HARPER LEE - COLLECTION 12/17/2009 - HFSID 347858

HARPER LEE
Collection including a charming Christmas letter from the celebrated American author and the original mailing envelope in which it was sent
Comprises: (1) Autograph Letter signed: "Harper" in black ink, 2p (front and verso of a single piece of card stock), 5¼x7½. 2009 December 17. On her personal stationery with emblazoned letterhead containing her initials: NHL (Nelle Harper Lee). To "Dear Don" In full: "Santa Claus arrived today!/ The candy is gorgeous and I do thank you for it. You have been so kind to me for so long, you are the best friend I never met!/ Merry Christmas, and may the new year bring you an abundance of good things!/ With love,/ Harper". Corners and edges gently worn. Otherwise, fine condition. (2) Envelope signed: "N.H. Lee" on seal flap with "Post Office Box 278/ Monroeville, Alabama 36461" printed beneath, 8x5½. Addressed to in the author's hand on front to "Mr. Don Salter/ 1201 New St. Francis Street/ Mobile, Alabama 36604". Postmarked Montgomery, Alabama, December 21, 2009. 44¢ Black Heritage stamp affixed featuring Anna Julia Cooper, a prominent African-American scholar and author of A Voice from the South: By A Woman from the South. Inkjet Kermit Christmas cancellation stamp at postage. Neatly sliced open along top fold. Light wear at corners. Sparse staining on side and bottom flaps. Otherwise, fine condition. Author Harper Lee (1926-2016) published two books over the course of her lifetime: 1960's To Kill a Mockingbird won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize and is considered one of the finest examples of American literature. This work appeared to be the only book she would ever publish, but a sequel to the classic titled Go Set a Watchman, which it has been argued is actually more of a first draft for To Kill a Mockingbird, was published a year before her death. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007. Two items.