Literature

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[Victorian printed Shakespeare ephemera] Illustrated 'Description' of Shakespeare's Birthplace, together with tickets of admission to it, and to Ann Hathaway's Cottage, and a letterhead of the Shakespeare Memorial, carrying notes of books.

Author: 
Richard Savage, Secretary and Librarian to the Trustees, Shakespeare Memorial, Stratford-upon-Avon [Ann Hathaway's Cottage; William Shakespeare]
Publication details: 
The first three items dated 1895-6. All items dated in hand 25 October 1895. ['Description' by Edward Fox, Printer, 1, High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon.]
£150.00
London Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews, Cambridge University A

A nice collection of Victorian Shakespeare ephemera. All four items with text clear and complete, on lightly-aged and worn paper. The 'Description' is printed in red, on both sides of a piece of paper 13.5 x 18 cm, with both vertical edges perforated. 'This may be retained as a Souvenir' along one edge. Dated at end 'RICHARD SAVAGE, Secretary and Librarian to the Trustees. | 1896-6.' Along head of first page: 'The Committee request that no Gratuities be offered to the Attendants.' Numbered 22989 in black.

[pamphlet] Seven Letters written by Sterne and his Friends, hitherto unpublished. Edited by W. Durrant Cooper, F.S.A.

Author: 
William Durrant Cooper (1812-1875), ed. [Laurence Sterne; M. Tollot; John Hall Stevenson; Robert 'Panty' Lascelles; Horace Walpole; John Hope; John Wharton]
Publication details: 
London: Printed for Private Circulation, by T. Richards, 100, St. Martin's Lane. 1844.
£135.00
Seven Letters written by Sterne and his Friends

8vo, vii + 23 pp. Stitched as issued. Text clear and complete. Internally sound, tight and clean; spotting to first and last leaves, with a gummed strip of white paper strengthening the spine. Thin strip along head of title removed, presumably for presentation or ownership inscription. One annotation and two corrections in a contemporary hand. Dedicated by Durrant to John Thomas Wharton of Skelton Castle, 'Bloomsbury Square, London, July 1844.' Three pages of notes at end. Long letter by Tollot, in French. Two Sterne letters, 1764 and 1766, both to Stevenson.

Seven coloured pen and ink drawings illustrating Agatha Christie's 'Sittaford Mystery', by German artist 'GZ', mounted and together in an illustrated folder, with title 'Agatha Christie | Das Geheimnis von Sittafort [sic] | 7 Federzeichnungen | GZ'.

Author: 
'G Z' [German watercolour artist] [Agatha Christie]
Publication details: 
Each illustration signed 'GZ', and dated between January and April 1966.
£250.00
Seven coloured drawings illustrating Agatha Christie's 'Sittaford Mystery'

Each drawing 22 x 16 cm, and each neatly mounted on card 31.5 x 22 cm. In good condition, in slightly discoloured mounts and folder. The mounts numbered in pencil in top left-hand corner. In cream folder, with blue cloth spine. Title in blue pencil on front of folder, together with image of hand holding glasses. Illustration of hand painting with brush, surrounded by ink pots, on back of folder. First illustration signed 'GZ | 5.3.66' and last 'GZ 7.4.66' Folder dated 'GZ. | 20.7.66'. Pleasant compositions, with something of an Edward Ardizzone feel about them.

[book with proof plates] Thomas Hood. Illustrated by Gustave Doré. [Edited by J. Bertrand Payne. Vignettes by J. Moyr Smith, engraved by W. H. Hooper.]

Author: 
Thomas Hood; Gustav Doré [Gustav Dore]; James Bertrand Payne; J. Moyr Smith; W. H. Hooper; Edward Moxon
Publication details: 
London: E. Moxon, Son, and Co., Dover Street. 1870. [Swift and Co., King Street, Regent Street, W.']
£380.00

Folio, 63 pp. In original blue cloth binding, all edges gilt, with decoration in gilt and black by 'IMS' (i.e. J. Moyr Smith), with the word 'PROOFS' in gilt at foot of front cover. Binding worn and stained; book with light damp damage around base of spine, spreading to right-hand bottom corner of plates. Nine proof plates by Doré on india paper, with tissue guards. Four of the plates are signed in pencil at the base by the engraver: 'F. Bacon Sct.', 'E. Brandard Sct.', 'A. Willmore Sct.', 'J.

