Lot 231

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Description:

Irving Berlin 3 TLSs From 1950s-1960s: "As a painter, Leonard, I'm still a pretty good songwriter…"

A group of three typed letters signed by American composer Irving Berlin (1988-1989), each signed as "Irving." The letters are all addressed to Leonard Hoffman of New York City and range from September 29, 1955 to April 13, 1965. N.p. On laid "Cranes Crest" watermarked stationery paper with "Irving Berlin" embossed at the letterhead. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and a few extra wrinkles. One with an isolated smudge near the right edge. Else near fine. 7.125" x 10.5."

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 1p typed letter signed dated September 29, 1955. In part: "I tried to get you on the phone this morning to tell you how pleased I was to hear about your new assignment from Irving and how well you are doing…"

Berlin was not speaking of himself in the third person; rather, he was almost certainly referring to Irving "Sam" Hoffman (1909-1968), Leonard Hoffman's brother, who was a famous caricature artist, press and public relations agent, drama critic, and regular contributor of the juicy entertainment column "Tales of Hoffman" published in the "Hollywood Reporter" after 1936.

2. A 1p typed letter dated August 1, 1956. Berlin conveys his best birthday wishes, "Not from your brother [Irving Hoffman] / But from the other / [signed] Irving."

3. A 1p typed letter dated April 13, 1965. In part: "As a painter, Leonard, I'm still a pretty good songwriter. If I were any good at it, I might have come through with a better likeness of your father and Irving…"

Irving Berlin composed an estimated 1,500 songs over his fabulously successful 60-year-long career, including instantly recognizable hits later appearing in Hollywood and on Broadway. The first two typed letters, ca. 1955-1956, date from the period when Berlin was working on a musical score about Florida architect Addison Mizner, known under various titles including "Wise Guy"; the musical was never produced. In 1966, Berlin became involved in the Ethel Merman 20-year anniversary revival of "Annie Get Your Gun," arguably his best musical.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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May 31, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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