ITALIAN

[Armando Diaz, 1st Duke della Vittoria, Marshal of Italy, First World War Italian general who triumphed in the Battle of Vittorio Veneto.] Autograph Signature: 'Generale A. Diaz'.

Author: 
Armando Diaz (1861-1928), 1st Duke della Vittoria, First World War Italian general, victor over the Austrians in Battle of Vittorio Veneto (1918); putative author of the Bolletino della Vittoria
ARMANDO DIAZ
Publication details: 
No place or date. (Before his ennoblement in 1921.)`
£75.00
ARMANDO DIAZ

A nice item, suitable for framing, relating to one of the best generals of the First World War. (He commanded one and a half million troops in the 1918 Battle of Vittorio Veneto, defeating the Austrians - a third of a million of whom surrendered - and closing the Italian Front.) Clearly given in response to a request for an autograph. The good bold signature ‘Generale A. Diaz’ sits slightly over the centre of an otherwise-plain 15 x 10 cm piece of wove paper, laid down on paper backing. In good condition, lightly aged, with two unobtrusive vertical fold lines. See Image.

[Matthew Ridley Corbet, ARA, neoclassical English painter.] Three Autograph Letters Signed (‘M. R. Corbet’) to John Macallan Swan, with regard to Giovanni Costa in Italy, Alfred Gilbert, William Cosmo Monkhouse and Edwin Freshfield.

Author: 
M. R. Corbet [Matthew Ridley Corbet] (1850-1902), ARA, neoclassical painter [John Macallan Swan (1847-1910), RA, painter and sculptor; William Cosmo Monkhouse; Alfred Gilbert; Edwin Freshfield]
Publication details: 
ONE: 28 October 1896; Casa Costa, Marina di Pisa, Italy. TWO: 4 December 1898. THREE: 18 March 1902. Items Two and Three on letterhead of Crow’s-nest, 54, Circus Road, St. John’s Wood, N.W.
£120.00

An interesting glimpse into the late-Victorian world of English art. Corbet and Swan were close friends - one of Corbet’s paintings remained in Swan’s family until the 1990s. See the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. The three letters are addressed to ‘Dear Swan’ and signed ‘M. R. Corbet’. All three on grey paper, lightly aged and worn, with creasing to Letter One.

[Gisele Bündchen, Brazilian supermodel, and Michel Comte, Swiss fashion photographer.] Autograph Note Signed from Bündchen to Comte, accompanying sixty-three of his photographs of her, in groups of three or four similar images, from various shoots.

Author: 
Gisele Bündchen (b.1980), Brazilian supermodel, and Michel Comte (b.1954), Swiss fashion photographer, artist and filmaker
Supermodel
Supermodel2
Publication details: 
Note dated 16 May 1999. Some of the photographs taken in 'France, May [1999]' for Italian Vogue.
£800.00
Supermodel
Supermodel2

Bündchen’s career began in London in 1998. Since 2001, she has been one of the highest-paid fashion models in the world. In 2007, Forbes listed her as the sixteenth-richest woman in the entertainment industry. In 2019 Claudia Schiffer described her as the last of the supermodels. Comte’s fashion and portrait photography have appeared in a wide range of publications, primarily Italian Vogue. In 2000 he was named Photographer of the year by PHOTO magazine.

[Sir James Philip Lacaita [Giacomo Filippo Lacaita], Anglo-Italian politician and scholar.] Printed offprint of synopsis of Royal Institution talk: ‘On Dante and the “Divina Commedia.”’

Author: 
Sir James Philip Lacaita [Giacomo Filippo Lacaita] (1813-1895), Anglo-Italian politician and scholar [Royal Institution of Great Britain]
Publication details: 
‘Weekly Evening Meeting, / Friday, May 18, 1855.’ [London.]
£45.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Although reset, the text of the present five-page synopsis does not appear to differ from that printed on pp.118-433 of the ‘Notices of the Proceedings’, vol.2 (1854-1858). No other copy of this offprint has been traced. In very good condition, lightly aged. Drophead title: ‘Royal Institution of Great Britain. / Weekly Evening Meeting, / Friday, May 18, 1855. / Rev.. John Barlow, M.A. F.R.S. Vice-President and Secretary, in the Chair. / James Philip Lacaita, Esq. LL.D. / On Dante and the “Divina Commedia.”’ 5pp, 16mo, bifolium, paginated [1]-5.

[Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of radio: family correspondence.] 40 items to governess Millicent Goodsir ('Miss Unger') from Marconi's second wife Cristina [née Bezzi Scali], her mother and daughter: letters and cards in English, inscribed photographs.

Author: 
[Guglielmo Marconi [Marquis of Marconi] (1874-1937), inventor of radio, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics; his second wife Maria Cristina Bezzi-Scali, their daughter Elettra Giovanelli
Publication details: 
Most from 11 Via Condotti, Rome. 1914-1968.
£250.00

Forty items, in good condition, lightly aged and worn, with some of the photographs with evidence on reverse of having been mounted. Millicent Goodsir [née Unger] (1885-1983) was governess to Christina Bezzi Scali (1900-1994), daughter of Francesco, Count Bezzi Scali and his wife Anna (1879-1968). In 1927 Cristina became Marconi's second wife. Their only child was Maria Elettra Elena Anna Marconi (b.1930), who would marry Prince Carlo Giovannelli (1942-2016).

[Anatomical plates by Carlo Cesio, published by Luis Fabri.] ‘Cognizione de Muscoli del Corpo Umano / Per uso di disegno / Opera / di Carlo Cesio’.

Author: 
Carlo Cesio [Carlo Cesi] (1622-1682), Baroque painter and engraver of the Roman school; Luigi Fabri [Aloisio Fabri; Luis Fabri] (1777-1835), Roman engraver and publisher
Publication details: 
[Early nineteenth century.] ‘In Roma presso Luigi Fabri, Via del Bufalo No. 141.’
£350.00

First published in Rome in 1679 as ‘Cognitione [sic] de muscoli del corpo humano per il disegno’. The present edition is scarce. JISC LHD suggests that there is no copy in the United Kingdom (not even at the Wellcome), and WorldCat lists only four: at Harvard, Boston Athenaeum, Michigan and Padua University. 18pp, folio, on the rectos of eighteen leaves, of which the first is a new title-page and the second carries the text ‘A chi studio il disegno’ by ‘Carlo Cesio’. Dimensions of plate 21 x 34 cm; dimensions of leaf 33 x 44 cm.

[Giulielmo Libri; 'Magnificent Collection'; Jesuits] MS., Title Dies illa Cantata [...] Lot No. 311 in the Auction Sale of the Magnificent Collection of [...] M. Guglielmo Libri [Full title below]

Author: 
[Giulielmo Libri; From his 'Magnificent Collection']
Publication details: 
MS. Seventeenth Century; [Sale] Leigh Sotheby & Wilkinson, London, 1859.
£280.00

One and a half pages, fol., bifoliate, join reinforced, creases on folds, signs of age, inc. sl. foxing, text clear. SEE IMAGE of Page One. Text of Entry in the Libri Catalogue: Dies illa Cantata dall'altra Religioni a Gesuiti nella Morte d'alcuni d'essi in Lisbona (in Latin and Italian verse) | folio. Saec.xvii ON PAPER. Auction Title: 311. Catalogue of the extraordinary collection of Splendid Manuscripts, Chiefly upon Vellum in various Languages of Europe and the East, formed by M. Guglielmo Libri.

[Countess Theresa Pulszky, wife of Hungarian nationalist Count Ferenc Pulszky.] Autograph Letter Signed, in English, to Sabilla Novello, describing her ‘Dante festivals’ and artistic activities in Florence.

