"In general I think [public speaking] is an unhealthy distraction for the writer, or at least for this writer." - Typed Letter Signed

TLS from the American man of letters to Professor Irma Antonetto of the Associazione Culturale Italiana, responding to her invitation to have the author speak.  June 8, 1972; 1 pp., airmail letter.  In full, "Dear Irma Antonetoo[sic.]:  Thank you for your several letters, and your kind invitation to participate in your distinguished lecture series.  Although I do occasionally speak in public, in general I think it is an unhealthy distraction for the writer, or at least for this writer.  Also, I am involved in a book which I am determined to finish.  So permit me to decline, with sincere gratitude for this honor of having been asked.  Sincerely, [Signature]."  The book to which Updike refers is unknown, but it is likely Museums and Women and Other Stories, a short story collection published in October of that year.  His next publication, A Month of Sundays, would not be issued until three years later.  Light surface creasing, two holes to left side of middle panel, else fine, 7.5 x 11 inches (19 x 27.9 cm.).

John Updike was an American novelist, poet, short story writer, art critic, and literary critic. He is one of only three authors (the others being Booth Tarkington and William Faulkner) to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction more than once.

Irma Antonetto (1920-1993), was founder and director of the Associazione Culturale Italiana [Association of Italian Culture] for 46 years, during which time she brought some 400 philosophers, writers, scientists, artists, and Nobel winners to lecture in Italy. She was recipient of the 1964 Cavaliere al merito della Repubblica italiana. (18574)

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TLS

Literature

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