BENNETT

[Alan Bennett, playwright, screenwriter and author.] Autograph Card Signed, regarding his 'second TV play', 'Sunset Across The Bay'.

Author: 
Alan Bennett (b.1934), playwright, screenwriter and author whose career began in the Cambridge Footlights, and includes the script for the film 'The Madness of King George'
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£35.00

Plain white card, blank on reverse. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: ‘I’m sorry I don’t have any photographs - there’s not much demand. / My second TV play (1974) was about Morecambe. Sunset Across The Bay - probably still available from the BBC / All good wishes / Alan Bennet.’

[Alan Bennett, playwright, screenwriter and author.] Autograph Card Signed, with reference to 'Sam Barnett (ex History Boys)', the Nottingham Playhouse and his health.

Author: 
Alan Bennett (b.1934), playwright, screenwriter and author whose career began in the Cambridge Footlights, and includes the script for the film 'The Madness of King George'
Publication details: 
[2021.] Place not stated.
£35.00

In good condition. Printed on one side of the card is one of Bennett's self-caricatures, and printed on the other, on a left hand panel, a note apologising for not writing in autograph, as answering so much mail would take away 'time which I would like to spend working'. On the right-hand panel, in actual autograph, is the following: 'Thank you for yr letter and I hope 2021 is a better year for you. I gather from Sam Barnett (ex History Boys) that the Nottingham Playhouse is keeping going. I'm getting slower but still coming to my desk every day. / All good wishes / Alan Bennett.'

[Alan Bennett, playwright, screenwriter and author.] Autograph Card Signed to Robert J. Drury of Cleethorpes, regarding the Academy Awards.

Author: 
Alan Bennett (b.1934), playwright, screenwriter and author whose career began in the Cambridge Footlights, and includes the script for the film 'The Madness of King George'
Bennett
Publication details: 
1 August 1995. Place not stated.
£35.00
Bennett

On a ‘Lion Brand’ plain post card. In good condition, but with the hurriedly-written text somewhat smudged, and a small staple at one corner. Addressed to ‘Robt J Drury / 141 Chichester Rd / Cleethorpes / S. Humberside / DN35 OJL.’ The message on the other side is hurriedly written: ‘August 1 1995 / Dear Mr. Drury / I’ve no thought on the Academy Awards I’m afraid. Some are well deserved some not - but thats true of a [?] Alan Bennett.’

[‘the play goes on night after night’: Alan Bennett, playwright, screenwriter and author.] Autograph Letter Signed, thanking ‘Mr Robinson’ for his letter [about his play ‘The Old Country’], stating that he likes to hear from members of the audience.

Author: 
Alan Bennett (b.1934), playwright, screenwriter and author whose career began in the Cambridge Footlights, and includes the script for the film 'The Madness of King George'
Bennett
Publication details: 
‘Queens Theatre W1 [London] / February 18 1978’.
£35.00
Bennett

1p, 12mo. On grey paper. In good condition, lightly aged. Addressed ‘Dear Mr Robinson’ and signed ‘Alan Bennett.’ A short response to a letter about his play ‘The Old Country’, whose run at the Queen’s Theatre had started on 7 September 1977. He thanks him for his kind letter, and states that ‘It’s nice to hear from people in the audience as I often feel the play goes on night after night & has nothing to do with me at all - one penalty for not performing very much.’ See Image.

[William Benjamin Carpenter, biologist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('William B. Carpenter') to the physician and geologist John Bostock

Author: 
William Benjamin Carpenter (1813-1885), biologist and administrator at the University of London [John Bostock jnr (1773-1846), physician and geologist]
Publication details: 
22 Park Street, Bristol. 7 February 1840.
£250.00

4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering at gutter edge of reverse of last leaf, and covering the last few letters of Carpenter's signature. After explaining that he is directing Bostock's attentiont to 'the accompanying Remarks', he announces that he has 'lately decided upon relinquishing the practice of my Profession, and upon devoting myself altogether to the pursuit of Physiology and its allied branches of Science.

