Ernest Hemingway

“When people talk listen completely. Don’t be thinking what you’re going to say. Most people never listen.”

The work of Ernest Hemingway is considered classic American literature, but his stories were not solely his imagination hard at work. His adventurous lifestyle led him to all corners of the world including France, Spain, and Africa. His experiences abroad led to stories like For Whom the Bell Tolls, which was based on his time spent as a journalist during the Spanish Civil War. With fifteen publications showcasing his skill with subtle narratives, he has earned his place in the modernist movement – and at RR Auction! For many years, RR Auction has offered exceedingly rare Hemingway autographs and artifacts – earning incredible results for our consignors.

Our top selling item sees the author writing to lawyer Milton S. Leidner – a collector who wished to get his hands on first edition copies of all of Hemingway’s novels – in a 1930 letter. In part he writes, “good luck to you and if you get all the first editions you’ll have more than I have!” By 1930, he had penned eight published works, all of which are mentioned in this letter, “My first book was Three Stories and Ten Poems…The 1st In Our Time…these have both been out of print for some years—The other books are the Liveright In Our Time—Torrents of Spring—The Sun Also Rises—Men Without Women—and A Farewell T. A.—These with the pamphlet you speak of.”

Along with being an author, Hemingway went by another title – lion hunter. Pictured in this photograph is Hemingway posing with a lion he brought down on a January 1934 safari. This image of the author on an excursion in Tanganyika captures the inspiration that was infused into his writing. Stories like Green Hills of Africa, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and others were influenced by his hunting trips – showcasing the profound effect these experiences had on his work. The rarity of this piece is enhanced by the inscription, “To Lynn Bogue Hunt, with very best wishes from his friend, Ernest Hemingway.” Between 1904 and 1960, Lynn Bogue Hunt was America’s foremost periodical wildlife artist – producing cover art for over 100 issues of the hunting magazine, Field and Stream.

RR Auction listens to the literature market, so you know your Hemingway memorabilia is sure to sell for great prices! Get the consignment process started by clicking the button below or give us a call at 800-937-3880 to get your pieces to the auction block.