^#587 ^Lot 615 William Dean Howells

American author and editor (1837–1920) best known as the editor of the influential periodical Atlantic Monthly from 1871 to 1881 and as the author of the novel The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885) and the short story Editha (1905). ALS signed “W. D. Howells,” one page, 4.5 x 7, May 27, 1902. Letter to an unidentified group of gentlemen. In part: “Can you oblige me with a copy of each of the boy’s stories which I have printed in the Youth’s Companion? There were three or four, but I can remember the name of only ‘The Deserted Watermelon Patch.’” In fine condition, with some mild edge toning and a pencil notation along bottom edge.