Author: 
'Theresa Pulszky [Terézia Pulszky; née Walter] (1819-1866), Austro-Hungarian wife of the Hungarian nationalist Count Ferenc Pulszky (1814-1897) [Sabilla Novello; Clara Novello [Countess Gigliucci]
Publication details: 
‘Villa Petrovitz Sulla Cos[ta] / Florence June 3d 1865’.
£280.00

The Pulskys had fled Austria-Hungary during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, and while in London the Countess had published her well-received ‘Memoirs of a Hungarian Lady’. They would only be allowed back under an imperial amnesty in the year after this letter in 1866. The recipient, Sabilla Novello, was the daughter of London music publisher Vincent Novello, and sister of Alfred and Clara Novello [the ‘Countess Gigliucci’ referred to in the letter], all three of whom have entries in the Oxford DNB. 4pp, 12mo. On bifolium.

[Gustav Adolf, Cardinal Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingfürs.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘G Card d’Hohenhohe’) in Italian, enclosing a book by ‘Signora Costanza’, and 3 letters of recommendation for a voyage [neither book not letters present!]

Author: 
Gustav Adolf, Cardinal Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingfürst (1823-1896), German aristocrat and Roman Catholic cleric and friend of Franz Liszt
Hohenhohe
Publication details: 
5 May 1891; Rome.
£90.00
Hohenhohe

In fair condition, on lightly aged paper. Folded once. Signed ‘G Card d’Hohenhohe’, and with his embossed monogram. He is enclosing ‘il libro per la Signora Costanza’, together with the three letters of recommendation, which she may read before sealing. He ends with good wishes for the voyage. See image.

[Carlo Marochetti, distinguished Italian sculptor, responsible for statue of Richard the Lionheart outside the Palace of Westminster.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘Marochetti’), in French, thanking the recipient for the gifts he has found in his pantry.

Author: 
Carlo Marochetti [Baron Pietro Carlo Giovanni Battista Marochetti] (1805-1867), RA, Italian sculptor, active in France and settled in England, gaining commissions from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Publication details: 
6 January 1859; on letterhead of 34 Onslow Square, Brompton [London].
£45.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. There is a blue plaque at his house in Onslow Square, announcing that he lived there from 1851 to his death in 1867. 2pp, 12mo. On first leaf of bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Addressed to ‘Mon cher Monsieur’. He has returned home after several days in the country, to find his ‘garde manger si bien rempli des preuves de votre bon et bienveillant souvenir’.

['Shady deals' re Aylesford Priory.] Two Typed Letters Signed from Carmelite friar and prior Malachy Lynch to Major G. Wynne-Rushton, with two letters written for him (by ‘J. Cleeves’ and ‘J. R.’), on ‘Soulsby’s shady deals’ over a pilgrimage to Rome

Author: 
Malachy Lynch (1899-1972), Irish Carmelite friar who restored Aylesford Priory, Kent, and was its Prior [Major Gerald Wynne-Rushton (b;1894), Roman Catholic author]
Publication details: 
Lynch's two letters: 21 January [1950] and 4 February 1950. Letter by 'J. Cleeves': 9 February [1950]. Letter by 'J. R.': 24 March [1950]. All four on letterhead of The Friars, Aylesford, Kent.
£120.00

The context appears to be that Wynne-Rushton is supplying Aylesford with ‘inside information’ regarding the ‘shady deals’ of one Soulsby, proprietor of the Westminster Association, a travel agent’s being employed by Aylesford with regard to a pilgrimage to Rome. Lynch’s two letters and that of J. Cleeve’s all in good condition, lightly aged and each folded three times. Letter by ‘J. R.’ in fair condition, on aged paper. Lynch’s letters are both signed ‘Malachy Lynch O. Carm.’ ONE: By Lynch, 21 January [1950]. He explains: ‘I understood that the Agency had made provision already for 1,000.

[Cardinal Antonelli, Roman Catholic cleric and Italian politician: the ‘Italian Richelieu’ and the ‘Red Pope’.] Autograph Note in Italian in the third person, wishing ‘Mademoiselle Rushent’ prosperity.

Author: 
Cardinal Antonelli [Giacomo Antonelli] (1806-1876), Roman Catholic cleric whose machinations in Italian politics earned him the soubriquets the ‘Italian Richelieu’ and the ‘Red Pope’
Antonelli
Publication details: 
2 February 1899; Rome. On his embossed armorial letterhead.
£120.00
Antonelli

Six lines, in original envelope, very good condition. ‘Il Cardinale Antonelli’ presents his compliments to her, and ‘egli desidera dal [?] di prosperità’. See image.

