AINSWORTH

4pp., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed, with postmark, to 'John P. Aston, Esqre | Messrs. Ainsworth & Co | Solrs | Essex Street | Manchester'. Aston was Ainsworth's father's law clerk. The year after this letter was written the novel 'Sir John Chiverton', on which Ainsworth and Aston collaborated, was published to great success (and endorsement by Sir Walter Scott).

Three pieces of Victorian educational and scientific ephemera, and nice pieces of provincial printing. All three items nearly fine. ONE: 'APPLICATION for the Biological Chair of the "University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire."' Dated from Calthorpe Road on 17 August 1883, and addressed to 'IVOR JAMES, Esq. | Registrar, | University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire.' 1p., 4to. On bifolium.

2pp., 12mo. Printed side by side on one side of a piece of 23 x 29cm wove paper, with blank reverse. In fair condition on aged and dusty paper. The left-hand page is headed 'NEW BURLINGTON STREET, Dec. 6', and has the slug at the foot: 'PRINTED BY T. BRETTELL, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARKET, LONDON.' It advertises the forthcoming publication in 'Bentley's Miscellany' of two titles.

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Ainsworth begins: 'My dear Mr. Fullom, I am happy to tell you that you are under a great mistake. Your manner, on the occasion you refer to, produced the most favourable impression upon me.' Fullom 'exhibited great delicacy and modesty', and Ainsworth 'stated as much to Mr. Hurst'. The omission was in fact on Ainsworth's own part, in neglecting to thank Fullom for his 'flattering proposal to dedicate your romance to me'.

English antiquary and archaeologist (1810-77). The recipient (1831-1912), son of Thomas Crofton Croker, was an Irish antiquary. Both letters one page, 12mo. Both grubby, discoloured and stained. The first with closed tear to one corner. LETTER ONE (dated from postmark on accompanying envelope addressed to Croker, with Penny Red stamp): He has 'Fairholt's letter safe, and, though I cannot put my hand on it this moment, I will take care of it for you.