Typed Letter Signed with Signed Photograph

Typed letter signed from the German author, poet, screenwriter and satirist, to translator and German professor Helga Döblin, apologizing that he is unable to undertake a journey to the United States and enclosing a signed photograph. Dated Munich, July 11, 1968. Translated from the German: "Dear Mrs. Döblin, thank you very much for your greetings and for the selected works of your students. As regards the news that I might be coming to American realms, I was not responsible for it, but rather a cheery German professor from the USA who wanted to convince me to undertake such a journey. However, large and complicated trips, with frequent changes of location, are now out of the question for me. This doesn't mean, however, that I otherwise would not enjoy it. To give you visual proof that my condition leaves little to be desired, allow me to enclose a photograph that was taken not long ago. With best wishes, also to your students, yours, Erich Kästner." The enclosed postcard photograph shows the author lighting a cigarette; he has signed over his cuff and dated July 1968. Letter with some wrinkles and one stain; photograph with a slight corner crease and some edge wear. Overall in very good condition. Letter 5.75 x 8.25 inches (14.5 x 21 cm); photograph 4 x 6 inches (10.4 x 14.8 cm).

The German writer Emil Erich Kästner was known primarily for his humorous, socially astute poems and for children's books including Emil and the Detectives. He received the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 1960 for his autobiography Als ich ein kleiner Junge war.

Helga Döblin (1911-2005) was a professor of German and classics at Skidmore College from 1966 to 1981, and the wife of cellist Rudolf Döblin. The couple emigrated to the United States from Germany during World War II and were well connected with many other emigrés in musical and artistic spheres. (14675)

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TLS

Signed Photograph

Literature

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