DUNCAN

[A Scottish Royal Navy Midshipman in the Napoleonic Wars.] Autograph Letter Signed to his mother from Robert Kennedy Thomson of Daljarrock, giving news from HMS Imperieuse, and commenting on news from Scotland.

Author: 
Robert Kennedy Thomson of Daljarrock, Ayrshire, Scotland, Royal Navy Officer in the Napoleonic Wars [HMS Imperieuse; Sir Henry Duncan; Vice-Admiral Sir Joshua Ricketts Rowley]
Publication details: 
‘H.M. Ship Imperieuse Port Mahon [Minorca] / Jany. 12th. 1813.’
£180.00

See Thomson’s entry in O’Byrne’s ‘Naval Biographical Dictionary’ (1849). He had entered the navy in 1811, ‘on board the Impérieuse 38, Capt. Hon. Henry Duncan’, and would retire with the rank of Lieutenant, after a reasonably eventful career, in 1829. In 1849 he was said by O’Byrne to be ‘a Captain in the Ayrshire Militia’. On 30 September 1864 the London Gazette listed him among the ‘Lieutenants on Reserved List, to be Retired Commanders’.

[ George Hooper, artist ] Three substantial Autograph Letters Signed George Hooper and George to Brom [ John Bromfield Gay Rees, Welsh artist ] about his experiences in galleries in Englsnd and on continent.

Author: 
George Hooper, artist
Publication details: 
One from his Redhill address (18 April 1935), the second from a Hotel in Amsterdam (16 June 1935) and the third from Urbino , 17 August 1935. All with original envelopes.
£220.00

LETTER ONE (April): Three pages, 12mo, good condition. He discusses their respective illnesses, him recuperating at Minehead. The district round about Minehead is very stimulating, & inspiring. Watchet, a romantic port near by, immediately took my fancy. I tried to do some watercolours here but my efforts met with indifferent success. I learned later that Watchet is the traditional place from which Coleridge's 'Ancient Mariner' sailed. A fellow artist ('Scott') 'assailed' him when he was 'back to school', saying, he was down at Chelsea , & there was quite a group of artists there now.

[Andrew Duncan the elder, Scottish physician, Professor at Edinburgh University.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Andrew Duncan Sen') to an unnamed member of the British Cabinet, recommending Patrick Neill as Professor of Horticulture at Edinburgh.

Author: 
Andrew Duncan the elder (1744-1828), Scottish physician, Professor at Edinburgh University, joint founder of Royal Society of Edinburgh [Patrick Neill (1776-1851); Caledonian Horticultural Society]
Publication details: 
4 June 1827; Edinburgh.
£150.00

According to Duncan's entry in the Oxford DNB, 'In 1809 he founded the Caledonian Horticultural Society, and in later years he was actively occupied in promoting the establishment of a public experimental garden.' 2pp, 4to. In good condition, on aged paper, creased. The recipient is not named, and the letter begins: 'Although I have already often interrupted important business of State, yet I trust you will once more, forgive an Octogenarian, when he can plead, that his principal temptation, to transgression, is an earnest desire to promote the publick good -'.

[Dame Margot Fonteyn, ballerina.] Typed Letter Signed to 'Mr. Duncan' [the bookseller Barry Duncan], regarding a playbill.

Author: 
Dame Margot Fonteyn [stage name of Margaret Evelyn Hookham, later de Arias] (1919-1991), ballerina [Barry Duncan (1909-1985), theatre historian and bookseller]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. 11 January 1947.
£40.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. She sends her thanks for 'the playbill': 'You know already how much I liked it, as I remember admiring it when I was in the shop.' She will 'value it highly' and will thank him personally: 'you may be sure I shall be looking in again one of these days'.

[Andrew Duncan, the elder, Scottish physician and Professor at Edinburgh University.] Autograph Letter Signed ('A Duncan Sen.') to 'Samuel Parks', i.e. the chemist Samuel Parkes, regarding the discourse he delivered at an award to Parkes.

