still exists, but in 1959 was moved (the pictures included are from its current location). The John Hay Library was named after the Brown University graduate who was Assistant Secretary of State to Abraham Lincoln, and Secretary of State under President McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. It's address was, and still is, 10 Prospect Street where it has been since 1910. Among many things, it is most noted for housing the world's largest collection on H.P. Lovecraft and his work.
LOVECRAFT'S HOME IN "THE HAUNTER OF THE DARK": As HP was oft to do, he made use of his surroundings for his stories. In "The Haunter of the Dark" he described this home as the home of Robert Blake. The following quote from the story describes this home: "Young Blake returned to Providence in the winter of 1934-5, taking the upper floor of a venerable dwelling in a grassy court off College Street—on the crest of the great eastward hill near the Brown University campus and behind the marble John Hay Library. It was a cozy and fascinating place, in a little garden oasis of village-like antiquity where huge, friendly cats sunned themselves atop a convenient shed. The square Georgian house had a monitor roof, classic doorway with fan carving, small-planed windows, and all the other earmarks of early Nineteenth Century workmanship. Inside were six-paneled doors, wide floor-boards, a curving colonial staircase, with Aram-period mantels, and a rear set of rooms three steps below the general level. Blake’s study, a large southwest chamber, overlooked the front garden on one side, while its west windows—before one of which he had his desk—faced off from the brow of the hill and commanded a splendid view of the lower town’s outspread roofs and of the mystical sunsets that flamed behind them..."
CONTENTS INCLUDE: The most notable comment, is obviously the aforementioned comment and arrow from the front. In the other margin of the front (right) he has written: "I live next door to this building." Easy to see how fond HPL was of this library. HP also maentions that he couldn't get in touch with "you" (Hornig) while in New York (Hornig lived in New Jersey, and HPL had hope to get out to see him). HPL continues, "...but I was utterly swamped by engagements (it happens that a large majority of my friends live in the N.Y. area..." (which of course, were many of the Weird Tales authors he had cultivated friends with while living in New York City--Frank B. Long, et al.). HPL also mentions the Library, mention that he lives "...in the university section ... the college library (see over) ...is a quiet old town like Elizabethtown--I thing you'd find it quite at home here!" (Hornig lived in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.) HPL also makes mention of where he lives, almost in tones from a weird tale: "I live almost on the crest of the preciptous hill which separated the residences from the ???? district--in the university section, next the college library" Does invite Hornig to visit him in Providence. (Quotes are as exact as I can make them, but sometimes Lovecraft's writing style is difficult to decipher ... at least for me, I am sure S.T. Joshi could have it done in seconds!). Signed "Best wishes, HP" (Not HPL as normal, rare for just HP).
CONDITION: Overall, nice condition. Each of the corners have a minimal bump, but none actually go into the writing/text. Back side (the one written on) has a touch of dust soiling, but most of the writing is clear and free from rubbing. The postmark is a bit smudged (see the scan), and more than half of the postmark is included in with Lovecraft's writing. Protected in a hard plastic sleeve.
$975 asking
RARE Holographic Postcard H.P. LOVECRAFT to Charles D. Hornig (Editor The Fantasy Fan), January 20(?), 1934, "JOHN HAY MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Brown University, Providence R.I." Signed "HPL" UNPUBLISHED, Includes ARROW & NOTATION By Lovecraft Pointing To Court Behind Library Where HPL Lived (Samuel B. Mumford House, 65 Prospect St.), His Last Place of Residence
H.P. LOVECRAFT LETTERS & POSTCARDS: Truly a magnificent H.P. Lovecraft item. For those that know the Old Gent, they understand what a great epistolarian he was. In fact, one would find it difficult to find someone of any note that wrote as many letters as Lovecraft. Experts believe that he wrote over 100,000 letters during his lifetime, many of great length (a 50,000 word, one-hundred page letter was not unheard of). It is also surmised that fewer than 10,000 of the letters still survive. Of those, a vast majority are held in Brown University's H.P. Lovecraft collection at the John Hay Library (the Subject of this Postcard!). In fact, their aggressive acquisitions program for Lovecraft's manuscripts, letters, and postcards was (and is) so intense, that few remain in the hands of private collectors. Some believe that less than two hundred letters and postcards are still left in private hands, of these, few rarely show up for sale. Considering that writing (postcards and letters) was Lovecraft's favorite form of communication, and that each communication is a thoughtful tome in and of itself, an actual letter or postcard can be considered the cornerstone of a Lovecraft collection. We here at Arkham Books now offer that very cornerstone. Since letters typically run into the thousands ($4000.00 and up is quite common for a one or two pager), a postcard is a more affordable way to own a piece of Lovecraftian history. In the last six years on Ebay and at various Rare Books Shows we have sold two letters and a number of postcards, and they go quick (moreover, because of Brown University's voracious acquisition program, they are getting much harder to find -- a worn out cliche, but oh so true!) The postcards typically go between $900 and $1500, depending on the number of words (the highest price we have received for an HPL holographic postcard, was $1750.00 at World Horror Con 2008, and it had been written to weird tale author E. Hoffman Price). This will be the highest we have ever offered a postcard for, due to the association value. It is one that I had intended on keeping in my collection (buried with? Lovecraftian, no?), but medical bills seem to be a bit more pressing at the moment. As of this writing, we also have a less expensive card up in our Ebay store.
