Puccini, Giacomo

at first doubting her hope that the war will end quickly, fearing that the Americans will prolong the affair, and then responding enthusiastically to the final victory in November, after the nightmare of defeat at Caporetto the year before, looking forward to the abdication of the Kaiser, so that they can all enjoy some peace at last, reports the terrible toll taken by Spanish influenza, which has killed more people than the war in Torre del Lago, including his friend Alfredo Angeli, lamenting the approach of his sixtieth birthday, telling her of his surprise at receiving an invitation to Caruso's wedding to the American Dorothy Benjamin, but noting approvingly that his former girlfriend has been cast aside and onto the streets where she belonged, sending Sybil a recent photograph, although admitting it is a poor one ("...Un fulminea vittoria! pare un sogno! a pensare all'anno scorso di questo tempo a sotto l'incubo di Caporetto! Viva L'Italia! e viva gli alleati...qui la febbra spagnola ha fatto più strage della Guerra. In Torre del Lago ci sono stati 15 morti in Guerra e 80 per la spagnola...non vedo l’ora di volar via un po’--speriamo presto che Guglielmone si ritira e che venga un buona pace per tutti noi da potere godere prima di crepare…”)

8 pages, 8vo and 12mo, two on letter-cards, autograph address panels, Viareggio, 24 September 1918 to 5 November 1918,  one item split into two pieces (stamps removed)

V. Seligman, Puccini among Friends, pp.281-283 (not published complete).

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."