Los Angeles, 7 May 1979

Autograph letter signed (“Leonard”) to Marianne Ihlen, Los Angeles, 7 May 1979. – IHLEN, Marianne (1935-2016). Two typed letters signed ("Marianne") to Leonard Cohen, 2 September 1976 and 21 February 1979.

Cohen's letter: one page, 205 x 155mm, lined paper with three holes punched at right margin, with transmittal envelope addressed in Cohen's hand; Ihlen's letters: two pages, 210 x 296mm.

A brief letter that underscores the distance between them: “Here's a cheque for $1000. I’ve lost your telephone number—please leave it with the operator next time you call... My children and Suzanne have gone to live in France—I’m finishing a new record—and so forth—all good things / Leonard.” At this time Cohen was at work on Recent Songs, which would be released in September 1979.

"How is Axel? Please say hello to him for me and send me some news of him." No matter how short they are, Cohen's letters all ask after Marianne's son, the once-young boy he spent so many years with on Hydra. Marianne's letters in return discuss Axel at length.

By descent from Marianne Ihlen.