WALTER D. EDMONDS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/17/1936 - HFSID 101605

WALTER D. EDMONDS
He signs a typed letter (1936) explaining that he never agrees to speak in public.
Typed Letter signed: "Walter D. Edmonds", 1 page, 8½x11. Boonville, New York, 1936 October 17. To "Dear Mr. Wells", in full: "No, I'm afraid that I cannot be persuaded. I shall soon be known as a crank, I'm becoming so sot against speaking. Just the same, though, I'm very much gratified at your invitation, and thank you heartily. It is my one defence (sic) against local organizations that I never, never, never, make public addresses; ready improvization (sic) or glibness have never been in my line, so I find that it takes more time from my writing, and more energy and stress, to make one talk, than is worth while. It's not a question of reimbursement. Once a writer launches on a lecturing career, he is fixed, (supposing him able to speak at all entertainingly), and I do not see how I can combine the two elements in myself. However, I should like to visit Michigan some day, and I should say, is becoming increasingly aware. With many thanks, Sincerely yours," Walter Dumaux Edmonds (1903-1998) was a historical novelist, writing 34 books (some of them for children). His bestselling title was Guns Along the Mohawk (1936), made into a popular 1939 film. He won the National Book Award in 1971 for Bert Breen's Barn. Two paperclip creases and rust at upper left margin. Horizontal and vertical mailing folds. Stray ink smudges at upper right and at lower center edge. Lightly creased. Soiled on verso at fold lines. Otherwise, fine condition.