Signed handwritten letter from Richard Hughes about publication of A High Wind in Jamaica
1932. With 2 carbon copies of typed letters (unsigned) from Moira Gibbings. Hughes and Gibbings, the wife of Golden Cockerel Press owner Robert Gibbings, discuss publishing and the inspiration of Hughes' book, A High Wind in Jamaica.
In the first letter (two pages, 8 x 10 inches, no place; September 2, 1932), Moira Gibbings writes Hughes asking if he would be interested in publishing a special edition of A High Wind in Jamaica with the Golden Cockerel Press. In part: "As an original contributor to the Press before either you or it had become famous, we feel that we should particularly like to include some work of yours... We were especially interested in 'HIGH WIND IN JAMAICA' as it appeared just after we had passed through the Caribbean sea on our way back from Tahiti... It would give us great pleasure if you would let us produce something of yours here in deluxe format."
In his response (three pages, 7 x 8 3/4 inches, Norfolk; September 8, [1932]), Hughes writes informing the Gibbings that his contract with Chatto & Windus prohibits him from publishing with Golden Cockerel, writing, in part: "Naturally I have feelings of piety & affection for the Golden Cockerel Press. But I am afraid the terms of my contract with Messrs Chatto & Windus make it impossible to offer you anything, even if I had anything suitable ready." He goes on to discuss his inspiration for A High Wind, stating: "My Godmother used to know, years ago, an old lady who as a child had been on board the Zephyr when she was captured, & who wrote out an account of it, which my Godmother showed me. This indeed was the germ of the 'High Wind.'" In a postscript, Hughes requests that these details remain confidential, as he planned to begin "writing an article on it as soon as I have time." Signed, "Richard Hughes."
In the final letter (two pages, 8 x 10 inches, no place; September 14, 1932), Gibbins writes expressing her disappointment that Hughes would not be able to collaborate with Golden Cockerel, and thanks him for detailing the source of his inspiration: "My husband and I were most interested in the discrepancies you mention between the various accounts of the pirates activities. I hope we may have the opportunity of seeing your article when published as naturally it is a subject in which we have proprietary interestd [sic]."
All letters lightly age-toned with smoothed mailing folds. Letter from Hughes with paperclip impressions and rust stains at top edges of all pages. Some edgewear to Gibbings letters, including a few small chips, light stains, and minor creasing; staple holes at top left corner of letter dated September 2.
Provenance: From the library of noted book collector William A. Strutz. Item #7225
Price: $600.00