This next letter is not one of gratitude. It comes from George Bernard Shaw, to the minor, not very talented writer Erica Cotterill, a young lady who became obsessed with the older author. At first, her messages must have boosted his ego, but after a while, the stream of long-winded letters and submission of low-grade writing became a burden and annoyance on Shaw. His displeasure stopped being subtle. She was oblivious to the hints. In this 1906 letter, Shaw suggests, “My Dear Lady, Why don't you join some Socialist Society and get some work to do? There are always envelopes...and tracts to be distributed.” Not exactly inspiring words for an aspiring writer. Miss Cotterill was a socialist, and author of the play The Professional Socialist, remembered only as the play written by the nutcase who hounded George Bernard Shaw for many years. In a postscript, Shaw adds, speaking of some poems she must have submitted, “The poems are too careless in form to be satisfactory.” Item 30. $875.
Item 13 is a pair of drawings dated “'93” by cartoonist Bob Kane. They are of his most famous creations, Batman and Robin. He created the superhero and his young sidekick for DC Comics in 1939 as an answer to Action Comics quick success with Superman. They have been the two greatest comic superheroes ever since, Superman comics having become somewhat more valuable, but Batman earning more notable film roles in recent years. Kane has signed the Robin drawing with the salutation, “BATS WISHES.” Kane would have been 78 years old at the time he created these drawings. $1,000.
David Schulson Autographs may be reached at 973-379-3800 or info@schulsonautographs.com. Their website is www.schulsonautographs.com.
