Bidspirit auction | [VARIOUS AUTOGRAPHS, LETTERS, & DOCUMENTS]

[VARIOUS AUTOGRAPHS, LETTERS, & DOCUMENTS] - KINGSLEY AMIS (1922–1995) - Autograph Letter Signed - KINGSLEY AMIS (1922–1995) Autograph Letter Signed, mentioning Anthony Powell and Desert Island Discs, 1976 Autograph letter signed “Kingsley Amis”, dated 16 October 1976, written in ink on one sheet of headed stationery from Gardnor House, Flask Walk, London, N.W.3, and addressed to Mr Pieraccini. Responding to Pieraccini’s request for manuscript material or a photograph, Amis explains: “I have no manuscripts since I do all my work on the typewriter. I can’t find a satisfactory photograph – anyway, I’m afraid you’ll have to content yourself with this letter.” Writing on a Saturday evening, Amis remarks that he is listening to Desert Island Discs while composing the letter, his guest of the evening being Anthony Powell, “the distinguished novelist (and old friend of mine)”. He notes that Powell has just chosen Tales from the Vienna Woods, before concluding on a characteristically convivial note: “In 10 minutes’ time, at 7.30, I fulfil my usual programme and open a can of beer. I’ll drink to you and your collection.” Signed at foot “Kingsley Amis”. Together with the original addressed envelope, in Amis’s hand to Roland Pieraccini, Helsinki, Finland, bearing a British 10p postage stamp and Hampstead postmark dated 18 October 1976. An engaging literary letter combining Amis’s comments on his working methods with a particularly vivid snapshot of his Saturday evening routine, listening to his friend and fellow novelist Anthony Powell on one of the BBC’s best-known radio programmes. Two items: one autograph letter signed and the original postal envelope.