Espionnage

3 AUTOGRAPH NOTES SIGNED by the Enigmatic Author of Mystery Thrillers LANDON HERMAN sending his autograph to the future U.S. Congressman Seymour Halpern including an amusing one saying he never gives out his autograph.

1920 · rif. 101391 — New York circa 1920's & 1930's. 1920's & 1930's. Very good. - Three autograph notes signed by the enigmatic author of "The Gray Phantom" Herman Landon. All three are addressed to the future U.S. Congressman Seymour Halpern sending him his autograph. The first an amusing undated note penned on 8-1/4 inch high by 5-1/4 inch wide note paper playfully reads "My dear Seymour Halpern: - I am extremely sorry but I never never give my autograph." Signed in full "Herman Landon". Folded for mailing the edges of the page are slightly darkened and 2 of the corners are slightly chipped. The next also undated is also penned on 8-1/4 inch high by 5-1/4 inch wide note paper and reads "To Seymour Halpern who was kind enough to tell me he liked this book." Signed "Herman Landon". Folded else near fine. The last is dated February 24 1931 and is penned on his personal 8-1/4 inch high by 5-1/8 inch wide stationery with his name embossed at the top. This note reads "My dear Seymour Halpern: - Am very sorry it took your letter such a long time to reach me." Signed "Sincerely Herman Landon". Folded for mailing with the tiniest chip to the top edge. Near fine. The Swedish-born American author Herman Landon 1882-1960 is better known for his mystery thriller "The Gray Phantom" a recurring character . His novels weave intricate plots and compelling characters. Several of his stories were adapted into silent-era movies including "The Way Women Love" "Ogon no dangan" and "A Burglar to the Rescue". The recipient Queens New York Republican Congressman Seymour Halpern 1913-1997 started his political career as a campaign aide to New York's powerful mayor Fiorella La Guardia and first served in New York's State Senate for 14 years before seeking a seat in the U.S. Congress. In Albany Halpern sponsored 279 bills that became law including measures on schools housing civil rights nutrition and mental health. A Liberal he was something of an anomaly as the lone Republican representative from New York City and generally garnered support from Labor Unions and endorsement from the Liberal Party. Yet he never even considered switching parties as he considered membership in the Republican Party a family tradition and commitment. While he found ample time for his private pursuits including painting and collecting autographs he took his legislative duties very seriously. Of these he was proudest of his co-sponsorship of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and of the original 1965 Medicare legislation. New York, circa, [1920's & 1930's].