ADDRESSED TO: This postcard was written to Fantasy Fan Editor Charles D. Hornig. Hornig started The Fantasy Fan when he was just 17 years of age, in September of 1933, so this postcard is dated the same month and year. Two of Lovecraft's stoires were first published in the fanzine: "The Other Gods" (the third issue, November 1933) and "From Beyond" (in the tenth issue, June 1934). Moreover, and most significant, is the fanzine/magazine began a serialization of Lovecraft's essay on "Supernatural Horror in Literature," incorporating corrections and slight revisions to the text that appeared in The Recluse. Lovecraft maintained a fairly regular correspondence with Hornig, offering support, ideas, and corrections. Lovecraft's suggestions are frequently taken up with mechanical details concerning literary business, showing Lovecraft as conscientious and sometimes obsessive. Lovecraft scholar S.T. Joshi, in his book "H.P. Lovecraft A Life", wrote this about The Fantasy Fan: "This is, canonically, the first 'fan' magazine in the domain of weird/fantastic fiction, and it inaugurated a very rich, complex, and somewhat unruly tradition--still flourishing today--of fan activity in this realm."
THIS POSTCARD: This postcard is postmarked January 20 (?), 1934 at 7:30pm (most likely dropped off late at night by Lovecraft on one of his famous nighttime walks through the streets of Providence, where he was an oft seen shadow in the dark). I put a question mark next to the 20th, as the postmark is a bit light, and over Lovecraft's writing, so that is what it appears to me (could possibly be the 29th). Also, I am only about 95% sure on the 1934, as it has the same issue (since Lovecraft moved into this home in 1933, after January, I am pretty sure 1934 is the correct date). Has the one cent Ben Franklin stamp of the day, complete with HP Lovecraft DNA on the reverse side (yes, you too can clone Mr. Lovecraft -- a concept right out of Re-Animator ... or sort of). Oddly, the postmark is from Providence, Rhode Island (odd, because typically the postcards we have seen are postmarked from the Brown University Station -- perhaps there is some pattern to Lovecraft's mailing madness). One LOONNNGGG paragraph and approximately 198 words (I counted them, as with all of Lovecraft's writing, it is so diminutive and he uses every space possible, this is a give or take of 10 words -- the address is not counted in that 198 -- ALSO, there are 15 words, plus one arrow, on the front of the card). The content is unpublished.
POSTCARD LOCATION: Easily, the coolest HPL postcard we have seen or sold! Image on the front of the postcard is the John Hay Memorial Library in Lovecraft's beloved Brown University. Ironic, as this library would become the number one repository of Lovecraft's work, and easily has the premiere collection in the entire cosmos on the Ol' Gent from Providence. Lovecraft lived in relative obscurity, save for a few close friends, would be rolling in disbeliefe in his current Swan Point residence if he were to to know that the very Library that he worshipped and looked out his window to see each day, now rests much of its fame on the Starry Wisdom and Knowledge of HPL! What makes this card truly Cyclopean, is that Lovecraft's final residence, 65 Prospect Street (also known as the Mumford House), was right behind the John Hay Library--so close that Lovecraft claimed that from the kitchen of the Mumford house he could look into the stacks of the library!
65 PROSPECT STREET, LOVECRAFT'S FINAL RESIDENCE, THE SAMUEL B. MUMFORD HOME: On the front of this postcard, in the left margin, HP Lovecraft has drawn an error pointing to a location right behind the Hay Library. He has added the note "Entrance to the quaint court where I live." This was the entrance to 65 Prospect St., the final residence of Lovecraft, from 1933 until his death in 1937. The house still exists, but in 1959 was moved (the pictures included are from its current location). The John Hay Library was named after the Brown University graduate who was Assistant Secretary of State to Abraham Lincoln, and Secretary of State under President McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. It's address was, and still is, 10 Prospect Street where it has been since 1910. Among many things, it is most noted for housing the world's largest collection on H.P. Lovecraft and his work.
