Literature

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2 Notes signed, third person, to "Mr Bohte", bookseller

Author: 
Dr Samuel Parr, divine, schoolmaster and scholar
Publication details: 
15 April 1824 and to "Mr Jones", 23 April [1824].
£125.00

12mo. In a quavering hand (he died the following year), he is returning two volumes of Terence to Bohte with a payment and inviting a visit from Jones. Two items,

Autograph note, third person, to Bohte, bookseller..

Author: 
T.H. Horne (Thomas Hartwell Horne)
Publication details: 
No date (time of Leipzig catalogue mentioned).
£75.00

Bibliographer, Biblical scholar, polemic (1780-1862). One page, c.9 x 5", small portion torn without apparent loss of text which is clear and apparently complete. "Mr. Horne will be obliged to Mr. Bohte to procure for him the undermentioned articles, from the "Leipzig catalogue". viz./ H[K?]argii, M.A.T. Synopsis Historia Religionis et Ecclesia Christiana. Edit. 2. 8vo- (catalogue pr. 8/-/ Munter (Fr.) Symbolae ad interpretationem Novi Testamenti, ex Marmoribus et Numis veteribus, maxime graecis. 4to (Catalogue p.259)".

Autograph letter signed to Dulau & Co., Booksellers, Soho Square, London.

Author: 
O.G. Gregory (Olinthus Gilbert).
Publication details: 
Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, 11 August <1807> (fragmentary postmarks).
£65.00

One page, 8vo, with damaged address page with no loss of text, letter grubby but text clear and complete. Mathematician (1774-1841). "Gentlemen./ A week ago I sent you a remittance of £4. by the Barrack Coach, the receipt of which I requested you to announce to me by letter. As I heard nothing from you, I troubled you with a letter on the subject, on Friday last, to enquire after the arrival of the former packet, and to repeat the order I had then sent.

ALS, 2pp., 8vo, to an unnamed correspondent

Author: 
(John Tenniel) Bernard C. Green
Publication details: 
17/11/13
£50.00

(Tenniel) artist and cartoonist (18201914). Green has been asked by Tenniel, to write on his behalf. He explains that Tenniel is now blind and infirm. He [passses on the opinion that the artists their correspondent has named "all stood out in thier respective spheres, and were among the cleverest black & white artists of the century in their particular styles".

Manuscript Note about book

Author: 
Anon. [Thomas Twining?]
Publication details: 
No place, 20 Nov. 1802.
£25.00

Poss. Thomas Twining, divine, musician, linguist and translator of Aristotle, 1735-1804, DNB. Scrap of paper, 7 x 2", some marks, spike-hole, text clear and apparently complete. "Paley's natural Theology/ in good plain binding./for Mr Twining./ Nov 20. 1802." Twining nor Paley (save pos. ref.) in Besterman.

Autograph Letter Signed to "Mr Redgrave", one of the Artistic Redgrave brothers (see DNB).

Author: 
Anna Maria Hall.
Publication details: 
Avenue Villa, 50 Holland Street, Kensington, W., London, 17 Feb. [no year].
£46.00

Irish novelist and editor, see DNB. She is not allowed to leave the house but cxan have visitors. Her husband, Samuel Carter Hall, has been very ill as has his nephew Sanford Rochat. She thanks God that Rochat "is able to get back in a quiet way to the War Office - and Mr Hall is working not so quietly at "the Art Journal again" - but it has been a dangerous season. She looks forward to seeing him and reports on the health of friends.

Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent [Triphook].

Author: 
Thomas Pindar Pantin
Publication details: 
Lutterworth, 4 Sept. 1828.
£80.00

Theological writer (1792-1866). Two pages, 4to, chipping and discoloration slightly affecting text, mainly good. "Sir/ I am obliged to you for affording me a sight of Bede. I should be glad however to know the price [small excision "t"] you intend to set it down at- because looking at your list No 66 the copy there is said to be neat [underlined] 3.13.6. which I suppose cannot be the one now sent as the binding is in a very indifferent state, & the leaf (pages) 33[3?]-334 - is torn almost in two.

Receipt, text by publishers (Grant & Griffith), signed by Jerrold.

Author: 
W. Blanchard Jerrold.
Publication details: 
London, 2 Dec. 1851.
£45.00

One page, 7.5 x 4.5, fold marks, minor staining, text clear and complete. "London Decr 2nd. 1851/ Received of Messrs Grant & Griffith the sum of five pounds <?> for the second Edition of 'Wonders of Home' and completing the sum of twenty pounds to be paid me as per agreement for the Copyright of that Book./ Received,/ W. Blanchard Jerrold// £5.0.0".

Family (holiday) newspaper, typescript, "The Frinton Some-times". And another item.

