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Gilbert Wolf Gabriel (1890-1952) was an American critic, novelist and magazine article author. He also served in the Army during both World Wars. These letters and notes are addressed to Malcolm Johnson (1902-1958), an executive vice president at Doubleday, Doran & Co. and D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc. from 1937-1944 and his wife Mathilde (Tillie). Each one is simply signed, "Gil". Letter 1 - 7 1/2 x 9 inch paper, typed, no envelope. Dated January 5, 1944 from New York City. This letter informs Malcolm that "OWI rang me this afternoon to tell me to get ready for shipment abroad. Immediate, was their word -- but immediate with them will probably mean about a month's time." OWI is the Office of War Information. Gabriel was shipped to London to serve as chief of publications for the Psychological Warfare Division. Letter 2 - One 7 x 10 1/2 inch paper, author's personal letterhead, fold lines, excellent condition. Typed, envelope included. Dated October 6, 1945. Addressed to Malcolm, this friendly letter begins with congratulations on the birth of Malcolm and Tillie's son. The rest of the letter concerns publishing business. First, Gilbert informs Malcolm that he has submitted his book "Love from London" to Macmillan. "They seem pleased, all around ; tell me its a better job than Cecil Roberts -- who the hell is Cecil Roberts? -- and as good as Walpole, and that they're thinking of it in best-seller terms." Gabriel also tells Malcolm that Edna Ferber is dissatisfied with Doran, Doubleday and Co. "Something named Lebaron Barker got to be her pet hate, just as it did mine. She's since been asking me about Macmillan, and I've put Latham on the chase. she told me she dislikes Mr. Brett, to which Latham retorts : lots of people do, but, good God, we still want to publish them!" Letter 3 - 3 1/4 x 2 1/2 inch Saks Fifth Ave. card in envelope, probably accompanied flowers or a gift. Dated October 15, 1945. "Tillie dear : The best of everything to the Johnson family and an extra hug for the new baby son. Love, Ada and Gil." (Ada is Mrs. Gabriel, a painter and lithographer) Letter 4 - 6 x 9 1/2 inch paper, Hotel Dauphin, New York letterhead. Typed, no envelope. Dated December 26, 1950. Addressed to Malcolm and Tillie, this letter informs the Johnsons that the Gabriels will be spending the winter in the Hotel Dauphin, "in a large but grotesque sort of suite." "We're both working fairly steadily, Ada winning occasional prizes for new lithographs, I using weekends and what few evenings off I have on some other brands of writing.".
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