AGE

[J. S. Fletcher [Joseph Smith Fletcher], notable writer in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.] Autograph Letter Signed to D. Webster, bookseller, commenting on ‘two Chichester pamphlets’ and ordering an item from his catalogue.

Author: 
J. S. Fletcher [Joseph Smith Fletcher] (1863-1935), prolific author, a notable writer in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction [D. Webster, bookseller]
Publication details: 
24 October 1923; on embossed letterhead: Hambrook, Emsworth, Hants.
£120.00

In a letter to ‘John O’London’s’ in 1921, Fletcher boasted of having ‘written (and published) seventy-three novels, twelve volumes of collected short stories, and fifteen historical and topographical works, the last-named mostly of considerable length’. 3pp, 12mo. On bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Annotated by recipient with date of response. Addressed to ‘Mr D. Webster.’ and signed ‘J. S. Fletcher.’ He thanks him for ‘the two Chichester pamphlets duly to hand’, noting that one was ‘The Accompt Cleared’ by Roger L’Estrange.

[Francis D. Grierson, writer of Detective Stories; Golden Age] Autograph Letter Signed Francis D. Grierson to Bright, pleased that an operation went well and showing appreciation of his information and advice

Author: 
Francis D. Grierson, prolific writer of Detective Stories.
Publication details: 
Printed heading] National Liberal Club, Whitehall Place, SW1, Sunday 7 Sept.1952.
£150.00

Two pages, 12mo, marking and residue of tipping in (sellotape), mainly good. My dear Bright, | I have been waiting for the result of your operation, and was delighted that things are now going well. | Your many friends here were greatly distressed to know that it was necessary; but we knew, too, that you would face it with that cheerful courage you so often showed when we did not know from day to day what would be the fate of the Library you and we love so well.

[Lord Graves confronts ‘the principal blackmailing editor’.] Autograph Letter in the third person from William Thomas Graves, 3rd Baron Graves, to Charles Molloy Westmacott, editor of ‘The Age’.

Author: 
Lord Graves [William Thomas Graves (1807-1870), 3rd Baron Graves of Gravesend] [Charles Molloy Westmacott (c.1788-1868), editor of ‘The Age’ newspaper]
Publication details: 
‘Berkeley Castle | October 25th. 1831’.
£60.00

Westmacott was notorious for accepting money for the suppression of stories: Michael Sadleir has described him as ‘the principal blackmailing editor of his day’. The present communication may be related to the scandal surrounding the death of Graves’s father the previous year: he had committed suicide on learning that his wife (mother of the couple’s twelve children) was having an affair with the Duke of Cumberland. 1p, 12m. Folded twice. In fair condition, lightly aged. Reads: ‘Lord Graves presents his Compliments to Mr. Westmacott, begs to return him his thanks for the explanation which Mr.

[Malcolm Elwin, biographer. critic; Detective Fiction; bibliography] Holograph Manuscript entitled The Vogue of the Detective Story Signed T.M.E.11/11/26. WITH: holograph review of new edn ( Collins, c.1930?) of The Murders in the Rue Morgue.

Author: 
Malcolm Elwin [( 1903-1973), prolific biographer, literary critic and editor.
Publication details: 
[1926]. N.B. The Golden Age of the Detective Story usually spans the 20s and 30s, so Elwin is perhaps the first analyst of the genre..
£950.00

Pp.1, 2, 4 [missing 3] with additional unnumbered page entitled bibliography of [...] the Detective Story, folio, connected with stud creating hole which only marginally affects the text, good condition. Lightly corrected MS. An early, pioneering study of the genre as it developed, as a phenomenon similar to literary predecessors (Elizabethan drama). He associates the craze for the detective story with the (post) First World War, but (obviously) finds topoi in Sherlcok Holmes and Murders in the Rue Morgue, citing R.

[Fredric March, famous Hollywood actor.] Autograph Inscription Signed ('Fredric March') to 'Michael'.

Author: 
Fredric March [born Ernest Frederick McIntyre Bickel] (1897-1975), Hollywood actor
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£25.00

On one side of 11 x 12.5 cm leaf of pink paper, with rounded outer edges, detached from an autograph album. In fair condition, lighty aged and a little grubby. Reads: 'To | Michael | sincerely | Fredric March'.

[ A.J.A. Symons ] Typed Note Signed "Julian Symons", thanking a "Mr Hill" for letters relating to his brother, A.J. A. Symons, writer and bibliographer..