[William Benjamin Carpenter, biologist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('William B. Carpenter') to Professor William Alison of Edinburgh University, addressing an accusation of plagiarism laid against him by fellow-student John Hughes Bennett.

Author: 
William Benjamin Carpenter (1813-1885), biologist and administrator at the University of London [William Pulteney Alison, Professor of Medicine, University of Edinburgh; John Hughes Bennett]
Publication details: 
22 Park Street, Bristol; 8 November 1837.
£400.00

According to his entry in the Oxford DNB, 'Carpenter studied initially at the Bristol medical school and then in London, and in 1835–7 and again in 1839 in Edinburgh, where he took the MD degree.' The present letter dates from the hiatus in Carpenter's Scottish studies, to Professor William Pulteney Alison (1790-1859) of Edinburgh University, addressing an allegation that he has plagiarised from fellow-student John Hughes Bennett. 4pp, 4to. Bifolium.

[Charlotte Helen Sainton-Dolby, English contralto.] Autograph Note Signed ('Charlotte H Sainton Dolby'), complying with a request [for an autograph].

Author: 
Charlotte Helen Sainton-Dolby (1821-1885), English contralto, singing teacher and composer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 71 Gloucester Place, Hyde Park, W. [London] No date.
£25.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with small trace of glue from mount at foot. Folded twice. Reads: 'Dear Madam | I have much pleasure in complying with your request & beg to remain | Yours faithfully | Charlotte H Sainton Dolby'. See her entry in the Oxford DNB.

[ Arnold Bennett, English author. ] Typed Note Signed to the ghost story writer Frederick I Cowles, declining to act.

Author: 
Arnold Bennett (1867-1931), English author from the Staffordshire Potteries [ Frederick Ignatius Cowles (1900-1948), English author of supernatural fiction ]
Publication details: 
75 Cadogan Square, S.W.1. [ London ] 5 November 1930.
£65.00

S1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged, with minor traces of mount on reverse. Addressed to 'Frederick I. Cowles, Esq., F.R.S.L., F.R.S.A., F.S.A.' Reads: 'Dear Sir, | In reply to your letter, I should have liked to oblige you but it is impossible for me to do so. The matter would require much more time than I have to spare.'

[ Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke, 2nd Baronet. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Charles W. Dilke'), complimenting 'Bennett' on a speech, and alluding sarcastically to the Marquess of Lansdowne.

Author: 
Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke, 2nd Baronet (1843-1911), Radical and Liberal politician, whose career ended in disgrace [ Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice (1845-1927), 5th Marquess of Lansdowne ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 76 Sloane Street, S.W. [ London ]. 6 July 1906.
£65.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper. An amusingly sardonic missive, addressed to 'Dear Bennett'. He was not able to compliment him the previous night on his 'excellent speech', but is 'anxious to know what was the cryptic allusion to the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who had experience of arming savages? I do not believe that Fitzmaurice ever did so, unless you intended the German use of the word “savages” for below-the-gangway Radicals?'

[ Edward Bennett Marks, New Yorks music publisher. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Edward B Marks'), a letter of condolence to the widow of the English composer Herman Finck

Author: 
Edward B. Marks Music Corporation, New York City [ Edward Bennett Marks (1865-1945) ] [ Herman Finck [born Hermann Van Der Vinck] (1872-1939), composer, conductor, musical director of Palace Theatre ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead fo the Edward B. Marks Music Corporation, Publishers and Importers of Music, RCA Building, Radio City, New York. 11 May 1939.
£45.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper, with chipping along one edge. He begins: 'Word of the loss of your dear husband reached us some time ago, but I was not able to write you until just now when I received your address from Ralph Hawkes.' He offers his condolences 'on behalf of our whole organisation'. According to Hawkes 'the funeral service was a most impressive one' and 'Mr. Finck was a great figure in the musical world and that he shall be missed a great deal.

[ Printed volume. ] Arnold Bennett (1867-1931), A Bibliography by Norman Emery, A.L.A. Chief Bibliographer.

