Hemingway, Ernest

4 pages on Hotel Ambos Mundos letterhead (11 x 8 1/2 in.; 279 x 216 mm), Havana, 7 June [1933], vertical and horizontal folds. With autograph envelope.

Ernest Hemingway: Selected Letters, 1917–1961, Baker, ed., 393

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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.

"Have 39 Marlin swordfish now. Have all the dope for the Cuban letter and will write it the first day the wind is bad for fishing.

In 1933, Hemingway wrote the article "Marlin off the Morro: A Cuban Letter" for the first issue of Gingrich's new magazine, Esquire. He would subsequently publish 26 articles and six short stories (including "The Snows of Kilamanjaro") in the magazine.  He goes on to write, "Glad you fixed up about Dos [Passos]. He's been sick as hell. 

"The title I have for the book is Winner Take Nothing. 

"'Unlike all other forms of lutte or combat the conditions are that the winner shall take nothing: neither his ease, nor his pleasure, nor any notions of glory; nor, if he win enough, shall there be any reward within himself.'

"If you want to do me a favor will you wire me collect what you think of it as a title — and what you think of the quotation. There are 13 stories. The title is not meant to be tricky — any more than Men Without Women was. It has the same sort of application to the contents."

Curiously, Carlos Baker in his Selected Letters, transcribes only the first three pages of the letter, omitting the final page. (approximately 60 words). Included on this page and apparently unpublished: "Have re-named Give us a Prescription, Dr. The Gambler, the Nun and the Radio — that was what I called it originally." The postscript reads, "Am holding up wiring Max Perkins until I hear from you."