KARL EMIL FRANZOS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 07/30/1897 - HFSID 142159

KARL EMIL FRANZOS
Author Karl Emil Franzos wrote this letter, on letterhead of a German poetry publication, in 1897 in translated German. In it, he says that he can't accept an invitation to a lecture due to sickness, but adds that he is available later for a fee.
Autograph Letter signed: "K. E. Franzos", 1p, 5½x8¾, on letterhead of the editorial office of Deutsche Dichtung (German Poetry). Berlin, 1897 August 20. Addressed to "Mr. Max [illegible]", Mannheim, Germany.In German, translated: "Dear Sir, You had the kindness to invite me again to lectures in [illegible]. Unfortunately, it was impossible for me - I have been confined to my room the whole winter because of sickness - to accept this invitation. Should a lecture be suitable for you next winter, I am willing [illegible] to present it if you like as the day Friday, February 25th. I will travel on February 24th [illegible] for [illegible] and am able to arrange to be the next day at you. My fee = [illegible] is M. 200.00 [two hundred German marks] [illegible] in the Ghetto. Your prompt notification to my private address [address illegible] would be appreciated and I remain Sincerely". Franzos (1848-1909) was an Austrian Jew who studied for the law and passed the qualifying examinations, but embarked instead on a journalistic career, traveling in southern Europe, Egypt and Asia. He worked for Viennese publications until 1887, when he moved to Berlin. Franzos also wrote 9 novels and translated the Polish manuscript for a play, Wozzek, which was later made into an opera. Lightly creased. Mailing fold, not at signature. Ink has blotted at two words of text. Otherwise, fine condition.