Typed Letter Signed - Brooks Atkinson

Atkinson, Brooks

Publication Date: 1962

About this Item

Original letter typed and signed in black ink on off-white paper. Signed, "Brooks Atkinson." Letter on New York Times stationery. Stationery includes a New York Times watermark and a printed header with the newspaper's iconic title in stylized font and address. Original New York Times envelope included. The letter and envelope are addressed to "Mr. Norman Unger" of Bronx, New York. Letter datelined May 29, 1962 in New York. 8 1/2" x 7." One page. Letter has one holograph correction by Atkinson (slash through two words). Letter is virtually pristine and intact except for a horizontal fold line at center (likely original). Envelope is very clean and intact except for a few small wrinkles, light age toning, and a few small stains on back. Letter is Fine. Envelope is Near Fine. Letter and envelope are Fine as a set. Brooks Atkinson (1894-1984), born Justin Brooks Atkinson, was an American drama critic. Atkinson worked for the New York Times from 1922-1960. He gained the reputation for writing reviews that could make or break a production in terms of commercial success, but he was nevertheless an ardent supporter of theater in general and supported experimental theater. Atkinson was also a war correspondent in China and the Soviet Union during the World War II era. In 1947, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Correspondence for his coverage of Moscow during the war. In this letter, Atkinson writes to Norman Unger and expresses his regrets for not being able to review his play. The letter reads, "Dear Mr. Unger: I wish I were in a position to accept the many invitations I have to read and comment on manuscripts. But I am sure you will realize that in the normal course of my affairs, I can't do any reading aside from that which bears on my particular job. I am never able to keep abreast of the books and magazines that are sent to me in the hope that I will write about them. Since you have been writing for many years, I suspect you must enjoy it. It has compensations quite apart from being published. Please accept my regrets at not being able to read your play. Even if I liked it, I would not be able to do anything about it since I have to keep entirely apart from the business of the stage. Best wishes, Brooks Atkinson.".

Seller Inventory # 025438

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Typed Letter Signed - Brooks Atkinson
• Publication Date: 1962
• Binding: No Binding
• Condition: Collectible-Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Literature
  • Drama
  • U.S. History