[Luigi Montesanto, Italian baritone opera singer.] Autograph Signature (‘Luigi Montesanto’) to part of printed English libretto to Leoncavallo’s ‘Pagliacci’.

Author: 
Luigi Montesanto (1887-1954), Italian baritone opera singer
Luigi
Publication details: 
Dated by Montesanto to 1936. [His Master’s Voice, London.]
£40.00
Luigi

At top right-hand corner of part of printed English libretto to Leoncavallo’s ‘Pagliacci’. Dimensions: 13.5 x 17.5 cm. Sloping upwards towards the corner, and underlined: ‘Luigi Montesanto | 1936’. On shiny art paper and in fair condition, lightly creased and a little dog-eared at the corner of the signature. The cutting is headed: ‘Prologue (Pagliacci) ... ... ... ... Leoncavallo | LUGI MONTESANTO | PROLOGUE’, with thirty-two lines of English translation.

[William Frederick Wyndham, diplomat.] Autograph Memorandum Signed (W Wyndham | His Majestys Envoy Extra at the Court of Tuscany'), with seal, to Italian document signed by Lorenzo Fabbrucci, Cammillo Cateni and Giovanni Gualberto Uccelli.

Author: 
William Frederick Wyndham (1763-1828), British envoy to the Court of Tuscany, son of 2nd and father of 4th Earl of Egremont; Cammillo di Paolo Cateni; Giovanni Gualberto Uccelli; Lorenzo Fabbrucci
Publication details: 
From Florence. Wyndham's memorandum signed 13 January 1800; the Italian text 2 January 1800.
£56.00

2pp, 8vo. On first leaf of bifolium. Text complete and clearly legible, on aged and worn paper. The first page is begins with text in the hand of Cammillo Cateni, headed 'Adì 2 Gennaio 1800', written on behalf of Cateni and Giovanni Gualterro Uccelli, 'Medici filii di questa Citta di Firenze', attesting the signature of 'la Siga. Angiola Lucchi'.

[Charles Lever, Irish novelist, anticipates receiving a copy of George Eliot's 'Felix Holt'.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Charles Lever') to 'Lady [Alford?]', regarding his reading of English novels in Italy, including one by Charles Reade.

Author: 
Charles Lever [Charles James Lever] (1806-1872), Irish novelist [George Eliot; Charles Reade]
Publication details: 
'Villa Morelli [Florence, Italy] Augt. 31. [1866]'
£90.00

Depressed and paranoid, Lever spent his last days in Italy. For the Villa Morelli, see his Downey's 'Life in his Letters' (1906). 2pp, 12mo. On aged and creased paper, with closed tears to edges, but no loss. Folded twice. The handwriting is neat and controlled, but not always entirely legible. He begins with the news that he is returning 'the books you so kindly lent me'. Presumably referring to Charles Reade's 1866 novel 'Griffith Gaunt', Lever writes: 'Mr Reade is all you said of him, - often very amusing, & oftener very [?]'. A reference to 'the pleasanter reading' follows.

[Pope Pius XII.] Printed ticket of admission ('Biglietto personale') to the 'Anticamera Pontificia', on the occasion of his pontifical mass and coronation, issued by Alberto Arborio-Mella di Sant'Ella, Maestro di Camera.

Author: 
Pope Pius XII [Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli] (1876-1958), Roman Catholic pontiff [Alberto Arborio Mella di Sant'Elia (1880-1953), Maestro di Camera; Vatican City, Rome]
Publication details: 
Invitation dated 'Vaticano, 4 marzo 1939', for event on 12 March 1939. ['Tip. Vaticana. 6-3-1939']
£35.00

A nice piece of papal ephemera, printed in blue on one side of 15 x 21 cm piece of blue wove paper, with large ornate watermark of 'SACRI PALAZZI APOSTOLICI', with triregnum and crossed keys. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded twice. Numbered 7370, with following at head: 'Ingresso: Facciata della Basilica | (Cancello di destra N. 3)', and at foot 'Accesso: VIA DI PORTA ANGELICA'. At left-hand side: '12 | GRATIS'.

