450. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT (1867-1959) American architect, one of the most influential of all time, he was the creator of so-called organic architecture utilizing novel shapes and incorporating his buildings into their settings. Fine content T.L.S. "Frank" on his Taliesen letterhead, 2pp. 4to., [Spring Green], June 4, 1958 to his estranged friend, architectural critic and writer Lewis Mumford. Wright takes jabs at his old friend, trying to provoke the type of exchange they once shared in years past, in part: "...Don't be a dear old mule - I am beginning to feel that you are afraid of me: afraid you might lose some of the cherished beliefs regarding attitudes, predilections, affections and predetermined philosophy of mankind: don't want to expose yourself to contamination-or argument? But I know there must be some other cause of absence-some other reason less egotistic and futile. I understand a man's absorption in his work to the exclusion of any honor he might bestow upon an old friend by his presence. But this absenteeism I fear has other causes into which I will do well not to 'dig'. Even if I could, how can I?...yours shall remain a cherished secret...Don't grieve about Allison [Mumford's daughter] because she is so lucky to have 'found out' soon enough. There are innumerable discretions as well as indiscretions ahead of your Allison as for our Iovanna [Wright's daughter]...as for you, 'lieber Llewis ' - look out for the ingrowing of a special talent amounting to genius!..." Second page trimmed at left, paperclip stain at top, else very good. The misspelling of Mumford's first name was no mistake - it was an intentional slight, comparing "Llewis" to "Lloyd", and Mumford makes a pencil note at the word. From the 1920's through the 1940's, Mumford and Wright were endearing friends, and their correspondence was voluminous. In the early Forties, the two split over political differences, and were never able to rekindle their previously close ties. $2,500-3,000