Literature

Short story writer and essayist (1900-1996). 8vo, to “Mrs Biggs”, appreciating her enjoyment of “the Russian books”, mentioning an error in his review of them, and recommending that she read Leskov about whom he hopes to write.

Scottish poet and legal writer (-c.1805). 3pp., 4to, some damage and staining partially obscuring text. He writes initially of being elected to the “Kelso folly”, not wishing to be re-elected. He moves on to a matter which will involve the court of session, explaining that “the patrons as well as all the parties interested are by a ...(?) barred from appearing to prosecute”. He then discusses the signing of the “definitive treaty” on which he and his correspondent disagree, leaving posterity to judge its usefulness.

Novelist (1861-1955). 3pp. ea., 8vo, good. He cannot accept Bill’s invitation because he has arranged to play in a cricket match. He has been accumulating material for a book on Brittany(“By ‘serious’, I mean not a novel!), and reports on the success of The Face of Clay (published 1906).

Writer (1849-1923). 1 & 2pp., 8vo, good. In the former, he gives details of his movements in the expectation of a meeting. In the latter, he describes his plans and, when he has been able to “get at” his copies of his book, he will send him one.2 items,

Novelist, dramatist and journalist (1831-1894). One page each, 8vo, good. In the first, he is sorry that “Fred” has been bothered in a particular“matter”. In the second, he says simply “Here is the Valentine you askfor”.

Writer on natural history (1780-1868). One page, 8vo, good. He thanks his correspondent for his “interesting pamphlet” and discusses rough drawings of swans he is sending him.

Lord Houghton, poet and politician (1809-1885). 2pp., 8vo, damp-staining not obscuring text, inviting his correspondent and wife to the debate on the occupation of Cracow at the House of Commons, giving directions for a meeting afterwards.

Poet and journalist (1797-1864). 2pp., 8vo, good. Watts accepts an invitation and gives his excuse for not responding earlier in rather more words than appear necessary.

Spanish author. Two pages, 4to. He writes concerning the World Unity Movement of which Polak is a sponsor, criticising the Chairman, James Avery Joyce. With: a TLS, 2pp., 4to, from Joyce to Polak referring to a note he has received from de Madariaga (copy enclosed) and describing his difficulties in finding a speaker. He also asks for his expenses from an American trip which de Madariaga found offensive.

Canon of St Paul’s and wit (1771-1845). One page, 4to, good. some damage, slightly affecting the text, traces of mounting. Smith outlines his travel plans, including a visit to his correspondent. He continues, “We talk of nothing now but bombarding & it is supposed that Troy would have been under such a Cannonade have been taken in 15 or 20 minutes”.

Novelist and biographer, daughter of W.M. Thackeray (1837-1919). 2pp., 12mo, good. She commends a doctor to May’s mother, Mrs Irving.

Scottish novelist (1800-1864). One page, 8vo, good. She quotes Shakespeare’s “What’s in a name?” and appends hersignature.

Irish author and editor (1800-1889). One page, 8vo, good. He is thanking his correspondent on behalf of his wife for his contributionof a “little picture . . . in aid of the governess asylum”.

Novelist and humourist (1816-1860). One page, 8vo, traces of mounting, mainly good. He says that though he is not yet receiving “North End Lodge”, he would be happy to subscribe. He questions “what the number means, attached to the names”[?].

Banker and writer (1840-1930). 2pp., 8vo, good. He is asking friends to his home for “chat and supper”, including Bowen.He gives minute directions how to get to his house in Tufnell Park.

Politician and critic (1759-1835). One page, 12mo, good. He regretfully declines her invitation claiming a prior engagement.

Art Critic and author. Two pages, 8vo, partly laid downm fold mark, good condition. He says he can do nothing "about the pictures" of which O'Donnell had sent a list. "They are not of sufficient interest and, I fear, of little value. Anyway they would not do for the man for whom I am forming a collection." He anticipates lunch.

On an envelope Scott has written "George Thompson Esq / Trustees Office", someone has typed "Envelope addressed by Sir Walter Scott" at the tope, and the paper used as a envelope, c. 4 x 6", is laid down on another piece of paper the reverse of which has gluey remnants.

Novelist. Signature with part of subscription ("yours truly / Thos Highes"), on piece of paper c.1.5 x 0.75", good condition.

Illustrator of "Alice", etc. A bold signature and subscription in purple ink ("Believe me to be / Sincerely yours / John Tenniel", on piece of paper c.2.5 x 1", good condition.

Editor of "Portraits ef the Nobility" and "Portraits of the children of the nobility" (1838). Three pages, 4to, small tears on folds but good condition. She promises Miss Therrison some autographs [perhaps the poets she edited for the above-mentioned book?] and declines an invitation on behalf of her son. She finds her current home "salubrious" for her children and herself. "John likes his occupations here and has received the most flattering letters of approval from the D. of Rutland." She concludes with the cold weather there and in Hampstead.

Librarian and author. "I shall be very happy to conduct the members of hte South Place Ethical Society over the Library, at any time that may be mutually arranged."

Paper, c.4 x 3.5", good condition, at the top of which the authoress has signed her real name and her pseudonym "Ada Ellen Bayly. / Edna Lyall."

Paper, c.6.5 x 4.5", fold mark, some foxing, but image bold and clear of people on the sea-front pulling and pushing an invalid chair against a fierce gale which has caught an umbrella, a fish, a handbill, etc. The sub-title reads "I [underlined] got a nice little airing! / Yours ever / GAB."

Author and drama critic (DNB). One page, 4to, good condition. He thinks that "the man who alters the view of life of the world is a more important person" than the rose-grower "who makes his neighbourhood fragrant". Those who initiate are few. Hw would rather see wages increased, and the purchasing power of hte masses. He disklikes the tendencu to giving "bad value for money" - e.g. in his childhood the milkman would give extra just iun case of a shortfall. Today, it's exact measure or less.

Novelist. Text: "Yours / E Bulwer Lytton / 71 Marina / St Leonards on Sea / Sussex", clipped part of letter, c.4 x 2", laid down on similar sized card, fold mark but clear.

Author. Two pages, 8vo, good condition. She can't accept an invitation because she and her sister are going away the following day. Her other sister has sent an enclosure to him. And her sister Undine thanks him for thinking of her. She concludes "Please forgive a rather muddled note. My head is stupid with work & the fog has not helped to clear it."

Signature, "Faithfully yours / M. Arnold", on laid down piece o fblue paper, c. 2 x 1", accompanied by another small portion of the same letter with date 6 Dec. 1860, and a blind-stamp, "Privy Council Office"

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, poet. A fragment cut from a letter, c. 6" long and from 0.5 to 0.75" wide, with vestiges of hte laying-down process and small tear. Text:" P.S. Derwent! James Coleridge has written to his Brother, that / your wife is beautiful, unaffected, good, & an ornament to our / Family.-" I am informed by Professor James Mays, editor of the "Works" of Coleridge, that "Derwent was married on 6 Dec. 1827 . . . and the letter must date from very soon after 28 April 1828 when C's brother James paid STC a surprise visit at Highgate."

Ian Hay Beith, novelist. Two pages, 8vo. He is sending one of his books, "The Lighter Side of School Life" since Codner has expressed a desire to read it. He gives instructions about how he should return it.