Author: 
Andrew Duncan, the elder (1744-1828), Scottish physician and Professor at Edinburgh University, joint founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh [Samuel Parkes (1761-1825), eminent chemist]
Publication details: 
Adams Square [Edinburgh]; 29 August 1825.
£180.00

For the recipient Samuel Parks, internationally-renowned chemist and member of twenty-one learned societies, see his entry in the Oxford DNB, which explains his presence in Edinburgh at the time of the letter by explaining that it was during a visit to the city in June 1825 that Parkes 'was attacked by a painful disorder, which proved fatal'. 1p, 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf, which is addressed by Duncan to 'Samuel Parks [sic] Esqr | 59 Lothian Street'.

[ Ethel Mannin, novelist and travel writer. ] Typed Card Signed ('E M') to Sewell Stokes, explaining why she declines to write an introduction for his autobiography, and referring to Isadora Duncan.

Author: 
Ethel Mannin [ Ethel Edith Mannin ] (1900-1984), novelist, travel writer and socialist [ Francis Martin Sewell Stokes (1902-1979), author and broadcaster ]
Publication details: 
Wimbledon [ London ] postmark. 23 May 1934.
£75.00

Unillustrated official 'POST CARD' with printed penny stamp. Addressed on one side, with Wimbledon postmark, to 'Sewell Stokes, Esq., | 53, Holland Park, W.11.' In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Twelve typed lines of text. The subject of the text is Stokes's forthcoming autobiography 'Monologue' (Hutchinson, 1934), with Mannin referring to her own 'Confessions and Impressions' (Jarrolds, 1930). After thanking him for his letter she writes: 'I am glad you have decided to dispense with an introduction to the book – books, particularly of this kind, should stand on their own legs . . .

[ John Disney, archaeologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr. P. Duncan of New Coll:',

Author: 
John Disney (1779-1857), archaeologist [ Philip Bury Duncan (1772-1863) of New College, Oxford, Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum ]
Publication details: 
The Hyde. 27 March 1828.
£220.00

2pp., 4to. He begins by reminding Duncan that he recently wrote to him, 'in reply to your letter on the subject of your book respecting Portugal'. That letter was directed to Oxford, but as Disney has not heard from Duncan since, he wonders whether it might have miscarried. He is now writing to remind Duncan of his 'kind expressions in my behalf as a candidate on the list at the Athenaeum'.

[ Allan Wilkie, Shakespearian actor-manager in Australia. ] 24 Autograph Letters Signed to the theatre historian Allan Duncan, discussing his life and career in England and Australia, with copies of 18 of Duncan's replies, and nine other items,.

Author: 
Allan Wilkie (1878-1970), Anglo-Scottish Shakespearian actor-manager in England and Australia; Barry Duncan Duncan [ Horace Alexander Barry Duncan ] (1909-1985), theatre historian and bookseller
Publication details: 
The first five from 42 Mount Edward Road, Rothesay, Bute, Scotland; 17 of the others (including 7 on his letterhead) from Montford House, Rothesay; the other one from Edinburgh. Between 11 January 1965 and 15 October 1969.
£1,750.00

It is safe to say that no Shakespearian actor travelled as widely as Allan Wilkie, and few can surely match the number of his performances. Although born in Liverpool, Wilkie considered himself Scottish ('a young Scots boy'). Inspired by Osmond Tearle, he took to the stage, learning his craft with Ben Greet's company. The Times obituary of 'Mr. Allan Wilkie | Shakespearian actor-manager', 8 January 1970, describes how, after six years as a touring actor-manager in England, Wilkie took his troupe to India, China and Japan, 1911-1913.

[ Horace Annesley Vachell, English author. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Horace Vachell') to theatre historian Barry Duncan, including anecdote about his naked brother under the 'luncheon table'. With carbon copies of two letters from Duncan.

