1985. A typed letter signed of approximately 750 words to his publisher, Elisabeth Sifton of Viking, attempting to hash out, or re-hash, a string of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and slights felt in both directions, that seem to have been building over time. One and a half pages (literally: the second page is cut in half), in which Matthiessen attempts to set the record straight as to his grievances and intentions, and in which he suggests a lunch ("Not a Viking lunch, mind; a social occasion, so to speak!"). The letter is signed, "Love, Pete." Stapled to an autograph note signed from Sifton to Matthiessen, bemoaning the "barrel of confusions" and suggesting a time frame. A glimpse inside a sensitive moment in the publishing life of one of the great American authors of the second half of the 20th century -- the only writer to have won the National Book Award for both Fiction and Nonfiction. Matthiessen's letter bears his holograph emendations; there is a marginal slice to the first page. Near fine. [#035982] SOLD