Alcott, Louisa May

Group of 3 items including 2 autograph letters signed and an autograph manuscript poem, various dates, all to Edward Bok, both in his capacity as autograph seeker and later as editor of the Brooklyn Magazine; few splits along folds of poem.

few splits along folds of poem
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Alcott decries autograph collectors; responds to "when should a girl marry?"

In an undated autograph note (5 7/8 x 4 ½ in: 104 x 102 mm), Alcott provides a lengthy refusal to provide an autograph: "Mr Bok had better send direct to Mr. Emerson as Mrs. Alcott prefers not to ask a moment of his time & has none of her own to spare for what has become a great affliction to all who have the misfortune to be famous ... "  Yet she did provide him at some point (April, 1881) with the holograph transcription present here, of "The First Robin," an eight-line poem "written by a little girl eight years old named Louisa May Alcott."

In the last letter (9 x 5 ½ in;  228 x 141 mm) , she seeks to answer the inquiry "When Should Our Young Women Marry" and gives the general ages "from twenty-three to twenty-five, as few girls are ready for the duties of married life before then, either physically or mentally." Alcott then suggests it much more important to ask at what age young men should marry before closing with "do not visit upon Eve's daughters, the sins of Adam's sons."