Author: 
Horace Vachell [ Horace Annesley Vachell; H. A. Vachell ] (1861-1955), English author [ Barry Duncan [ Horace Alexander Barry Duncan ] (1909-1985), London theatre historian and bookseller ]
Publication details: 
The Priory House, Sherborne, Dorset. 16 July 1953.
£56.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, aged and worn. He begins with regard to a change of address ('Widcombe Manor - where I was overhoused and understaffed - is for sale.'), and continues with reference to a booklet ('I chuckled over the illustrations'),as well as his book 'An Impending Sword' (written 'in the naughty nineties, long before I met Dot Boucicault, whose experiences were then unknwon to me'), and the Princess Royal. He concludes: 'I never heard the yarn of the man who stripped himself. I can cap it. My brother, Arthur, vanished from the luncheon table.

[ Phyllis Hartnoll, theatre historian and poet. ] Four Typed Letters Signed to the theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan, with other material relating to the purchase of items from him.

Author: 
Phyllis Hartnoll (1906-1997), theatre historian, musicoloist, poet and publisher [ Barry Duncan [ Horace Alexander Barry Duncan ] (1909-1985), London theatre historian ]
Publication details: 
Three of the letters on Oxford University Press letterheads. Other items addressed from her home, Hobbits, Nether Westcote, Kingham, Oxon. 1945 and 1946.
£180.00

Nine items. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Heavily annotated by Duncan. The letters (each 1p. long, two in 4to and two in 8vo) concern her orders and wants'. On 23 April 1945 she writes: 'I find on looking through the Play Pictorial bound volumes that No. 28 His Highness My Husband is missing. It is not a very important one, in fact I don't remember hearing of the play before, but if you happen to have a copy among your single numbers, I should be glad to have it, in order to complete the volume.

[ 'The Girl on a Motorcycle', 1968 film starring Alain Delon and Marianne Faithfull. ] Material relating to arbitration by Jack Pulman, for the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, of dispute over credits between Jack Cardiff and Ronald Duncan.

Author: 
Jack Pulman (1925-1979), British screenwriter [ Ronald Duncan (1914-1982), author; Jack Cardiff (1914-2009), film director; The Writers' Guild of Great Britain; 'The Girl on a Motorcycle' ]
Publication details: 
[ The Writers' Guild of Great Britain, 430 Edgware Road, London. ] Two items on Pulman's letterhead, 31 Steele's Road, London. 1968.
£350.00

Six items relating to Pulman's arbitration, including 'a careful breakdown [by him] of scene continuity of the Bourguignon script, the Duncan script and the final shooting script', these three breakdowns (Items Two to Four below) totalling 8pp. In his four-page arbitration, Pulman gives a detailed account of the process of the film's composition, of all the more interest as coming from a master screenwriter and contemporary. All six items in good condition, lightly aged. ONE: Carbon copy of Pulman's signed four-page 'Arbitration - "GIRL ON A MOTORCYLE" | Writers involved - S.

[ Gerald Morice, puppeteer and editor of 'The Puppet Master'. ] Autograph Card Signed ('Gerald Morice') and Auograph Letter Signed ('G. Morice'), both to theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan.

Author: 
Gerald Morice, puppeteer and editor of 'The Puppet Master', journal of the British Puppet & Model Theatre Guild
Publication details: 
Card from Malvern, 8 July 1950. Letter 'At 2 Belgrave Mews | Edinburgh 4', 10 September 1953. Both items on his letterhead as editor of 'The Puppet Master'.
£45.00

CARD: Addressed to 'Barry Duncan Esq. | 11, St Martin's Court | London | W.C.2'. In good condition, lightly aged, with 'Puppet Master' letterhead in red ink, with illustration of Mr Punch. He thanks him for being 'attentive' in sending cuttings. LETTER: 1p., 4to. On aged and creased paper. With cancelled 'Puppet Master' letterhead. Addressed to 'B. D.' Sending payment for hired items, and discussing a translation 'done a week ago for Salzburg Marionettes'. Speaking of Edinburgh he writes: 'I like this city v. much - some fine bookshops - but no playbills'.

[ Ye Sette of Odd Volumes, London literary dining club. ] Two pieces of ephemera: 1920s invitation form in envelope, printed in characteristic style in red and black; and handbill regarding 'Ladies' Night | April 24th, 1928'.

