bookselling

Theological writer (1792-1866). Two pages, 4to, chipping and discoloration slightly affecting text, mainly good. "Sir/ I am obliged to you for affording me a sight of Bede. I should be glad however to know the price [small excision "t"] you intend to set it down at- because looking at your list No 66 the copy there is said to be neat [underlined] 3.13.6. which I suppose cannot be the one now sent as the binding is in a very indifferent state, & the leaf (pages) 33[3?]-334 - is torn almost in two.

One page, 7.5 x 6.5" (cut back from 4to), edges discoloured, tear and small mising portion (seal torn off) not affecting clear and complete text. "Lady Perceval troubles Mr Clarke with the Inclosed to forward to <??> Sykes & Co.[not in Maxted or Brown - not a bookseller?] & Mr <?> requests the Abbe 'de <?>' Medaillons & Books may be in Mr Cs' keeping till he hears further ---"

One page, 8vo, with damaged address page with no loss of text, letter grubby but text clear and complete. Mathematician (1774-1841). "Gentlemen./ A week ago I sent you a remittance of £4. by the Barrack Coach, the receipt of which I requested you to announce to me by letter. As I heard nothing from you, I troubled you with a letter on the subject, on Friday last, to enquire after the arrival of the former packet, and to repeat the order I had then sent.

Scottish naturalist (1797-1855).One page, 8vo, sl. discolorationm good condition. "My Dear Sir,/ As the printing of my book now draws near to a close, I write to have proofs of the Plates you have in hand at your early convenience, that we may have the copies worked off." Poss. An Introduction to Conchology; or elements of the natural history of molluscous animals. JOHNSTON. George. M.D., of Berwick London, 1850. 8o.

English architect (1766-1840). Very good. On piece of paper (roughly 4 1/2 inches by 5 1/4 inches) cut from envelope, with partial Windsor address on reverse. Formal letter in the third person to Priestley & Weale, architectural booksellers in High Holborn. Reads 'Mr. J Wyatville's compts. to Messrs. Priestley & Weal [sic] supposes the number herewith returned to have been sent by mistake as he does not subscribe to the work.' Cutting from book catalogue 'tipped' to foot of letter. Docketed in pencil at head.

One page, very good. Postcard illustration of Marie Taglioni. In Bentley's distinctive neat hand. 'If & when Angus & Robertson's traveller shows you a book called Dead Funny, illus. by Bill Tidy, pubs. Ask & Grant, I hope you'll feel compelled to place a huge order: The Grant is Arabella's husband, just breaking into publishing (mad!) How are you & Billie? We should love to see you both, but I doubt that you ever come this way. If you do, you can count on a warm bed & reception. Try & make it sometimes.' Signed 'Nick'.

Engineer. "Born in Paris on June 21, 1774, former Adviser of State, free Member of the Academy of Science, [he] was, in 1832, general Inspecteur of 1st class and president of the general Council of the Mines" (from Internet). Also author. One page, 8vo, good condition. Text either third person or, more likely, secretarial as follows: M. H. de Villefosse a l'honneur de saluer Monsieur le Bibliothecaire de l'Institut, de lui envoyer l'ouvrage de M. [Solvyns?], et de le prier de remettre en echange du porteur de ce billet l'ouvrage de M.

One page, A4. In poor condition: creased and dogeared with several closed tears and a staple in the top left-hand corner. With 'not valid' in ms in top right-hand corner. The contribution, to be delivered by 1 August 1965, was to have been five thousand words in length, 'at the rate of 10 guineas for each thousand words of the contribution'. In the event it was replaced by Maureen Duffy's piece on 'Lesbianism in London'. Signed by 'Cressida Lindsay' and by 'Desmond Brian' on behalf of Blond.

Bookseller (see DNB). One page, 8vo, conjoint blank laid down on backing paper. Text clear and complete, as follows:"I have just learned that the assignees of Sherwood & Co [publishers] are within a month to make a final dividend in that Estate & write this note to inform you of that circumstance in order that time may be given to the Bond Bill holder to preapre their proofs."

