OUT

A fascinating collection of material, casting light on a furtive and little-discussed aspect of the English antiquarian book trade. (For further information see 'Anatomy of an Auction: Rare Books at Ruxley Lodge, 1919' by J. I. Freeman and A. M. Freeman, and 'Out of Print and into Profit', ed. G. Mandelbrote.) Of the eight items, all but Item Two below are in good condition, with light signs of age and wear. It would appear that some of the material at least was published, but precise details are not known.

15pp., 8vo. On twelve leaves torn from an album. With minor emendations, and an essay in another hand on some reverses. Unpublished. The piece begins: 'My collection of catalogues has grown much in the same way as other collections of books. At times I have got rid of many I missed later on and it was only by long experience I found that some things are desirable. First it is better to have each sale bound by itself and this I have carried out except where some association in an existing bound volume would have been destroyed.

4to, 1 p, 9 lines. On behalf of his 'Committee' acknowledging his correspondent's 'kind letter with its generous contribution to the funds of our Campaign', adding 'a message of individual thanks from myself to you for your mostt encouraging support'. 'Our Campaign is prospering, and we hope soon to complete our success by the early expulsion of the Reds.' His correspondent's 'welcome help' is of 'great value'.

One page, 12mo. Black border. Good, on aged and ruckled paper, with small glue stain at head (not affecting text). Asks to be released from 'coming to Oldham Road' on 4 July, as 'Saturday is an evening wich I usually make a rule of keeping to myself for the purposes of preparation for the Sunday'. Docketed at head in contemporary hand, 'Revd Arthur Mursell, Manchester'. Mursell's most interesting work would appear to be 'Bright Beads on a Dark Thread; or visits to the haunts of vice, etc.' (London, 1873).

Octavo. Pages: ix + 339. Frontispiece and eight plates (including three of London's Caledonian Market). Nine fold-out 'Charts or Tables'. Good, tight copy in original blue cloth gilt, with small stain at head of rear back board and another on gilt top edge. Includes sections on 'The ignorance of dealers and collectors', 'The curiosities of the curiosity-shops', 'Thefts in the art world', 'The tricks of dealers and collectors' and 'The "Knock-out" and other customs of the sale-room'.