Autograph Letter Signed from the physician and writer John Aikin to the botanist Richard Pulteney.

Author: 
John Aikin (1747-1822), English physician and writer, son of John Aikin (1730-1780), Scottish theologian, and brother of Anna Letitia Barbauld (1743-1825) [Richard Pulteney (1730-1801), botanist]
Publication details: 
19 January 1776; Warrington.
£280.00
Autograph Letter Signed from the physician and writer John Aikin

8vo, 2 pp. Bifolium. Thirty-five lines. Text clear and complete. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Second leaf addressed, with postmarks, to 'Dr. Pultenely | Blandford | Dorset', and docketed by Pulteney. Signed 'John Aikin'. He thanks him for 'the offer of assistance'. He only has 'one of the three books you mentioned, & should be very glad of the perusal of Anthony's apology, & Jones on Buxton baths'. The books willl be 'carefully returned, with my best acknowledgments to the gentleman who favours me with the loand of them'.

[sheet music] Letter to Freddy. For voice and piano. Words by Gertrude Stein. Music by Paul Bowles.

Author: 
Gertrude Stein; Paul Bowles
Publication details: 
1946 (first separate printing). G. Shirmer, Inc. New York. ['Copyright, 1935, by New Music. Copyright assigned, 1946, to G. Shirmer, Inc.']
£50.00
Letter to Freddy. For voice and piano. Words by Gertrude Stein.

4to, 3 pp. Loose leaf inserted in bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Front page printed in black and red. Advertisements on reverse of last leaf.

[sheet music] Pigeons On The Grass Alas. Recitation and Air for Barytone. From the Opera Four Saints in Three Acts. Text by Gertrude Stein. Music by Virgil Thomson. As sung by Edward Mathews.

Author: 
Gertrude Stein; Virgil Thomson [Edward Mathews]
Publication details: 
1935. J. Fischer & Bro., New York, N.Y. [Limited edition 'printed especially for the Berkshire School Musicale Association']
£120.00
Stein, Pigeons On The Grass Alas.

4to, [i] + 4 pp. On two loose bifoliums, in tan printed wraps. No. 73 of 110 copies (one of the hundred numbered copies and NOT one of the ten copies signed by author and composer). Limitation inside front wrap. Title-page states 'This arrangement is dedicated by the composer to the Berkshire School Musicale Association'. No copy on COPAC.

Two signed receipts to the Honourable Coast Committee of Northumberland: the first for printing and paper from John Catnach ('Jno. Catnach') of Alnwick, and the second on John's behalf by his wife Mary ('Mary Catnach'), for stationery.

Author: 
John Catnach (1769-1813), Alnwick and Newcastle printer, his wife Mary Catnach (née Hutchinson), parents of the London broadsheet publisher James Catnach (1792-1841) [Thomas Bewick; Northumberland]
Publication details: 
John Catnach's bill/receipt, 12 April/29 June 1795. Mary Catnach's bill and receipt, 10 March 1795.
£350.00

Both items in good condition on lightly-aged paper. Both 1 p, on 12mo landscape slips. John Catnach's bill and receipt: 'The Honb. Coast Comit. | April 12 1795. | To J. Catnach | Printing 200 Signal for the Coast 7s .. 0 | 5 qrs. Best Wove foolscap for Do. 1s..2d Per qr 5 .. 10 | £0 .. 12 .. 10 | Recd the above from Thos. Adams Esqr. | [signed] Jno. Catnach | June 29th. 1796.' Docketed on reverse with calculation. Mary Catnach's bill and receipt: 'The Honble Coast Committee | 1795 To J Catnach Dr. | March 10th. 3 Quarto Copy Books at 1/6 - 0 . 4 . 6 | Same time recd. Paymt of Jas.

