Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (1836–1895), the Austrian author and journalist whose name entered the language as "masochism" following Richard von Krafft-Ebing's 1886 coinage, writes a substantial multi-page autograph letter in German from Graz, dated September 7, 1879, negotiating the publication rights to his novels and plays. The letter discusses publishing arrangements in considerable detail, including numbered points covering: a payment of 3000 Mark for the rights to his novels; attribution of the novels' names during the years 1876 and 1877; transfer of the novels into his personal possession from January 1, 1880; enclosure of the first edition manuscript; and arrangements for a Lustspiel (comedy/play). The letter is signed "Freifrau Masoch" — his wife Wanda von Dunajew signing with the aristocratic title she adopted. A collector's notation in English at the foot reads "MASOCH £10-0-0."
By 1879 Sacher-Masoch had published his most notorious works, including Venus in Furs (1870). This letter, negotiating specific financial and contractual terms for his fiction, is a substantive primary document from the heart of his literary career. Letters of this length and content are rarely encountered on the open market.
*ALS, multiple pages (three leaves, six written sides), dark ink; approximately 9 x 5.5 inches per page; dated Graz, 7 September 1879; signed "Freifrau Masoch"; with collector's notation final page; light toning, some wear to folds, good to very good condition*
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.