HEMINGWAY, Ernest (1899-1961). Typed Letter Signed to Arnold Gingrich. Havana, Cuba: [August 27, 1940]. One page one one folio sheet of plain white thin paper. Approximately 11 x 8 1/2". With original typed, stamped Air Mail envelope with Hemingway's return address in Cuba. Addressed: "DearA rnold [sic] ;" and signed "Ernest/" in pencil. AN EXCELLENT LETTER IN WHICH HEMINGWAY DISCUSSES "FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS," WHICH COST HIM DEARLY,  BUT WOULD DO IT AGAIN. "Have worked for eighteen months on a novel  that turned out to be 200,000 words long. D dn't [sic] do any other writing during that time . of any kind. I think you will like it. If you want will have corrected galley proofs sent to you cut up to be readable. Or maybe it would be simpler to read an advance copy. I always figured to write a good one and think this is it. If it isn't will write another one but by God I would pay a lot to have written this one. I paid 2 years and a half a wife and 18 months Would pay plenty more. May yet. Book of Month are printng 100,000 and Scribners 100,000 first printing." Later in the letter, Hemingway complains about an Esquire writer: "It will be funny to remember us guys all starting some of it in the earliest days and then have Wi liam [sic] Lyons Phelps pan you in it when you are doing your best work but a lot of other things go in circles too. And you won't have him long I hope altho I know he has never either resigned nor died yet and his first attempt at Esquire style was very touching. I have just heard about the printings tonight so feel pretty good. Excuse me Mr. Pelps [sic]. Die on somebody's else front lawn Mr. Phelps. Fxxk you Mr. Phelps." A great letter with fantastic content. 

Two vertical and one horizontal creases, some minor interior faint creasing, a bit toned, a later pencil date at upper right in an unknown hand; envelope torn near left side, some rubbing, creasing to envelope, stamp canceled. Fine.