EDGAR

[Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.] 37 items, including 21 ALsS from librarian W. S. Brassington to one of the Theatre’s governors, Dr E. M. Boddy, regarding his gift of portraits to Shakespeare Memorial, and resulting disagreement.

Author: 
Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon [William Salt Brassington (1859-1939), archaeologist; Evan Marlett Boddy (c.1847-1934), FRCS; Stewart Dick; Edgar Flower; Archibald Flower]
Publication details: 
20 of Brassington’s 21 letters from between 1899 and 1902, and on letterheads of Shakespeare Memorial, Stratford-upon-Avon; the other is from 1910. Among the other items are ones dated from between 1899 and 1928.
£650.00

The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre was founded through the efforts of local brewer Charles Edward Flower (1830-1892), after whose death its management was taken over by his brother Edgar Flower (1833-1903), also Chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. On Edgar’s death these duties fell to his son Archibald Flower (1865-1950), several times mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon. The present correspondence concerns a gift to Shakespeare Memorial Association by the appropriately-named anatomist Evan Marlett Boddy.

[‘Bill Nye’, pen name of E. W. Nye [Edgar Wilson Nye], humorist and editor of the Laramie Boomerang.] Two Autograph Letters Signed, the first [to Grant Reid] regarding a publicity photograph, the second to Henry Van der Weyde authorizing it.

Author: 
‘Bill Nye’, pen name of the humorist E. W. Nye [Edgar Wilson Nye] (1850-1896), founder and editor of the Laramie Boomerang [Henry Van der Weyde (1838-1924), Dutch-born London portrait photograper]
Publication details: 
Both 25 November 1895. The first from Arden, North Carolina, USA, the second also from ‘America’.
£56.00

The two items are in good condition, lightly aged, and both folded for postage. Both 1p, 12mo. ONE (evidently to Grant Reid, editor of the Northern Figaro, Aberdeen): Signed ‘E. W. Nye’. Recipient not named. ‘My dear Sir / Your favor of the 9- asking for a photograph to be used in your admirable publication is just received.

[Edgar Jacob, Bishop of St Albans; Colenso.] Autograph Letter Signed to Rev. R. Wilkins appealing for English Church Union subscribers to ?help towards undoing the mischief? caused by Bishop Colenso?s ?defection? in Natal.

Author: 
Edgar Jacob (1844-1920), Bishop of St Albans [John William Colenso (1814-1883), controversial Anglican Bishop of Natal; English Church Union]
Publication details: 
No date [circa 1865].
£56.00

See Jacob?s entry, and Colenso?s, in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded twice. Addressed to ?The / Revd. R. Wilkins?.

[Sir Edgar Boehm (1834-1890), R.A., Austrian-born British sculptor.] Autograph Letter Signed to ?Mr. Bristow?, regarding a ?little horse? and ?the terrible ascent on the ?Monks cap??.

Author: 
Sir Edgar Boehm [Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, n? Josef Erasmus B?hm] (1834-1890), R.A., Austrian-born British sculptor and medallist who depicted Queen Victoria on coins and designed London statues
Publication details: 
21 March 1882; on letterhead of The Avenue, 76 Fulham Road, S.W. [London]
£60.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 12mo. On bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. He thanks him for ?letting me try the little horse which I returned to Banks?s. I wrote to them to say that I found him too small for the Victoria. This & his taking too much interest in the subterranian openings alone prevented me from keeping him at once for a hack as his paces & temper seemed to me perfect.? He sends his compliments to Bristow?s family, ?if they should still recollect me - and the terrible ascent on the ?Monks cap? - never to be attempted again by me -?.

[Ruby Miller, actress, one of the ‘Gaiety Girls’.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Popie’ (the theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope), regarding BBC TV, ‘the Gaiety fiasco’ and ‘Gaiety Girls who married out of the peerage & retired into the country’.