[sheet music] baby, baby, from "On Whitman Avenue". A Lullaby. [piano solo]

Author: 
Paul Bowles
Publication details: 
1946. Mercury Music Corporation, New York, N.Y.
£35.00
Paul Bowles, baby, baby, from "On Whitman Avenue".

4to, 4 pp. Bifolium. In light-grey printed wraps with design by Lieberman printed in dark-grey and pink (price on front amended with stamp). Score on central two pages. Last page carries an advertisement for another of Bowles's piano pieces, and a short biographical notice, headed 'ABOUT THE COMPOSER' ('[...] He is best known as composer of music for the theatre. In this medium he has written incidental scores for the two Orson Welles productions: [...] Mr. Bowles has also done several film scores, and the music for two ballets commissioned by the American Ballet Caravan: [...]').

[sheet music] Carretera de Estepona (Highway to Estepona). Piano Solo.

Author: 
Paul Bowles
Publication details: 
1947. Contemporary Composers Series. Marks Edition, New York. [Copyright MCMXLVII by Edward B. Marks Music Corporation.]
£56.00
Paul Bowles, Carretera de Estepona

4to, 3 pp (paginated 3-7). Bifolium loose in grey wraps printed in red. Good, on lightly-aged paper with slight wear to spine.

[sheet music] Six Preludes for Piano.

Author: 
Paul Bowles
Publication details: 
1947. Mercury Music Corporation, New York, N.Y.
£28.00
Paul Bowles, Six Preludes for Piano.

4to, 12 pp. On six loose bifoliums. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with minor spotting on reverse of last leaf (page of advertisements).

[sheet music] Sonatina. For piano solo. Paul Bowles.

Author: 
Paul Bowles
Publication details: 
1947. Elkan-Vogel Co., Inc., Philadelphia, Pa.
£56.00
Sonatina. For piano solo. Paul Bowles.

4to, 13 + [i] pp. On four loose bifoliums. On aged paper with small closed tears to spine and last leaf repaired with archival tape.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Tho Foley') from Sir Thomas Foley to Sir Richard Hussey-Bickerton, with reference to the conveyance to England in the Royal Sovereign yacht of the Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia, following Napoleon's abdication.

Author: 
Admiral Sir Thomas Foley (1757-1833), 'The Hero of the Battle of the Nile' [Admiral Sir Richard Hussey-Bickerton (1759-1832), Rear-Admiral to Nelson, 1804-5; Member of Parliment for Poole, Dorset]
Publication details: 
24 May 1814. Place not stated.
£450.00

12mo, 4 pp. Bifolium, with mourning border. Thirty-eight lines. Text clear and complete. On aged and worn paper. The context of the letter is explained by a report in The Times of 2 May 1814, which states that, following Napoleon's abdication, 'The Royal Sovereign and Royal Charlotte yachts are to remain in the Downs, to be ready to sail for Calais for the reception of the Emperor ALEXANDER and the other illustrious personages who will shortly visit this country.

[Book] The Handwriting of Junius Professionally Investigated, With Preface and Collateral Evidence by the Hon. Edward Twisleton. With ten items, mainly letters relating to the Junius controversy.

Author: 
Charles Chabot, expert and autograph-dealer [Edward Twisleton, Frederick George Netherclift and the Letters of Junius]
Publication details: 
London, 1871 [Letters 1868; other material earlier or contemporaneous]
£1,250.00

300pp., 4to, brown boards, sp.gt, rubbed. spine a little damage, hinge strain, mainly good condition. A hefty volume.

Autograph Letter Signed ('H Belloc') from a sixteen-year-old Hilaire Belloc to his childhood sweetheart Minna Hope, describing in detail how 'matters' have 'come to a scarcely endurable crisis'.

Author: 
Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953) [Minna Hope, wife of the diplomat Sir Nicholas O'Connor]
Publication details: 
13 October 1886. On letterhead of The Oratory, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
£350.00
Hilaire Belloc letter  to his childhood sweetheart Minna Hope

12mo, 6 pp. Bifolium and single leaf. Text clear and complete. Fair, on aged and lightly-creased paper. Closely and neatly written. An important and revealing letter, written while Belloc was still at school.

