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BARNES, Djuna. Small archive of letters and cards from Djuna Barnes to Ruby and Larry Wallrich.
A group of 9 letters and cards from Barnes (consisting of 2 TLS, 5 postcards, and 2 Christmas cards) to Larry or Ruby Wallrich. Written in the 1960s (1962–1968) from Barnes, with Patchin Place return address, to the Wallriches in New York, Majorca, Ireland, and England.

Larry Wallrich was the founder of the Phoenix Bookstore in New York's Greenwich Village; Barnes was a friend and neighbour. Wallrich later sold the store to Robert Wilson and they moved to Majorca, Ireland, and England, eventually settling in Toronto where he opened About Books. During her “Patchin Place years” Barnes was a notorious recluse, hounded by fans and particularly fellow writers, but was suspicious of those she did not know well; that she corresponded with the Wallriches at all is indicative of the relationship she had with them. All in near fine condition. The letters are as follows: TNS. 1 page. Dated 9th April, 1962. Five Patchin Place, NY. To Ruby (Wallrich) in New York. Barnes asks “Where I might find you for a spot of tea?” and inquires about their new address, “Where is West Houston? Is that near Chinatown?” She goes on to make a suggestion about a time and place. Signed in full “Djuna Barnes” with an added notation in her hand “or some other place.” With envelope. TLS. 1 page. Dated 17th June, 1962. To Ruby (Wallrich) in Deya, Mallorca, Spain. Barnes begins the letter by thanking Ruby for remembering her birthday and for sending her the “chaste little handkerchief.” She asks how they are settling in to life there and talks about the language difference, the climate and the natives. She then states in reply to what Ruby has obviously written about Robert Graves that “Mr. Graves sounds frightfully important. I assume the Island adores him and that you are going to hold out against first names and idolatry!” Barnes continues “I have been about as usual... more and more irritated, as I grow older, by any business whatsoever…” She complains about the lack of honest people to deal with, characteristically suspicious for this period. She closes, “Always, Djuna Barnes.” With envelope. Autograph postcard, signed. Undated. To Ruby Wallrich in County Offaly, Ireland. Barnes thanks Ruby for her letter and asks if they liked the move to Ireland; and if now that they are settled will they be having more children. Barnes writes, “I am the same. Sadder, my friends dying & dead, but I continue to write.” Signed “my best to you affectionately D. Barnes.” Autograph postcard, signed. Dated Dec. 31, 1965. To Ruby (Wallrich). “Can't give you an answer unless I know just what of the ‘Almanack' Larry wants to use of the cover of his catalogue…”. She then sends her best wishes for the season. Signed “Always, D. Barnes.” Typed postcard, signed. Undated (2 Jan 1966 postmark). To Ruby (Wallrich). A three-line card asking Ruby, “Do you think it a good idea to draw attention to the thing?...” (likely referring back to the use of an image from her Ladies' Almanack on the cover of Wallrich's catalogue, as the cards seem to be written days apart). Signed “Always, Djuna Barnes.” Typed postcard, signed. Dated Jan. 19th, 1966. To Ruby Wallrich. A short note inquiring “Did you get my card? I have had no answer...” Signed “D. Barnes.” Autograph Postcard Signed. Undated (Dec. 28, 1966 postmark). To Ruby and Larry Wallrich, Nether Street, London, England. Barnes writes “What are you children, one & all doing at such an address!! Life & death is going on as usual, faces & facts changing.” She expresses the hope that they are happy back in England. Signed “Always Djuna Barnes.” Greeting Card. (Dec. 1967 postmark). Fourteen-line handwritten note telling them, among other things, that she has “been invited to the Instituto Accademico (sic) de Roma next year” and “I do wish I could see Rome again (no podium—no speaking)” She bemoans that fact that nothing is the same in Rome, Paris or London. (Her handwriting on this card is becoming a bit shaky). Signed “Always affectionately, Djuna Barnes.” With envelope. Christmas Card. 1968. Printed greeting card to which Barnes has added, “Where are you?” and signed it “All best wishes, Djuna Barnes.” With the envelope.
 

$5,000.00

 

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