LUCE (Henry Robinson, 1898-1967, Founder of 'Time', 'Fortune' and 'Life' magazines)

Typed Letter Signed 'Harry' to Ronald Bodley, saying "I can understand your incredulity over TIME's assertion that "merde" could be a good luck wish ... but ... that's the way it is in operatic circles ... due to a backstage superstition that it is bad luck to wish any one good luck in so many words", he explains the corresponding wishes in German and Italian, adding "I was fascinated to learn [this lore] when the striking quote occurred in the Callas story. and I hope I have allayed your alarm over Mr. Meneghini's sentiments towards La Callas. It was thoughtful of you to ask about Clare", his wife Clare Boothe LUCE, 1903-1987, congresswoman and US Ambassador to Italy 1953-1957, who "has made a fine recovery", 1 side folio, Time & Life Building, Rockefeller Centre, New York 20, 2nd November

Luce also explains TIME's editors' familiarity with the word.

Item Date:  1956

Stock No:  17767      £225

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