Author: 
[ Ye Sette of Odd Volumes, London literary dining club; Margot MacGibbon; Mirian Duncan; Admiral Sir Arthur Cavenagh Leveson ]
Publication details: 
[ Ye Sette of Odd Volumes, London. ] Invitation from the 1920s; handbill relating to meeting on 24 April 1928.
£50.00

ONE: Invitation. Tastefully printed in red and black on one side of an 11.5 x 15 cm piece of card. The club's monogram in a red square in top left-hand corner. Headed: 'YE SETTE OF ODD VOLUMES | United once a month to form a Perfect Sette | Object: Conviviality and Mutual Admiration.' The form, which has not been filled in, invites the recipient to one of the Tuesday meetings at the Imperial Restaurant, No. 7 Glasshouse Street, Regent Street. In envelope with circular 'Odd Volumes' device in red on flap.

[ Sheridan Morley, author and broadcaster. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed, two Typed Letters Signed and one telegram to theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan, with carbon copy of one of his letters.

Author: 
Sheridan Morley (1941-2007), English author and broadcaster, son of actor Robert Morley (1908-1992) and grandson of Dame Gladys Cooper (1888-1971) [ Barry Duncan, theatrical bookseller ]
Publication details: 
Two of the letters on letterhead of 5 Peckarmans Wood, London, SE26, and the other two (on cancelled BBC letterheads) from the same address. All six items from 1970.
£180.00

The six items in fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. The four letters all with Morley's expansive signature ('Sheridan Morley').

[ Frank Pettingell, English film actor. ] Four Autograph Letters Signed, one unsigned Autograph Note and nine Christmas Cards, to theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan, with carbon copies of three of Duncan's letters.

Author: 
Frank Pettingell [ Frank Edmund George Pettingell ] (1891-1966), English film actor [ Barry Duncan, theatrical bookseller ]
Publication details: 
Two from Highfield Lodge, Wise Lane, NW7 [ London ], and two from Broadstairs, Kent. Dated items from between 1946 and 1954.
£280.00

The collection of seventeen items in fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. Two of the letters are signed 'Frank Pettingell', the others signed 'Frank (P.)' and 'Frank'. Two of the letters are in their original envelopes. They total 5pp., 12mo. On 22 August 1947 he writes regarding his collection of playscripts, mostly acquired from the son of the comedian Arthur Williams, and now at the Templeman Library, University of Kent: 'We are on holiday here [in Broadstairs] since "Fifty-Fifty" finished [...] When I get back next month I would like to sort the old M.S.

[ Langford Reed, film writer and director. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Langford Reed') to theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan, regarding the sale of 'Spy' cartoons and old plays.

Author: 
Langford Reed [ Herbert Langford Reed ] (1889-1954), writer and film writer and director, best known for his work on Charlie Chaplin's 'Chase Me Charlie' (1918)
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 59 Carlton Hill, St John's Wood, NW8 [ London ]. 7 January 1946.
£50.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper. In response to Duncan's advertisement in 'The Stage', he asks whether he would be 'interested in the famous cartoons, in colour, which, with the signature of "Spy," used to appear in "Vanity Fair."? I have about seventy in good condition, all published between 1860 and 1885'. He also offers 'several volumes of old plays - some of them over 140 years old, and asks whether Duncan 'might care to drop in and have a look at these "treasures. | But, give me a tinkle on the 'phone first as I am rather a busy Man.'

[ Charles Lefeaux, actor and producer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Charles Lefeaux') and Autograph Note Signed ('C L'), to theatre bookseller Barry Duncan, the second regarding the Repertory Players.

Author: 
Charles Lefeaux [ Charles Treoning Lefeaux ] (1909-1979), English actor and producer, Vice-President of the Repertory Players, London
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 4 Turner Close, Meadway, NW1 [ London ]. 1 and 17 August 1948.
£35.00

ONE: Note. 1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. In envelope addressed to Duncan at 11 St Martin's Court, London. Reads simply: 'Please let me have your catalogue when its ready | C L'. Lefeaux's name in capitals at head. TWO: Letter. 1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. He asks him to 'put the enclosed leaflet about the Repertory Players' in his window as agreed, offering two tickets as a mark of the commitee's gratitude.

