Ernest Hemingway Letter – 1941
Year: 1941
Price: $7,500
Description
Typed letter, signed “Ernie”, to George Brown, his boxing coach and trainer, discussing the Hemingways on a diet.
Author: Ernest Hemingway (American)
Location: Finca Vigia, San Francisco de Paula, Cuba
Date: August 7, 1941
Format: 8vo
Details: One page, with 5-line postscript in blue ink, on personal stationery. Includes envelope addressed in Hemingway's hand.
Background
George Brown owned a gym in New York City where Hemingway trained. They became fast friends—Brown served not only as his trainer and boxing coach but also as supplier of sporting goods, ticket agent, and general aide to Hemingway and Martha (and later Mary) during their time in Cuba.
Letter Summary
A relaxed and contented Hemingway writes to Brown, enjoying the success of For Whom the Bell Tolls, newly married to Martha Gellhorn, and settled in his new Cuban home:
“Thank you ever so much for the things. They all came through the customs okay, and Martha's shoes have made a big improvement in her tennis. She beat me 6–3, for a dollar and today I think I can get her on the court for two dollars. We'll see what happens. She is down to 127 and I'm stuck at around 215 and can't get under it probably because of no big fish to boil the fat off the inside. It's been very quiet since you left, and no more shouts of 'Brown's deuce' and other rare methods of counting at tennis ... I'll try and get in good shape before we come to New York, so oil up your bicycle. Don't try to come off the ropes holding with that right hand, because I've thought up something terrible to have happen ... Martha sends her love.”
Postscript (in Hemingway's hand):
“Won a couple of matches at pigeons. 15 x 15. 17 x 17. And won $175 in combination singles and doubles shoot 19 x 20.”
Condition Report
Revive
Fair
Good
★ Very Good
Like New
Old folds
Features
Signed
Details
Language: English
Subject: Letters
Purchase
Item: Letter from Ernest Hemingway to George Brown
Price: $7,500
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