Author: 
Ruby Miller [Ruby Laura Rose Miller] (1889-1976), actress, one of George Edwardes' 'Gaiety Girls' [W. J. MacQueen-Pope [‘Popie’] (1888-1960), theatre historian]
Publication details: 
16 July 1957; on her letterhead.
£50.00

See her entry and his in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded for postage. Signed ‘Ruby’. Begins: ‘Popie, darling, / What are we coming to? / You - as a pierrot with the “Fol-de-Rols”! / BBC/TV must be mad not to let you do a talk on the St. James’s. / But after the Gaiety fiasco I can believe anything of them.

[‘My British public is not being discriminated against’: Lawrence G. Blochman, American writer of detective fiction.] Typed Letter Signed to Eileen M. Cond, English autograph collector, discussing English publication of his books.

Author: 
Lawrence G. Blochman [Lawrence Goldtree Blochman] (1900-1975), American writer of detective fiction
Publication details: 
18 September 1954; 370 Riverside Drive, New York 25, N.Y.
£280.00

1p, 4to. Twenty-three lines. Large sprawling signature ‘Lawrence G. Blochman’. In fair condition, worn and creased on lightly-discoloured paper. The recipient, an enthusiastic autograph collector, has evidently asked him to sign a bookplate to be stuck in his latest book ‘’Recipe for Homicide’. Her note has finally reached him ‘through channels (via my English publisher through my London agent to my New York agent)’. He is glad she finds the book entertaining, ‘even though you had not yet, at the time of writing, discovered the culprit’.

[Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, R.A., sculptor and medallist.] Autograph Note Signed (‘J. E. Boehm’), thanking Lord Wolseley for a 'Norfolk jaquet'

Author: 
Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm (1834-1890), R.A., sculptor and medallist, born in Austria but settled in England, who depicted Queen Victoria on coins and designed a number of London statues [Lord Wolseley]
Publication details: 
19 September 1885; on letterhead of The Avenue, 76, Fulham Road, S.W.
£45.00

Boehm had executed a bronze bust of Wolseley two years before. It may be that the present letter is in response to congratulations from Boehm on his forthcoming elevation to the viscountcy, with occurred 28 September 1885. 1p, 12mo. Folded once. In good condition, with unobtrusive folds to two corners. Reads: ‘Dear Lord Wolseley | Many thanks for your kind note & the Norfolk jaquet which arrived safely this morning | Yours sincerely & obliged | J. E. Boehm’.

[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.

[Incorporated Society of Musicians and British music on eve of First World War.] Signatures of thirteen composers (including Havergal Brian, Monk Gould, Julius Harrison) and musicians at 1912 Birmingham Conference, seven with autograph bars of music.

Author: 
[Incorporated Society of Musicians, Birmingham Conference, 1912] Havergal Brian, Monk Gould, Julius Harrison, Edgar L. Bainton, H. Balfour Gardiner, William Wallace, C. Warwick-Evans, Harry A. Keyser
Publication details: 
Signatures given at the Birmingham Conference of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, 1912-1913.
£320.00

For a detailed report of the Incorporated Society of Musicians conference at which these autographs were given, and which took place in Birmingham over the five days between 30 December 1912 and 3 January 1913, see Musical Times, 1 February 1913, pp.113-114. Thirteen signatures of British pre-war musical figures, on ten pieces of paper, ranging from 16 x 19 cm to 7 x 13 cm, nine of them on parts leaves of various colours cut from an album. In good condition, lightly aged. In only two cases are the signatures on both sides of the paper, on the other eight the reverse is blank.

[Edgar Jepson, popular novelist; .] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edgar Jepson'), replying to a fan letter from 'Miss Gowing' [novelist Barbara Kaye] by suggesting that they meet to prevent him from injuring his constitution by 'industrious excess'

Author: 
Edgar Jepson [Edgar Alfred Jepson, pseudonym 'R. Edison Page'] (1863-1938), popular author of adventure, detective, supernatural and fantasy fiction [Barbara Kaye [Barbara Kenrick Gowing] (1908-1998)]
Publication details: 
120 Adelaide Road, Chalk Farm, London NW3. 8 July 1920.
£120.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Folded once.

