Hemingway, Ernest | A remarkable letter, penned by an icon of American literature

Hemingway, Ernest

Autograph letter signed ("Ernest Hemingway") to Edward W. Titus, proprietor of Black Manikin Press, while recovering from an arm injury

1 1/4 pages (280 x 215 mm). Written late 1930 or early 1931, with return address, "Box 404 Key West," at upper right; old folds, short split to fold. 

A letter to Edward Titus, penned while recovering from an arm injury suffered in a car crash. 

In the early 1930s, Hemingway spent his winters in Key West and summers in Wyoming, making the most of each climate and landscape. While in Wyoming, the author was joined by John Dos Passos, a fellow novelist. In November 1930, after bringing Dos Passos to the train station in Billings, Montana, Hemingway broke his arm in a car accident (a bottle of bourbon was found in the vehicle). The surgeon who tended Hemingway is said to have bound the compound spiral fracture with kangaroo tendon. The nerves in his writing hand took months to heal, and during this time, Hemingway suffered agonizing pain. After a short hospitalization, he returned to Key West to begin a slow recuperation. The present letter is written from this period, and the effect of the injury on his handwriting is apparent:

"This handwriting is caused by compound fracture my right humerus with paralysis...arm is getting along and will be as good as ever. But process has been damned slow. Am not writing a history of B[ull] F[ighting]. Much more complicated, will tell you when I see you."

Hemingway's book on bullfighting, Death in the Afternoon, was published in 1932 by Scribner's. He'd intended to draft a comprehensive treatise on the sport, as he believed its premise—hinged on life and death—was emblematic of human existence. 

Hemingway then continues to Titus: "Look. Since the pamphlet is by me and the agreement was is was not not to be published in the U.S. without another arrangement between us — wouldn't it be better if it were copyrighted & it were to remain my property?" 

Even in the throes of significant discomfort, the present letter Hemingway demonstrates not only remarkable commitment to his craft, but also a sharp mind for business when the rights to his work are in question.

A remarkable letter, penned by an icon of American literature.