COVENTRY

The three items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper, the second letter having a few very short closed tears on fold lines. The first two signed 'W F Hook' and the third 'Walter Farquhar Hook'. ONE (26 July 1828): 2pp., 12mo. Apologising because 'waiting upon' the Corries will now be impossible, as 'Sir Robert and Lady Wilmot intend to come on a Visit': His Mother will not be able to see Sir Robert, so Hook will be 'compelled to stay at home to entertain him'. TWO (16 April 1829): 2pp., 4to. On gilt-edged bifolium.

Good condition. Paper Boards. A difficult hand. Diary entries variable in length, many full, some days blank. The Diaries chronicle his life at the Church of Holy Trinity (in.c football for Coventry City and Stoke), and the years (some First World War) serving his father-in-law, the Bishop of Truro. Subjects: [1904] services; journeys; preaching; litany; helping parishioner write letter; sermons; finances; schools; dinners; meetings; asked to play for Coventry City (1904", 'to raise tone of the team'); travels - mainly local (walking distance to Stoke, Rugby etc - initially c.

After '[...] with numerous local illustrations.' the title continues: 'To which is added a short account of The Coventry Cemetery, Waterworks, St. Mary's and Draper's Halls, School of Art, New Free Library, Bond's and Ford's Hospitals; also the History of Stoneleigh and Combe Abbeys, Kenilworth Castle, &c.' 48pp., small (15 x 12 cm) 4to. With fold-out frontispiece and nine engraved plates, including 'The Countess Lady Godiva riding through Coventry' and 'Peeping Tom of Coventry'. In green printed card wraps with red cloth spine.

The production to which the first item relates was Toole's last before being forced by gout to retire from the London stage. Both items in fair condition, on lightly-aged paper; the first with short closed tear at head. Both printed on one side only. Item One: 33 x 21 cm. Headed 'Mr. J. L. Toole's Company. | THOROUGH-BRED. | PROPERTY PLOT.' Listing, under 'Stage' and 'Hand', all the props needed for the three acts, the last (and shortest) entry reading '[ACT III.] HAND. | Field glasses, cases. Race cards for all. Letter (WILHELMINA). Set of bones (TOSH). Coins (all). 2 tambourines.

One page, 12mo, good condition. ( Iwill try my hand at [Coventry] patmore, & am rather glad it is Patmore instead of Thomson, because he has so much more positive values. And I will try & get the essay done by June 21, though your brother in his original letter said June 30, which is rather better. I agree to the rate of payment, & though I don't press it, should be glad of payment on acceptance because I have to put other work aside to do the essay."

In excellent condition. Pinned to grey printed backing label, headed with engravings of a row of 'the highest prize medals & diplomas' awarded to Stevens, and of the 'Stevengraph Works' in Coventry, and Stevens' trade mark. Folded horizontally three times. The bookmark is headed 'A BLESSING' and carries a picture of Jesus with arms outstretched, ascending over Holy Land rooftops. A scriptural passage follows (Matt. 28.5-6), with 'IHS' within a decorative pattern at the foot, which carries a yellow tassel. In rich colours: purple, lilac, green, blue and yellow.

4to, 1 p. Eleven lines. Text clear and complete. Good, on lightly-aged paper. He thanks him for having 'appriz'd' him 'of the proposed enclosure of Tooting Common, to which I am equally hostile with the Rector, & the other principal Gentlemen who have express'd their determination to oppose the Measure'. Lady Coventry joins him in sending 'kind remembrances' to Mrs Harrison and her family. The franked envelope is a sheet of folded paper, bearing Coventry's red wax armorial seal in good condition, and postmark. It is addressed 'Pershore Octr. Seventeen | 1817 | Thomas Harrison Esqr.

12mo: 1 p. Very good. 14 closely-written lines. 'A friend of mine was asked by our dear old kind friend Chorley to assist in procuring for a Protege of his a musical education. I think the young person was originally introduced to him by Lady Devonshire. A sum was promised for two years, and the time is approaching for the payment to be made.' Asks if she can tell her 'anything about this'. 'You will be glad to hear I know that my husband is still well - His birthday the 21st. Novr. found him 84.'