IRVING STONE - TYPED SENTIMENT SIGNED - HFSID 343907

IRVING STONE
The fictional biographical novel author signs this typed letter in black ink
Typed sentiment signed: "Irving Stone" in black ink. 7½x9. Encino, California, December 1, 1945. To: "Dear Ralph" in part: "If they have brought you some joy and diversion while you are recovering, they have justified all the work I have put into them. Sometimes a writer begins to feel that his books don't serve any genuine purpose and he might as well find an easier way of life. So you see, if I have been helpful to you, you have been equally helpful to me. If you have any inclination to repay whatever debt of joy and spiritual health my books may have brought you, then when you are out in the business world scurrying like mad to make a fortune, save some part of your income for buying them and give them to friends. If you do this all your life, you will be doing a magnificent service to American literature. Sincerely". Irving Stone (1903-1989) wrote fictionalized portraits of American First Families, including Andrew and Rachel Jackson (The President's Lady, 1951) and Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln (Love is Eternal, 1954) and John and Abigail Adams (Those Who Love, 1965). Other Stone novels focused on historical figures including Vincent van Gogh (Lust for Life, 1934) and Michelangelo (The Agony and the Ecstasy, 1965). He used many different forms of research, including traveling to Italy while writing The Agony and the Ecstasy and using Van Gogh's letters to his brother, Theo for his novel about the artist. Toned. Irregular edges. Photo of the author is affixed to front of sheet, partially blocking the first paragraph of the letter. Adhesive residue on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.