Two Autograph Letters by Milton Glaser to Children's Book Author Alvin Tresselt Concerning their Collaboration on 'THE SMALLEST ELEPHANT IN THE WORLD,' including an original ink sketch by Glaser

Rome, 1958. Two manuscript leaves. Some light tears and creasing from storage but nothing bad; overall a near fine letter with a wonderful association. Two manuscript leaves. TWO AUTOGRAPH LETTERS SIGNED BY MILTON GLASER, TO CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR ALVIN TRESSELT, INCLUDING AN ORIGINAL INK SKETCH BY GLASER. Milton Glaser, American artist and graphic designer (b.1929 - d.2020) is perhaps best known for his "I Love New York" logo, a Bob Dylan poster, and the "DC Bullet" logo used by DC Comics. He co-founded 'New York Magazine,' and was founder and president of Push Pin Studios. He won numerous awards, and his artwork is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum and many others. Alvin Tresselt (b.1916 - d.2000) was a prolific author of children's books. His book, 'White Snow, Bright Snow,' illustrated by Roger Duvoisin, was awarded the 1948 Caldecott Medal.

Two quarto pages on unlined airmail stock paper (circa 25 lines), Rome, Italy, May 29, [circa 1957?], to "Dear Alvin," begins: "As you have undoubtedly heard the 'littlest elephant' made it- I just got the news in this mornings mail- I am very excited about the whole idea, but how everything will be done at long range remains a mystery- I expect to be back about Nov. 25th a short week before our deadline- In her note Jean Fowler suggests a 50,50 royalty breakdown- I know we've never discussed it and how now may be a sticky time to bring it up, but I felt this is slightly inequitable in terms of the amount of time I have to invest during the next few months- Write me what you think about this...[he continues with some personal and travel details] Sincerely, [signed] Milton." Followed by an original ink sketch by Milton Glaser, measuring circa 4 1/2 by 3 inches, depicting an elephant, wearing a bib, seated on an ornately decorated table, slurping spaghetti through his trunk.
The letter is lightly creased, with small cresed tear, and small chip at tip of one (blank) corner (not affecting any text or the illustration).
- ALS, one quarto page (six lines) on "Postale Aereo" paper, Rome, Italy, June 8, [circa 1957?], to "Dear Alvin," states: "I yield to your eighteen books, established name and several awards- Congratulations on your new daughter. In the same mail this morning we heard our New York apartment was burglarized- Wait 'til next year- Sincerely [signed] Milton."
Addressed on verso, in Glaser's ink holograph, to Alvin Tresselt (c/o Parents Magazine).