[Pasquale Villari, Italian historian and politician.] Autograph Signature with greetings.

Author: 
Pasquale Villari (1827-1917), Italian historian and politician
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£25.00

On 18 x 9 cm piece of paper. In good condition, lightly aged. Laid down on part of leaf from album. In response to a request for an autograph he has written at the head of the page: 'Con molti saluti | Pasquale Villari'. No other writing.

[Antonio Gallenga, Italian author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('A. Gallenga (Mariotti)') [to James Payn, Cornhill Magazine editor], discussing recipient's association with 'Chambers in Edinburgh'; declaring that he has 'got on well in the world'.

Author: 
Antonio Carlo Napoleone Gallenga [pseud. 'Luigi Mariotti'] (1810-1895), Italian author, patriot, follower of Cavour, Italian deputy, Times correspondent [James Payn (1830-1898); Cornhill Magazine]
Publication details: 
27 July 1871; 17 James Street, Buckingham Gate, London, S.W., with embossed letterhead of the Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall [London].
£200.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. The recipient is not named, but the item derives from the papers of James Payn, the editor of the Cornhill Magazine, London. Gallenga begins: 'My dear Sir. | The last time I saw you - it may be 20 years ago - you were leaving London to write for Chambers in Edinburgh.

[Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of radio: family correspondence.] 40 items to governess Millicent Goodsir ('Miss Unger') from Marconi's second wife Cristina [née Bezzi Scali], her mother and daughter: letters and cards in English, inscribed photographs.

Author: 
[Guglielmo Marconi [Marquis of Marconi] (1874-1937), inventor of radio, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics; his second wife Maria Cristina Bezzi-Scali, their daughter Elettra Giovanelli
Publication details: 
Most from 11 Via Condotti, Rome. 1914-1968.
£850.00

Forty items, in good condition, lightly aged and worn, with some of the photographs with evidence on reverse of having been mounted. Millicent Goodsir [née Unger] (1885-1983) was governess to Christina Bezzi Scali (1900-1994), daughter of Francesco, Count Bezzi Scali and his wife Anna (1879-1968). In 1927 Cristina became Marconi's second wife. Their only child was Maria Elettra Elena Anna Marconi (b.1930), who would marry Prince Carlo Giovannelli (1942-2016).

[Edmund Stonor, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Trebizond.] Eleven Autograph Letters Signed, in a collection of fifteen items of correspondence to his London lawyers Philip Witham and F. R. Ward. With two letters from Judge Henry James Stonor.

Author: 
Edmund Stonor (1831-1912), Roman Catholic Archbishop of Trebizond and Senior Canon of St John Lateran, Chamberlain to Pope Pius IX [Philip Witham (1843-1921) and F. R. Ward, Irish lawyers in London]
Publication details: 
The fifteen items between 1884 and 1906. Eight of Stonor's letters from 27 Via Sistina, Rome. Other letters from 23 Clarges Street, London; Brighton; Abbey Hill, Winchester; and Imberhorne Manor, East Grinstead, Sussex.
£280.00

Fifteen items of correspondence, including eleven autograph letters from Stonor himself, eight signed 'Edmund Stonor', the other three '+ Edmund Stonor | Abp of Trebizond'. The collection aged and worn, with fraying to edges. The items attached with a brass stud. Regarding the two recipients, prominent solicitors serving the Irish and Roman Catholic interests in London, Philip Witham (1843-1921) - whose firm was Roskell, Witham, Munster and Weld - appears to have succeed F. R. Ward at 1 Gray's Inn Square. The main topic of the correspondence is the drafting in 1888 of Stonor's will.

[Giuseppe Garibaldi, hero of the Risorgimento.] Autograph Signature ('G. Garibaldi').