[Lord Adrian of Cambridge [Edgar Douglas Adrian], Nobel Prize winning electrophysiologist, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.] Three Autograph Cards Signed (all 'E. D. Adrian') to German neurologist Otto Maas.

Author: 
Edgar Adrian [Edgar Douglas Adrian; Lord Adrian of Cambridge] (1899-1977), electrophysiologist, joint recipient of the 1932 Nobel Prize for Physiology [Otto Maas (1871-c.1942), German neurologist]
Publication details: 
All three items on letterhead 'From Dr. Adrian, St. Chad's, Grange Road, Cambridge.' 6 and 12 February 1934, and 27 January 1938.
£450.00

Lord Adrian was Professor of Physiology in the University of Cambridge 1937-1951; President of the Royal Society 1950-1955; Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, 1951-1965; president of the Royal Society of Medicine 1960-1962; Chancellor of the University of Cambridge 1967-1975. In 1932 Adrian and Sir Charles Sherrington receiving the 1932 Nobel Prize for Physiology 'for their discoveries regarding the functions of neurons'.The recipient Otto Maas obtained his medical degree from the University of Strasbourg in 1898. Between 1910 and 1932 he was Director of the clinic in Berlin-Buch.

[Sir Edgar MacCulloch, Bailiff of Guernsey, folklorist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edgar MacCulloch') to 'Chepmell' [society homeopathist Edward Charles Chepmell], discussing the arrangements for his forthcoming adoubement.

Author: 
Sir Edgar MacCulloch (1808-1896), Bailiff of Guernsey, expert in Guernsey Folklore, and founding member of La Société Guernesiaise [Edward Charles Chepmell (1820-1885), society homeopathist]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Tavistock Hotel, London. 30 April 1886.
£90.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged. He begins by thanking him for his 'kind note and ticket for the Private View at the Academy'. He explains that he 'must pay a visit to the Home Office at noon to report myself', and from there he will find his way to Burlington House. He hopes 'to learn from Mr Childers or one of the Under-secretaries when there is a likelihood of a day being fixed by the Queen for dubbing knights, and am in hopes that it may not be far distant, as I don't wish to be kept here for any lengthened time.' He explains that he came up to London 'on Genl.

[ Edgar Tarry Adams, collector of maritime instruments. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edgar T. Adams') to 'Mr Justice Harington' (i.e. Richard Harington)

Author: 
Edgar Tarry Adams (1852-1926), Essex brewer, artist and collector of maritime instruments [ Sir Richard Harington of Ridlington (1861-1931), 12th Baronet ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Downing College, Cambridge. 1 February 1909.
£40.00

2pp.,12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. He has been informed by 'Mr. Hill of the Victoria & Albert Museum' that Harington has 'a Backstaff'. Adams has been 'looking out for one for some years' without success and would like to purchase Harington's if he has 'no use for it. 'I think Mr. Hill mentioned to you that I had a collection of old navigating instruments & he has very kindly been trying to find a backstaff for me'. He ends in the hope that Harington will 'excuse the zeal of the collector'.

Mimeographed typescript history of a club for New York antiquarian booksellers, titled 'The Old Book Table | A Social Organisation | An Informal Record 1931-1970 | Lists of Officers & Members and of Guests of The Old Book Table | &c., &c.'

Author: 
The Old Book Table, club for New York antiquarian booksellers, founded 1931 [Ernest R. Gee; E. Byrne Hackett, Brick Row Bookshop; Frank R. Thoms (Thoms and Eron); Edgar H. Wells; Geoffrey J. L. Gomme]
Publication details: 
Undated [1971]. New York: The OBT [i.e. The Old Book Table].
£400.00

[iv] + 39 + 7 pp, with a further 17 pp loosely inserted at back (making a total of 67 pp), 4to. Good, in maroon plastic folder. Preface followed by list of 'Past Officers, Roster of Members, etc.', 'Chronology of The Old Book Table [1931-1970]' and 'Alphabetical List of Guests 1933-1970'. The loose leaves mainly consist of 'Extracts from the Minutes: 1931-1954'. The preface begins: 'Five members of the antiquarian booktrade in New York City met for a friendly dinner on the night of 9 January 1931. They were: Ernest R. Gee, a leading specialist in sporting and color plate books; E.