LOVECRAFT'S HOME IN "THE HAUNTER OF THE DARK": As HP was oft to do, he made use of his surroundings for his stories. In "The Haunter of the Dark" he described this home as the home of Robert Blake. The following quote from the story describes this home: "Young Blake returned to Providence in the winter of 1934-5, taking the upper floor of a venerable dwelling in a grassy court off College Street—on the crest of the great eastward hill near the Brown University campus and behind the marble John Hay Library. It was a cozy and fascinating place, in a little garden oasis of village-like antiquity where huge, friendly cats sunned themselves atop a convenient shed. The square Georgian house had a monitor roof, classic doorway with fan carving, small-planed windows, and all the other earmarks of early Nineteenth Century workmanship. Inside were six-paneled doors, wide floor-boards, a curving colonial staircase, with Aram-period mantels, and a rear set of rooms three steps below the general level. Blake’s study, a large southwest chamber, overlooked the front garden on one side, while its west windows—before one of which he had his desk—faced off from the brow of the hill and commanded a splendid view of the lower town’s outspread roofs and of the mystical sunsets that flamed behind them..."
CONTENTS INCLUDE: The most notable comment, is obviously the aforementioned comment and arrow from the front. In the other margin of the front (right) he has written: "I live next door to this building." Easy to see how fond HPL was of this library. HP also maentions that he couldn't get in touch with "you" (Hornig) while in New York (Hornig lived in New Jersey, and HPL had hope to get out to see him). HPL continues, "...but I was utterly swamped by engagements (it happens that a large majority of my friends live in the N.Y. area..." (which of course, were many of the Weird Tales authors he had cultivated friends with while living in New York City--Frank B. Long, et al.). HPL also mentions the Library, mention that he lives "...in the university section ... the college library (see over) ...is a quiet old town like Elizabethtown--I thing you'd find it quite at home here!" (Hornig lived in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.) HPL also makes mention of where he lives, almost in tones from a weird tale: "I live almost on the crest of the preciptous hill which separated the residences from the ???? district--in the university section, next the college library" Does invite Hornig to visit him in Providence. (Quotes are as exact as I can make them, but sometimes Lovecraft's writing style is difficult to decipher ... at least for me, I am sure S.T. Joshi could have it done in seconds!). Signed "Best wishes, HP" (Not HPL as normal, rare for just HP).
CONDITION: Overall, nice condition. Each of the corners have a minimal bump, but none actually go into the writing/text. Back side (the one written on) has a touch of dust soiling, but most of the writing is clear and free from rubbing. The postmark is a bit smudged (see the scan), and more than half of the postmark is included in with Lovecraft's writing. Protected in a hard plastic sleeve.
$975 asking
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Postcards of Lovecraft Sent to Talman
YR OBT SERVT Postcards of Lovecraft Sent to Talman
This was a recent Ebay auction, and while only 200 copies of this were printed in 1988, there do seem to be several floating about. Chrispy was lucky enough to win the auction on this one (located in Japan) at slightly less than the market rate. Others seem were at:
Kathmandu Books (Winter Park, FL, U.S.A.)
THE FINE BOOKS COMPANY / (ROCHESTER, MI, U.S.A.)
Leonard Shoup (Burlington, ON, Canada)
Bookworks (Evansville, WI, U.S.A.)
All this on 12 April 2009, so coincidentlly this seems to be one that can be found. They are in various conditions, and at least one had the original shipping envelope. It's printed by R Alain Everts, and includes 10 postcards on 24 pages: "Talman was an editor and genealogical researcher. Contains the text and picture of 10 postcards written to Talman between 1927 and 1933. With footnotes and photos."
Listed between $20 and $60 depending on condition and the savvy of the book seller and their need for a return on investment.
This was a recent Ebay auction, and while only 200 copies of this were printed in 1988, there do seem to be several floating about. Chrispy was lucky enough to win the auction on this one (located in Japan) at slightly less than the market rate. Others seem were at:
Kathmandu Books (Winter Park, FL, U.S.A.)
THE FINE BOOKS COMPANY / (ROCHESTER, MI, U.S.A.)
Leonard Shoup (Burlington, ON, Canada)
Bookworks (Evansville, WI, U.S.A.)
All this on 12 April 2009, so coincidentlly this seems to be one that can be found. They are in various conditions, and at least one had the original shipping envelope. It's printed by R Alain Everts, and includes 10 postcards on 24 pages: "Talman was an editor and genealogical researcher. Contains the text and picture of 10 postcards written to Talman between 1927 and 1933. With footnotes and photos."