Author: 
Giuseppe Garibaldi [Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi] (1807-1882), Italian general and nationalist, hero of the Risorgimento who played a central part in the unification of Italy
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£120.00

On irregular slip of thin paper, roughly 2 x 6 cm. Laid down on piece of paper cut from album. In fair condition, lightly aged. Bold signature ('G. Garibaldi') with wavy underlining, possibly cut from the valediction of a letter.

[Filippo Marchetti, composer, and Pasquale Villari, historian.] Marchetti's Autograph Signature ('F Marchetti') with a few bars in autograph from the prelude of 'Ruy Blas'. On same leaf as an Autograph quotation, signed 'Pasquale Villari'.

Author: 
Filippo Marchetti (1831-1902), Italian composer of the opera 'Ruy Blas'; Pasquale Villari (1827-1917), Italian historian, politician and Dante scholar
Publication details: 
Marchetti's autograph on letterhead of the R. Accademia di S. Cecilia ('Liceo Musicale'). Rome, 14 September 1892. Villari's autograph on reverse of leaf, dated from Florence, 2 November 1892.
£350.00

1p, 12mo. Leaf of lightly-browned and creased aged paper, with closed tears to one edge. The two men are clearly writing in response to requests for autographs. Marchetti has written out four bars – slightly affected at end by closed tear – from what he states is 'Ruy Blas Preludio'. Beneath this he signs, in a firm attractive hand, 'F Marchetti'. At the head he dates: 'Roma 14 9bre 92'.

[Edward Harley, 5th Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Oxford') [to his steward], regarding the sending of his coach from England to Naples ('now open for the English'), and 'the Sadler [sic] in North Audley Street'.

Author: 
Edward Harley, 5th Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer (1773-1848), nobleman and connoisseur.
Publication details: 
'Cagliari [Sardinia] March 7th. 1814.'
£120.00

The Earl's wife was a mistress of Lord Byron. Her infidelities let to her children being jokingly referred to as 'The Harleian Miscellany'. 1p, 4to. Heavily aged and worn, with spike hole at centre. Folded several times. 'Sir | As Naples is now open for the English I beg you will send the Carriage to Naples for me by the first Ship that Sails from England for that Country. We are going there immediately. & shall [the]refore want it. I hope therefore you will lose no time in sending it. I will thank you to call on Wh.

[Cavour, Italian statesman and leading figure in the Risorgimento.] Autograph Letter Signed ('C Cavour'), in Italian, enclosing a letter for the Marquess of Azeglio, and inviting the recipient to contribute writing in a powerful 'organ of publicity'.

Author: 
Cavour [Camillo Paolo Filippo Giulio Benso, Count of Cavour, Isolabella and Leri] (1810-1861), Italian statesman, leading figure in the Risorgimento [Massimo Taparelli, Marquess of Azeglio (1798-1866)
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£250.00

1p, 12mo. On the recto of the first leaf of a bifolium, the rest being blank. In good condition, lightly aged, with a hole on a blank part of the paper at the foot of the first leaf. Neatly written and signed 'C. Cavour'. Cavour begins by taking up an offer by the unnamed recipient, by asking him to convey a letter to his rival Massimo Taparelli, Marquess of Azeglio (1798-1866), Prime Minister of Sardinia.

[Giuseppe Antonio Taruffi, Italian author, diplomat and chess player.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Taruffi'), in English, to 'a matchless Nobleman', regarding individuals including 'Canon Ghigiotti', 'Valiani, & Corallis', and 'the strangest varlet'..

Author: 
Giuseppe Antonio Taruffi (1715-1786), Italian author, diplomat and chess player
Publication details: 
Vienna. 18 April 1768.
£250.00

1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Written in a clear and attractive hand. The recipient is not named. Begins: 'My dear & ever-honoured Friend! | Some business of great importance kept me nine days absent from this Capital. At my return I found your most obliging Letter of the 7th. instant, & was exceedingly delighted with your Kindness. You are indeed a matchless Nobleman.' He asks if the recipient is acquainted with Prince Charles of [Cunandia?], adding: 'I swear you knew the strangest varlet that ever was. It is pity.