[ Eric Gill and the Spoil Bank Association Limited. ] Printed First and Second Mortgage Debentures, signed by Eric Gill, H. J. Cribb, Hilary Pepler, Charles L. Waters, Edgar Holloway, with printed transfer slips, all signed by Valentine KilBride.

Author: 
Eric Gill; The Spoil Bank Association Limited; Ditchling; H. J. Cribb [ Herbert Joseph Cribb ]; Hilary Pepler; Charles L. Waters; Valentine KilBride [ John Valentine Denis KilBride ]; Edgar Holloway
Publication details: 
Both items: The Spoil Bank Association Limited, 'Registered Office S. Dominic's Press, Ditchling Common, Hassocks, Sussex.' Both dated 23 February 1922, the first printed and second in manuscript.
£450.00

The Spoil Bank Association was the limited company which acted on behalf of the Guild of St. Joseph and St. Dominic, the group of Roman Catholic craftworkers centred on Gill and based on Ditchling Common in Sussex. Each of the present two items in good condition, with light signs of age and wear. Both bifoliums on good deckled-edge paper, and both 3pp., folio, with the customary covering information on the reverse of the second leaf. Attractive typographic productions, printed in black and red on deckled-edge watermarked laid paper. Both with tax stamps and the Association's seal.

[ E. A. Smith of the Natural History Museum, zoologist and malacologist. ] Autograph Card Signed ('Edgar A. Smith') to fellow-malacologist Rudolph Bergh of Copenhagen.

Author: 
E. A. Smith [ Edgar Albert Smith ] (1847-1916) of the Natural History Museum, zoologist and malacologist [ Ludvig Sophus Rudolph Bergh (1824-1909), Danish physician and malacologist ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London. 11 May 1905.
£45.00

In good condition, with stamp and postmarks. Addressed to 'Dr Rudolf [sic] Bergh | 6 Malmogade | Copenhagen | Denmark'. Reads: 'Dear Sir, | I have no record of any account of the soft parts of Amathina tricostata since the time of H. & A. Adams. I remember your visit to us many many years ago. With kind regards | Yours v. truly | Edgar A. Smith'.

[ E. A. Smith of the Natural History Museum, zoologist and malacologist. ] Five Autograph Letters Signed and two Autograph Cards Signed to H. J. V. Lynge of Copenhagen

Author: 
E. A. Smith [ Edgar Albert Smith ] (1847-1916) of the Natural History Museum, zoologist and malacologist [ Herman Johannes Vilhelm Lynge (1862-1945), Danish antiquarian bookseller and zoologist ]
Publication details: 
Five on letterheads of the British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London. Between 1903 and 1910.
£280.00

The seven items in good condition, showing light signs of age and wear. Four signed 'Edgar A. Smith' and three 'E. A. Smith'. The letters totalling 10pp. A learned correspondence, with Smith attempting, not always successfully, to identify Lynge's specimens, passing comment and suggesting publications.

[ Printed pamphlet. ] Materials & Apparatus of Visual Education. A Lecture delived to the Department of Eduation of Oxford University.

Author: 
F. E. Farley [ Frank Edgar Farley (b.1868); British Film Institute, London ]
Publication details: 
The British Film Institute, 164 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C.2, England. [ 1947 or 1948 ]
£30.00

7 + [1]pp., 8vo. Stapled. In good condition, with lightly-rusted staples. Delivered on 1 December 1947. Introduction reads: 'The Governors of the British Film Institute feel that the contents of the following lecture of sufficient interest to justify their presentation to a wider audience. It should be noted, however, that the opinions expressed by Mr. Farley are not necessarily in agreement with the policy of the Bristol Film Institute.' Only three copies on COPAC and now scarce.