Author: 
Julian Symons, miscellaneous author inc. detective story writer
Publication details: 
26 St George's Square, London, SW1. 26 April 1944.
£80.00

One page, 12mo, sl. chipped and aged but text clear and complete. He thanks Hill for responding to his appeal for letters from his brother "A.J.", and returns them (not present. "They will help me to obtain that complete and rounded picture of my brother which is the object of my biography. | Thank you, too,for your explanatory notes on the letters -- I remember A.J. saying something about the album compiled by A.T. Bartholomew, when he was hot on the quest for Corvo."

[ Printed First World War pamphlet. ] Pan-German Socialism (Neo-Marxism).

Author: 
William Stephen Sanders [ The New Age, London ]
Publication details: 
'(Reprinted from "The New Age")'. W. H. Smith & Son, London. [ 1918. ]
£28.00

24pp., 12mo. Stapled. In good condition, with light signs of age. A wartime pamphlet, the latest reference in which is to 'the "demonstration" vote of the Socialist Party in the Reichstag, July, 1918, against the Budget', and thus written between that date and the end of the war. The author's message is summed-up in his conclusion: 'Franz Mehring is right in declaring that the old German Social Democracy is dead.

[ Percy Nash, pioneering British film director. ] Nash's own volume of newspaper cuttings, including reports of his work in Italy for Tiber Films.

Author: 
Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-1958), pioneering British film director and dramatist [ Tiber Films, Italy; Marie Corelli ]
Publication details: 
Mainly English. Between 1916 and 1926.
£320.00

In a 28 x 22 cm album, with 'PREMIER PRESS SERVICE' label on cover, also carrying 'PERCY NASH, Esq' in manuscript. Cuttings and album in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Of the 55 cuttings, 28 are laid down in the album, with the other 27 loosely inserted, some of the latter backed with card, and others with labels of Durrant's and other cuttings agencies. Publications include: Star; South Wales Echo; Era; Stage; Glasgow Citizen; Nottinghamshire Guardian; Yarmouth Independent; Bioscope; Evening News; Sunday Express; Aberdeen Evening Gazette; Daily Telegraph; Kinematograph Weekly.

[ Percy Nash, film director and dramatist. ] Large collection of material relating to Nash's musical play 'Clancarty', including correspondence with librettist Stanley West and composer H. Wolseley Charles, accounts, receipts.

Author: 
Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-1958), pioneering British film director and dramatist [ H. Wolseley Charles (1889-1962), composer; Stanley West, librettist; Winter Garden Theatre, Drury Lane
Publication details: 
Mainly from London, and dating from between 1930 and 1934.
£600.00

The collection consists of around 140 items, and is in good condition, with light signs of age and wear. It includes two drafts of the play, correspondence with librettist and composer, agents, the syndicate backing the play, a disgruntled contributor, solicitors, theatre managers, and also includes returns, receipts, accounts and projections.

[ Percy Nash, English pioneering film director. ] Collection of miscellaneous material, from the Percy Nash papers, including typescripts of unpublished and unperformed plays, poetry collections, autobiographical account, correspondence.

Author: 
Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-1958), pioneering British film director and dramatist
Publication details: 
Most items undated, others from between 1923 and 1957. From London, Brighton and other locations.
£1,250.00

The material, from the Percy Nash papers, is in fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. It is arranged in the following description in ten sections. ONE: Two drafts of an autobiographical account by Nash, ending in 1933. Both 2pp., 4to. The first is headed 'Percy Nash' and the second 'PERCY NASH. born December 5th 1868'. Of interest are the following statements: 'Owing to indisposition of Harry Loveday, was engaged by Sir Henry Irving to Stage Manage (associated with Laurence) the production of "Robespierre" at the Lyceum Theatre, and remain with him for several years.

[ 'Maryla de Chrapowicki, D. Psy., M.D.' ] Typed paper titled 'Fundamental Principles of Bio-Crystallography of the Blood.' With particular reference to the treatment of tuberculosis.

Author: 
Countess Maryla de Chrapowicki (d.1959), pioneer of alternative medicine and colour therapy [ Radionic Association ]
Publication details: 
'Copyright 1951'. Place not stated [ London? ].
£220.00

5pp., 4to, typed on five leaves stapled together. With a few minor manuscript corrections. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. The introduction reads: 'Bio-crystallography of the blood rests on the premise that the motive force which directs the processes of crystallisation is a Psychosomatic activity inherent in the blood stream.

