Letter from Hearst Intl to Steinbeck Publisher

Letter on December 19, 1938 from Hearst International to Elizabeth Otis, John Steinbeck Publisher at McIntosh & Otis turning down "Grapes of Wrath". Alice Sheriden from Hearst says she is disappointed that it is "impossible for us to consider publishing this book." She continues to explain "what a magnificent job this is. This fulfills all that Steinbeck has given promise to in his earlier efforts". She also says, "Unless I miss my guess, here is a piece of Americana that will find a permanent place in our history - the Covered Wagon Days of 1938 - as only John Steinbeck could write it." Provenance: The Estate of John and Elaine Steinbeck