FAMOUS PUBLISHERS AUTOGRAPH LOT (x4)
1946, 1991. Collection of autographs of famous publishers. This lot includes the following: Eugene Meyer (1875-1959) American financier and newspaper publisher ("The Washington Post"). One-page typed letter signed on International Bank For Reconstruction and Development letterhead. Letter thanks Stephen May for his previous correspondence. Signed in blue ink; dated 10/31/1946. Very Good condition with light age toning to front; moderate toning to verso where letter was sealed with newspaper clippings. Gilbert Grosvenor (1875-1966) Photojournalist and first full-time editor of National Geographic magazine. One-page typed letter signed on National Geographic Magazine letter head and dated 10/14/1946. Includes copy of the magazine. Condition is Very Good with light age toning. Katharine Graham (1917-2001) American newspaper publisher ("The Washington Post"). One-page typed letter signed on Washington Post letterhead and dated 4/29/1991. Light+ age toning to edges with small closed partial tear along top edge. Frank Gannett (1876-1957) American publisher and founder of Gannett Company. One autograph inscribed to Dexter Perkins on index card; two one-page typed memos on personal letterhead signed 3/6/1945. Condition is Very Good with light age toning. KW Consignment.
1366297
Special Collections
Sold
NOTES
Provenance: Second Story Books is delighted to present this original, hand-signed item from the Stephen May Autograph Collection. As a youth in the 1940's, Stephen May (1931-2016) collected autographs of famous people, identifying individuals through Who's Who publications and contacting them with a thoughtful, lengthy, well-researched letter introducing himself, acknowledging the individuals’ accomplishments, asking one or two pertinent questions and, finally, requesting that they return a signature. Some responded simply with an autograph on a provided 3x5 card while others included bonus material with the signature in the form of a poem, letter, friendly greeting, or words of advice for the teenage boy. Steve's collecting hobby became known among his family and wider circle of friends in the city of Rochester, NY, where his father, Arthur J. May, taught European history at the University of Rochester, and his mother, Hilda Jones May, was active in the community. Eventually, more people helped Steve in his pursuit, which accounts for the signatures with dates before or after the mid-40's and without the prompting of a letter from him. A few signatures are from the 19th century. The collection is a broad representation of the people and forces that shaped our world, and the culture, accomplishments, and innovations of the first half the 20th century. While the majority of the signatures in this collection have not been authenticated by a third-party service, all items in this collection have been carefully examined by Second Story Books Owner/President, Allan Stypeck, and we are happy to provide a Second Story Books letter of authenticity. Mr. Stypeck is Senior Member of the American Society of Appraisers and has conducted over 3,000 accredited appraisals since 1974 and has served in an official capacity for the Chicago Cubs, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Basketball Foundation. Thank you!