Ayn Rand Typed Letter Signed from Chatsworth, California, 1950 — Negotiating Rights to "Night of January 16th" with Her Hollywood Agent
Ayn Rand (1905-1982), the Russian-born novelist and philosopher whose "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged" made her one of the most polarizing and widely read writers of the 20th century, writes on business of direct relevance to her early career. The TLS, dated January 13, 1950, on "AYN RAND / 10,000 Tampa Avenue, Chatsworth, California" letterhead, is addressed to Mr. Edgar Carter at the H.N. Swanson literary agency and reads in full: "Dear Mr. Carter: I am enclosing a photostat of my motion picture contract for the rights to NIGHT OF JANUARY 16TH. As you will note the rights were sold to RKO who later resold them to Paramount. Would you look up the radio and television rights clauses and let me know whether we should clear these rights with Paramount now and then proceed to put them on the market. I would like to offer this play for radio or television performances if your office has any avenues of calling attention to it in the radio and television field. With best regards. Sincerely, Ayn Rand."
By January 1950, with "The Fountainhead" already a massive bestseller and "Atlas Shrugged" in progress, Rand was actively managing the rights to her back catalog with characteristic business acumen. A signed letter dealing directly with the commercial history of her work is a document of genuine Rand bibliographic interest.
TLS, one page, black ink signature, approximately 8.5 x 11 inches, dated January 13, 1950; printed "AYN RAND / 10,000 Tampa Avenue, Chatsworth, California" letterhead; initialed "AR:je / encl. 1" at foot (IMG_248.jpg). Light toning; paper sound; overall very good to fine condition. Estimate: $1,200-$2,000.
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.