Beschreibung:

Autograph manuscript, headed "Stevenson", written as if addressed to Adlai Stevenson [N.p. but ?New York: 1953]. 6 pp. (verso only of 6 ll.), folio (315 x 200 mm.) in pencil on lined paper. Condition: paper browned and brittle.
we offer to cut your heart out and serve it up for the good of the nation.” an important article in the form of a letter to adlai stevenson after his loss in the 1952 election with steinbeck urging him to continue the democratic assault on eisenhower : "You have given us a look at truth as a weapon, at reason of [sic.] a tool, at humor as a method and at democracy as a practical way of life. We would be crazy to let you go. I don't see how you can refuse even though you know probably better than anyone the nature of what we offer you. We offer you - the highest gift of the people - work beyond your strength, responsibility beyond your endurance, loneliness to freeze you … We offer to cut your heart out and serve it up for the good of the nation. And the terrible thing is - I don't think you can refuse. Your greatness is the property of the nation." Steinbeck later became a friend of Stevenson's, having finally met him at the 1956 Democratic Convention, and wrote speeches for him during his second (and again unsuccessful) run for President. The manuscript starts with an anecdote about "the Lincoln letter" owned by a dying matriarch which turns out after great family anticipation to be not a relic written by the president, but, a letter addressed to him (that was never sent). With this shaggy dog in mind, Steinbeck informs us, he is calling the present manuscript "the Stevenson letter". There is then an 11 line false-start to the letter, before the beginning of what is a "letter" running over five pages. Steinbeck certainly appealed to the right person. Stevenson sounds eager to remain in the fray whne commenting about the 1952 election: "When the tumult and the shouting die, when the bands are gone and the lights are dimmed, there is the stark reality of responsibility in an hour of history haunted with those gaunt, grim specters of strife, dissension, and materialism at home, and ruthless, inscrutable, and hostile power abroad… Sacrifice, patience, understanding, and implacable purpose may be our lot for years to come. … Let's talk sense to the American people! Let's tell them the truth, that there are no gains without pains, that we are now on the eve of great decisions." See: Stevenson, Adlai; Steinbeck, John. (Foreword) Speeches Of Adlai Stevenson. Random House, New York: 1952.