145 - STEINBECK, John (1902–1968).

STEINBECK, John (1902–1968). Autograph letter signed “John,” [Sag Harbor], July 28, [1963], to Howard GOSSAGE in San Francisco; 2 folio-sized pages written in black pencil on yellow lined paper, in a stamped envelope. Note: To his friend, the famous advertising executive Howard Gossage (1917–1969), nicknamed the “Socrates of San Francisco,” who was notably in charge of advertising for the famous Range Rover—a car admired by Steinbeck—and to whom Gossage appears to have lent a vehicle. Steinbeck wrote Howard a long and rambling letter about the Land Rover, but having received no reply, he fears he may have sent it to the wrong address, due to his eye problems, which are healing slowly; however, he will have to undergo surgery. In early October, he’ll leave for Russia, Finland, Poland, Slovakia, and perhaps Hungary (“Keep that to yourself for now”); he isn’t expected to be back before Christmas… What to do with this Range Rover? He’d love to buy it, and so would his son; but he can’t, because of his eye surgery. Tom draws beautiful pictures; he’s also getting good grades in math for the first time in his life… Steinbeck is really worried about this car and doesn’t know what to do; maybe buy it after a year of testing (“after a year as a demonstration”). “You may be relaxed about this, but I am not. I know I seemed irritable, and I am,” as his eye muscles are bothering him a lot. He really isn’t good company: “I’m not a fit company for anyone or anything”…