Publisher ("Hurst & Blackett"). Two pages, 8vo, conjoint blank leaf, verso with remnants of laying down process, mourning black edge, text clear and complete, saying that he'll call on Dixon the following morning at the Athenaeum Office "to settle the acc[oun]t for the last issue of New America and also to consult y[ou]r wishes as to the new volume wh[ich] is to be prepared for the Autumn" [ "Spiritual Wives (pubd 1868]) which led to him being accused of indecency.]

Elizabeth Vassall Fox, Lady Holland, Society Hostess (DNB). Remnants of laying down process, chipped, text complete and clear, as follows: Lady Holland informs Mr Jeffery that in the set of English Poets sent to here there are six volumes wanting viz. 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 & 64 - which she wishes him to find as soon as possible in order to have the collection bound - She retruns one number of the Edinburgh [Review] as by mistake he has sent her two- / Holland House / Friday"

Oxford bookseller (c.1774-1850), described by the bibliographer Dibdin as 'the Corinthian pillar of Bibliopolism at Oxford'. Written in the year of his retirement in favour of his nephew John Henry Parker. The Globe was a London newspaper, founded in 1803. 1 page, 8vo. In good condition, slightly discoloured, creased and with some contemporary ink spotting. Remains of glue from stub along one edge. Concerns the radical meetings held during the passage of the Reform Bill. Reads 'Dear Sir - | Most important Meetings have taken place at Birmm.

George Byrom Whittaker (DNB), bookseller and publisher (BBTI). In the papers of J.T.J. Hewlett (described below). "I cannot acquiesce in your wish of sending copies of Books on Sale, it being contrary to our custom." Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

Two pages, 4to, chipped, spike-hole, small loss, mainly readable.

Robert Williams Buchanan, Author (see Dictionary of National Biography). One page, 8vo, good condition, thanking his correspondent for a letter and a book (to come) which he will check, adding "Macmillan's edition was full of atrocious 'misprints', but I presume Mr Bell and Mr Nichol had read the proofs this time carefully?" In the Postscript he asks for "local help" for an edition of his collected poems just issued by King & Co.

Notable Oxford bookseller (1889-1984). 1 page, 16mo. In good condition though dusty. He thanks Wilson for sending 'The Yellow Dwarf', 'which shall be duly submitted to the editor of 'The Merry-Go-Round'. Thank you for thinking of it.' Signed 'B Blackwell'.

English novelist, born 1938. The memorandum is 4 pages on a 4to bifoliate. Several printed clauses deleted, and with the terms inserted in typescript. Two signatures: Newman's and another illegible (Blond's?), as well as that Newman's agent Robin Dalton, whose appointment is confirmed in a typewritten clause. Newman's book 'The Cage' was published by Blond in 1966. The agreement, on one side each of four 4to pages, is between Blond and Panther Books Limited. Signed by secretary and managing director of Panther Books. It is in good condition, but creased and with some fraying at foot.

Biblical scholar, archaeologist, and orientalist (DNB). One page, 8vo, faintly stained but text clear and complete, as follows:"Your list to hand I can certainly take the little collection of tracts, beginning "England's Warning". You may also send me the two Portsmouth tracts, & the Lilburn tract, the Titus Oates sermon & the oath of the Kings of England". Harris was at this time at the John Rylands Library, Manchester and may well have been ordering on their behalf.

Author of "The Life and Times of Daniel Defoe, with remarks digressive and discursive" (J.R. Smith, London, 1859).Total 23pp., 8vo, minor damage, texts clear and complete. The letters concern this book about Defoe exclusively. He starts (29 Oct. 1858) "You have the whole manuscript complete now, with the Parcel sent yesterday", adding that entries (giving examples) can be struck out since they were part of library researches.

Poet and novelist, basketmaker and bookseller (1807-1874). One page, 4to, one nick not affecting text, fold marks and signs of having been laid down, mainly good. He has made "few alterations in the Poem, which if you think an improvement, may be adopted. I am afraid that so much practise in writing prose is creeping into and tinging my poetry. I do not truly like this 'Desolate Hall' and yet I can do nothing better at present". He has had no review in the "Literary Gazette" as yet, and comments on the "mass of new books that every corner of the columns have been crowded . . . Mr.

