Miss (E. F.) Boulton's Honour Proclaimed. By (Her Friend) Louis Collins.

8vo: [ii] + 69 pp. Stapled pamphlet. In original light-blue printed wraps. Text clear and complete. In fair condition, on aged paper, slightly dogeared and with rusted staples, in creased and worn wraps. A singular production of profound psychiatric interest. Carries the following announcement on the title: 'I have now cleared my character to the world from the aspersions (that I deserted my friend by going to America and that I soon after married) which my enemies cast upon it. It only remains for some lover of truth to TELL Miss Boulton (as I cannot) that I have fought the good fight of faith and friendship to the utmost of my power. NOW for the honour of Stanmore and Eastbourne, who will that chivalrous man or Christian woman be? L. C.' In fact Collins is what we would now call a 'stalker'. The object of his obsession, Frannie Boulton, a minor and ward in Chancery, has written two letters (reproduced here with comments by Collins) complaining of her 'persecution' by 'the awful creature who parades the earth under the name of Collins'. Collins refuses to accept the authenticity of these letters, and his aim in writing is to imply that they are the work of her uncle, a solicitor. The pamphlet concludes: 'This is my tribute to friendship. I have defended Miss Boulton's honour as I found it. I in no way say that Mr. George Boulton forged these letters (20th July and 11th September, 1892), or that he issued them knowing them to be forgeries. (They are enveloped in mystery.) Equally so, I say of the other members of his firm; and if my words have been construed to the contrary I apologise to one and all for their construction.' In order to support his case Collins includes facsimiles of two letters. Sections include ' "Grub Street" at Eastbourne' and 'To Tradesmen at Stanmore (save the liars and conspirators who told Miss Boulton the author was married).' Collins published at least five other productions on his obsession, including some (postdating this item) from Boulogne-sur-Mer. Contemporary ownership stamps of W. B. Beatson, Vicarsgrange, Eastbourne. Scarce: the only copy on COPAC at the British Library.