Two Autograph Letters Signed [ALS] from John Grisham to a fan

GRISHAM, John

Published by [Oxford, MS], 1992

About this Item

Two letters, the first on Grisham's 8.5" x 11" stationery, and the second on smaller stationery (about 6.25" x 4.25"). The envelope of the second letter, addressed by Grisham in his own hand, is retained. Both letters in excellent condition, but for two small staple holes at the top of the first letter, and a faint flattened crease to the second letter. The envelope is worn along the opening. Two autograph letters written by John Grisham, generously responding to a fan who wrote him letters of praise after "The Firm" and "The Pelican Brief." Though they had no professional relationship, we note that the recipient had previously been an Editorial Assistant at Viking Press. The first letter is dated April 30, 1991, which is two months after the publication of "The Firm." That novel, Grisham's second, was an instant smash hit, and it brought attention to his first novel, "A Time to Kill," which had been published by a vanity press. In the letter, Grisham thanks the writer for her kind note, and goes on to talk about a subject that she had raised--the Cayman Islands. Grisham writes, "I first went to the Caymans in 1978 on a dive trip - stayed at the Sunset House - and fell in love with the place. I returned in 1986, and could not believe how Americanized it had become. I was very sad. I would hate to see it now." The second letter is dated June 5, 1992, which is three months after the publication of "The Pelican Brief." Grisham thanks the writer for her rave review the previous week, and goes on to say: "The Client is in progress, and should be out 3-1-93." The efficient Grisham did meet his deadlines, contemporary reviews confirm that "The Client" was indeed published on that date. Grisham's instant stardom for the most part obviated his ability to keep up correspondence with fans, but these letters--especially the first one--reveal a generous writer who was eager to connect with the people who liked his work. As his career is ongoing and the small number of his fans who have had the good luck to correspond with him no doubt continue to treasure their letters, they are scarce in the market. Provenance: We purchased these letters from the recipient, who is very much alive, and who sold these letters privately in the process of thinning out her possessions to move house.

Seller Inventory # 14194

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Two Autograph Letters Signed [ALS] from John Grisham to a fan
• Publisher: [Oxford, MS]
• Publication Date: 1992
• Condition: Near fine
• Signed: Signed
• Seller catalogs:
  • Manuscripts and letters