The Library of Roger Wagner - PBA Galleries

satisfaction of all concerned. Indeed some of the more romantic fans would write me, after a
sojourn at Anderson Creek, thanking me for introducing them to such a charming host as Emil
White....” About fine - an interesting and nostalgic memoir, with White’s letters illuminating his
side of the story.
(2000/3000)
142. miller, henry. Autograph letter, signed from Miller to “Irving” (Stettner, editor of Stroker Magazine).
11 page ALs from Henry Miller to Irving Stetner. Accompanied by 3 photocopies of a typescript of
the letter.
Pacific Palisades: Dec. 21, 1978
Miller begins his letter rather pessimistically, stating, “...It’s also ironic that someone like myself
cannot find an outlet in an American magazine of any repute. To be sure, our one time good
mags have all disappeared. Everything of value is disappearing today in `the greatest country in
the world.’ (Oswald Spengler would have framed it differently.) So would Céline and Cendrars.”
He goes on to philosophize about poetry & to discuss Mohammed Mrabet, Hermann Hesse,
and Isaac Bashevis Singer (who had recently won the Nobel Prize). About Hesse, he writes,
“...In my latter years I have gone over the same ground in my mind. Who the hell do I think I
am? But, Irv, no matter how I argue, I am what I am and no one can take that away from me;
moreover, I know who I am, which is another way of saying `Fuck you, Jack, I’m not joining
your band-wagon. Not even if you are a Zen Buddhist.’ Hesse gave me Siddhartha, for which I
am eternally grateful. And because of that wonderful book, I not only killed in me the Jesus, the
Buddha, the Mahomet, but the guy I once thought I was and who was just another horse’s ass.
In short, I became myself.” His letter ends in typical Miller style: “This letter was not dictated
by any fucking Xmas or Hannukkah spirit but just by a strong feeling of friendship. Ever yours,
Henry.” A few smudges on page 1; else fine.
(500/800)
The Buyer’s Premium will be 20% for bids up to $100,000
and 15% for that portion over $100,000.
Page 71