LS. (The text of the letter is in the hand of Jerome's secretary and amanuensis but the signature is his).   1p.  41 Belsize Park, NW3.  13th January 1926.  To [Arthur] St John Adcock.

 

"I know it is not you, but I should like to know who is responsible for fixing these prices, so that I could tell them what I think of them.  The very least I could take would be 30 guineas for 1500 words.  They ought to be ashamed of themselves. Kind regards, yours sincerely, J.K. Jerome." 

 

8vo. 18 x 13 cms (7 x 5.25 inches). Slight mounting traces to corners of verso, else fine.

 

A heartfelt rant from the 67 year old author of 'Three Men in a Boat' to the writer, critic and editor of the literary periodical, 'The Bookman', Arthur St John Adcock.  It appears that Jerome had offered a piece for the periodical but was none too pleased with the paltry sum offered - a feeling with which many writers will be all too familiar.  Jerome K. Jerome suffered a paralytic stroke the following year and died whilst on a tour of Devon.