[ Ronald Duncan, poet and playwright. ] Typed Letter Signed to bookseller Barry Duncan, regarding his play 'Nothing Up My Sleeve'. With a carbon copy of Barry Duncan's letter that elicited this response.

Author: 
Ronald Duncan (1914-1982), poet, playwright and author, collaborator with Benjamin Britten
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Welcombe, near Bideford, North Devon. 20 December 1950.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight rusting at head from paperclip. He writes that there is 'no relationship between myself and any of the people you mention. I have no antecedents such as you suggest and I cannot recall having received a copy of your catalogue.' Turning to the character 'Horace' in his play 'Nothing Up My Sleeve' he writes: 'he's just a figment of my imagination and the whole play is just a piece of work without any intended resemblance to anyone, only types.' The carbon copy of Barry Duncan's letter is somewhat aged and worn around the edges.

[ James Laver, museum curator and authority on fashion. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (the first 'James Laver | Keeper of Prints') concerning purchases from bookseller Barry Duncan. With carbon copies of two of Duncan's letters.

Author: 
James Laver (1899-1975), art historian and authority on fashion, Keeper of Prints, Drawings and Paintings at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Publication details: 
Laver's two letters both on Victoria and Albert Museum letterheads, and dating from 30 December 1947 and 19 March 1948.
£120.00

Five items, in fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper, with slight rust staining from staple which held them together. Laver's two letters are both 2pp. long (one 8vo and one 12mo). The two relate to a collection of Dalziel wood-engravings, there being 'too many already in the Museum to justify our purchasing the collection in its entirety'. Laver suggests taking a selection of 100 engravings for £5, and with the second letter returns the residue, the price paid being £7 10s 0d. With Laver paying personally for two engravings damaged while in his care.

[ Caryl Brahms, ballet critic. ] Autograph Note Signed ('With thanks | Caryl Brahms'), acknowledging payment to London bookseller Barry Duncan.

Author: 
Caryl Brahms [ Doris Caroline Abrahams ] (1901-1982), English author and theatre and ballet critic
Publication details: 
3 Cambridge Gate, London NW1. 29 June 1955.
£28.00

1p. 4to. Enclosing £2 10s 0d, and written out by hand on a piece of aged ruled paper. With acknowledgment by Duncan at bottom right. In stamped and postmarked envelope, addressed by Brahms to Duncan at his London shop, 11 St Martin's Court.

[ Moira Lister, film and theatre actress. ] Seven Signed Letters (six in Autograph) and one Autograph Card Signed, to theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan, in folder containing newspaper cuttings, a programme, and copies of his letters to her.

Author: 
Moira Lister [ Moira Lister de Gachassin-Lafite, Vicomtesse d’Orthez ] (1923-2007), South African film and theatre actress
Publication details: 
Two of Lister's letters her 'Moira Lister' letteread and one on 'Vicomtesse d'Orthez' letterhead. Most from 31 Cadogan Square, London. Between 1955 and 1961. Cuttings from between 1947 and 1971.
£220.00

The thirty-six items in the folder are in good condition, with light signs of age. ONE: Six Autograph Letters Signed, one Typed Letter Signed, and one Autograph Card Signed. All signed 'Moira Lister' except the last communication, the card, which is signed 'Moira d'Orthez'. With four stamped envelopes, addressed to Duncan at his bookshop in St Martin's Court. A courteous and businesslike correspondence, firmly parrying Duncan's efforts at greater familiarity. The first letter, typed, is dated 8 March 1955, and relates to the sale of books.

[ Pamphlet. ] Sensational Revelations! Life in English Prisons.

Author: 
H. H. Duncan [ David Nicholl [ Sheffield Anarchist Group; the Walsall Anarchists ]
Publication details: 
'The Anarchist. Vol. 2 - No. 18. June, 1895.' Printed and Published by David Nicholl, 7, Broomhall Street, Sheffield.
£120.00

16pp., 12mo. Disbound without covers. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with reverse of last leaf browned. Separate title-page, with only the following on it: 'SENSATIONAL REVELATIONS! | Life in | ENGLISH | PRISONS. | ONE PENNY.' Drophead title on p.3 with details of 'The Anarchist'. Duncan's article runs from p.4 to p.8, and is titled: 'Life in English Prisons. | The First Night in the Cells.

