Typed Letter Signed by WARD, Lynd (1905-1985) - 1964

Cresskill, NJ, 1964. unbound. very good(+). T.L.S. "Lynd Ward", heavily annotated by the recipient, 4to. 1 page, personal letterhead, Cresskill, New Jersey, sending a condescending letter of praise to his nemesis Norman Kent, editor at American Artist Magazine, who was often a severe critic of Ward's style due to its similarity to that of his own works and of fellow artist Rockwell Kent (no relation). It is highly doubtful that Ward meant any of the compliments set forth in his letter and Kent, sensing the sarcasm, provides a rewrite making Ward sound more like a newsstand customer. Usual folds, otherwise in very good condition. American artist and storyteller known for his series of wordless novels illustrated with wood engravings. His unique style influenced the development of the graphic novel. The original letter as sent: "Dear Norman, New Year's Day seems exactly the right time to send you a note to say how much I appreciate getting the magazine every month. I have been a subscriber for close to twenty years. During that time I have had other art magazines for varying periods of time, parting company with them when narrowness of viewpoint became finally intolerable to a pretty tolerant guy. In my eyes, it is greatly to the credit of American Artist that it consistently brings so much of value, and in a rich variety that includes both ideas and techniques -- and something about the people that are behind both." The rewrite by Norman Kent: Kent writes at the very top of Ward's letter, "Letters to Ed. Print as edited N.K." "GRATEFUL SUBSCRIBER: This seems exactly the right time to send you a note to say how much I appreciate getting American Artist every month. It is greatly to your credit that the magazine consistently beings so much value in a variety of ideas and techniques; and personalities behind them.