Original three-page typed letter signed from John Irving to James Salter, 1998

N.p.: N.p., 1998. A three page typed letter signed from John Irving to James Salter, with the first leaf on Irving's letterhead, dated July 28, 1998. Six annotations in manuscript ink in Irving's hand, correcting grammar.

A charming letter regarding family matters, Random House editor Kate Medina, and pre-production of the 1999 Academy Award winning film The Cider House Rules, based on Irving's 1985 novel.

Irving begins by expressing unease about an impending family move, and frets about enrollment at his new school-likely the Maple Street School, which Irving cofounded with his wife, Janet Turnbull-Irving, in 1998. Irving then relays a humorous anecdote about his young child's swimming competition at summer camp, before briefly discussing Random House editor Kate Medina, expressing concern for her husband.

Irving then discusses the pre-production of the film The Cider House Rules, noting director Lasse Hallstöm's assistance with creating devices to emulate the novel's "'epic' use of the passage of time." Irving also notes that he has already written two drafts for the screenplay, with "at least another draft or two to get through before the September commencement of principal photography." Irving's screenplay would win the 2000 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Irving also describes an amusing, if not irksome, interaction regarding producer Harvey Weinstein's involvement in the casting of the character of Dr. Wilbur Larch, revealing that actors Ed Harris, Max von Sydow, Robert Duvall, and Sean Connery were considered for the role, which would ultimately go to Michael Caine.

Letter measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. Folded twice horizontally for mailing, else Near Fine.