BRIAN

1p., 4to. In very good condition. He is glad that Malcolm enjoyed 'Billion Year Spree' (subtitled 'The True History of Science Fiction'), 'despite all the random scholarship floating around in every chapter', which was 'designed to silence if not impress all the hostile critics outside the field who seem to think that it is just a stamping ground for the juvenile or the insane'. A few 'family jokes' have been inserted, 'to keep the rest of us amused'.

Eight items, in good condition on aged paper, with the three photographic illustrations darkened. In blue card folder. ONE: Mimeographed typed biography of 'Ronald Victor Brian Branston'. On BBC Press Service letterhead; May 1965. 1p., 4to. TWO: Mimeographed typed 'Who's Who'. 2pp., foolscap 8vo. With entries on nine balloonists (from Albert van den Bemden to Anthony Smith, and including Charles Dollfus, 'curator of France's air museum') and two passengers. THREE: Mimeographed typed 'Topographical Background'. 2pp., foolscap 8vo.

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, laid down on backing and a little creased. He thanks him for a letter about 'the study you are doing of Royal bookplates, and of course I remember the icon you had had [sic] of my great aunt Ella and was so pleased to have the postcard of it you kindly sent me'. He is also pleased to learn that Lee has been able to identify the print which his father sent Lee of his bookplate as the work of George Taylor Friend, 'which I am sure he would have been very pleased to know'. Lee's research 'must produced quite a few headaches, but with very interesting results'.

3pp., 4to. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed by Brett-James in pencil at the head of the first page to 'Lt Gen Sir Brian Horrocks' and with one manuscript correction. The letter begins: 'I do want to say how interesting and worthwhile I found the broadcast discussion last Sunday evening about the factors which make a good division. All that was said was true and most stimulating, but there are a few points which I should like to add.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. On aged and lightly-creased paper, with one stain in margin. This offprint is scarce: the only copies on COPAC at the National Library of Scotland and St Andrews.

On piece of good quality art paper, 15 x 19 cm. In good condition, in grey card frame. Shows a cheery Acton in profile, drawn in grey and black. Signed in ink on drawing 'b.g.b. | 82', with 'Sir Harold Acton at the Arts Club 20.I.82' in pencil at foot. On the reverse of the drawing Bagnall has written 'Brian Bagnall | Sir Harold Acton at a private view of Russell Forman paintings Arts Club 20.I.82'.

On a piece of paper 6 x 14 cm. Laid down on part of leaf from autograph album. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Evidently in response to a request for an autograph. Good firm signature, with looped underlining. Reads: ' "We take the compositions as they are" | "Our Bazaar" | [signed] Albert Chevalier'. Chevalier's song 'Our Bazaar' was hugely popular. The published version (1894) gives the authors as Chevalier and Brian Daley, but the British Library ascribes it to John Charles Bond Andrews.