Listed between $20 and $60 depending on condition and the savvy of the book seller and their need for a return on investment.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Brief Technical Note on "Winged Death"
A bit technical, but shows that "science" was an integral part of his stories his entire mature life.
_____
In a short passage in "The Winged Death" Lovecraft casualy throws in some chemistry.
"Dye experiments coming along finely. An isomeric form of ferrous ferrocyanide, with some admixture of potassium salts, can be dissolved in alcohol and sprayed on the insects with splendid effect. It stains the wings blue without affecting the dark thorax much, and doesn’t wear off when I sprinkle the specimens with water." (Winged Daeth, 1933)
In, "Systematic inorganic chemistry from the standpoint of the periodic law", Page 484, by Robert Martin Caven, George Druce Lander, Archibald Barclay Crawford - Science – (1939) - 546 pages, we read, "The suggestion that potassium ferrocyanide may exist in isomeric forms has been disproved (Bennett, 1917)".
However, the complex tetramethylferrocyanide was consider isomeric, as per p.451, "A dictionary of applied chemistry", Volume 2, Sir Thomas Edward Thorpe.
Prussian blue was a most important dye, thus: "Commercial blues are usually mixtures of the compounds already described. J. G. Gentele (Lehrbuch der Farbenfabrikation, 2nd ed. 1880) says that the best blues are obtained by precipitating a ferrous salt with potassium ferrocyanide, and then oxidising the precipitate." (discussion, Ibid, p. 448-452).
What Lovecraft may have remembered was a digest of a 1910 notice that summarizes, thus:
Two isomeric forms, with the same molecular weight, have been separated from the reaction product. The a-isomer is much more readily soluble in water, alcohol, and chloroform…. This was announced in the very technical journal literature, (E. G. J. Hartley, Chem. Soc. Trans. 1910, 1066 and 1725 ; ibid. 1911, 1549; ibid. 1912, 705; ibid. 1913, 1196).
This is about the time that HPL was taking his correspondence course (and listed himself as a "chemist" on the 1910 census forms.) It would have been breaking news in industry, and so he may have slightly misremembered it, or he might have chosen to "dumb-down" the geek-speak in the 1933 story.
In any event, he could not resist speaking of chemistry in this story.
_____
In a short passage in "The Winged Death" Lovecraft casualy throws in some chemistry.
"Dye experiments coming along finely. An isomeric form of ferrous ferrocyanide, with some admixture of potassium salts, can be dissolved in alcohol and sprayed on the insects with splendid effect. It stains the wings blue without affecting the dark thorax much, and doesn’t wear off when I sprinkle the specimens with water." (Winged Daeth, 1933)
In, "Systematic inorganic chemistry from the standpoint of the periodic law", Page 484, by Robert Martin Caven, George Druce Lander, Archibald Barclay Crawford - Science – (1939) - 546 pages, we read, "The suggestion that potassium ferrocyanide may exist in isomeric forms has been disproved (Bennett, 1917)".
However, the complex tetramethylferrocyanide was consider isomeric, as per p.451, "A dictionary of applied chemistry", Volume 2, Sir Thomas Edward Thorpe.
Prussian blue was a most important dye, thus: "Commercial blues are usually mixtures of the compounds already described. J. G. Gentele (Lehrbuch der Farbenfabrikation, 2nd ed. 1880) says that the best blues are obtained by precipitating a ferrous salt with potassium ferrocyanide, and then oxidising the precipitate." (discussion, Ibid, p. 448-452).
What Lovecraft may have remembered was a digest of a 1910 notice that summarizes, thus:
Two isomeric forms, with the same molecular weight, have been separated from the reaction product. The a-isomer is much more readily soluble in water, alcohol, and chloroform…. This was announced in the very technical journal literature, (E. G. J. Hartley, Chem. Soc. Trans. 1910, 1066 and 1725 ; ibid. 1911, 1549; ibid. 1912, 705; ibid. 1913, 1196).
This is about the time that HPL was taking his correspondence course (and listed himself as a "chemist" on the 1910 census forms.) It would have been breaking news in industry, and so he may have slightly misremembered it, or he might have chosen to "dumb-down" the geek-speak in the 1933 story.
In any event, he could not resist speaking of chemistry in this story.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Lovecraft Postcard at Auction (23 October 1933)
Just seen at auction ...
(roughly $1100).
Alternate Post Card showing same scene ... a bit better than HPL's card.