[Rolando Pieraccini, Italian sculptor, author and publisher ('Eurographica').] 43 Typed Letters Signed to playwright Christopher Fry, regarding the publication of signed limited editions of his works.

Author: 
Rolando Pieraccini [Roland Pieraccini], Italian sculptor and publisher ('Eurographica'), settled in Finland [Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright]
Publication details: 
Earlier letters on letterheads of his Helsinki publishing house Eurographica; later letters on his personal Helsinki letterhead. Between 1984 and 1996.
£800.00

43 letters in 8vo and 12mo, making a total of 44 pp. Signed 'Rolando Pieraccini' and (latterly) 'Rolando'. Thirteen of the letters (1984-1986; all 8vo) on 'Eurographica' letterhead, the others (1986-1996; 27 in 12mo and 3 in 8vo) on Pieraccini's personal letterhead. Also present is a carbon copy of a two-page letter from Pieraccini to Penny Eckley of Oxford University Press, regarding copyright matters. The collection in good condition, lightly-aged.

[Pietro Annigoni: personal reminiscences of John Phillips.] Privately-printed pamphlet: 'Maestro Annigoni', containing stories relating to the Queen, Princess Margaret, the Duke of Bedford and Violet Trefusis. Inscribed to Barbara Reed.

Author: 
John Phillips (1926-2017), flâneur and executor of Violet Trefusis (1894-1972; née Keppel), English socialite and author, lover of Vita Sackville-West [Pietro Annigoni (1910-1988, Italian painter]
Publication details: 
[Phuket, Thailand.] 2012.
£400.00

After a twelve-year 'amitié amoureuse' with Phillips, Violet Trefusis died in 1972, appointing him her literary executor and leaving him her last home, La Tour de Saint Loup. The present item – only one other copy of which has been traced – is from a collection of Phillips's papers amassed by his friend Barbara Reed, containing pamphlets privately printed by him between 2009 and 2014.

[Rafael Sabatini, Anglo-Italian popular novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Miss Greenwood', regarding a 'flagrant' cause for complaint, and the removal of his name from the 'author credits' of a film with an 'unutterable scenario'..

Author: 
Rafael Sabatini (1875-1950), Anglo-Italian author of romance and adventure novels
Publication details: 
On his letterhead, Clock Mill, Clifford, Hertfordshire. 23 July 1949.
£80.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Folded once. Signed 'Rafael Sabatini'. After thanking her for her letter of sympathy, he notes: 'In the past I have had plenty of cause for complaint, but nothing quite so flagrant.' He has been 'avenged by the Press, which described the unutterable scenario from which the film was made in terms similar to those which I employed when I requested that my name be removed from the “author credits”'. He ends with good wishes to her 'laudable enterprise'.

[Alfredo Campoli, virtuoso violinist.] Autograph Receipt for 'sale of Music Library', Signed over tax stamp.

Author: 
Alfredo Campoli (1906-1991), Italian violinist who settled in England [Jack Salisbury]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 16 Park Avenue, Golders Green, London. 13 August 1947.
£80.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded twice. Signed, over a red 'Postage Revenue' 2d stamp: 'Alfredo Compoli. | August 13th. 1947'. Above this the receip, in Compoli's autograph, reads: 'Received £500 (five hundred pounds) in full, (£200 deposit – and £250 in cash – also cheque value £50 (dated August 11th. 1947) for Sale of Music Library (Salon Orchestra, & Trio)'. Accompanying the document is an unsigned autograph receipt on a worn slip of white paper, reading: 'April 28th. 1947 | Received, from Jack Salisbury Esq.

[Alessandro Gavazzi, Italian patriot.] Autograph Signature ('Alessandro Gavazzi') beneath inscription 'Dio e Patria'.

Author: 
Alessandro Gavazzi (1809-1889), Italian patriot and opponent of Roman Catholicism [Gavazzi Riots, Canada, 1853]
Publication details: 
1863.
£80.00

Clearly given in response to a request for an autograph. On one side of a 7 x 11 cm piece of paper. In good condition. In a good firm hand, reading: 'Dio e Patria | Alessandro Gavazzi | 1863'.

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