Author: 
A member of the Farjeon Family, prob. Joan Jefferson Farjeon, later a set designer.
Publication details: 
1928
£225.00

Three issues, 12-8-1928, 13-8-1928 and 4-9-1928 (incomplete), 12 pp., 4to, not bound, loose pages as issued (with paper clip), marked by paper-clip rust, mainly good. The first two are also headed "Final Edition", and are vil. 1, nos.1,2. The third has only a title. Much of it is spoof with the rest light-hearted, making copy out of events and people that occur during a holiday. J. Jefferson Farjeon features frequeently with a sprained ankle, breaking the golf-course record (a 6 hole course), and there is news of other members of the family and friends who visit inc.

Fragment of Autograph Letter Signed to unnamed correspondent.

Author: 
Theodore Edward Hook
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£23.00

Novelist and wit (1788-1841). On piece of paper roughly four inches square. Folded twice and lightly creased and with traces of glue and paper from previous mounting adhering to four corners of reverse, and affecting text. Typed title neatly attached at foot. Reads 'Will you give our kindest regards to Your Family and always believe me | Yrs Very Sincerely | The: E. Hook'. Reverse reads '<...> club.

Autograph Letter Signed to William <Miller?>.

Author: 
Ralph Straus [George Augustus Sala]
Publication details: 
12 February 1932; on letterhead '8E. Hyde Park Mansions, | N.W.1.'
£85.00

English writer (1882-1950). One page, quarto. Good, but lightly creased and dusty, and with minor spotting. Concerns the writer George Augustus Sala, about whom Straus would publish a book in 1942. He is grateful for the Sala letters, and encloses a cheque. 'I appreciate your good nature in letting me have them. [...] My own Sala collection is fairly, but not wholly, complete. I have no copy, for instance, of his pamphlet (1860 or 1862) on the Wimbledon Volunteer Rifle Meeting.

Typed Note Signed "Enid", with manuscript addition, to Mark Bonham-Carter.

Author: 
Enid Bagnold.
Publication details: 
Rottingdean, Sussex, 12 Nov. 1945.
£35.00

Novelist and playwright (DNB). One page, 8vo, fold marks, good condition. She wants the names and addresses of his "party" (presumably a group who will visit her), adding: "You are quite right not to come up to London for cocktail parties, but I'm sorry all the same and wish you were." She adds in manuscript "I'm now really thinking it all fun - & no trouble at all (well - trouble it is - but pleasant & gay trouble)."

Autograph Letter Signed to Alaric A. Watts, author and editor.

Author: 
Thomas Noon Talfourd
Publication details: 
Serjeants Inn, 9 [Jan.?] 1845.
£65.00

Barrister and author, friend of Dickens. Two pages, 8vo, minor defects, text clear and complete. He expresses appreciation of an article by Watts and the sending of a copy of it to him. He had seen the notice in the "[Morning Herald?] and appreciates it the more now he knows the author. In the final paragraph his near illegible hand beats me on key words but it's something to do with Spottiswoode the printer. A note is added in a differenmt hand about Talfourd's writings.Note: perhaps concerning Talfourd's "Vacation Rambles" published that year.

Autograph Postcard Signed to [George Kenneth] Menzies, [Secretary, Royal Society of Arts].

Author: 
Edward Alexander Cazalet [Anglo-Russian Literary Society]
Publication details: 
"Neva", Westgate-on-Sea, Thanet. | 21 Novr 1918.'
£26.00

English linguist and traveller (died 1923), founder (in 1893) and president of the Anglo-Russian Literary Society. One page, 16mo. Very good. Bearing the Society's stamp. 'I thank you for your kind invitation for the 28th Inst, of which I will be pleased to avail myself, if able to go to London. Has our old friend, your predecessor, resigned the Secretaryship, & is his address the Liberal Club as before? If you and any friends care for music, I enclose a Card.' Signed 'Ed. A. Cazalet'.

Autograph Note, third person, to "Messrs Blackwoods' Printing Office".

Author: 
John Wilson [ Christopher North ]
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£68.00

One page, trimmed, 6 x 5", some defects but text clear and apprently complete, as follows: "Professor Wilson wishes the enclosed LIst to be set up immediately [underlined]; & a proof of it to be ready in the [shop?] [phrase underlined] at 10 O'Clock tomorro morning [underlined] as it will be wanted at 1/2 Eleven." A further instruction, "Set it up in the same [?]" is crossed out. An interesting insight into Wilson's relationship with Blackwood's printers.

Autograph Postcard Signed to Kenneth Bredon, of Bredon's Bookshop in Brighton.

