A rare signed letter from Charlotte Bronte is one of the highlights of a literary memorabilia sale at RR Auction.

The lot is valued at $60,000-80,000 ahead of a February 18 close date.

Charlotte Bronte wrote the letter to a fan in 1853

It dates to 1853, two years before Bronte's death, and is addressed to a fan named David Waldie.

She writes: "I have received your kind letter, and beg to thank you for it, as well as for the little books you mention, which have not yet reached me, but are no doubt awaiting me at home.

"The sincere appreciation of a reader's gratification is—I scarcely need say—one of the most acceptable forms in which an author can be repaid for his labour.

"I shall be glad if any future work of mine gives you equal pleasure to that you speak of having found in 'Jane Eyre.'"

Bronte published her novels under the pseudonym Currer Bell, which she adopted in order to negate the prejudice often levelled at female writers.

While the present letter is signed "C Bronte", the use of the phrase "his labour" indicates that she kept up this pretence longer than thought.  

The letter was previously sold for £24,000 ($34,575) at Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh in 2013.

The sale will also include Godfather author Mario Puzo's entire archive.

We have an amazing selection of autographs for sale, click here to take a look.

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