PHILIP GORDON WYLIE - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/14/1949 - HFSID 18903

PHILIP WYLIE
Although generally averse to giving autographs, he sends one to a fan who likes his books when the critics don't.
Typed Letter signed: "Philip Wylie", 1 page, 7¼x10¼. Rushford, New York, 1949 August 14. On personal letterhead to "Dear Mr. Seward", in full: "Your letter confronts me with what are, for me, several dilemmas. In the first place, I have publicly inveighed against autographs; some of the books I like I have had signed by their authors - and it was the nasty habit of passing old envelopes down banquet tables or of accosting people with multi-colored pads to which I had reference - but the particular could be mistaken for the general. In the second place, although you may find it hard to believe, I do not have here in the country a copy of Opus 21. I had two - and gave them both away. So there is no immediate response I could make. Finally, my publisher ships from Scranton, a procedure which saves him money but takes time. Were I to order through him, weeks would pass before a copy arrived here and by that time, such is the confused abundance of my mail and such is my own disinclination to give it machine-age attention, I would probably have lost your letter in a moraine of other mail; indeed, in my Florida home I have a good dozen books sent for autograph by whom I know longer wist. Let us unitedly hope that this objective unreliability is the compensation for subjective exactitude and dependability. Yet what author, appreciated so much in such a discerning and eminent place, and especially while undergoing what he regards as the massive incomprehension of professional critics, would fail to try to thank his benefactor in some fashion? Would this note, attached with Dupont's best glue, suffice for lack of a better competence? You have encouraged me. I feel, up to now, that my extravaganzas have done only a little of what I could and ought to do. And to such hopeful ends my time is devoted. I hope, some day, to write for all who understand what I've attempted, some unequivocal essays and novels that will justify such praise as you've given me. Thanks. Sincerely". Philip Gordon Wylie (1902-1971) was a prolific author of fiction and nonfiction. His fiction ranged from mysteries to apocalyptic science fiction; his nonfiction anticipated much later discussion of topics like ecology and gender roles. Nine of his stories were made into films, including When Worlds Collide (1933 book, 1951 film). His dystopias included Triumph (1963), set in the aftermath of a nuclear war; and The End of the Dream (1972), which posited an environmental collapse. Multiple mailing folds. Fine condition.