[book] The Task. By William Cowper, of the Inner Temple, Esq. [printed by Whittingham and with illustrations from Westall]

Author: 
William Cowper; Charles Whittingham; the Chiswick Press; Richard Davey, book binder of Bristol
Publication details: 
London: Printed for John Sharpe, Duke Street, Piccadilly; by C. and C. Whittingham, Chiswick. 1825.
£45.00
William Cowper

12mo, 220 pp. Engraved title and six other plates, each carrying an engraving from Westall. In green calf binding, gilt, with spine in compartments. Marbled edges and endpapers. Internally tight, on lightly-aged paper, with the plates a little foxed. Rebacked and in worn and lightly-stained binding. Tasteful small bookplate, with the single word 'Simpson' in copperplate, an initial 'M.' added in manuscript. Pink ticket on front pastedown: 'GEORGE DAVEY, | Bookseller, Binder, | & STATIONER, | NO. 1 BROAD STREET, | BRISTOL.' An uncommon Chiswick Press item.

Writing in William Cowper's hand, tipped in to a copy of 'Cowper's Minor Poems', printed at the Chiswick Press, with illustrations from Westall, and bound by Davey of Bristol.

Author: 
William Cowper; John Johnson; Charles Whittingham; Chiswick Press; Richard Davey, book binder of Bristol
Publication details: 
The book: London: Published by John Sharpe, 1825. ['C. and C. Whittingham, College House, Chiswick.']
£280.00
Writing in William Cowper's hand, tipped in to a copy of 'Cowper's Minor Poems'

Two volumes in one binding. 12mo, vi + 108; iv + 108. Each volume with engraved title (included in pagination) with vignette from Westall, and another plate also carrying an engraving from him. In green calf binding, gilt, with spine in compartments. Marbled edges and endpapers. Internally tight, on lightly-aged paper, with the plates a little foxed. Rebacked and in worn and lightly-stained binding. Tasteful small bookplate, with the single word 'Simpson' in copperplate, an initial 'M.' added in manuscript.

Four Typed Letters Signed and two Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Rex Newman') from the screenwriter and author Greatrex Newman to Eva Lawrence ('Lawrie').

Author: 
Greatrex Newman (1892-1984), English author and screenwriter [The Fol-de-Rols; theatrical; the London stage]
Publication details: 
Two undated; the rest between 1951 and 1959. On various letterheads of 39 and 47 Whitehall Court, London.
£80.00
Greatrex Newman (1892-1984), English author and screenwriter, TLSs and ALSs

Five of the items are 8vo, with the other on a 12mo slip. All texts clear and complete. Fair, on slightly-aged and worn paper. A total of five typed 8vo pages, and two autograph 8vo and two autograph 12mo pages. Four of the lettters have 'The Fol-de-Rols' printed on the letterhead. Dealing with practical everyday theatre matters, with Newman writing, for example, on 19 November 1955: 'I have bought a few costume from the Punch Revue which died an early death at the Duke of York's theatre last Saturday.

Two Typed Letters Signed ('Naomi Jacob.'), author and actress, to Eva Lawrence.

Author: 
Naomi Jacob [Naomi Eleanor Clare Jacob] (1884-1964), author, actress and broadcaster
Publication details: 
8 July 1949 and 2 January 1950; both from Casa Micki, Gardone Riviera, Lago di Garda, Italy.
£60.00
Two Typed Letters Signed ('Naomi Jacob.')

Both letters 8vo, 1 p; the first on pink paper. Both texts clear and complete. Both fair, on lightly-aged and creased paper. Letter One: She was surprised to learn that Lawrence had 'Miss Babbington with you because I did not even know that she was on the stage. I thought she was with a publishing house.' After the 'long and wonderful run' she is sorry that Lawrence's leading lady is leaving. 'Although I never intend to go back to the stage again, I shall always have the same keen interest in matters theatrical [...] the variety profession is my first love'.

[Juliana Horatia Gatty Ewing] Book of Words. J. H. E. 16th November, 1893.

