2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
Passionately devoted to Jewish values of the past. British by birth and citizenship, but well traveled in America. Noted for his famous work “Children of the Ghetto” (1892). Judge Mayer Sulzberger (president of the J.P.O.) first attracted to his writings invited him to write a novel for the J.P.S. of America which was the publisher for that famous work. Lengthy 6 page letter entirely penned in his rather messy, but readable hand, with fine autograph signature; to Mayer Sulzberger from his home in London (on his personal letterhead with address) April 10, 1901: My dearest Sulzberger…your last budget makes amends for any number of missed facts; besides removing my fear of your anger re dedication. The second 50,000 were printing before your letter came you will be glad to hear. The material returns are not so grandiose as these figures; even the publisher profits little. But, of course there are other qualifications. Being interviewed by an American journalist (who made an attempt, I hope fortunately to turn the interview into an article by I. Z.)… Friend Jacobs writes that …the editors compromised, when problems faced them. I don’t know which strikes me more breathless…your medieval Hebrew library, or Mrs. Frank’s ancient Palestinian synagogue… I shall not fail to communicate…with her…if Loeb succeeds in dragging me to Italy. When he arrives, he will have some surprises for my two brothers will convert the party into a squall… This is all for his good and I ought to be paid for my services as a guide. My only regret is that you will not be with us. I will admit your conspiracy to drive me to Rome was not premature. I need the change. My comedy of “THE REVOLTED DAUGHTER” was splendidly received by the matinee audience, but reviewed by the critics as if it were a drama. They are a poor lot. Archer was almost alone in his panegyric. He is patently won for my future efforts. I shall be delighted to meet Neil Mitchell… He seems a universal genius. As to that unsigned transfer-contract…now getting as ancient as your Hebrew acquisitions…there is no need for you to communicate with Harpers. I have already done so. The one [stumbling block] is the mentioning of the price at which they are to supply copies…. Why not make the alteration ? It will save the society additional work in receiving Macmillan’s checks and sending to me. Besides, the Harpers Edition is in abeyance and the whole print at issue would be long in abeyance, too. Harpers moves very slowly. They have not yet disentangled my old books. I don’t think they are well managed and I am even thinking of giving Macmillan the first offer of any…hold your heart ! Poems, which Heinemann thinks I could bring out this autumn as I have nothing else this year. I have the little “POEMS, JEWISH AND PAGAN.” The Jewish would be enough to make a special booklet…say, “A SINGER’S SCALE”…but of the score, five are already in your reader’s possession (in the “children” and “dreamers”). Still some of the others, like Adan Olam, and especially the “Hebrews’ Friday Night” (often asks for but never yet printed anywhere) might be attractive. On the other hand, those who wanted poetry could buy the whole book in the usual way. Anyhow, let me know if you have any views on the subject so that I may be armed in my first approaches to the Heathen, or rather, the Pagan. As to Tyler, both he and Viola Allen, sent me long cables of good wishes on my latest dramatic production, so I have ceased to know what are my relations to the former. Pour out thy wrath on the Heathen who acknowledge thee not and upon the kingdoms which invoke not thy name ! I must await developments. I am beginning to enter into relations with the managers this side. Perhaps New York can only be conquered via London. But the British milieu is the worst in the world for the dramatic artist. I am expecting Loeb’s arrival without knowing precise date. It will be too hot if he doesn’t come soon. I am writing a few short stories, but I see no book looming for years except collections. By the way, the “Essays, Jewish and Pagan” must be faced some day: which will make another problem for the J.P.S. I think however they will do better to encourage less known writers. Let me know your idea on what should be the Society’s policy towards my future work so that I can eliminate or considerate it in my worldly calculations…. I dare not think of [certain] steps with our threatening income tax ! England is really rather in a mess. Kind regards to all…Zangwill…...P.S…I received the dance program of a “Zangwill Club” in Chicago. All my books were waltzes or “two steps.” But they call themselves “The Zangwill’s” which would be confusing.” A most remarkable letter by this brilliant and witty author and superb insight into his thoughts about publishers and the potential and future thoughts for his own writings. Accompanied with two fine, bio sketches of the much feted and widely read Jewish author who is noted for his aid to Theodor Herzl and early Zionist movement. Condition exc
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