Autograph manuscript signed (three times: "NB Tarkington," "N.B.T.") regarding the illustration of 'Penrod'; n.p., ca 1913
From the Bart Auerbach Collection. 15 pages, folio (13 x 8 inches), written in pencil on rectos only, in at least three numbered sections, being a combination of rough notes and more formal correspondence to Russell Doubleday; with four large pencil drawings and one plan by Tarkington. Bound in limp brown sheep. Provenance: from the collection of Frank Nelson Doubleday. Binding worn, some leaves lightly creased. Item #409510
Tarkington offers meticulous advice about how the characters in 'Penrod' are to be depicted–particularly the title boy: "Penrod should not look tall, athletic, graceful; neither should he seem quite so short and awkward; nor must he seem either modish nor too extremely." The first page bears a drawing of what the author means: "A very vague suggestion. I mean something like this."
Tarkington offers suggestions on the depiction of other characters as well. H also discusses the binding of the book which he argues should, like the illustrations, support his notion that "The value of Penrod is partly in its avoidance of the old tiresome boy business that's been done to death and it isn't a book for boys though they'll read it, incidentally. And the illustrations must be aimed, as the text is, at adults." 'Penrod' was published by Doubleday, Page in March 1914 with illustrations by Gordon Grant.
"Penrod Schofield, aged twelve, lives in the tradition and spirit of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, though in a somewhat less romantic setting" (The Morgan Library, 'Children's Literature', 1954, no. 247. NYPL, 'From Witches to Wonder-Land: American Children's Books', 1985, no. 70); 'Peter Parley to Penrod', pp. 132-133.
Price: $7,500.00