If there are any talking pictures, stock, radio, television or sales of other subsidiary rights, we will divide the proceeds with you equally.
If this is satisfactory to you, will you please sign one copy of this letter and return it to us and we will send you our check. Cordially yours…”
Poster for the 1971 Film The Trojan Women, Based on Hamilton’s Translation
After a distinguished career as an educator at the prestigious Bryn Mawr Preparatory School, Hamilton moved to New York City in 1924, where she penned books and essays about the ancient world including articles in Theater Arts Monthly about Greek drama. In 1930, at the age of 62, she published her first book, the best-selling The Greek Way, which made ancient Greece accessible to modern readers. She followed it with several additional popular works including The Roman Way, The Prophets of Israel and Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes.
As agreed in our contract, Hamilton translated Euripides’ tragedy The Trojan Women 1937 and the Theatre Guild’s production of the play appeared on Broadway the following year, supplanting the earlier standard translation by Gilbert Murray. A 1971 film adaptation, starring Katherine Hepburn and Vanessa Redgrave, was based on Hamilton’s translation.
Additionally signed by the Theatre Guild’s business manager, Warren Munsell. Neatly folded with some surface soiling likely from carbon paper. In fine condition and uncommon.
