Good Driver

A signed advance proof of “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” inscribed by Hemingway to his driver and friend Toby Otto Bruce, will come up for auction on November 29. The estimated value of the rare manuscript is $75,000 to $125,000. According to this AP article,

Bruce served as Hemingway’s driver, secretary and handyman in Key West, Fla. He regularly proofread manuscripts for Hemingway, and read “For Whom the Bell Tolls” as each chapter was written. He also helped Hemingway with personal problems. Hemingway dubbed Bruce “The Iron Man,” and rewarded him with the commission to design the book’s dust jacket…