TWO AUTOGRAPH LETTERS SIGNED (ALSs)
Rome: 1925 & 1927. Letter. Two AUTOGRAPH LETTERS SIGNED as "G. Santayana" by this Spanish-born American poet and philosopher who is thought to be the originator of the oft-used expression: "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it." Both letters are to S(harpless) D(odson) Green, American educator. The one-page letter is an affirmative response to a request to sign one of his works for Green. The more interesting two-page letter on both sides of one sheet is a response to Green's solicitation of a letter offering his pupils life advice and is addressed "To the Group of Young People in the Trenton High School who have chosen me for a temporary 'Guardian.'" The letter begins: "When I was a young man I once went to give a lecture at Bryn Mawr College, and as I entered the hall I heard a voice gasping in a distressed whisper: 'But he is bald!' ... One man is seldom a good model for another nor altogether edifying at close quarters: he may inspire love, but that very love must screen and idealize him, if his influence is to be entirely good. The best 'Guardians' are like Guardian Angels and other more or less imaginary beings... The few literary men or philosophers that I have known have seemed to me rather poor specimens of humanity; and I have always preferred nice simple people, when they were willing to be my friends.... If you should find yourself some day ... in too narrow a business or domestic round, you may naturally think of artists and rich men as leading a superior life but they probably don't. But the works and traces of great men, such as I see about me so conspicuously here in Rome ... are a stimulation and refreshment to others; and they help make us happy and superior to the private accidents of life." Much more. Both envelopes are present, one with the address typed and the other handwritten by Santayana. Creases from mailing with a short split and paperclip stain to the longer letter. Near Fine with excellent content. Item #019024
Price: $1,500.00