NY, (American Academy of Arts and Letters), 1976. Prints Pynchon's letter declining the William Dean Howells Medal for Gravity's Rainbow, in part, "The Howells Medal is a great honor, and, being gold, probably a good hedge against inflation too. But I don't want it." The letter appears in the text of William Styron's speech presenting Pynchon with the award, which is given for the most distinguished fiction published in the U.S. in a five year period. Also includes William Gaddis' acceptance of the National Book Award for J.R. and a Norman Mailer speech on writing and writers. This copy is signed by Styron, Gaddis, Mailer and William Gass, who received one of many Arts and Letters Award of $3000. Small stains to front endpapers, "beetlejuice...complements [sic] of Mr. Gaddis..." according to a note laid in by the previous owner. Otherwise fine in wrappers. Mead B23. [#033195] SOLD