Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - April - 2009 Issue
Historical Autographs and Documents from Profiles in History
The unmistakable profile of Alfred Hitchcock.
So what is the correct way to pronounce Sam Houston's name and the city named for him? We'll let Sam speak for himself, as he did in this letter from 1858: "...I am of Scotch Irish extraction, and the Irish pronunciation of my name is Hewston, & I think the Scotch is Hooston, for they call a house a 'hoose'. Hooston, I think the easiest pronounced, for my children when young call it Hooston, but my father, before me called it Hewston. I see no reason to change it." In the margin, Houston adds, "I think House-ton perfectly ridiculous." Take that, all of you New Yorkers living near Houston Street. Item 66. $15,000.
Item 75 is a remarkable 1955 letter from Jacqueline Kennedy to her father-in-law Joseph Kennedy. The future President had been hospitalized for his back problems, including serious and undoubtedly discouraging operations. Evidently, his father had done much to lift his spirits, and Mrs. Kennedy ebulliently expresses her appreciation. Clearly she felt quite comfortable with the family patriarch as she begins, "Dearest Dearest Dearest Mr. Kennedy - You have to be addressed in such a formal way because you have been silly enough not to appreciate the tender nickname of Poppy Doodle which was bestowed on you this winter." After describing how much the senior Kennedy had helped his son, she recommends he relax and not worry about his children. When he returns from vacation she promises, "Eunice's stomach will be better, and Bobby will be the young man of the hour in Washington, and Peter [Lawford, Kennedy's son-in law] will be nominated for the Academy Award, and Teddy will be planning to enter the priesthood - and Jack will be pole vaulting in the front lawn." $19,500.
Item 63 is one of the most recognized self-portraits ever drawn, though the artist is known for making moving pictures, not still ones. This is quite literally a "profile in history." It is a signed profile of director Alfred Hitchcock, the same simple drawing that adorned the credits on his mystery television show decades ago. $1,500.
You may reach Profiles in History at 310-859-7701 or info@profilesinhistory.com. Their website is found at www.profilesinhistory.com.