[ Edgar Wallace, thriller writer. ] Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Edgar Wallace [ Richard Horatio Edgar Wallace ] (1875-1932), English thriller writer
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£25.00

On 5 x 11cm. piece of paper, torn from the conclusion to a typed letter. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: '[...] myself, you would write to me. | Yours very truly, | Edgar Wallace'.

[ Ralph Bartlett Goddard, American sculptor. ] Illustrated pamphlet advertising 'Portraits of Eminent Men in Bas-Relief', including extracts from letters from relations of Longfellow, Poe and Hawthorne.

Author: 
Ralph Bartlett Goddard (1861-1936), American sculptor [ The Library Bureau, London ]
Publication details: 
The Library Bureau, 10, Bloomsbury Street, London, W.C. [ 1890s. ]
£180.00

4pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The second page carries photographic reproductions of the bas-reliefs of Tennyson and Carlyle, in frames. The third page gives details of the twelve portraits (Carlyle, Tennyson, Hawthorne, Longfellow, Dickens, Whittier, Lowell, Thackeray, Bryant, E. A. Poe, Ambriose [sic] Thomas, O. W. Holmes), executed by 'Mr. RALPH BARTLETT GODDARD, the eminent Sculptor', stating that they are available in plaster or bronze, and 'form a most suitable adornment for the walls of a private or public library, schoolroom, or study'.

[ Francis Edgar Dodd, RA, Welsh painter. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Francis Dodd') to the bookseller J. G. Wilson

Author: 
Francis Dodd [Francis Edgar Dodd] (1874-1949), RA, Welsh artist, an official war artist in the First World War [ John Gideon Wilson (1876-1963), proprietor of London bookshop Messrs J. & E Bumpus ]
Publication details: 
Both on embossed letterheads of 51Blackheath Park, London S.E. One dated 12 November 1931 and the other 14 April [no year].
£56.00

Both letters in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. ONE: 12 November 1931. 2pp., 12mo. Written lengthwise. He heard from 'Father Bone last night that the Epstein party was over & I had not attended it as I promised to. I hadn't got a ticket so I forgot the date'. TWO: 14 April [no year]. 1p., 12mo. Written lengthwise.He is sending him a private view ticket for the Royal Academy, 'where you will have an opportunity to see the portrait of Sir Frederick Richmond that you so kindly interested yourself in'.

[Lord Robert Cecil.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Robert Cecil'), while a student at University College, Oxford, giving his reasons for opposing the setting up of a 'Vigilance Committee' of the Oxford Union Club.

Author: 
Lord Robert Cecil [Edgar Algernon Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, Viscount Cecil of Chelwood] (1864-1958), Liberal politician and peace campaigner [University College, Oxford; the Oxford Union Club]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of University College, Oxford. 1 June [no year, but during his time at the College, between 1883 and 1886].
£56.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Good, on lightly aged and worn paper. Addressing the recipient as 'Sir', he thanks him for his 'many very valuable suggestions', but fears that 'there seems some danger that a Vigilance Committee such as you describe, wd be regarded as & wd. be very likely to become, a Caucus - the very thing we protest against so strongly'. In addition, it would 'embitter party rivalry in the Union & would greatly increase the difficulty of destroying all cliques & getting the best men as officers of the Union no matter to what section of what party they may belong'.

[The Royal Society.] Four printed documents relating to the 289th Anniversary Dinner at the Dorchester Hotel, London: Copies of speeches by the President, Professor E. D. Adrian, and Viscount Portal of Hungerford; Menu; and 'Plan of Tables'.

