MARIE CORELLI - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 07/29/1903 - HFSID 297636

MARIE CORELLI
The British author writes to an agency, declining to use it for publication of her American Letters
Autograph Letter signed: "Marie Corelli", 3 pages (integral leaf), 5x8. Mason Croft, Stratford on Avon, 1903 July 29. On personal letterhead to "Dear Sir", in full: "I enclose cheque for your account, and regret I could not see any way to arrange for the 'American Letters' through your Agency. They are now settled happily for in America only, which was my desire. Faithfully yours" [signature] "Please return receipt". Born Mary Mackay, the daughter of Scottish poet Charles Mackay, this popular novelist (1855-1924) of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century preferred to be known by her pen name of Marie Corelli, under which she also performed on the piano. Her bestselling novel, The Sorrows of Satan (1895) broke publishing records. Reviled by many critics of her day, she also had admirers, including Mark Twain and Lord Tennyson. She was a favorite of Queen Victoria. Corelli's romantic novels feature strong female characters and much social criticism. She and her lifelong companion, Bertha Vyver, purchased and restored Mason Croft in Stratford, reputedly the former home of Shakespeare's daughter. Among her other best-selling novels were A Romance of Two Worlds (1886) and Barabbas (1893). Toned. Multiple mailing folds. Minor ink smears (legible). Pin size hole near top edge. Otherwise, fine condition.