'The handicap that the country has placed on us'

COOLIDGE, CALVIN. (1872-1933). Thirtieth president of the United States. TLS. ("Calvin Coolidge"). 1p. 4to. Northampton, November 28, 1932. On his imprinted stationery to the editor-in-chief of The Saturday Evening Post, GEORGE H. LORIMER (1867-1937).

I suppose you expect to continue your publication under the handicap that the country has placed on us. If you think of anything I could do to help, I should be glad if you let me know. It seems quite a long time since I saw you. When I have been in touch with your office, I think you have been on vacation, but fortunately that gives me a chance to have a very pleasant acquaintance with Mr. Costain, if I recall the name correctly.

Under Lorimer, The Saturday Evening Post became an immensely successful and influential magazine, known for featuring the work of leading contemporary writers and thinkers. Initially progressive, with Lorimer's drift to the right it later "became an active --if unofficial -- organ of the Republican party. Lorimer knew many presidents personally, and nearly every president during his editorship contributed to the Post" (DAB), including Coolidge. After leaving office in March 1929, Coolidge remained deeply interested in current affairs, and briefly wrote a syndicated column (the only president to do so), Thinking Things Over with Calvin Coolidge, which appeared in nearly two hundred newspapers. Canadian-born writer Thomas Costain (1885-1965), was an editor at The Post from 1920-34. Later, he turned to writing historical novels, the best known of which are The Black Rose and The Silver Chalice. Boldly signed, just two months before Coolidge’s death. In very fine condition.

Item #449

Price: $600

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