O. Henry Autograph Letter Signed in Three Pages as "Sydney Porter," Writing to Col. Griffith About a Story He Has Revised
William Sydney Porter (1862-1910), who published under the pen name O. Henry and became the most beloved American short story writer of his era, writes under his legal name in this lively and characteristically self-deprecating three-page letter to a "Col. Griffith." The ALS, dated "Friday" and written in pencil on pale green paper, reads across the three pages: "My Dear Col. Griffith: Keep your shirt on. I found I had to re-write the story when it came in. I am sending you part of it just so you will have something tangible to remind you that you can't measure the water from the Pierian spring in spoonfuls. I've got the story [continues] time this afternoon or the first thing in the morning. In its devised form I'm much better pleased with it. Yours truly / Sydney Porter. P.S. The title will come with the last instalment — it has to be made from the complete [story]."
The Pierian spring reference is a telling touch from a writer who took his craft seriously beneath the breezy surface. The letter documents O. Henry's editorial process directly: a story received, found wanting, rewritten, and delivered in installments. Letters signed under his legal name "Sydney Porter" add an additional dimension for collectors.
ALS, three pages, pencil on pale green paper, each page approximately 5.5 x 8.5 inches, undated (Friday); signed "Sydney Porter" with postscript (IMG_238.jpg, IMG_239.jpg, IMG_240.jpg). Fading consistent with pencil on aged paper; text legible; overall good to very good condition. Estimate: $2,000-$3,500.
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.