[ John Van Ess, American missionary in Iraq. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('John') to 'Stephana' [the anthropologist E. S. Drower] in inscribed copy of his book 'Meet the Arab'.

Letter: 2pp., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper, tipped-in onto the front pastedown of the book. He is sending the book registered, 'as a precaution against confiscation', and is looking forward to her 'new book', and has 'told N. Testament scholars in the U.S.' to look out for it. 'Like Lloyd, I am sure I will disagree with parts of it! That will be to me one of its many values.' In return he will send her his new book, whose title he gives in Arabic script, 'which is being written and may not appear for a couple of years!!' The letter continues with reference to a coming trip by her to Iraq, and to their common age of 65. The book carries an inscription on the fly leaf to 'Stephana Drower | from | John Van Ess | Basrah. December 5, 1944.' The dustwrapper has been cut up, and its front panel has been tipped-in at the front of the book, with the rear panel tipped in at the back. The book is in fair condition, on aged paper, in worn and lightly-stained blue cloth.