[2nd Earl of Lytton.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Lytton') to Lee Keedick of New York, with typed contract between the two, signed by both parties, for a lecture titled 'Bulwer Lytton and his Times', with a printed synopsis of the lecture.

The three items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. ONE: Autograph Letter Signed from Lytton to Keedick. 19 June 1914. 4pp., 12mo. On bifolium. He apologises for the delay in replying, caused by 'a bad attack of hay fever which has almost incapacitated me'. He regrets to say that 'it will be impossible for me to do what you wish namely to enter into a contract with you immediately to deliver 30 lectures in the U.S.A. & Canada next year about November, because it is possible that before that date I might obtain some work which would prevent me leaving this country'. He assures him 'that failing any such unforeseen emergency I will come', and that he will give 'a more definite answer' before the year is out. TWO: Typed contract between Lytton and Keedrick. 3pp., 4to. With initialed corrections and long additional clause in autograph by Lytton. The document begins: 'MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT made this 24th day June 1914, between Lord Lytton of Knebworth House, Knebworth Herts [amended in autograph from '22 Eaton Place, London'] England, Party of the First Part, and Lee Keedick of 437 Fifth Avenue of New York City, Party of the Second Part.' Lytton 'undertakes to deliver acceptably thirty lectures in the United States and Canada during November and December 1915', for 'six hundred pounds and his expenses', which are to include '1st class Cunard fares to New York and return to London and expenses while in America'. The additional autograph clause concerns an insurance policy 'made to cover the serious illness or death of a newar relative or a political appointment of such a character as to render impossible the fulfilment of this Contract'. THREE: Printed 'Synopsis of Lecture by The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Lytton entitled "Bulwer Lytton and his Times"'. 1p., 4to. Carrying a photograph of the 2nd Earl by Ernest H. Mill. On art paper. At the foot of the page the 2nd Earl has written 'Leaders of men -'.