ANOTHER PROPERTY
PORTER, WILLIAM SYDNEY ("O. Henry"). Autograph letter signed ("O. Henry") to "My Dear Mrs. Martin," New York, August 1904. 4 pages, square 12mo, rehinged at center fold, some letters of a few words supplied or touched up in ink, light staining.
Details
PORTER, WILLIAM SYDNEY ("O. Henry"). Autograph letter signed ("O. Henry") to "My Dear Mrs. Martin," New York, August 1904. 4 pages, square 12mo, rehinged at center fold, some letters of a few words supplied or touched up in ink, light staining.
"PLAYWRITING...REQUIRES A SPECIAL KNACK"
Three months before the publication of his first book (Cabbages and Kings), O. Henry, master of the short story, declines a request to write for the stage: "Your letter in care of Ainslee's [Magazine, which had published O. Henry short stories] was duly handed to me. I wish I could make you believe how gladly I would write the sketch for Karlene [Mrs. Martin's daughter?]. It would be a great pleasure to me if I could concoct something befitting her very winsome little personality. But, as you know, playwriting (or even sketch writing) requires a special knack and knowledge that I do not possess. It is only this conviction of my lack of the necessary acquaintance with stage literature that keeps me from undertaking something along the lines you suggest. I'm afraid you couldn't depend upon my inventive powers to produce anything that would do for the footlights...Later on, if I can hit upon an idea that I think would suit -- and I will give it thought -- I will shape it and submit it to you..." Later in his career O. Henry did venture in the theatre: in 1909 he collaborated with Franklin P. Adams on a musical comedy, Lo, based on his story "To Him Who Waits," but the show was a failure. O. Henry letters are rare.
"PLAYWRITING...REQUIRES A SPECIAL KNACK"
Three months before the publication of his first book (Cabbages and Kings), O. Henry, master of the short story, declines a request to write for the stage: "Your letter in care of Ainslee's [Magazine, which had published O. Henry short stories] was duly handed to me. I wish I could make you believe how gladly I would write the sketch for Karlene [Mrs. Martin's daughter?]. It would be a great pleasure to me if I could concoct something befitting her very winsome little personality. But, as you know, playwriting (or even sketch writing) requires a special knack and knowledge that I do not possess. It is only this conviction of my lack of the necessary acquaintance with stage literature that keeps me from undertaking something along the lines you suggest. I'm afraid you couldn't depend upon my inventive powers to produce anything that would do for the footlights...Later on, if I can hit upon an idea that I think would suit -- and I will give it thought -- I will shape it and submit it to you..." Later in his career O. Henry did venture in the theatre: in 1909 he collaborated with Franklin P. Adams on a musical comedy, Lo, based on his story "To Him Who Waits," but the show was a failure. O. Henry letters are rare.