Author: 
The Royal Society, London [289th Anniversary Dinner, Dorchester Hotel, London]; Professor Edgar Douglas Adrian, 1st Baron Adrian, Nobel Prize winner; Charles Portal, 1st Viscount Portal of Hungerford
Publication details: 
[The Royal Society, London.] Dinner held on St Andrew's Day [30 November] 1951, at the Dorchester Hotel, London. 'Plan of Tables' printed by Headley Brothers Ltd, 109 Kingsway, London, WC2, and Ashford, Kent.
£80.00

The four items in good condition, lightly-aged. ONE: 'The Royal Society | Speech of the President, Professor E. D. Adrian, O.M., at the Anniversary Dinner, Dorchester Hotel, on 30 November 1951.' Duplicated typescript. 5pp., short 8vo. On five leaves stapled together. TWO: 'The Royal Society | Speech by the Viscount Portal of Hungerford at the Anniversary Dinner on 30 November 1951'. 6pp., long 8vo. Duplicated typescript. On six leaves stapled together. THREE: Cover reads: 'The Royal Society | Professor E. D. Adrian, O.M. | President | Anniversary Dinner | Dorchester Hotel | St.

[Printed pamphlet.] The Training of the Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Spotter. By Major L. E. C. M. Perowne, R.E. (Revised Edition.)

Author: 
Major L. E. C. M. Perowne, R.E. [Major-General Lancelot Edgar Connop Mervyn Perowne (1902-1982), Royal Engineers, Commander, 17th Gurkha Division]
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated. [A revised reprint from The Royal Engineers Journal, September 1938.]
£120.00

24pp., 8vo, with one extra plate on art paper, and five full pages of diagrams in text. Stapled, in blue printed wraps. With two ownership inscriptions on the wraps, both of Royal Artillery personnel: the first of S. M. Dawes, and the second of '483 S/L Batt RA', i.e. Jack Lynden Batt (b.1922), of 155th Battery, 172nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. This offprint is excessively scare, with no copies listed on COPAC or WorldCat.

Autograph Letter Signed from the 'actor-dramatist and film adapter' Forbes Dawson to the naval writer 'Bartimeus' [Captain Sir Lewis Anselmo da Costa Ricci], describing his credentials for adapting stories for film.

Author: 
Forbes Dawson (b.1866), English 'actor-dramatist and film adapter' ['Bartimeus' [Captain Sir Lewis Anselmo da Costa Ricci [in 1941 altered to Ritchie] (1886-1967)]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead, 15 Merton Hall Gardens, SW20. 14 August 1934.
£150.00

1p., 4to. On aged paper. Printed in block capitals at head of letter: 'Experienced actor-dramatist and film adapter. Author of plays and films produced in England and America. Expert in "Dramatic Construction" gained in years of practical experience on the stage, and in films. Adapts stories to the talking films, the bigger the story with opportunities of being developed on a large scale, the better.' Addressed to 'Commander L. A. da Costa Ricci | Naval & Military Club, | 94 Piccadilly | W'.

Mimeographed typescript history of a club for New York antiquarian booksellers, titled 'The Old Book Table | A Social Organisation | An Informal Record 1931-1970 | Lists of Officers & Members and of Guests of The Old Book Table | &c., &c.'

Author: 
The Old Book Table, club for New York antiquarian booksellers, founded 1931 [Ernest R. Gee; E. Byrne Hackett, Brick Row Bookshop; Frank R. Thoms (Thoms and Eron); Edgar H. Wells; Geoffrey J. L. Gomme]
Publication details: 
Undated [1971]. New York: The OBT [i.e. The Old Book Table].
£600.00

[iv] + 39 + 7 pp, with a further 17 pp loosely inserted at back (making a total of 67 pp), 4to. Good, in maroon plastic folder. Preface followed by list of 'Past Officers, Roster of Members, etc.', 'Chronology of The Old Book Table [1931-1970]' and 'Alphabetical List of Guests 1933-1970'. The loose leaves mainly consist of 'Extracts from the Minutes: 1931-1954'. The preface begins: 'Five members of the antiquarian booktrade in New York City met for a friendly dinner on the night of 9 January 1931. They were: Ernest R. Gee, a leading specialist in sporting and color plate books; E.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Edmund C. Stedman') from the American man of letters Edmund Clarence Stedman to the Blackburn poet John Thomas Baron ('Jack O'Anns')

