A Gentle Murderer

N.p. N.p., 1987. Vintage six-page typescript for the first chapter from Dorothy Salisbury Davis' 1951 novel "A Gentle Murderer," with the author's annotations in manuscript ink and pencil throughout. Included with the manuscript is a manuscript letter from Davis to Barry Zeman, on Davis' personal letterhead, dated June 13, 1987.

The letter notes the typescript as being the first draft of the opening chapter of the novel—seen here under the early working title "No Man's Guilt." Davis also humorously notes that the draft was written while she "was obviously enchanted by Soroyan," and goes on to say that she discarded the remainder of the draft long ago.

Davis was nominated for an Edgar Award eight times, served as president of the Mystery Writers of America in 1956, and was declared a Grand Master by the organization in 1985.

Typescript: 8.5 x 11 inches. Typescript, rectos only. Unbound. Very Good plus, with light edgewear and age toning.

Letter: 8 x 11.5 inches. One leaf, recto only. Near Fine.

Haycraft Queen Cornerstone.

[Book #157379]