Author: 
'J. H. E.' [J. H. Ewing; Juliana Horatia Gatty Ewing] [Rugby School]
Publication details: 
[1893.] Rugby: Printed by J. H. Pepperday, 24, High Street.
£280.00
[Juliana Horatia Gatty Ewing] Book of Words.

12mo: unpaginated. Pamphlet of eight leaves, on good laid paper, stitched with lilac ribbon. A total of 14 pp, with the body of the text on 12 pp, plus title on front cover and woodcut vignette ('S. JULIANI') on back. Creased and with light staining to front cover, otherwise fair. Eight poems, preceded by a quotation from 'We and the World', and followed by three pages of notes, containing background information about the writing of the poems. Scarce: issued with a programme (not present) for 'Entertainment to be given in New Big School' at Rugby.

Two Autograph Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Signed (all three 'H A L Fisher') to 'Ronnie' [Ronald Chapman], and one Autograph Letter Signed ('Herbert Fisher') to the latter's mother, Mrs Chapman, concerning his education.

Author: 
H. A. L. Fisher [Herbert Albert Laurens Fisher] (1865-1940), British historian, Liberal politician and Warden of New College, Oxford [Ronald Chapman; Limnerslease, Compton; G. F. Watts]
Publication details: 
1938 and 1939. Three on letterheads of New College, Oxford (one from the Warden's Lodgings), and one from Thursley, Godalming, Surrey.
£120.00
Two Autograph Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Signed  'H A L Fisher'

Each of the four items has text clear and complete. The four are in fair condition, on aged paper, with minor staining from the paperclip used to attach them, and a small closed tear at the foot of the first letter. Letter One to 'Dear Mrs Chapman'; the other three to 'Dear Ronnie'. Letter One (4to, 2 pp): 19 November 1938. Chapman (referred to throughout as 'Ronnie') has not been well, and Fisher makes a suggestion to his mother regarding his 'future': 'Cecil Rhodes spent seven years on this process and never regretted it.

Autograph Note Signed "H Rider Haggard", novelist, with envelope addressed by Haggard and initialled "HRH", to S[tephen].J. Aldrich, book history scholar.

Author: 
H. Rider Haggard, novelist [Henry Rider Haggard].
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] Ditchingham House, Norfolk, 10 July 1923.
£250.00
Autograph Note Signed "H Rider Haggard", novelist,

Note written on two sides of a card of postcard size, good condition, initialled and addressed envelope chipped and grubby. Text: "No, it is purely a coincidence about the names in Love Eternal [underlined; a fantasy/historical novel published in 1918]. I know Major C. Danen[end indecipherable] very well - often see him when I am at St Leonards. He was rather ill a while ago but was much better when I saw him. . . ."

Three printed items relating to the Garrison Library, Gibraltar, including the 'Fundamental Laws' and 'Report of Special Committee appointed by resolution of the General Meeting of Members of the Garrison Library on March 16th, 1897.'

Author: 
The Garrison Library, Gibraltar [Sir Stephen Herbert Gatty (1849-1922), Chief Justice of Gibraltar, 1895 to 1905]
Publication details: 
Fundamental Laws: [Gibraltar,] c.1889. Report: [Gibraltar,] 1897.
£280.00
The Garrison Library, Gibraltar

Gatty's annotations are of interest, considering his legal standing in Gibraltar, and his position as one of the Library's committee members. One: 'Report'. Two pages on the versos of a 4to bifolium. Very good on lightly-aged paper. Concerning the proposed 'establishment of a Club' within the Library, and concluding 'Generally we are of opinion that the above scheme is the best that can be suggested for upholding both institutions - the Library and the Club.

Autograph Letter Signed C Bemont [Charles Bemont, French scholar and autograph-collector] to unnamed correspondent [M. Kirkaldy, ref. to Madame Kirkaldy within], with Alfred Dreyfus calling card and autograph message and his own card with message

Author: 
Charles Bemont, French scholar and autograph-collector [Alfred Dreyfus message on calling card]
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] 9 Rue du Condé, 27 Oct. 1902.
£800.00
ALS Charles Bemont, French scholar & Dreyfus calling card message

Four pages, 12mo (letter), all items in good condition. He will fulfil his promise of some autograph letters, le plus notable et vivid, which had been relegated to the country but retrieved the day before. He describes a Michelet manuscript, notes taken après la lecture d'un ouvrage de M. Dupanloup before he became bishop. He discusses Dupanloup's character and achievements at length. He continues J'ajoute une lettre . . . Saul Meyer [NOT present] et une carte de visite . . .

