Chandler, Raymond

A group of four typed letters signed ("Ray") on personal stationery (mostly 8 1/2 x 11 in; 215 x 280 mm), one with pencil corrections and additions, La Jolla, from 5 November 1946 to 9 April 1957, to Edgar Carter and H.N. Swanson. All letters have faint horizontal fold lines but generally in excellent condition. Housed in brown and green modern half morocco slipcases.

These letters present a range of emotions, from a satirical response to a magazine article that represented Chandler poorly to the very grave subject of life after the death of his wife. Early in his career, Chandler writes to one of his literary agents with a mocking tone: "I am very handsome, have a powerful physique, and change my shirt regularly every Monday morning.... I do a great deal of research, especially in the apartments of tall blonds."  But the author's later correspondence takes grim turn, as Chandler has recently returned to La Jolla after a trip to London following the death of his wife Cissy. He admits: "I didn't feel I could stand it to live in La Jolla so soon after my wife's death. The place was haunted for me. But I am more hardened now. I think I'll make it."