The Library of Roger Wagner - PBA Galleries

213. perlès, AlfreD. One-page typed letter signed with 7-line holograph postscript. 1 page TLs with 7-line
holograph postscript from Perlès to Henry Miller. One blue paper that doubled as the mailing
envelope. 12½x6.
Wells: Dec 17, 1979
Lot 213
Page 97
Perlès was one of Miller’s best friends
during his starving Paris years - the two
shared an apartment when Miller first
arrived. Perlès writes to wish Miller a happy
birthday, saying, “Old friends keep dying
right and left and I don’t want to be the
sole survivor like Robinson Crusoe on a
desert island without even a Man Friday.
So hold on, Joey, will you please? It’s a
small favour I’m asking you. Although
you never sent me your JOEY book (can’t
think why not), I ordered some copies from
Capra Press. It’s a beautiful production
and I take your `loving portrait’ of me as a
handsome tribute. Many thanks, Joey, but
does your portrait truly portray me? That’s
the question. Of course, I realize that you
talk of me as of someone fifty years ago,
i.e. a different person from what I am now.
People are subject to metamorphosis in less
than fifty years, as you must know. And in
your loving portrait I see myself like a faded
photograph in an ancient family album.
I don’t mind being called a clown and a
scoundrel (I often call myself worse names),
especially since I know I attracted you and
you love me as such. As for myself, I both
loved you as you were then and still love you
as you are now, a different person....” About
fine.
(700/1000)
214. sinGer, isAAc BAshevis. 1 page autograph letter signed on personal stationery to Henry Miller. 1 page ALs
from Singer to Henry Miller agreeing to back his nomination for the Nobel Prize for literature in
1978/79. 10½x7¼.
New York: September 7, 1978
In his letter, Singer writes that “I think that no writer alive has earned as much recognition,
praise and high prizes as you both for your literary work and for your selfless fight for literary
freedom. Of course I will write to the Academy. Just the same I feel that you are too great a
man to ask for any prize. Whatever recognition you should get must come from the givers, not
from you...Whatever the results, you will remain a pillar of literature and a most couragous
fighter against any kind of censorship in literature. Yours with love and admiration, Isaac B.
Singer.” Ironically, Singer himself was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature that year. Fine, in
original hand-addressed envelope with Miller’s holograph note to front.
(300/500)