TYPED LETTER SIGNED (TLS) to Lewis Mumford; Auden Writes a Fan Letter to Lewis Mumford
Birmingham: 14 September 1938. Letter. Superb 1-1/2 page TYPED LETTER SIGNED on both sides of an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of paper to American historian, philosopher, and literary critic Lewis Mumford. In part: "I nearly wrote you a fan letter once before, when I read CIVILIZATION AND TECHNICS, and now, having just finished THE CULTURE OF CITIES, I feel I must say that, to me, they are two of the most interesting books of our time. The only criticism I can make is that in places, and I am sure that this was not your intention, you give the impression if being a tiny bit puritanical about such things as domestic decoration, and the wish to express one's personality." Auden talks about the depressing experience of having lived in a sterilized "modern" flat and the importance of people "bolstering themselves up with ornaments and decoration." Annotated in pencil by Mumford "Ans 8 Oct 38." Crease from folding, otherwise about Fine. Item #019981
Price: $1,500.00