FRANK B. LONG
Rare signed letter from the horror/science fiction writer to a friend, saying that he had brought up such interesting topics but will try to keep his letter brief. He goes on to speak of his ghost writing on Portrait of Ambroise Bierce, saying that H.P. Lovecraft introduced him to the writer and that he agrees there was "no malice in him"
Typed letter signed: "Frank B. Long", in blue ink, 2 pages (front and verso), 8½x11. October 7, 1961. New York City, New York. In part: "Dear Arthur: I was very glad to get your brief, but most interesting letter of recent date, as they say in the stenography courses in colleges that are the opposite of academic. You bring up such fascinating topics I should like to ramble on for several pages in reply, but I'm afraid this one will have to be equally brief... I revised PORTRAIT OF AMBROISE BIERCE in its entirety and wrote the preface. It was a rather hasty ghost writing job and I didn't make too many changes". Writer Frank B. Long (1901-1994) had a prolific and varied career, writing over seven decades in all genres and formats but becoming best known for his horror and science fiction stories. He first began writing in pulp magazines, contributing largely to Weird Tales and Astounding Science Fiction for most of his career. Much of Long's career was heightened by his long-lasting friendship with author H.P. Lovecraft, with Lovecraft helping Long get his career off the ground. The two often contributed to each other's writings, with one of Long's most famous creations, "The Hounds of Tinaldos", being a part of Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. Multiple folds. Light surface creases. Lightly toned. Corners slightly worn and creased. Small tear on bottom edge. Otherwise, fine condition.