RARE HARRISON FISHER Signed Letter + Book Bonus

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ORIGINAL HANDWRITTEN LETTER by illustrator HARRISON FISHER This letter is written in ink on Harrison Fisher's personal embossed letterhead stationery. The paper measures 6 3/8" x 7.5" (full sheet measures 7.5" x 12 5/8"). T is a little yellowing of the paper and minor dirt on the creases but compared to the significance of this letter they are minor. T are no other tears or other problems noted on the paper. The letter is not dated. This RARE item is a must for any collector of Harrison Fisher's fine illustrations. Edward W. Bok became the editor of Ladies' Home Journal in 1889 and retired from that position in 1919. Bok built the journal into one of the world's most widely circulated magazines. Harrison Fisher illustrated the covers of Ladies' Home Journal during that period. My research indicates that Fisher was asking Edward Bok to find a job for one his models. He knew how influential Bok was in the world of fashion, home design and etiquette and thought he could help out a friend. The letterhead reads; "HARRISON FISHER-18 WEST 37th STREET"The letter reads as follows; My dear Mr. Bok, Will you kindly see what can be done for this lady -- Wishing you a pleasant summer Yours very truly Harrison Fisher HARRISON FISHER (1875-1934), known as "The Father of a Thousand Girls" was born in Brooklyn, NYC. At a very early age he was instructed by his grandfather, Felix Fisher, and his father Hugh Antone Fisher. He spent most of his youth in San Francisco studying art at the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art. He remained in San Francisco until 1897 when William Randolph Hearst became very aware of Fisher's talent. Hearst sent him to New York to help build up the "New York Journal" which he owned. It was in New York w he began his highly successful career as a magazine illustrator. Fisher's illustrations of beautiful women appeared in "Life", "Cosmopolitan" and "Saturday Evening Post" among others. His "Fisher" girls became rivals to those of Charles Dana Gibson (Gibson Girls). For many years he was under an exclusive contract to do covers for "Cosmopolitan" magazine but ultimately he branched out to do paintings of many theatrical personalities and actresses (information from "The Complete Works of Harrison Fisher Illustrator" by Naomi Welch). Included with this signed letter is one of Harrison Fisher's most famous books called "A Garden of Girls". The book is secondary to the letter and is included as a bonus to the lucky winner of the auction. Please see description of the book. I am not a book expert but I will try to describe these books to the best of my ability. If you have any question please don't hesitate to ask. Book Description : Beautifully illustrated book by Harrison Fisher; New York, Dodd, Mead & Company 1910; printed and bound by the Manhattan Press, New York; 9.5" x 13.25"; 13 tipped-in color plates (3 missing), 1 B/W self-portrait of Harrison Fisher done expressly for this book (with tissue in place). Condition: Cover is heavily water damaged and soiled on front and back with bumped edges and corners ; water damage along edges of 95% of pages with some going into plates; foxing; pressed flowers found on two pages probably date to the first owner. Most of these plates are suitable for framing. They can be taken out, trimmed and/or restored. Please wait for me to send you an invoice at the end of the auction. Shipping quote (domestic media mail) is only an estimate and insurance is based on the final selling price. I only charge ACTUAL and no handling fees. Whatever the USPS or Fedex charges me is what you'll pay. Yes, I'm very happy to combine items to save you money. Feel free to ask questions regarding this or any of my other items. Items shipped to California addresses must include 7.975% sales tax. PAYMENT Cashier's check, money order or Paypal is preferred. Personal checks will be accepted but will require 10 days to clear the bank. I will send an invoice shortly after the auction and I would appreci... read more

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