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the recipient re-presenting the copy – “with his love” – to Wilda. Inscribed copies of O’Neill’s breakout play are very rare. This play premiered on 1 November 1920 at the Provincetown Playhouse in New York City and was originally published the same year in a collected edition. The Emperor Jones tells the story of Brutus Jones, an African American and former Pullman porter, who escapes from jail to a small Caribbean island where he sets himself up as emperor. The play was adapted for cinema in 1933, starring Paul Robeson in the title role.
Although only two years apart at Eton, Powell and Orwell did not meet until 1941, when they were introduced by mutual friend Cyril Connolly. Powell had read Down and Out in Paris and London and had been sufficiently impressed by Keep the Aspidistra Flying to write, on Connolly’s encouragement, a fan letter and to send a copy of his satirical Scottish poem, Caledonia . Orwell replied politely, but no further correspondence ensued until their meeting some five years later. Despite their radically differing outlooks and political views, Orwell’s friendship with Powell grew into one of the most substantial of his adult life. Powell and Malcolm Muggeridge were Orwell’s closest literary friends during his final illness, visiting and corresponding regularly, and were the principal organizers of his funeral. Single sheet (249 × 203 mm), typed on recto only, letterhead of Cotswold Sanatorium in Cranham. Light creasing from general handling and as originally folded, a little toned; in excellent condition. £9,500 [150472]
Octavo. Original cream printed wrappers stapled at the fold, titles and decorations to front wrapper in green and black. Housed in a custom plush-lined green cloth chemise and matching green morocco slipcase, spine lettered in gilt (spine and extremities sunned). This copy has a contemporary magazine photo of the title character loosely laid in. Wrappers lightly soiled and stained but sound, internally fresh and clean; a very good copy indeed. £1,500 [148996] 145 ORWELL, George. Typed letter signed to Anthony Powell, arranging a meeting. Cranham: 10 February 1949 THE KINDLY ONES A letter sent while Orwell was being treated at Cotswold Sanatorium for the tuberculosis that would kill him a year later, a testament to an important literary and personal friendship between two of the leading English novelists of the 20th century. Orwell writes in reply to Powell’s letter suggesting a visit from himself and Malcolm Muggeridge. “It’s very tough of you to decide to walk (I suppose you know this place is 900 feet up) and I trust you’ll have decent weather”. Orwell specifies times, and that he’ll arrange a car to catch the 18:30 return train. “I’ve no doubt you could get dinner in the train going back, but perhaps it’s wise to carry food. In Scotland one gets into the habit of never going anywhere without a ‘piece’ as they call it, and often I’ve been glad of it. So looking forward to seeing you both”.
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All items are fully described and photographed at peterharrington.co.uk
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