(Literary Autographs) 1 Piece. Autograph Letter Signed. Melville, Herman. 104 E. 26th St., New York, August 10, [18]90. 2 p., 8vo, with integral leaf; light creases along old folds. To the publisher T. Fisher Unwin concerning Melville's first book, "...My disinclination to re-cast an old book - tho', as you suggest, some excisions &c would undoubtedly improve 'Redburn' as I remember it; this of itself would preclude my entertaining the friendly proposition you make me. Moreover, there is a critical question involved as regards the original English copyright. I am no longer young; and naturally enough, care not to entangle myself in new affairs and uncertainties. I am sorry thus negatively to meet your friendly advance, And am Very Truly Yours Herman Melville."
Contents and signature clean, clear, and dark. In custom chemise of green morocco and marbled boards. This letter cited and summarized but not fully published in The Writings of Herman Melville, Vol. 14: Correspondence, p. 529, Nothwestern University Press & Newberry Library, 1993.
Provenance: PBA Galleries. October 26, 1995, $18,000 hammer.