- 6
Auden, W.H.
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- Auden, W.H.
- and William Meredith. A small archive of items documenting the friendship of the two poets. V.p., c. 1962–72
- ink, paper
The friendship of W. H. Auden (1907–1973) and William Meredith (1919–2007) began after World War II and continued until the elder poet's death in 1973. Auden named Meredith as his literary executor.
This archive comprises: 3 volumes by Auden. Poems. London: Faber & Faber, 1930. Inscribed by Auden on the title, "Bill Meredith, with love from Wystan" — Spain. London: Faber & Faber, 1937. Inscribed by Auden on the title (7 February 1963), "You must throw this away. Wystan," — On this Island. New York: Random House, 1937. Meredith's copy, with a presentation inscription in an unknown hand.
William Meredith journal kept during a visit to Auden's summer home in Kirchstetten, Austria, 19 August—2 September 1962, 22 pages (18 pages autograph, 4 pages typed) (8 1/2 x 6 in.; 216 x 153mm) in ringed binder. The journal includes notes on Auden making Meredith his literary executor, the two poets' discussion of Shelley, Meredith's thoughts on Auden's and Chester Kallman's recent poetry, Auden's dislike of the Autobahn, etc. Drafts of poems by Meredith are present.
A color photograph (4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.) of Auden and Meredith, taken in the summer of 1972 by Meredith's companion, Richard Harteis; framed with an engraved card signed by Auden.
This archive comprises: 3 volumes by Auden. Poems. London: Faber & Faber, 1930. Inscribed by Auden on the title, "Bill Meredith, with love from Wystan" — Spain. London: Faber & Faber, 1937. Inscribed by Auden on the title (7 February 1963), "You must throw this away. Wystan," — On this Island. New York: Random House, 1937. Meredith's copy, with a presentation inscription in an unknown hand.
William Meredith journal kept during a visit to Auden's summer home in Kirchstetten, Austria, 19 August—2 September 1962, 22 pages (18 pages autograph, 4 pages typed) (8 1/2 x 6 in.; 216 x 153mm) in ringed binder. The journal includes notes on Auden making Meredith his literary executor, the two poets' discussion of Shelley, Meredith's thoughts on Auden's and Chester Kallman's recent poetry, Auden's dislike of the Autobahn, etc. Drafts of poems by Meredith are present.
A color photograph (4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.) of Auden and Meredith, taken in the summer of 1972 by Meredith's companion, Richard Harteis; framed with an engraved card signed by Auden.
Condition
As described in catalogue entry.
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.
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.