My best decipher:
Thanks exceedingly for the eternal supply of Oct. Fantasy Fans. It looks to me even more interesting than the first number. Smith's tale is splendid - the remunerative (?) editors are certainly fools to turn it down. Glad to see that a large number of readers are showing up Ackerman's u...? People like Ackerman are peculiarly ridiculous - one can plainly see that this G..G..? is really an egotistical gesture to call attention to themselves. However, most people outgrow this stage. Glad you were able to ? someting young Barlow - he's definiely worth encouraging. Hope you won't find my article too long & ponderous. ? your younger readers will think its a long time getting really started.
All good wishes.
HPL
No notes on provenance. Seller's notes:
This is a postcard from H.P. Lovecraft to Charles D. Hornig postmarked 4:30 PM Oct 23, 1933, Providence RI. Charles D. Hornig was editor of Fantasy Fan magazine, published a Lovecraft Memoir, edited Gernsback's Wonder Stories and Fantasy Magazine. The handwritten note from Lovecraft includes references to Fantasy Fan, (Clark Ashton) Smith; (Forrest James) Ackerman; (Robert H) Barlow; and his own article. It is signed HPL.
Smith (1893-1961) was author of Lost Worlds, Abominations of Yondo, Tales of Science and Sorcery etc. Ackerman (1916-2008) was one of science fiction's biggest collectors and promotors, editor, writer and agent who is credited with coining the term Sci-Fi. Barlow (1918-1951) was author, anthropologist, historian and longtime friend of Lovecraft and Robert Howard. He was Lovecraft's literary executor.
Howard Philips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was probably the most influential horror writer of the 20th century. The postcard is from the science fiction-horror collection of Joseph F. Hartdegen.
The postcard has the word General printed in ink at the left margin; the postmark surrounds and partially overlaps the HPL signature; otherwise
EX condition.
_____
On 21 October 1933 Lovecraft wrote to barlow:
(roughly $1100).
Alternate Post Card showing same scene ... a bit better than HPL's card.
My best decipher:
Thanks exceedingly for the eternal supply of Oct. Fantasy Fans. It looks to me even more interesting than the first number. Smith's tale is splendid - the remunerative (?) editors are certainly fools to turn it down. Glad to see that a large number of readers are showing up Ackerman's u...? People like Ackerman are peculiarly ridiculous - one can plainly see that this G..G..? is really an egotistical gesture to call attention to themselves. However, most people outgrow this stage. Glad you were able to ? someting young Barlow - he's definiely worth encouraging. Hope you won't find my article too long & ponderous. ? your younger readers will think its a long time getting really started.
All good wishes.
HPL
No notes on provenance. Seller's notes:
This is a postcard from H.P. Lovecraft to Charles D. Hornig postmarked 4:30 PM Oct 23, 1933, Providence RI. Charles D. Hornig was editor of Fantasy Fan magazine, published a Lovecraft Memoir, edited Gernsback's Wonder Stories and Fantasy Magazine. The handwritten note from Lovecraft includes references to Fantasy Fan, (Clark Ashton) Smith; (Forrest James) Ackerman; (Robert H) Barlow; and his own article. It is signed HPL.
Smith (1893-1961) was author of Lost Worlds, Abominations of Yondo, Tales of Science and Sorcery etc. Ackerman (1916-2008) was one of science fiction's biggest collectors and promotors, editor, writer and agent who is credited with coining the term Sci-Fi. Barlow (1918-1951) was author, anthropologist, historian and longtime friend of Lovecraft and Robert Howard. He was Lovecraft's literary executor.
Howard Philips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was probably the most influential horror writer of the 20th century. The postcard is from the science fiction-horror collection of Joseph F. Hartdegen.
The postcard has the word General printed in ink at the left margin; the postmark surrounds and partially overlaps the HPL signature; otherwise
EX condition.
_____
On 21 October 1933 Lovecraft wrote to barlow:
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Canal: 1933
HARVEST
A Sheaf of Poems from Driftwind (April, 1926 to May, 1933)
Compiled and published by Walter John Coates, Editor
North Montpilier, Vermont: The Driftwood Press, 1933
First edition: One of 150 (of 225) copies bound in limp covers
Trace of soiling to the covers, else near fine in harvest gold textured self-wraps with a black embossed pumpkin patch illustration, titles, decoration and rules to the front cover
Small octavo; 57 pages
This anthology selects poems that appeared in various issues of "Driftwind" from April, 1926 to May, 1933. Collects H.P. Lovecraft's short poem "The Canal."
Attractively printed from hand-set type and printed on fine quality grey paper.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
H. P. Lovecraft in THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (June 1933)
H. P. Lovecraft in THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (June 1933)
June 1933 issue of THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (Volume 55, Number 4)
Includes a column by Howard Phillips Lovecraft titled "Verse Criticism" (signed "Howard P. Lovecraft") that is nearly a page long.