Author: 
Edmund Clarence Stedman (1833-1908), American poet, critic and essayist [John Thomas Baron (1856-1922), Blackburn dialect poet, writing under the pseudonym 'Jack O'Anns']
Publication details: 
31 January 1883; on letterhead of 71 West 54th Street, New York.
£350.00

12mo, 4 pp. Bifolium. Forty-eight lines. Text clear and complete. Good, on aged paper. Begins 'One must needs be a churl indeed to be a laggard in his response to a letter containing words of so sweet breath composed as yours!' He thanks Baron for his 'kind & encouraging letter', and considers that an author 'has no keener or more lawful pleasure than to find that the errors of his song or tale has [sic] lodged (as Longfellow says) in the heart of some far-off and unknown friend'.

Autograph Letter Signed from the Pennsylvania politician Joel Barlow Sutherland to the soldier and playwright James Nelson Barker.

Author: 
Joel Barlow Sutherland (1792-1861), Jacksonian member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania [James Nelson Barker (1784-1858), soldier, playwright and politician]
Pennsylvania politician Joel Barlow Sutherland
Publication details: 
16 April 1833; Philadelphia.
£85.00
Pennsylvania politician Joel Barlow Sutherland

4to, 2 pp. Fourteen lines. Text clear and complete. Fair, on aged paper neatly repaired with archival tape. Addressed to Barker as 'Collector &c'. Recommending the appointment of 'Colonel Freeman' as 'an Inspector of the Customs for the City of Philadelphia'. Freeman is 'a very active Democrat' and 'a very estimable man'. Should Barker appoint him, he will be 'gratifying the Democrats of the City of Philadelphia & will also oblige - | Yours truly | [signed] J B Sutherland'. In 1844 Sutherland himself received a similar letter from Edgar Allan Poe, recommending Robert Travers.

Two Autograph Letters Signed ('Charles Gibson' and 'Charles E. Gibson') by Gibson, as Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 49th, written to his 'Aunt Kate' from Sebastopol during the Crimean War, including a description of horse races during the armistice.

Author: 
Captain Charles Edgar Gibson, of the 49th Regiment of Foot [Crimean War; Sebastopol]
Publication details: 
Letter One: 'Camp Sebastopol. January 24th. 1856.' Letter Two: 'Camp 49 Regt Sebastopol. March 31st.'
£350.00

Letter One: 12mo, 4 pp. Bifolium. 75 lines of text. Clear and complete. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Expresses regret at 'Morten Edens melancholy death, so young & so clever as he was'. 'There is great talk of Peace. We hardly know if to believe it - few will be sorry should the news prove to be true, as I think most of us have had enough fighting. Apparently refers to his sweetheart under a cypher. She has not written to him, but 'London gaieties have little time for correspondence'. 'The weather here is something awful - cold & wet, fogs & sleet.

Two Autograph Letters Signed to 'Dear France'.

Author: 
Edgar Jepson [Edgar Alfred Jepson] (1863-1938), English writer of detective fiction, sometimes under the name 'R. Edison Page'
Publication details: 
Letter One: 17 May 1907; Hillfarance, Elm Road, Wembley. Letter Two: 29 June 1907; 23 Bath Road, Bedford Park. London W.
£95.00

Both items in fair condition, on lightly-aged and foxed paper. Letter One: 12mo (15 x 10 cm), 1 p. He thanks him 'for the Tickets': 'we are looking forward to seeing you act. I shall be very pleased to come to smoke a cigarette after the first act off the Duel.' ('The Duel' was produced at the Garrick Theatre, London, in 1907.) Letter Two: 12mo, 2 pp. He thanks him 'for the excellent evening you gave me at The Coronet the other night. | The Incubus is an admirable play, and admirably acted.' He hopes France 'had a good week of it': 'I told innumerable people not to miss it.'

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