The Library of Roger Wagner - PBA Galleries

LETTERS FROM ANAIS NIN DISCUSSING HER DIARIES
200. nin, AnAïs. Group of 12, one to two-page typed and holograph letters, almost all signed, and 6 holograph
postcards signed, to Henry Miller. 12 one to two-page typed and holograph letters, most signed by Anaïs
Nin. One in original envelope. Post cards with Nin’s return address printed on rectos.
Various places: 1966-1976
The letters and postcards from Nin to Miller discuss much about her diaries, and what
could and could not be published of the correspondence in her Diaries, as well as mutual
acquaintances, surgeries, current activities, and memories. From one letter, Nin writes, “I am
winning my battle with man hating feminists. Kate Millet who wrote such a hate filled book
against men, has paid me a tribute and changed considerably. I suppose you have heard that
my papers will be with yours at UCLA but most of it goes to taxes. Unbelievable. I have
been venturing out in spite of the hole in my stomach caused by radiation and which erupts
at unexpected moments which kept me in the house for a year and a half...” From another,
dated 1973, “Have been reliving the past so unfortunately left out of the Diary (compassion!)
Xeroxing your personal letters for the day they can be published. I will of couse show you a
copy. I did the job myself for privacy at a College xerox machine! An hour a day is all I could
do. I hope this year there won’t be so many lectures. Deep down I don;t like the public life -
prefer just to write and stay home but my horoscope gives me dependants....” There are also a
couple of letters from a trip to Asia that Nin took in 1966, describing her travels, particularly in
Japan: “My publisher entertained me royally, with Geisha dinner - and they are eager to do the
same when you come. I feel at home with that mixture of deep meaning expressed in outward
beauty - the immaculateness, the caring, the tranquility, the poetry - Nothing is literal. A garden
is a representation of the eternal, it must always be green, no flowers, flowers die and disturb
contemplation of eternity!....” A number of the letters have Anais’ last name holographed in
Miller’s hand next to her signature. About fine.
(3000/5000)
201. nin, AnAïs. One-page autograph letter signed from Anaïs Nin to Henry Miller. 1 page ALs on International
Hotel Okazaki (of Japan) stationery. 10x8.
No place: April 13, 1969
Nin loved to gather stationary from worldly hotels to write letters on. The letter begins: “Dear
Henry: Your film is wonderful and truly captured your personalities - all of them. It is moving
and beautiful and natural. You are a natural actor - and what came through was the blending of
humor and sorrow, of playfulness and gravity both. It is you....” Miller’s holograph note, “Nin”
next to Anaïs’ signature. Fine.
(1000/1500)
Lot 200 Lot 201
Page 92