CHRISTY

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'.

A good association copy. Decorated green boards,illustrated eps, good +. With the bookplates of Edward Laurence Doheny and Carrie Estelle Doheny (front endpapers - not her conventional bookplate), a label "From the Library of Estelle Doheny at 8 Chester Place Los Angeles". Also a small Chrismas card laid down front endpaper with the words "Love to Estelle Doheny Nancy & Howard [Chandler Christy]", and the titlepage is inscribed by the illustrator "To [Mrs] Doheny. | To a friend - from a friend. Christmas 1923. Howard Chandler Christy".

One page, 12mo. Good on piece of lightly-creased and aged paper, neatly mounted on slightly-larger piece of paper. Enclosing funds 'for the Use of St Andrews Hall April 2nd. 3rd. & 4th./66 for Christys Minstrels Concerts'. Postscript requests that receipt be sent to Reading in Berkshire: 'Shall be there on Thursday next'. A significant document. 1866 marked the introduction of the minstrel show into England by Christy's Minstrels, and the first of several extremely successful tours by the company.

The recipient, who died in 1898, was the possessor of a celebrated library (see Seymour de Ricci, English Collectors, p.109). 3 pages, 12mo. In good condition, with edge of blank verso of second leaf of bifoliate adhering to remains of stub. She apologises for the delay in replying and regrets that they cannot 'avail ourselves of yr. kind invitation to pay you a visit as my husband is engaged to dine out on Saturday the 31st.' He is 'hard at work again' and they have had 'a delightful holiday in Somersetshire'.