Stapled wraps, 12 pages, in very good plus condition.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
H. P. Lovecraft in THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (March 1933)
H. P. Lovecraft in THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (March 1933)
March 1933 issue of THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (Volume 55, Number 3)
Includes a column by Howard Phillips Lovecraft titled "Verse Criticism" (signed "Howard P. Lovecraft") that is over half a page long.
Stapled wraps, 12 pages, in very good plus condition.
Monday, October 19, 2009
H. P. Lovecraft in THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (Dec. 1933)
H. P. Lovecraft in THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (Dec. 1933)
December 1933 issue of THE NATIONAL AMATEUR (Volume 56, Number 2)
Includes a column by Howard Phillips Lovecraft titled "Verse" (signed "H.P.Lovecraft") that is over one and half pages long.
Stapled wraps, 16 pages, in very good plus condition.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Tillinghast Name (1933) in Providence
This item is fairly trivial, except that it shows the power of the Tillinghast name in Lovecraft's Providence.
_____
Providence RI Tillinghast, Stiles Co. Cotton Yarns 1933
The Tillinghast, Stiles Co.
1933
Old letterhead from The Tillinghast, Stiles Co. Cotton Yarns Providence, RI 1933. Document is original and in good condition. Measures 11 in. by 8 1/2 in.
Monday, September 07, 2009
DRIFTWIND'S HARVEST 1933
HARVEST
A Sheaf of Poems from Driftwind (April, 1926 to May, 1933)
Compiled and published by Walter John Coates, Editor
North Montpilier, Vermont: The Driftwood Press, 1933
First edition: One of 150 (of 225) copies bound in limp covers
A hint of soiling to the covers, else nearly fine in harvest gold textured printed wraps
Small octavo; 57 pages
Collects Howard P. Lovecraft's "The Canal" a poem
H.P. Lovecraft DRIFTWIND'S HARVEST 1933 // print: 1/150
(start bid was $99)
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Lovecraft Goes Squirrely
[To Derleth, 28 June 1933 at Roger Williams Park]
Getting too dark to write now ... the squirrels here are extremely friendly - one little rascal is now on the other end of the bench on which I'm sitting. I must bring some nuts for them next time.
Getting too dark to write now ... the squirrels here are extremely friendly - one little rascal is now on the other end of the bench on which I'm sitting. I must bring some nuts for them next time.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Lovecraftiana IV
Undated "Necronomicon Notes" Volume One, Number Three. Features a copy of a postcard from Lovecraft addressed to Clark Ashton Smith, written on October 10, 1933 (previously never published). Also includes a list of in print titles at that time from Necronomicon Press, updates on various publications by or about Lovecraft, etc. Notes have been folded in half.
More tomorrow ...
Friday, August 22, 2008
Another Lovecraft Postcard to Charles Hornig Surfaces (Part Two)
While the seller described the obverse of the postcard, it's image was not shown at auction. Chrispy was able to find another card of very similar description, and perhaps the same image. It shows the same buildings around the same time of the 1930's.
_____In addition, this appears to be the text of the postcard:
_____
Trust the article will reach you safely, & that you'll find it interesting. Let us know if any of the interpolated paragraphs on the margin are hard to decipher. I'll be glad to give the proofs a reading when the five comes, if that would be conveninet to you.
//
Shall be very glad to see second issue.
//
Just read the first issue of Astounding. Not so bad for pulp stuff. but essentially mediocre from a literary point of view.
//
Best Wishes -
HPL
_____
The postcard header reads:
127591
127591
Faneuil Hall, known as the "Cradle of Liberty," was the focus of Revolutionary movemnet in Boston and the colonies. In the background is the tower of the Customs House, the tallest building in Boston.
Another Lovecraft Postcard to Charles Hornig Surfaces
Previously the ebayeum offered a Lovecraft-to-Hornig 1934 postcard. (click here).
Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones to purchase this?