Author: 
Nicolas Bentley
Publication details: 
Postmarked 24 September 1974; 'The Old School, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.'
£35.00

One page, very good. Postcard illustration of Marie Taglioni. In Bentley's distinctive neat hand. 'If & when Angus & Robertson's traveller shows you a book called Dead Funny, illus. by Bill Tidy, pubs. Ask & Grant, I hope you'll feel compelled to place a huge order: The Grant is Arabella's husband, just breaking into publishing (mad!) How are you & Billie? We should love to see you both, but I doubt that you ever come this way. If you do, you can count on a warm bed & reception. Try & make it sometimes.' Signed 'Nick'.

Autograph Letter Signed to Mark [Bonham-Carter].

Author: 
Barbara Bentley [née Hastings], widow of Nicolas Bentley
Publication details: 
30 August 1978; on Nicolas Bentley's Shepton Mallet letterhead.
£100.00

Barbara Hastings, daughter of the jurist Sir Patrick Hastings, married Nicolas Bentley (1907-78) in October 1934. In the 1940s she wrote a series of children's books which he illustrated. Two pages, octavo. good, but folded twice and with some creases. An important letter, in which she describes the circumstances of her husband's death. She is very grateful for his letter. 'It was an enormous pleasure to have you here with Kenneth and Billie [bookseller Kenneth Bredon and his wife], but do you know I think it was that dreadful fire that killed poor Nick - indirectly.

Autograph Letter Signed to Hugh Nettlefold, with initaled pencil reply.

Author: 
Joseph Henry Shorthouse [Hugh Nettlefold; Edgbaston, Warwickshire]
Publication details: 
2 November 1886; on letterhead 'Lansdowne, Edgbaston.'
£35.00

English novelist (1834-1903), influenced by Ruskin and Pre-Raphaelitism, author of the influential 'John Inglesant'. Three pages, 12mo. Very good. The recipient Hugh Nettlefold (1858-93) was a screwmaker residing in Hall Field House, Sir Harrys Rd, Edgbaston. Reads 'We shall be very pleased to see you and your friend to tea tomorrow [^ Wednesday] at five o'clock. I will take care to be at home at that Time & shall be quite disengaged until six oclock <...> regards from my wife'. Signed 'J. Henry Shorthouse'. Nettlefold replies 'I will call for you about 1/4 to 5 tomorrow.

Fragment of Autograph Letter Signed to her 'Cousin'.

Author: 
Barbara Hofland
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£23.00

Author (1770-1844) and friend of Miss Mitford. Paper dimensions roughly three and a half inches by one inch. Slightly discoloured, creased, and with one small closed tear. Read 'Believe me dear friend, | your truly affectionate Cousin | B Hofland'.

Fragment of Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mrs. Randolph'.

Author: 
James Hain Friswell
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£28.00

English novelist and miscellaneous writer (1825-78). Dimensions five inches by four and a half. Good. Mounted along one edge to piece of grey card. Cutting from Times, 15 March 1879, mounted on reverse of letter (giving Friswell's dates as 1827-79), and partly obscured by gum. Reads: '<...> I cannot say that the picture of life as you draw it is charming & only hope it is not true - illusions! | Your cursory remarks on us poor Men are written with a copper pen & sulphuric acid. Mr Randolph, who is of course the noble exception, must be delighted with them.

Photograph of Gadshill Place.

Author: 
Charles Dickens [VICTORIAN PHOTOGRAPHY; EPHEMERA]
Publication details: 
Undated, but certainly nineteenth-century.
£80.00

Gadshill was purchased by Dickens for £1770 in 1857, and remained his home for the rest of his life. Dimensions of photograph approximately six inches by four. Sepia. In good condition, with one tiny closed tear and minor creasing to two corners. Shot from the front lawn and showing the front of house, with extension and part of conservatory to its right.

My friend Henry Miller.

Author: 
Alfred Perles
Publication details: 
London: Neville Spearman, 1955.
£120.00

8vo. Pages: xi + 242. 11 plates. Good, despite one bump at head of back board. Dustwrapper good, despite fraying at head and tail of spine and show-through sellotape discolouration . Dustjacket discoloration to free endpapers. Neat inscription, presumably by Perles, in green ink on front free endpaper 'To | Jack Mitchell | from Alfred Perles | & | Henry Miller | London March, 56.'

Carte de visite studio portrait photograph.

Author: 
Charles Dickens [studio photograph by Rockwood of New York]
Publication details: 
Undated, but 1867/8; 'ROCKWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHER | 17 UNION SQUARE (West) | N.Y.'
£250.00

Presumably taken on Dickens's second reading tour of the United States. Roughly 2 1/4 by 3 3/4 inches. Slightly faded, but a good, clear image, though somewhat grubby and with minor ink spotting, mainly around the subject's arms. Mounted on photographer's card, which has on reverse charming illustration of cherub with palette in hand sitting on book and painting the photographer's details onto board on easel. Traces of previous black-paper mount adhering to reverse (not affecting image), which is docketed in pencil.

