Morley, Christopher

4 pages 4to (11 x 8 1/2 in; 275 x 215 mm), letterheaded "New York Evening Post" and "The Saturday Review," dated July 24, 1923 and February 4, '34; with a original photograph of Morley, sitting in front of his typewriter and inscribed "For R.D. with affectionate greeting from a former slave! CDM"; lower edge of the first letter frayed, slightly affecting the reading, photograph torn without affecting the image or the inscription. 

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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Two important letters about the vocation of being a writer and a tribute to his publisher.

In 1923, Morley published with F.N. Doubleday his essay The Powder of Sympathy. In his letter of 1923 accompagning the book, he explained to Frank's brother Russell Doubleday, his references, especially Walt Whitman: "Well, here is the copy for the new little book. (...) it is a summary of what I have learned (to date) about life and literature (...) I a way, also, it's a sort of primer of Walt Whitmanism. Among various literary influences that have exerted pressure upon me, perhaps, Walt made one of the biggest dents (...) curses and maledictions, this little book has come out of my heart's blood and is the fruit of many midnight evenings and the silent hullabaloo of the spirit."

In the second letter, Morley offers his condolences after the death of Frank N. Doubleday: "I'm sitting down now to try to write a little tribute to him for the Saturday Review. I know more than anything else that what would please him would be that we should all write better books, print them better, and sell more of them. I was greatly touched to see among the flowers a representation of a book (...) there was a good simple symbolism about it, like the very old days when a workman or a warrior was burried with the tools or weapons that had been the pride and meaning of his life."