Typed Letter Signed / Unsigned Photograph

This giant of the telecommunications world headed RCA (Radio Corporation of America) from 1919 to 1970 -- but began as a lowly Belarus immigrant office boy in 1907 with the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America in New York, working his way up the radio and television ladder. TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", New York, NY, 1966 May 10. Addressed to Arnold F. Gates, Literary Editor of the Lincoln Herald (1914-93, noted Lincoln and Civil War scholar). Near fine. On "Radio Corporation of America" letterhead, Sarnoff discusses a biography of him that Eugene Lyons had authored: "Thanks you for your kind letter... and the reprint of your excellent review of my biography which appeared in the 'Lincoln Herald.' I am naturally pleased that you found the book so rewarding, and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in writing to me...." (Early in 1966 Harper & Row had published a book by Sarnoff's cousin Eugene Lyons, "David Sarnoff: A Biography.") Large bold signature in blue ink. Accompanied by a fine glossy 9" X 7" black and white news agency photograph (International News Photos), a candid closeup of Sarnoff smiling alongside a beauty contestant winner. Caption at bottom, which dates this 23 April 1956, describes the scene: "David Sarnoff, RCA chairman and chairman of the National Security Training Commission, names Barbara Lyman, Washington Cherry Blossom Queen, an honorary colonel in the Washington Army Reserve at a kick-off luncheon for military reserve week.