Autograph Note Signed "Robert Hichens", journalist and novelist, to [Douglas] Jerrold.

Author: 
Robert Hichens, journalist and novelist
Publication details: 
Savoy Hotel, London (printed heading), 6 Oct. 1913.
£25.00
Autograph Note Signed "Robert Hichens", journalist and novelist

One page, 8vo, some dusting, mainly good. "Many thanks for yr kind note. I am very glad that you enjoyed my 'Holy Land'".Thank you for telling me so.

Autograph Note Signed Robert Hichens, journalist and novelist, to unnamed correspondent.

Author: 
Robert Hichens, journalist and novelist
Publication details: 
Meadowside, Tankerton, Whitstable on Sea, 4 July 1920.
£25.00
Autograph Note Signed "Robert Hichens", journalist and novelist

One page, 8vo, some spotting and staining, mainly good. I enclose with pleasure a guinea towards the cost of the proposed dinner ot the Pensioners of the Charterhouse. If I am in England I shall certainly come to it.

Three Autograph Notes Signed Robert Hichens, journalist and novelist, to Miss Crommelin.

Author: 
Robert Hichens, journalist and novelist
Publication details: 
24 St James St SW (Printed), Easter Monday and 24 April [1913?] and [Printed heading] Meadowside, Tankerton, Whitstable on Sea, 25 Nov. 1914.
£75.00
Robert Hichens, 3 ALSs

Total 4 pages, 8vo, fold marks, mainly good. 1. He'll send some books, is kept in London by work, but will take up her suggestion when he can. He currently has to mingle war work with personal work. He talks of his aged parents, and of the climate which drives me almost to despair. 2. He asks where to send the books. 3. He is spending time in Tankerton and has only just got her letter and kind invitation. He admiires her energy as traveller.

Substantial printed Invoice with manuscript list of Swinburne's works - approximate cost (heading of list).

Author: 
George H. May, second-hand bookseller [Algernon Charles Swinburne]
Publication details: 
9 Royal Arcade, Old Bond Street, W., London, [189-]
£180.00
Bookseller's Invoice with manuscript list of Swinburne's works

Three pages, 4to, small closed tears on folds, text clear and complete. Two lists of Swinburne's works, titles and prices columnised: The first, two pages, 36 titles, in the hand of George H. May perhaps but with a few additions in another hand, from Queen Mother & Rosamund ([£]8) to Cleopatra (added note Camden 1866; [£]5.5) to August Vacquerie (at 15s) to Grace Darling(at 5gns). An unnumbered title The Children of the Chapel is added in pencil in the alternative hand. Total £49.12.6.

Autograph Note Signed Robert Hichens, journalist and novelist, to [Douglas] Jerrold.

Author: 
Robert Hichens, journalist and novelist
Publication details: 
Savoy Hotel, London (printed heading), 6 Oct. 1913.
£25.00
Robert Hichen, novelist, letter.

One page, 8vo, some dusting, mainly good. Many thanks for yr kind note. I am very glad that you enjoyed my Holy Land.Thank you for telling me so.

~

Autograph Letter Signed "Henry Newbolt", poet and historian, to unnamed correspondent (editor?)

Author: 
[Sir] Henry Newbolt, poet and historian
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] 29 Campden Hill Road, W8, 20 Nov. 1919.
£85.00
Autograph Letter Signed "Henry Newbolt", poet and historia

One page, 12mo, good condition. "I return the proof, mutilated as desired. I have struck out 7 lines: and more can be saved by omitting the signature at end (my name appears at the top) & by sacrificing Law's Christian name. | I should like to receive a copy of the issue in which it is pub[lishe]d if you would be so kind as to send me one: - I am constantly away from home & may miss it."." Note:

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