GROSSMITH

The four items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The first two items originally pinned together. The signature on the first letter clearly written out, the other three signatures more hurried. ONE: 8 February [1880]. 1p., 12mo. 'I am going to take a rest. Supposing I can give you a week (two sketches an evening) between Feb 21 & March 13th. What will you stand?' TWO: Signed undertaking. 1p., 12mo. Not addressed. Begins with quotation: 'Right you are says Moses'. States: 'This is an equivalent for booking you for 23rd. 7 performances'. THREE: 17 February [1880].

12mo, 64 pp, on 16 bifoliums, loosely housed in a contemporary blue-cloth binder. Eleven of the thirteen letters signed, ten of them 'your sincere friend Fred', the other two being incomplete; some of the illustrations signed 'F. C.', and one 'F. Clarke'. Fair, on aged paper. A delightful, imaginative and striking correspondence, illustrated in coloured pen by an accomplished amateur cartoonist. Suitable for display. Clearly and neatly written, with each page filled to the edge (no margins) with a combination of Pooterish text and energetic illustrations [also a la W.W. Jacobs].

Twelve pages of illustrations, each on a separate leaf. Seven are portrait folio, four are portrait 8vo, and one is landscape 8vo. All clear and complete, on aged and creased paper. All coloured in watercolour. The seven folio portraits are: Napoleon as First Consul; Talma; Eugene; Moustache ('Mr. Lyn Harding [(1867-1952)]'); two 'Flunkies'; and Austrian Ambassador ('Mr Spencer Trevor [(1875-1945)]'). The four portrait 8vo illustrations consist of: two of Larose ('Lady Tree [Lady Helen Beerbohm Tree (1858-1937)]'); Louise ('Miss Lemand') and the overcoat of Talma ('Mr.