Fine Books & Manuscripts, including Americana

BROOKS, Gwendolyn (1917–2000). Autograph manuscript speech read at the funeral of the former Governor Otto Kern, 1976. One page, 8vo (191 x 133 mm), written in red, blue and black ink, old centerfold. “When I think of Otto Kerner I think of the word ‘effectiveness’. He was a direct effectiveness earlier, he is a direct effectiveness now. He did make and does make lemonade out of lemons. I shall read in his honor the following (the little of which I must credit to the prolific author anonymous). ‘When handed a lemon, make lemonade’. And here is a person instruction the materials of which I believe Otto Kerner has favored. ‘Conduct your blooming in the noise and whip of the whirlwind’. (Repeat). Henry Blakely, my husband says most appropriately in his book Windy Places – and I herewith confer and close – ‘all the facts not gathered in and there is straightening to be done’”. [Together with:] Beckonings. Detroit: Broadside Press, [1975]. 8vo. Original printed wrappers. FIRST EDITION. [Also:] Aloneness. Detroit: Broadside Press, [1973]. 8vo. Original pictorial wrappers. Second printing. –– BOTH COPIES INSCRIBED BY BROOKS TO THE FORMER GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS, OTTO KERNER (1908–1976). Provenance: from the Estate of Otto Kerner.