Lot 366

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Description:

Jack Kerouac TLS to Friend Ed White on Dr. Johnson & James Boswell

A typed letter from Jack Kerouac to his dear friend, Ed White, regarding Dr. Samuel Johnson with original cover having a typed message on verso reading "Regards to kiddies whose picture you sent in Xmas card 1960." The envelope postmarked Orlando, Florida, dated December 27, 1961. Kerouac addresses his letter to White as "Eduardo Carito" (which he goes on later to explain means "Little Eddie Deary" and discusses the late Dr. Samuel Johnson and Boswell. The letter has flattened mail folds and a large, bold signature, overall very fine. Expected wear to the cover. 1p, 8.25" x 10.75"

In full:
"December 26, 1961

Eduardo Carito,

    Of late I've been lamenting anew our late beloved master Doctor Samuel Johnson, regarding him at lezzure [sic] in the hot Florida sunshine of my yard - And gadzooks whatta man! --He says 'For Nature form'd the Poet for the King' -

    In my Eleventh Edition of the Enclyclopaedia Brittanica they still lament that Boswell was a fool. Isnt that foolish? That he was, Boswell was, uncouth, kept asking too many questions.

    Sire, I'd as lief be scoured by a leaf rust, or run over by an express train, as hear one soul compare mine modesty and genius to those of James Boswell Esq.

    And as for Johnson, he was man after both our hearts.

    Happy New Year.

    'Eduardo Carito' jejunely meaneth 'Little Eddie Deary'.

    'Caro' means dear, and 'Carito' means 'littledear.'

    But thou are not LITTLE dear, but Greatly.

    So, aside from its being a term of enDEARment, I shd. possibly've said

    'Magnifico Huge Eduardo.'

    (just a note, thinking of you, all's well)

    (I guess)

    (or if not, oughta)

    (and is)

    A Dieu Jack

See you in time"

Edward D. White Jr. (1925-2017) was Kerouac's close friend and architect. The two met in 1947 and were friends until Kerouac died in 1969, exchanging over 90 letters and postcards during their acquaintance. James Boswell, (1740-1795) was a Scottish biographer and lawyer, best known for his biography of his friend and older contemporary, the English writer Samuel Johnson. His work has frequently been deemed to be the greatest biography written in the English language.

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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