One page, 4to, spike-hole, fold and other marks, text cleaar and complete. "Sir,/ Some months back, you informed me that "The Monastic Ruins of Yorkshire would be shortly ready, and you engaged to send me a copy to my Town Agent, (Jas. [underlined] Gilbert, 49 Paternoster Row) as soon as the new Edition appeared. I trust that it is now ready; and I will thank you to send me two [underlined] copies (instead of one) of the cheapest [underlined] edition, as I have no doubt I shall get a second subscriber as soon as the work can be seen . . . [signature] . . . P.S.

One page, 4to, small tears, small piece missing, dulled, fold marks, spike hole, but text readable. "If you will go to Cockburn & Cos branch at Whitehall they will pay you £5.8- I am sorry it escaped my memory. I enclose you a list of the contents of 5 vols of Old Plays which I am offered - & I wish you would tell me what they are worth./ There is also here a book dedicated to Lord with the following title Page of which I wish you would tell me the probable value[.] Englands Improvements by Sea & Land &c. By Andrew Yarranton Printed by R.

Publisher. One page, 8vo, bery good condition. "Dear Mr Wilson, / You were indeed kind to give me so much of your valuable Time today, and to take so much Trouble over our projected list. I learnt a great deal on how to write 'copy' for books, and advice from you with your store of experience is immensely valuable to a young beginner like myself, I am indeed grateful . . ." This must have been in the publishing company's early days. They later learned enough to reject "Animal Farm"(!) Frank Mumby describes Wilson as "one of the outstanding booksellers of the day" (1956 ed., p.235).

Publisher (see Mumby, 1956 ed., p.305). Two pages, 8vo, bifoliate, good condition. Nash recalls their first meeting ("at Mc Geachy's in Glasgow") - "and I felt then that you would get to the top of your calling, because you were obviously a born bookseller wit a knowledge of literature and a splendid memory. / I am delighted to have your good wishes, and will think over your suggestion that I should write some reminiscences of the book trade".( Nash's autobiography was published in 1941.) Frank Mumby describes Wilson as "one of the outstanding booksellers of the day" (1956 ed., p.235).

d.1852 (Burke). Maria Benyon m. 4th Viscount Midleton 13 June 1797 (second wife). One page, 8vo, some marking and chipping but text clear and complete. "Lady Midleton wishes to know whether Mr. Jeffery [sic] has any number of the Quarterly Review published since <"that" excised> Janry. 1815 as she has not received any - the 24th. Number completes the volume---"

Publisher. Both letters one page, 4to, good condition. (1931) He asks if an American scholar whose stay in London and studies of Coleridge have been affected by illness can have a look at a relevant book belonging to Murrays, but in a Bumpus Exhibition. He thinks the Exhibition successful and adds in ms. "The Times gives us a nice notice today".

"Mr Burne/ 20 King Street/ Covent Garden".Two pages, c.10 x 7", chipped, part torn off, small hole, text clear.

(1731-1810 - Maxted). Maxted says he was an "Extensive publisher of works in weekly numbers", and refers to DNB, Plomer, Nichols, iii.719, and Timperley. One page, c.7.5 x 4", minor damage, text clear and complete, printed in italic. "Paternoster Row London/ I hereby promise if this Work shall exceed Eighty Numbers, to deliver the Bearer all above that quantity Gratis, on producing this Note/ J. Cooke/ January 22nd. 1780."

Miscellaneous writer (1800-1880). One page, 8vo, edges discoloured, text clear and complete. "Upon arriving at Cambridge, Mr Digby finds that only the ist volume of Kant's Works had been sent to Will's Coffee House [when did it close?]. He writes to request that Mr Bohte will forward the renmaining three to him at Trin. Coll. Cambridge."

French writer (1805-1851). Three pages, 8vo, bifoliate, good condition. "Sir,/ I have the honor to forward you the enclosed prospectus of the "Encyclopedie du XIXe Siecle" in which the high approbation given to this work by his Holiness, and also that of the R.R.