[ Poul Anderson, 'Golden Age' science fiction author. ] Typed Letter Signed (' Poul') to 'Don' [ Scottish science fiction expert Donald Malcolm ], discussing Malcolm's plans for a checklist of his work, his family background, and Scotland.

Author: 
Poul Anderson (1926-2001), American 'Golden Age' science fiction author [ Don Malcolm ]
Publication details: 
3 Las Palomas, Orinda, California. 30 June 1964.
£150.00

34 lines of typed text on air mail letter on blue paper. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Addressed to Malcom at Paisley, Renfrewshire.

25 items of printed ephemera relating to The British Weleda Co. Ltd., suppliers of Anthroposophic medicines developed by Rudolf Steiner and Dr Ita Wegman, including handbills and issues of 'Weleda News'. With 3 items about the Wala Association Ltd.

Author: 
[The British Weleda Co. Ltd., suppliers of Anthroposophic medicines [Wala Association Ltd, East Grinstead; Rudolf Steiner; Dr Ita Wegman]
Publication details: 
The 28 items dating from between 1938 and 1958: the 25 Weleda items from 24 Crawford St, London W1, and The Chantry, Fladbury, Worcestershire; the 3 Wala items from 15 Moat Road, East Grinstead, Sussex.
£150.00

From the papers of Major Reginald Kersey Green and his son the nuclear physicist Robert Kersey Green. The magazines are mostly in 4to, and the advertisements mostly in 12mo. Printed in a variety of styles on a range of different coloured papers, with illustrations and photographs. In good condition, on aged paper, except for one heavily-stained item, and another with light staining to back wrap. Comprising: ONE. 'The Weleda Journal' ('Gratis to all interested in the Weleda'), No. 1, September 1938.

Autograph Note in the third person from the London auctioneer James Christie to the journalist Charles Molloy Westmacott, with signed receipt by Christie's warehouseman John Biddle for '69 Pictures'.

Author: 
James Christie the younger (1773-1831), London auctioneer and antiquary [Charles Molloy Westmacott (c.1786-1868), editor of 'The Age', half-brother of sculptor Sir Richard Westmacott (1775-1856)]
James Christie the younger (1773-1831), London auctioneer
Publication details: 
King Street; 14 February 1825.
£280.00
James Christie the younger (1773-1831), London auctioneer

1 p, 4to. On a bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf: 'Thursday at 11 O'Clock | Chas. Westmacott, Esqr., | 5, Clements Inn.' Fair, on creased and aged paper. Christie's note reads 'Mr Christie presents his Compts. to Mr. Westmacott. | with Mr. Westmacott's permission, the bearer of this Mr. Christie's warehouseman, will remove the Pictures to King St. | King St, | Monday Feb. 14 | 1825.' Beneath this, in another hand, Recd 69 Pictures | [signed] John Biddle'. Above Biddle's receipt, in a third hand, are the word 'Received' and 'Recd 69 [i.e. Christie & Manson?]' in pencil.

Two Autograph Letters Signed from the English osteopath J. J. Dunning to Admiral Milne.

Author: 
Dr John J. Dunning, Secretary, the British Osteopathic Association [Admiral Milne]
Publication details: 
23 and 24 March 1945; the first on letterhead of the British Osteopathic Association, cancelled to 140 Park Lane; the second on letterhead of the American Club, London.
£95.00

Both items 12mo, 1 p. Both good, on lightly aged paper. Pinned to one another. Letter One: He is'enclosing two leaflets on disc manipulation'. He has a third, 'fuller and illustrated', and if they interest Milne, he will be 'delighted'. Letter Two: He had 'much rather be found right than wrong', but would 'enjoy either experience, in meeting you again'. Could see Milne's 'pictures' after easter, and hopes to have 'one or two you may like to see as well'. Dunning had served in the United States Army Medical Corps before going to England to practice osteopathy.

Autograph Letter Signed J S Fletcher, novelist, detective story writer, to E.H. Broad[b?] ridge [employee of literary agency?], about A Maker of Fortunes. [short story?]

