MARION

George James Firmage was born in New York; attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1947-48) and College of the City of New York (1949); BA, New York University, 1952; pursued graduate study, University of Massachusetts, 1952-54; publications supervisor in advertising and marketing services department, First National City Bank, New York, 1954; wrote several books, including E.E. Cummings: a Miscellany (1958) and E.E. Cummings: a Bibliography; editor of A Garland for Dylan Thomas (1963) and of E.E. Cummings' Three Plays and a Ballet (1967).

8vo. 310pp. Red cloth, gilt extra, with ornate design to front board and spine. First edition with King's illustrations. A good copy of an extremely attractive book, in binding with light fading in parts, but gilt still bright, and with the merest wear at head of spine. Bookplate by Isabel Bonus for Annie C. Dolamore. Collated and complete. All of King's ninety-five illustrations are present, with twenty-four of them, including the frontispiece, on shiny art paper. A sumptuous item, produced at the high point of King's Art Nouveau period.

12, 1p. On bifolium. In black ink over pencil. Very good, on lighly-aged paper. Presumably a representation of the Roman wall fountain which could be seen when looking down from Crawford's bedroom at the Villa. The present item consists of a pen drawing, roughy 18 x 9 cm., covering the left hand side of a letterhead (the printed address being in the top right-hand corner). The drawing is detailed and attractive, in a late nineteenth-century style, showing a four-line inscription in Ancient Greek on a tablet set into the wall above the drinking fountain.

Two extraordinarily positive testimonials, especially significant coming from one of the leading educationalists of his age, and also of interest considering the fact that Whaite would follow Nunn to the London Institute. (Whaite was first cousin twice removed of his more famous namesake. He was himself an excellent artist and teacher, and there is a large collection of his work at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester.) ONE: Written by Nunn as Principal, London County Council, London Day Training College (University of London), Southampton Row, London, WC1. On College letterhead; 28 June 1928.

1p., 8vo. Fair, on aged and spotted paper. She thanks him for his 'most interesting letter'. 'I have not seen the Board's advertisement, but I feel sure that an appointment of this kind would give you scope for improving conditions, and you would certainly be able to help teachers "struggling" and otherwise. Surely you ought to apply. [...] I can honestly say that I have, in spite of struggles, been very happy as an inspector.

On neat rectangle of grey paper, roughly 14.5 x 5 cm, laid down on piece of pink paper removed from autograph album. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Firm, bold signature: 'Flora M. Woodman./'

12mo: 2 pp. Eleven lines of text. Very good. Having just received it from London, Rodd is sending Crawford the book he could not get in Rome which he wanted to send him as a birthday present. 'It is written by a great friend of mine who knows better than any one the history of the first voyages to America and the discovery of the Great Southern Sea. I think you will like it.' In an envelope, on aged paper, with postmarks and Italian postage stamp. Addressed to 'Harold Crawford, Villa Crawford, St Agnello di Sorrento'.

The collection as a whole, with items varying in size from 12mo to quarto, is in good condition, if a shade grubby and with some items on discoloured paper. Features: One letter (13 May 1949, one page, octavo) from E. D. Johnson to 'Mr. Webb'. One letter (21 December 1906, one page, 12mo) from Goolden to Bateman, with copious notes on second leaf of bifoliate. Two letters (9 February 1913 and 2 November 1916, both 12mo, the first of two pages and the second of one page) from M. H. Spielmann to Bateman. One letter (14 February 1913, 3 pages, 12mo) from Fred Falkner to Bateman.

English architect (1849-1930), responsible for many notable London buildings, including the Victoria and Albert Museum. The recipient Spielmann (1858-1948) was an art historian. One page, 12mo. Grubby, and with pin holes in top left-hand corner, as well as small closed tear at foot of leaf (not affecting text). Reads 'I regret that having to be in Manchester on Friday next I shall be unable to attend the art Committee of the St. Louis Exhibition'. Signed 'Aston Webb'.