Bierce, Ambrose. (1842-1914) American journalist and short-story writer known for his dark, cynical vision of human nature, as evidenced by such works as Devils Dictionary (1906). Disappeared into Mexico in 1913, never to be heard from again.
Autograph Note Signed. One page, 12mo, on heavy card stock, Los Gatos, California, n.d., to the poet Edwin Markham. Brief, neatly penned letter thanking Markham for an admiring response to a book of Bierce's verses. He writes, in full :
"Dear Mr. Markham - I've just time to say that I'm back - did I tell you I was going? - and to thank you for your good words of my verses. Ambrose Bierce."
Bierce lived in California, working as a journalist, at various times between the late 1860's and 1887, and apparently returned for various visits in later years; Markham lived there for the last three decades of the nineteenth century, during which time he enjoyed great popular success.
Fine. Four traces of mounting paper appear at each corner of the verso, where the letter has formerly been mounted. The text and appearance of the letter is entirely unaffected by these mounting traces, and the letter itself is Very Fine. An interesting communication from one well-known writer to another.
Estimated Value $450-550.
