The Struggle Within [Publisher's Archive: Inscribed First Edition + Original Correspondence]

Wright, Olgivanna Lloyd (1898-1985)

Published by Horizon Press, New York, 1955

About this Item

TALIESIN, HORIZON PRESS & MID-CENTURY MODERNISM. This is a unique publisher's archive documenting the literary and professional relationship between Olgivanna Lloyd Wright (matriarch of Taliesin) and Ben Raeburn (Horizon Press). The lot is anchored by a First Edition of 'The Struggle Within', inscribed by Olgivanna to Raeburn, and accompanied by four pieces of significant original correspondence, including a pivotal 1954 letter granting Raeburn creative control over her manuscript. KEY FEATURES +++ Visuals: Dust jacket designed in two-tone olive and cream with a black and white photographic portrait of Olgivanna Lloyd Wright on the rear panel; title and author lettering in elegant Art Deco style typography. +++ The Book: First Edition (1955), inscribed on the flyleaf: 'To my dear publisher and his beautiful wife [Pearl]. Olgivanna Lloyd Wright, Feb 17th, 1956, New York.' EPHEMERA +++ The 1954 Letter: A stunning 3-page Typed Letter Signed (TLS) on Olgivanna's personal stationery (cream wove paper, deckled right edge, olive-gold block motif). She writes: 'I give you free hand to edit any chapter you wish - or all of them. I have absolute trust and confidence in your judgement.' +++ The 1957 Carbon: Ben Raeburn's file copy of a letter to Olgivanna, discussing the production of Frank Lloyd Wright's 'A Testament' and his deep commitment to 'The Struggle Within'. +++ Content: The correspondence references Elizabeth Gordon (House Beautiful editor), Olgivanna's experience revising Frank Lloyd Wright's writing, and the interconnected circle of Pat Percy and the Taliesin Fellowship. +++ Handwritten thank-you card from Olgivanna , +++ 1960 Western Union telegram regarding McGraw Hill business, and an obituary clipping for Eugene Masselink. (Sec-Tres of the Frank Llyod Wright Foundation) Full Transcriptions available CONDITION: Very Good -- The book cloth is clean with distinct gilt titles and a tight text block. The dust jacket is Good to Very Good, showing moderate edge wear, sun-fading to the spine, and small chips at the head; there is a faint vertical crease to the rear panel, but it presents attractively in mylar. The letters show modest toning and original mailing folds; the 1957 carbon has a tear to the second page but remains legible. +++ Provenance: The Estate of Ben Raeburn (Horizon Press). +++ Specs: Book is 8.5 inches tall / 176 pages. Letters are 8.5 x 5.25 inches. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Olgivanna Lloyd Wright was the formidable matriarch of the Taliesin Fellowship, often considered the power behind the throne in Frank Lloyd Wright's later years. While she published several books on philosophy and life at Taliesin, her command of written English often required heavy polishing. Her partnership with Ben Raeburn was crucial; Horizon Press essentially served as the 'house publisher' for the Wrights, disseminating their architectural and philosophical manifestos to the mid-century public. This archive is significant because it lifts the veil on the editorial process behind the 'Wright Legend'. The 1954 letter documents a rare moment of surrender from the usually imperious Olgivanna, granting Raeburn 'free hand' to edit her work-proof of his integral role in shaping her public voice. The inclusion of references to Pat Percy (an apprentice who bridged the literary and architectural worlds) and intimate invitations to the Raeburns to summer at Taliesin illustrates how business and personal life were inextricably linked within the Fellowship. SUBJECTS: Olgivanna Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin Fellowship, Ben Raeburn, Horizon Press, Publishing History, Architectural History, American Philosophy, Mid-Century Modern Design.

Seller Inventory # 21486

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Struggle Within [Publisher's Archive: Inscribed First Edition + Original Correspondence]
• Publisher: Horizon Press, New York
• Publication Date: 1955
• Edition: First Edition, First Printing.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Signed: Signed
• Seller catalogs:
  • LITERATURE [Many Sub-Catagories]
  • ART HISTORY [and Indivigual Artists]