A very interesting autograph letter from the beloved American novelist and short story writer to the American astronomer Edward Singleton Holden. London, May 21st, [1900]. Wharton mentions her story "The Rembrandt," noting that "I should send more contributions to magazines if their editors had someone to jog their elbow occasionally and rouse them from the death-like torpor which seems to be their normal condition." After discussing her travel plans in Europe, she adds a postscript about Holden's new article "Three Writers Compared--Kipling, Sienkiewicz, Shakespeare" (published in 1900): "I have first received your "deadly parallel" between Shakespeare & Kipling. I have had only time to glance at it, but I see you have developed the amusing thesis you spoke of last winter & am so interested to see the result." Another hand, presumably Holden's, has added an underline below "amusing thesis" and noted: "I think this is a nasty dig! What do you say?" 3 pp. on a bifolium. In very fine condition.

Although she did not publish her first novel until she was forty, Edith Wharton was an extremely prolific writer, publishing fifteen novels, seven novellas, and eighty-five short stories, as well as poetry, books on design, travel, literary and cultural criticism, and a memoir. She and her husband, Edward Wharton, were keen European travelers, often spending four months of the year away from the United States. A well-connected member of the upper class, Wharton was also a friend and confidante to many gifted intellectuals of her era, including Henry James, Sinclair Lewis, Jean Cocteau, and Teddy Roosevelt.

Edward Singleton Holden was an  American astronomer and the fifth president of the University of California. A prolific writer, he wrote mostly on scientific subjects, but also published several books and articles on history and current events. "Three Writers Compared--Kipling, Sienkiewicz, Shakespeare" seems to have been his only venture into literary criticism!

Dear Mr. Holden,

I am very glad that Mr. Walker likes "The Rembrandt," & I beg you will thank him for his cheque of $200, which is probably awaiting me in Paris. I should send more contributions to magazines if their editors had some one to jog their elbow occasionally & rouse them from the death-like torpor which seems to be their normal condition. We have had a very pleasant fortnight in England & we are now on our way to France & Italy, turning homeward about July 1st. Don't forget, please, that we have the --- place at ----, & are to be looked for there on & after July 10th. With many thanks for your note, sincerely, E. Wharton

I have first received your "deadly parallel" between Shakespeare & Kipling. I have had only time to glance at it, but I see you have developed the amusing thesis you spoke of last winter & am so interested to see the result.