Three Page Autograph Letter Signed to Isaac Bashevis Singer

Three quarto leaves written on rectos only. Miller's Pacific Palisades address stamp in upper left corner of the first page. Dated February 2, 1979. Old folds from mailing, tiny creases on corners, nice and near fine. A wonderful letter from Miller gratefully acknowledging Singer offering to provide Miller with money from his Nobel Prize award, so that Miller could keep his house: "My dear, blessed Isaac Singer – Your letter made me weep – and I don’t weep easily (though my copain in Paris always called me a 'pleurnicheur'). You are a wonderful, noble man. I never dreamed that you had lobbied for the prize. I believe I know you. You have influenced me greatly. I often say to myself, 'Christ, if only I could read that man in Yiddish.' I liked so much what you said about Yiddish in your speech of acceptance in Stockholm. I have quoted that remark you made about Yiddish having no word for 'weapons' many times. Also, I want you to know that I was absolutely delighted when I learned you had won the prize. I never thought you had nosed me out of it – if only for the reason that I was trying for a 1979 award. I must remind you I am not immune to the honor which goes with the prize – but then throughout my life I have done without honors. And, as you so rightly say, most of our great writers never received anything like a Nobel Prize. Many died poor or unknown. Frankly, I don’t care what happens after my death. Posthumous fame is of no use to me. But all this is merely to tell you how deeply affected I was by your offer to lend me money until I win the Nobel Prize. How beautifully you put it!!! I thank you a thousand times. Dear friend and "mentor" – forgive this long epistle. May you live a long, long time, and always have what you need – not necessarily what you desire. I wish I could finish this thing off with a proper Yiddish ending, but I can’t. I know it is not "abi gezunt"! Let us just say, good atheists that we are God bless you! Henry Miller" We purchased the letter from a student who was an undergrad at University of Miami around the time that Isaac Bashevis Singer, James Michener, and Evelyn Wilde Mayerson were teaching there. Singer, however, no longer taught on campus but from his Miami Beach residence. Although Singer was invariably pleasant and accommodating, the student was nervous about telling him that his senior thesis was on Henry Miller's *Black Spring,* which was his favorite book. To his surprise, Singer was thrilled and indicated having had a friendship with Miller, which surprised the student because Singer and Miller seemed so different in every way. A few weeks later, Professor Singer showed the letter to the student, who was deeply moved. Singer insisted that he keep it. He protested vigorously but also left with the letter in hand. When he showed the letter to the English Department's secretary and indicated his pleasant shock, she said something about Singer not being sentimental in certain ways. A wonderful and evocative letter displaying Miller's gratitude for Singer's grace.…