[ British Army in Algeria, 1943. ] Duplicated document, describing forthcoming 'Div Lo's Exercise "Juggins" | 10 Nov 43'.

Author: 
Captain Vincent Duncan Jones, 6th Armoured Division, British Army [ Tunisia Campaign [ Battle of Tunisia; Run for Tunis ] 1942-1943, in the Second World War North Africa Campaign ] [ Barrie Pitt ]
Publication details: 
Dated 10 November 1943.
£300.00

2pp., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Under the headings: 'Object'; 'D.S.'; 'Narrative'; 'Episode I'; 'Episode II'; 'Episode III'; 'Maps'; 'Organisation' and 'Transport'. The exercise is to be undertaken by Captains 'V. S. Duncan-Jones, D. V. Bendall and D. Laidlaw. The object is 'To exercise Div LOs in route finding and locating HQs by night, and in message carrying.' The three episodes are described (the last beginning: 'You will take up posn on high ground G.5222.

[ Tunisia Campaign, Second World War. ] Set of twenty-two printed coloured fold-out GSGS British Army maps of Tunisia, with index. With covering Autograph Note Signed from Vincent Jones to military historian Barrie Pitt.

Author: 
Captain Vincent Duncan Jones, 6th Armoured Division, British Army [ Tunisia Campaign [ Battle of Tunisia; Run for Tunis ] 1942-1943, in the Second World War North Africa Campaign ] [ Barrie Pitt ]
Publication details: 
GSGS [ Geographical Section, General Staff ]. Without date or place. [ Circa 1940 and 1941. ]
£400.00

Twenty-one of the twenty-two maps are stapled into a buff card folder, bearing on the cover, in manuscript: Maj. V. S. Duncan-Jones. | Tunisia | 1/200,000'. The twenty-second map loosely inserted, as is Jones's autograph letter to Pitt. In fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. The bound maps, all of which are in colour and all around 50 x 33 cm., are numbered in pencil 1 to 23, with 16 and 20 lacking.

[ The Battle of Tunisia, 1942-1943. ] Autograph War Diary of Captain V. Duncan Jones, 6th Armoured Division, British Army, covering the entire period of the Tunisia Campaign. With two Autograph Letters Signed to military historian Barrie Pitt.

Author: 
Captain Vincent Duncan Jones, 6th Armoured Division, British Army [ Tunisia Campaign [ Battle of Tunisia; Run for Tunis ] 1942-1943, in the Second World War North Africa Campaign ] [ Barrie Pitt ]
Publication details: 
War Diary ('Army Form C.2118.') from 14 November 1942 to 31 May 1943. The two letters 22 April and 7 July 1976. The first letter on Jones's letterhead, and from 89 Defoe House, Barbican, EC2 [ London]. The second letter with no place stated.
£4,000.00

The present diary is of some significance, presenting a first-hand account by a British officer of the Anglo-American 'Run for Tunis' that followed Operation Torch - the invasion of French North Africa in November 1942. It marks Eisenhower's first campaign following his appointment as Commanding General, European Theater of Operations. Four years before the writing of the two letters present here Jones and Pitt had collaborated in the publication of Jones's book 'Operation Torch' (1972), which Pitt (1918-2006) edited for a series first published by the American firm Bannatine.

[ Double Crown Club keepsake. ] 'Bill of Fare' for dinner at the Cafe Royal (chaired by John Johnson with a paper by James Guthrie), featuring a facsimile score for 'Grace after Meat | A new round' by Daniel George and Hubert Foss.

Author: 
The Double Crown Club; John de Monins Johnson (1882-1956), Oxford University Press printer; James Guthrie; Duncan Williams; Daniel George; Hubert Foss
Publication details: 
Pencil note stating that the item is for a dinner at the Café Royal, 7 March 1934.
£120.00

16 x 20 cm booklet, consisting of a bifolium stitched with black green thread into covers of thicker paper. In fair condition, aged and worn, with remains of clear plastic front covering. On the front cover is a heavily-inked art photograph superimposing an image of a musical score over the edges of an fanned-out signature. On the inside of the back cover is a facsimile of a calligraphic inscription in Latin, in Renaissance style. The inner contents consists of two facsimiles.

[Offprint.] Further Notes on "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves".

Author: 
Duncan B. MacDonald [Duncan Black MacDonald (1863-1943), American orientalist] [The Royal Asiatic Society, London]
Publication details: 
From the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, January, 1913. [Stephen Austin and Sons, Ltd., Printers, Hertford.]
£56.00

13pp., 8vo, paginated 41-53. Stapled, in brown printed wraps. On aged and worn paper, with rusted staples. Largely unopened. A learned exposition, with quotations in the original, beginning: 'It is now possible for me to supplement my Arabic text of Ali Baba by printing in full the only other original version so far known. I shall add some further information which I have gathered on the identity of the scribe of the Bodleian MS. and various notes on the text of that version.' No copy in the British Library, and a total of six copies on OCLC WorldCat and COPAC.

[Harry Duncan O'Neill, Secretary of the Clerical, Medical and General Life Assurance Society.] Autograph Letter Signed ('H. D. O'Neill') to 'Hay', with copy of his privately printed 'Clerical Verses. 1889-1910. By H. D. O'N.', containing 28 inserts.

Author: 
'H. D. O'N.' [Harry Duncan O'Neill (1867-1946), Secretary of the Clerical, Medical and General Life Assurance Society] [Arthur Digby Besant (1869-1960)]
Publication details: 
Book: [London?] Printer not stated. [Circa 1911.] Letter: on letterhead of 15 St James's Square, Pall Mall, SW [London]; 9 February 1912.
£320.00

For more about O'Neill (son of the Victorian artist George Bernard O'Neill) see his obituary in The Times, 15 June 1946. LETTER: 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper.

[Alexander Davidson, Messenger at Arms.] Signed 'Copy for Mr. Falconer' of a summons on behalf of Archibald Colquhoun and George Buchan to six 'Procurators in the Sheriff and Baillie Courts of Glasgow, regarding the payment of stamp duties.

Author: 
Alexander Davidson, Messenger at Arms [Archibald Colquhoun; George Buchan; John Douglas; William Duncan; John Ewing; James Elder; Thomas Falconer; John Fleming; Stamp Duties, Glasgow; Scotland]
Publication details: 
Glasgow, Scotland: Copy of 28 May 1810 from an original 'dated & signeted [sic] 18. May 1810.'
£80.00

4pp., foolscap 8vo. Bifolium. The document consists of a long printed text, with blank sections completed in manuscript. It is docketted 'M.5 | Copy for Mr. Falconer | to appear 19/26 June 1810.' In good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. Signed 'Alex Davidson' and dated 28 May 1810, before the witnesses 'John Anderson and John Robertson both Indwellers in Glasgow'. The document begins: 'GEORGE, &c.

[Duncan Robertson, wig maker and perfumer.] Two Manuscript Itemised Accounts and one Signed Manuscript Receipt, with General Robertson of Lawers and his wife.

Author: 
[Duncan Robertson, wig maker and perfumer; Lieutenant-General Archibald Robertson of Lawers]
Publication details: 
The receipt dated from Edinburgh, 12 January 1810. The accounts for the periods December 1808 to April 1809, and January to December 1809.
£70.00

The three items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The accounts are both 1p., foolscap 8vo., and written in a sprawling uneducated hand. The first account is headed 'Genl Robertson to Duncan Robertson', and deals with the period from December 1808 to April 1809. Totalling £6 18s 2d, it includes 'two box Dubessons opiate', 'two bottles oil of rose', 'Two Crop wigs', 'Blacking', 'Riggs magnetic Tablet', 'a lib of old windsor soap', 'pott pomatum'. The second account is headed 'Mrs Genl Robertson to Duncan Robertson'.

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