1971. Four typed letters signed from Delattre and two autograph postcards signed from Lawrence Ferlinghetti, written to two women from the publisher of Delattre's 1971 novel Tales of a Dalai Lama. Delattre's first letter is highly descriptive of his move from Mexico to California. He also asks for the name of the first girl to have read his manuscript, as he wants to write to her. A postcard from Ferlinghetti here says to ask Delattre for the blurb that he gave him to be used for publication. Apparently Ferlinghetti had told Delattre that if Houghton Mifflin wouldn't publish Tales of a Dalai Lama, he (City Lights Books) would. The next Delattre letter discusses ways to get Ferlinghetti to elaborate on his comment, but then candidly also lists the reasons he hadn't wanted to be published by City Lights. Ferlinghetti does send another postcard, editing his blurb to seven words. The final two letters from Delattre mention how thrilled he is with the final book and discuss promotional strategies. There is also a very long typed letter signed from writer Alan Marcus, itemizing in detail the publicity that Houghton Mifflin should undertake on behalf of Delattre. Included are a press release and author photo for Dalai Lama (as well as a photo and press release for Delattre's later book, Walking on Air); Delattre's handwritten return address in Mexico, torn from an envelope; and a half dozen retained copies of letters from the publisher, providing context. The lot is near fine. [#036686] $450