TLS, one page, 8.5 x 7.25, New York Philharmonic letterhead, February 17, 1966. Letter to Evelyn Byrne, in full: “Your students’ question is difficult to answer, mainly because different books influence one at different stages of one’s develpoment. Roughly, though, I could name the following: In my ‘teens, the big influence was Jean-Christophe of Rolland (about a German musician). In my twenties, undoubtedly The Magic Mountain of Thomas Mann and Ulysses of James Joyce. In my thirties, Human Destiny by Lecomte de Nouy. And now, in my forties, without any second thoughts, the Nabokov novels, Lolita and Pale Fire.” In fine condition, with trivial creasing to right side and trimmed bottom edge. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
TLS, one page, 8.5 x 7.25, New York Philharmonic letterhead, February 17, 1966. Letter to Evelyn Byrne, in full: “Your students’ question is difficult to answer, mainly because different books influence one at different stages of one’s develpoment. Roughly, though, I could name the following: In my ‘teens, the big influence was Jean-Christophe of Rolland (about a German musician). In my twenties, undoubtedly The Magic Mountain of Thomas Mann and Ulysses of James Joyce. In my thirties, Human Destiny by Lecomte de Nouy. And now, in my forties, without any second thoughts, the Nabokov novels, Lolita and Pale Fire.” In fine condition, with trivial creasing to right side and trimmed bottom edge. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.