Author: Gardner, John
Title: Holograph letter and typescript of an interview with John Gardner and composer Joe Baber.
Description: Baltimore, Unpublished, 1978. First Edition. 0 pp. Unbound. A.l.s. dated March 8, [19]78 from John Gardner. Gardner mentions several matters concerning the publication of his plays and opera libretti and his work on "a new libretto . a movie, & the usual burden of a novel." He also mentions that he is sending the accompanying interview conducted by Carol Polsgrove with Gardner and Joe Baber. The occasion of the interview was the first performance of the opera, Rumpelstiltkin, in 1977. This letter states that Rumpelstiltskin "will now be Philadelphia's standard Xmas opera." The interview is 31 typescript pages with fifteen holograph corrections by Gardner. Most of these are minor corrections, but late in the interview whole sections are deleted. At the time, this interview is unpublished and we have no knowledge of any subsequent publication. The letter is written in pencil and lightly smudged at the end of the last five lines and signed in full by Gardner. The interview has a few minor stains (probably coffee) on the first few pages. Otherwise, both items are in fine condition and contained in the Gardner's original mailing envelope with his Baltimore return address. This material is important largely because it is the most extensive record of Gardner's opinions on opera and the composition of opera libretti. Near Fine.

Keywords: