Dame Sybil THORNDIKE (1882-1976)

Autograph Letter Signed (“Sybil Thorndike Casson”) to A.G. Gardiner, editor of the Daily News, thanking him for a perceptive article about her.

2 pages 4to, n.p. [London], 12 February 1926.

“Please will you forgive me bothering you, I’ve wondered whether I ought not to perhaps, but you’ve encouraged me so much that I feel I must just say “thank you”. Your article on me last Saturday was so wonderful – you seemed to understand exactly the sort of technical difficulties I’ve had in work – difficulties that few people realize because few look carefully as you look - & it is such a help & encouragement to have a word of real cheer from one whom we admire so much – my husband & I are your humble devotees - . . .  & to have you say the things you did about me has bucked us up – both of us – more than we can say. I’ll be working harder because of you . . .”

Sybil Thorndike and her husband Lewis Casson had set up their own management company a few years earlier. The 1920s proved to be fruitful years for Thorndike’s work: in 1924, she first appeared in her most famous role, Saint Joan, which Shaw had written for her; in 1930 she played Emilia in a now-legendary production of Othello, with Paul Robeson in the lead role and Peggy Ashcroft as Desdemona.

The top right hand corner has been slightly cut, but the letter is otherwise in very good condition.

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