1960s Bradbury Letters
Two Typed Letters, Signed (TLS), About His BBC Radio Play, Leviathan 99
Publication: Los Angeles: 1968.
Notes: These letters, from the files of H. B. Fortuin, discuss the reception of the BBC production of Bradbury's radio play, Leviathan 99, an adaptation of Moby-Dick in space.
The first letter from Bradbury (March 28, 1968; about fifty words) asks how the taping of the play went and expresses Bradbury's anticipation at getting a tape, which he hoped to play for Rod Steiger (the force behind The Twilight Zone) and his wife, the British actor Claire Bloom.
The next letter in the sequence is a file copy (not signed) from Fortuin, the producer of the play, to Bradbury. He mentions favorable reviews as well as his interest in adapting the play into Dutch and German (both of which later happened).
The third and final letter is again from Bradbury (May 26, 1968; about 75 words). Bradbury expresses his interest in getting a tape and promises to "be the soul of discretion" (presumably Fortuin didn't want it played for others). Bradbury also responds to the reviews of the play, noting that one reviewer attributed some of the dialog to Herman Melville. Bradbury concludes, "As far as I know, only 'Call me Ishamael' is Melville. The rest may be poor, but tis my own."
SOURCE: I ordered these off of a UK science fiction dealer's list. I like letters from writers and I have a small archive of posters for Bradbury's plays so these seemed like a good addition to my inventory.
Edition + Condition: Both Bradbury letters are signed in full. The first is on his Cheviot Drive letterhead; the second is on plain half-sheet of paper. The second letter is stapled to Fortuin's retained copy. Both Bradbury letters were folded for mailing; the first has some spots in the margins. A nice pair of letters on one of Bradbury's major passions, plays, which he wrote and produced for decades.
Item No: #364064
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