Autograph letter, signed. Together with: An Informal Talk by Elmer Adler at the University of Kansas, April 17, 1953.
Erwinna, PA: 1955. One-and-a-half pages on a single sheet of Colophon stationery, folded into fourths. Dated 16 June 1955 and addressed to Paul Bennett, Adler opens with an apology of sorts, noting that "I am not able to say what my address will be in another two weeks." The reason for this, he continues, is that he had "been invited by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to take up residence in San Juan, and this provides for a house that is to be purchased and restored for my special use." This letter essentially describes the genesis of Casa del Libro, which was founded in 1955, and for which Adler served as its first director. Further in the letter, Adler outlines his plans for his time in San Juan: "If and when I am settled in Puerto Rico for the next couple of years, I have the hope of being on many mailing lists (and calling lists as well) for I will attempt to build up a typographical collection that will be available to the people on the island." This is, in essence, what Adler did, and now the collection is the cornerstone of the museum. The letter is laid into a copy of An Informal Talk by Elmer Adler at the University of Kansas, April 17, 1953, printed by Saul and Lillian Marks at the Plantin Press. This copy bears a presentation inscription from Adler to Bennett on the front endpaper. A fine copy in cloth-backed marbled boards. Item #29263
Price: $375.00