Christie (Agatha)

Four letters from Agatha Christies to Mr. John Higgins, comprising: one typed, reads in part “I would like very much to serve on your jury to judge a detective story competition. As well as writing detective stories, I still enjoy reading them. ..I may say, which might possibly amuse you, that when I was first writing detective stories and trying to get them published, a kindly friend of mine sent them, as a great favour to me, to two well-known writers who were friends of his. Their view was kindly but adamant: - “I think you had better tell this girl that there is no likelihood of her ever succeeding in what she is attempting to do. It is kinder than letting her go on trying.”, signed “Agatha Malloway”, two pages, mailing fold, 8vo, Wallingford Berkshire, 12 January 1972; another typed letter reads in part "The number of books I have published is 81, -the same number as my age, as I am now 81 years of age; that includes books published under the name of Mary Westmacott, but they have been a small number of straight novels and not detective stories, and perhaps would not apply….” signed “Agatha Malloway”, two pages, creasing to upper left corner, 8vo, 18 February 1972; an autograph letter saying "You must have suffered a slight shock at the enthusiastic response to the Detective Story Competition! Of the dates you mention… the 23rd would suit me best and I could come to London quite easily on that day…”, signed “Agatha Christie Malloway”, two pages, some creasing 8vo, Greenway House, Devon, 23 April [1972];

one later autograph letter reads “Thank you for the cheque of £150 - a very nice reward for arguing ferociously!!!”, signed “Agatha Christie Malloway”, one page, 8vo, Winterbrook House, 17 July [1972]; with a copy of a typed letter from John Higgins to Agatha Christie (5)