Author: 
J.S. Fletcher [Joseph Smith Fletcher] (1863 - 1935) , British journalist and writer.
Autograph Letter Signed J S Fletcher, novelist,
Publication details: 
[Partly headed] 7 St Mary's Terrace, Paddington, W. [London], 28 Sept. 1911
£180.00
Autograph Letter Signed J S Fletcher, novelist,

Two pages, 12mo, remnants of album page to which attached formerly, good condition. I will write to you definitely about teh serial early next week. Do you think you could either get me a cheque for 'A Maker of Fortunes' [not traced], or get Mr Colles [literary agent] to discount the sale to me on the usual terms? I should be much obliged if you could, for I have to find a good deal of money on Saturday & this would help. ...

Autograph Letter Signed from Rosa Baughan, graphologist and writer on fortune-telling, to 'Dear Miss James'.

Author: 
Rosa Baughan (fl. 1880), graphologist and writer on palmistry, physiognomy and astrology
Autograph Letter Signed from Rosa Baughan, graphologist
Publication details: 
28 November [no year]. 44 Queens Road, Bayswater.
£56.00
Autograph Letter Signed from Rosa Baughan, graphologist

Landscape 12mo. 17 lines. Text clear and complete. Fair, on aged and lightly-creased paper. For a graphologist Miss Baughan's handwriting is curiously angular and crabbed. Explaining that 'these together with some 2 dozen others were overlooked in the July packet - at least this was how it was - each week a packet is sent & I do the packets in rotation of their dates'. She is 'really now doing the September studies'. Continues in same vein. Baughan published a number of works on what would now be called 'new age' subjects in the 1880s.

Typed Letter Signed ('Holbrook Jackson') to G. S. Tomkinson of Whitville, Kidderminster.

Author: 
George Holbrook Jackson (1874-1948) [Sir Geoffrey Stewart Tomkinson (1881-1963); Lovat Fraser; Flying Fame; Fleuron; New Age Press; fine printing; bibliography]
Publication details: 
26 February 1925; Regent House, Kingsway, London, W.C.2.
£100.00

8vo: 2 pp. 32 lines of text. Good, on lightly-aged paper. He is willing to help Tomkinson with his book 'Modern Presses', but would not 'have time to be responsible for the writing of any chapters'. Offers to answer 'a questionnaire' regarding 'Flying Fame', and directs Jackson to his 'articles on the work of Lovat Fraser in the "Bookman", the "Fleuron", and "To-day".' Paragraph discusses the 'New Age Press', which 'was not a Press at all, but a publishing business'. In the last paragraph changes his mind, and offers to write a brief chapter.

[Autograph?] Letter signed "Le Carpentier" to the "Citoyen Ministre de l'interieur".

Author: 
Le Carpentier [L'Hospice des Vieillards, Paris].
Publication details: 
4 Quai Voltaire, Paris, le 6 Thermidor an4e [1797].
£56.00

One page, folio, foxed, clipped with some minor loss, but text clear. A request on behalf of "La Citoyenne Nicolle Guiot de St Amand" to be granted a place in L'Hospice des Vieilards ("fauxbourg St Martin"). "Elle a ete jusqu'a present a la charge de ses parens, que les circonstances presentes ne permettent plus de venir a son secours [signature] de St. Amand." This is follwo0ed by the appeal by Le Carpentier on her behalf since he can no longer help her. Notes in the margin in a different hand reveal that Citoyenne St Amand has "a peu pres 200ff[?] de rentes"

Photographic portrait, with Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Arnold Korff (1870-1944), Austrian film actor who continued his film career in Hollywood on emigrating to America in the early 1930s
Publication details: 
Wien 25. Oct. 1923'.
£120.00

The sepia photograph, 10 x 7 cm, shows Korff's head and torso. He is dressed in the costume of a flying ace, with leather coat, gloves, googles and scarf, and is striking a match while staring moodily at the viewer. It is mounted on a leaf of cream paper (24 x 20 cm) removed from an album. In very good condition and attractively mounted, with a piece of nicely-patterned paper (12 x 8.5 cm) beneath the photograph acting as a frame. Korff's large, bold signature runs across the page beneath the phtograph, reading 'Arnold Korff | Wien 25. Oct. 1923'.

Autograph Signature on receipt.

Author: 
George Bubb Dodington
Publication details: 
26 March 1747; no place.
£65.00

English politician and wit (1691-1762). Some minor staining but in very good condition overall. Dimensions approximately 2 1/2 inches by 7 1/2. Signed 'Geo: Dodington' beneath, in another hand, 'Recd.

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