Details as offered by seller (arkhambooks):
RARE Holographic Postcard H.P. LOVECRAFT to Charles D. Hornig (Editor The Fantasy Fan), Postmarked September 26, 1933 from Providence, Rhode Island, Signed "HPL"
Truly a magnificent H.P. Lovecraft item. For those that know the Old Gent, they understand what a great epistler he was. In fact, one would find it difficult to find someone of any note that wrote as many letters as Lovecraft. Experts believe that he wrote over 100,000 letters during his lifetime, many of great length (a 50,000 word, one-hundred page letter was not out of the ordinary). It is also surmised that fewer than 10,000 of the letters still survive. Of those, a majority are held in Brown University's H.P. Lovecraft collection. In fact, their agressive acquisitions program for Lovecraft's letters and postcards was (and is) so intense, that few remain in the hands of collectors. Some believe that less than two hundred letters and postcards are in still left in private hands, of these, few rarely show up for sale. Considering that writing (postcards and letters) was Lovecraft's favorite form of communication, and that each communication is a thoughtful tome in and of itself, an actual letter or postcard can be considered the cornerstone of a Lovecraft collection. We here at Arkham Books now offer to the public, that very cornerstone. Since letters typically run into the thousands ($4000.00 and up is quite common), a postcard is a more affordable way to own a piece of Lovecraftian history. In the last three years on Ebay and at various Rare Books Shows we have sold two letters and a handful of postcards, and they go quick (moreover, because of Brown University's voracious acquisition program, they are getting much harder to find -- a worn out cliche, but oh so true!) The last postcard we sold (to weird tale author E. Hoffman Price) for $1350.00 just several weeks back at World Horror Con.
ADDRESSED TO: This postcard was written to Fantasy Fan Editor Charles D. Hornig. Hornig started The Fantasy Fan when he was just 17 years of age, in September of 1933. Two of Lovecraft's sotires were first published in the fanzine: "The Other Gods" (the third issue, November 1933) and "From Beyond" (in the tenth issue, June 1934). Moreover, and most significant, is the fanzine/magazine began a serialization of Lovecraft's essay on "Supernatural Horror in Literature," incorporating corrections and slight revisions to the text that appeared in The Recluse. Lovecraft maintained a fairly regular correspondence with Hornig, offering support, ideas, and corrections. Lovecraft's suggestions are frequently taken up with mechanical details concerning literary business, showing Lovecraft as conscientious and sometimes obsessive. Lovecraft scholar S.T. Joshi, in his book "H.P. Lovecraft A Life", wrote this about The Fantasy Fan: "This is, canonically, the first 'fan' magazine in the domain of weird/fantastic fiction, and it inaugurated a very rich, complex, and somehwat unruly tradition--still flourishing today--of fan activity in this realm."
THIS POSTCARD: This postcard is postmarked September 26, 1933. It is postmarked from Providence Rhode Island at 7:30 pm (so one can imagine the old man from Providence out on one of his late night walks in his favorite place on earth, dropping this postcard off). The postcard features Faneuil Hall and Custom House Tower, Boston, Mass. (Lovecraft had stacks of penny postcards that he would pick up while traveling and then use to send to friends). One paragraph features approximately 82 words. The content is unpublished.
CONTENTS INCLUDE: Lovecraft comments that he just read the first issue of the new ASTOUNDING (Science Fiction Pulp Magazine), and "not so bad for pulp stuff, but essentially mediocre from a literary point of view". HPL starts with a comment about the piece he had submitted to Hornig: "trust the article will reach you safely, and that you'll find it interesting." He offers his service as a proof reader. Also that he is looking forward to the second issue. Signed "Best Wishes, HPL".
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Lovecraft on Otis Adelbert Kline
{30 Octobeer 1932 HPL to Barlow] My Dear Mr. Barlow:- ... The history of "The Buccaneers of Venus" is surely amusing. I probably shan't read it - for I never seem able to keep awake over one of Otis Adelbert's laboured, mechanical penny-thrillers - but it can't be much worse than the similar junk of Burroughs. [O Fortunate Floridian.] [Note: In 1932 THE BUCCANEERS OF VENUS was serialized in WEIRD TALES].
Lovecraft had a peculiar and descriminating outlook on storytelling, and often had back biting comments to make about his peers. We wonder if these were aesthetic or motivated by ulterior motives.
(24 October 1931 HPL to D. Wandrei] Thanks for the good word about "Mts. of Madness", but I guess Brother Farnsworth is adamant on that. He has conventional notions of proportioning the stuff in his magazine {Weird Tales}, & never breaks rules except for such favourites as Seabury Quinn & Otis Adelbert Kline. [Mysteries of Time and Spirit]
Sooo, Mr. Lovecraft is steaming over his rejection, and bristling over perceived favoritism when he believes he has a superior story.
