Signature / "Michigan Kid" Press Kit

This American novelist and playwright (member of the American water polo team at the 1904 Olympics) often used his experiences in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush as the basis for his adventure tales such as the 1906 bestseller "The Spoilers"; a household name in the early 20th century because of bestsellers such as "The Net" (1912), "Don Careless" (1928), "Jungle Gold" (1935) and many others -- many of which were turned into films -- he committed suicide at age 71. Big, bold signature on brown ink on the verso of his heavy stock 3" X 1½" calling card, n.p., n.y. Fine. Small mounting traces on verso. Accompanied by a press kit for the film version of a Beach novel, the 1947 color Western "The Michigan Kid," starring John Hall, Victor McLaglen, Andy Devine and Rita Johnson. Consists of a cover letter on "Universal Pictures Company" letterhead transmitting this material, signed in facsimile by Joe Lawler. There are 14 mimeographed 8½" X 11" sheets, typed and double spaced and printed rectos only: "Exploitation Suggestions" (4pp), "Production Notes" (2pp), intro to the film (2pp), and thumbnail biographies of McLaglen (2pp) and one page each for director Ray Taylor, Andy Devine, Rita Johnson and Jon Hall. Very good. Lightly age toned. Also present are six fine 8" X 10" glossy black-and-white still scenes from the film, each with blue paper caption attached. A superb and scarce grouping.…