Three Autograph Letters Signed to 'Dear Mat'.

Author: 
Edward Dubois [Du Bois]
Publication details: 
Two without date or place; the third dated 'Gower Place | Euston Sq[uar]e | Wedn[esda]y.'
£200.00

English wit and man of letters (1774-1850). All three letters in octavo and skilfully mounted onto quarto paper. Two letters of three pages and one of two pages. All three in very good condition. Playful, witty communications to an intimate friend, characteristic of a droll, caustic wit, 'capital at the dinner table', who 'loved a joke, even in court' (Dictionary of National Biography). LETTER ONE (2 pages): Declines an invitation.

Offprint of poem by 'ORION' entitled 'THE BURIAL OF RICHARD COBDEN', with MS note by Sandland acknowledging authorship.

Author: 
John Dorlin Sandland [Richard Cobden; Liverpool]
Publication details: 
From THE ALBION, Liverpool, of Monday, April 10, 1865.' Dated in print 'Liverpool, Saturday, April 8, 1865.'
£125.00

Sandland was the author of 'The wanderer, and other poems' (1845). Roughly four and three quarto inches by seven and three-quarters. Grubby, folded twice and mounted on larger piece of light-green paper. Sonnet beginning 'ON they went with a step that was measured and slow' and concluding 'In this temple of quiet, where Nature is free, | Here they left in repose the Apostle of Peace.' MS reads (at head) 'To the Writer of | The Funeral of Mr Cobden | Morning Star Saturday April 8th.

Autograph Note in his hand (NOT signed). "Alexander Ross", written top right above the note, appears to be the addressee.

Author: 
Joseph Ritson.
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£185.00

Antiquary (DNB). Piece of paper, c. 4 x 4", discoloured byt text clear, bottom edge rough from tearing. Text: See another song by this author in Johnson's 'Scots Musical Museum'. If 'The Rock and the wee pickle tour' were written before the publication of Ramsay's 'Tea-table miscellany' (1724), there being a song to the tune in that book, the author must have been a great age in 1768. / Those poems are in the broad Buchan dialect." This is followed by the note "The above is in the hand-writing of Joseph Ritson.", an attribution confirmed by comparison with known examples in the BL.

Quo musa tendis?

Author: 
J[ames]. K[enneth]. Stephen [JACK THE RIPPER]
Publication details: 
Cambridge: Macmillan and Bowes. 1891.
£22.00

First edition. 12mo. Pages: 2 ('BIBLIOGRAPHY OF LAPSUS CALAMI.') + x + 84 + 4 pages of publishers' advertisements. Very good in original worn light-blue cloth with heavily-worn label on spine. Ownership inscription of Richard E. Benson (1892) on front free endpaper. Stephen was first put forward as Jack the Ripper in Michael Harrison's biography of Prince Albert Victor, 'Clarence' (1972).

The trials tribulations and troubles of Mr & Mrs Twitters on Thanksgiving Day.

Author: 
[VICTORIAN COMICS, COMIC STRIP, CARTOONS]
Publication details: 
London: Sutton. [No date, but circa 1880-90].
£450.00

Twenty illustrations, each roughly four inches square and each with its own caption, on a sheet of paper roughly forty-four inches by eight and a half inches, folded into a booklet four and a half inches square, in original printed blue paper wraps. Extremely scarce. No copy on COPAC. Frail, on discoloured brittle paper, creased and with several closed tears. A charming account, timed between 5 a.m.

Typed Letter Signed to [Morley Stuart, editor of the Cambridge Daily News].

Author: 
Rose Macaulay
Publication details: 
13 April 1934; on letterhead '7, LUXBOROUGH HOUSE, | NORTHUMBERLAND STREET, | W.1.'
£53.00

English novelist (1881-1958). One page, roughly six and a half inches by five. Good, but on high-acidity paper discoloured with age. Attached to folio page from cuttings album. She thanks him for 'the cutting from the Cambridge Daily News about your lecture on Cambridge novels, which interested me. I do not suppose I could have said anything useful if you had written to me, as I can never think of anything to say in letters. I was interested in your comparison of Oxford & Cambridge novels.

The corsair, a tale.

Author: 
Lord Byron
Publication details: 
1814. London: Printed by Thomas Davison, Whitefriars, for John Murray, Albemarle-street.
£95.00

1st edition, 2nd issue. 8vo. In original plain grey wraps. Fly leaf and half-title. Pages: xi + 100 + 4 pages of publisher's advertisements (dated February 1814). Without the words 'THE END' or the publisher's imprint on the last page. In poor condition: grubby, frayed and stained, and with loss to one corner each of rear wrap and to last leaf of advertisements. Also lacking, as a result of the partial removal of an ownership inscription, a small strip along the top edge of the title-leaf, but with inscription 'Sophia F. Stewart - 1814'.

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