E Hoffamn Price tells a little more of the background. [Otis Adelbert Kline: A Memoriam by E Hoffman Price] Mid-summer of 1926, I went to Chicago to meet Farnsworth Wright, who with Weird Tales had but recently moved from Indianapolis, Ind. ... Wright presently phoned Kline saying, "Come down as soon as you can. E. Hoffmann Price is here." // ...Kline was appreciably above my five foot seven plus a fraction. Though seven years and two days my senior - he was born July 1, 1891 and already showing signs of putting on weight ... // {After meeting Kline's family, and imbibing on high quality smuggled liquor - it was prohibition - } Farnsworth Wright and the business manager of Weird Tales, Bill Sprenger, bailed out.
Kline tells a bit of the story from his perspective. [Writing the Fantastic Story By Otis Adelbert Kline From The Writer ~ January 1930] ...When Weird Tales came into being, I tried it {Grandon of Terra, but the name was later changed to The Planet of Peril} on this magazine. Edwin Baird, the editor liked it, but finally, after holding it several months, rejected it because of its length. He suggested that I try Argosy-All Story, but I didn't do it then. I let it lie around for a long time. Every once in a while I would dig it out of the file and read it over...
It's clear that Kline had a cordial working relationship with the editors at Weird Tales. Especially after Henneberger becoming more remote with Weird Tales, Baird and then Farnsworth were tougher on Lovecraft. Farnsworth often rejected Lovecraft, and Lovecraft bristled at this.
Lovecraft may have seemed to be aloof and uncaring about the pulp and fantasy market, but his letters show that he not only was keenly aware of every detail of the writers, fans, editors, and publications, but knew intimate, insider, details.
[5 Spetmebr 1935 HPL to Barlow] ...Meeting {in NY} Tuesday night was rather quiet ... Allan Kline (son of Otis Adelbert - now living in N.Y. as papa's agent ... *
Yes, HPL kept close tabs.
Below is an anedote from Hoffman Price emended with a note by the editor of ERB. It's likely that Lovecraft did NOT know of this anecdote, despite his rancor at Wright's partiality to Kline. **
_____
* {Hoffman Price says - "Buster" -- Allan the son, colored very much like his father}.
_____
** That I {E Hoffman Price} am in mid-1958 asked to write of a man whose fiction career ended in 1933 suggests that during his day as an author, he made a deep impression. Let me give an example: Farnsworth Wright, telling me of one of the many crises which had promised to finish Weird Tales, said that but for the drawing power of several of the steady contributors, the magazine would never have pulled through. He did not give any one of this handful preeminence over the others, knowing how silly such discrimination would have been.
In effect, he said, "This one was not producing at the time, and That One hadn't quite arrived. But Otis had reached a new peak of popularity. We'd been through previous bad stretches, and knew just about how long a circulation slump would last. A six-parter would do it, and Otis gave me a synopsis, then set to work."
"Ordinarily, I will not feature a serial until the entire MSS is in my hands," Wright continued, "but this was an emergency. So, I published several parts before the final installments were done. Pneumonia almost did it! For Otis, and for us."
"The devil you say!"
Wright nodded. "You never heard? He never mentioned it?"
"This is all new."
"In hospital, Otis finished that yarn. How he did it, no one knows, least of all he himself. He was like a zombi, functioning automatically. He lived through it and so did Weird Tales.
"It's a wonder they let him do it."
"They had nothing to say about it. Something drove Otis. He would not be stopped, and he was not stopped."
My best recollection is that the story was The Bride of Osiris.
[{ERB's} Ogden note: Looking through an index of Kline tales, The Bride of Osiris is listed as a 3 part serial. The only 6 part serials featured in Weird Tales were Tam, Son of Tiger and Buccaneers of Venus, both were published at the height of his career; but Buccaneers of Venus is reputed to have been refused by Argosy because they preferred to us Pirates of Venus instead. However, the real reason that Buccaneers of Venus appeared in Weird Tales instead of Argosy with the rest of his Venus novels, is probably due to the account above rendered by Mr. Price. On the other hand, it might have been Tam, Son of Tiger.]
Thursday, August 07, 2008
A Carbon Copy of The Festival circa 1923
"FESTIVAL, THE" [short story]. TYPED MANUSCRIPT (TMs). 10 pages. {One page image available} Typed (double-spaced) on the rectos of ten sheets of plain 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper. Carbon copy. "H. P. Lovecraft, / 598 Angell St, / Providence, R. I." typed at the upper left corner of the first sheet, the street address overwritten to 66 College" in Lovecraft's hand (May 1933 or after). Undated, but circa late 1923. A circulating copy with "please return" in pencil at to left corner of first leaf. ... The manuscript is {said to be} typed on cheap pulp paper stock which is frayed at edges, quite age-darkened, and delicate at the folds, several leaves with tape repairs to versos. Fair to good condition. Provenance: Barlow / Derleth Papers. (#114691) $2,500.00
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