Author: 
Norman Emery, A.L.A., Chief Bibliographer, Central Library, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent [ Arnold Bennett ]
Publication details: 
[ City Librarian's Office, Central Library, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. ] Horace Barks Reference Library, Bibliographical Series No.3. 1967.
£100.00

iii + 66pp., 4to. Duplicated typescript in printed card covers, with green tape spine. Internally in fair condition, slightly dogeared, in worn covers. Stamps of the London Borough of Southwark Reference Library. As Emery explains in the preface, the first bibliography of Bennett's works, produced to coincide with the centenary of his birth. Divided into 25 sections including 'Film Scenarios', 'Operas', 'Poems' and 'Bookseller's Catalogues', and ending with its own bibliography. An uncommon item.

[Methuen & Co., London publishers.] Sixteen printed publishers' advertisements, including lists of 'Messrs. Methuen's New Books', and handbills for Jack London's 'White Fang', and works by Robert Hichens, Arnold Bennett and others.

Author: 
Methuen & Co., London publishers [Jack London; Arnold Bennett; Robert Hichens]
Publication details: 
Methuen & Co. Ltd, 36 Essex Street, London WC2. Dated items between Spring 1907 and Autumn 1939.
£180.00

The collection of sixteen items is in good overall condition, on aged and worn paper. Includes: two lists of 'Messrs. Methuen's Sixpenny Books', one of them dated to 1908; lists for 1912, 1915, 1924 (two), 1934 (two: novels and 'new books'), 1939 (two: one in red of novels, and the other in blue of non-fiction). Also advertisements for: 'The Illustrated Pocket Library of Plain and Coloured Books'; 'The Heather Moon' by C. N. and A. M.

Autograph Note Signed and poem by the Congregational minister James Bennett of Rotherham, with manuscript poem ('Psalm 149.3, Let the Saints sing about upon their beds') by James Gray of Nailsworth, titled 'Elijah's Interview with God'

Author: 
James Bennett (1774-1862) of Rotherham, Congregational minister; James Gray of Nailsworth
Publication details: 
Bennett's note dated from Rotherham, 26 November 1829. Gray's poem dated from Nailsworth. 19 January 1828.
£250.00

On a 4to leaf removed from an album, with Bennett's piece on one side of the leaf, and Gray's on the other. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, with a short closed tear to the fore-edge. Bennett's note reads: 'Dearest Brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God made desire among us, that the Gentiles, from my mouth, should hear the word of the Gospel & believe. And God, who knoweth the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us: put no difference between us & them, purifying their hearts, by faith'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('W C Bennett') from William Cox Bennett to J. T. Baron, boasting that his magazine 'The Lark' is a 'powerful influence'; naming Gladstone, Tennyson and other contributors; and urging the 'Newsvendors' of Blackburn to buy it.

Author: 
William Cox Bennett (1820-1895), English journalist and poet, editor of 'The Lark' [John T. Baron of Blackburn, Lancashire, autograph hunter]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Hyde Cottage, 68 Royal Hill, Greenwich, SE. 27 November 1883.
£220.00

3pp., 12mo. Very good, on lightly-aged paper. In original envelope, with stamp and postmark, addressed by Bennett to 'John T Baron Esq. | 48 Griffin Street | Blackburn | [signed] W C Bennett'. He begins by informing Baron that four numbers of 'The Lark' have already been published.

Autograph Letter Signed from the Congregational minister James Bennett to an unnamed male recipient.

Author: 
James Bennett (1774-1862), evangelical Congregational minister and author [Rotherham, Yorkshire]
Publication details: 
Rotherham, Yorkshire. 26 October 1818.
£56.00

1p., 4to. In poor condition, on aged, stained paper, with wear and loss to corners. Boldly signed 'James Bennett'. According to his entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Bennett lived in Rotherham, 'where he was tutor in the college and pastor of the church at Masborough', between 1813 and 1828. He is delighted that the recipient is 'devising means for the revival of religion' in his town: 'It is, however, not in my power to be with you.' Nevertheless he hopes he will 'persevere & obtain effectual help'.

Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Rodney Bennett') from the librettist Harry Rodney Bennett to Leslie Arthur Boosey of the music publishers Boosey & Hawkes, including a discussion of royalties

Author: 
Harry Rodney Bennett (1890-1948), librettist and author, father of composer Sir Richard Rodney Bennett (b.1936) [Leslie Arthur Boosey (1887-1979), president of the music publishers Boosey & Hawkes]
Harry Rodney Bennett
Publication details: 
Letter One: 20 Woodstock Road, Bedford Park, Chiswick; 1 May 1926. Letter Two: The George Hotel, South Molton, North Devonshire; 22 September 1941.
£95.00
Harry Rodney Bennett

Letter One: 2 pp, 12mo. 23 lines. Good. Docketed '3.5.26 | copd.' He thanks him for his letters, and has 'sent the verses to Sanderson'. The copies of the 'Quilter publications' that Bennett needed for the writing of an article in the 'Music Teacher' have not arrived. Asks for information on a 'volume of songs by Sibelius'. 'If they are available could they be included in the Quilter parcel'. He is 'writing about Sibelius for publication in July, & want to be as complete as possible'. Letter Two: 2 pp, 4to. 23 lines. Good, with staple holes to one corner.

Autograph Letter Signed from 'R. A. Bennet', editor of 'Truth', to 'Osbert' [Burdett], regarding the Irish journalist and politician T. P. O'Connor.

Author: 
R. A. Bennett, editor of 'Truth' [Thomas Power O'Connor (1848-1929), Irish journalist and proprietor of 'T. P.'s Weekly', founder and first editor of the Sun newspaper; Sir Osbert Sitwell]
Autograph Letter Signed from 'R. A. Bennet', editor of 'Truth',
Publication details: 
11 December 1925; on letterhead of 'Truth' Buildings, Carteret Street, Queen Anne's Gate, London.
£65.00
Autograph Letter Signed from 'R. A. Bennet', editor of 'Truth',

12mo, 1 p. Nine lines. Text clear and complete. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Docketed in pencil on reverse 'R. A. Bennett re T. P. O'Connor'. He is enclosing 'the promised note to "T. P". I see that he is ailing and going to the Riviera at an early date, so you had better try and catch him at once.' Bennett had to get the recipient's address from his publishers, as O'Connor left without passing it on.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Holbrook Jackson') to 'Mr. Bennett'.

Author: 
George Holbrook Jackson (1874-1948), author, wroter on books, etc
Publication details: 
10 August 1912; on letterhead of the Crossways, Langley Park, Mill Hill, N.W.
£45.00

8vo: 1 p. Good on lightly-aged paper. Small closed tear at head, and traces of glue and grey paper from previous mounting on reverse. He is sorry to say that he will be 'away at the seaside' when Bennett is in London. If he is 'in town again shortly' Jackson will be glad to meet him. 'I am to be found most days at 29 Henrietta St, Covent Garden [the offices of 'T.P.'s Weekly', on which Jackson held an editorial position] - but it is safer to make an appointment.'

Autograph Letter Signed ('J. L. Hatton.') to Bennett.

Author: 
John Liptrot Hatton [J. L. Hatton] (1809-1886), English composer and conductor [William Cox Bennett (1820-1895)]
Publication details: 
26 October 1859; 3 Goswell St. E.C. [London], on cancelled letterheada of 13 Park Village West, Regents Park.
£36.00

12mo, 2 pp. Ten lines of text. Good. Asks 'upon what terms' he may 'publish some of the songs I have set from the charming volume you sent me'. He is 'acquainted with the Gentleman' to whom Bennett has dedicated his book: 'it was in his shop I was introduced to Longfellow'. Possibly referring to Bennett's 'A Sea Song' and 'The Sea-Boy's Dream', set to music by Hatton and both published in 1861.

Typed Note Signed to Stanley Unwin.

Author: 
Arnold Bennett (1867-1931), English novelist [Sir Stanley Unwin (1884-1968), publisher]
Publication details: 
9 December 1930; 97 Chiltern Court, Clarence Gate, NW1.
£65.00

4to, 1 p. Four lines of text. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with slight staining from paperclip in top left-hand corner. He thanks him for his 'very interesting letter': 'The photograph shows an agreeable, and perhaps distinguished building. I return the picture thereof, and wish you every success therein.'

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