JAMES

[ Printed item. ] The Directory of Second-hand Booksellers and List of Public Libraries, British and Foreign. Edited by James Clegg.

Author: 
James Clegg [ (b.1843) publisher, proprietor of the Aldine Press, Rochdale ]
Publication details: 
'Second Edition'.Rochdale: Printed and Published by James Clegg, Wet Rake. London:Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C. [ also New York, Paris and Leipzig ] 1888.
£120.00

[3] + viii + 112 + 51pp., 4to. Internally fair, on lightly-aged paper, in binding with heavily-damaged leather spine and worn green cloth covers. The author states that the volume is the second edition in his preface, 'the First having been published by the late Arthur Gyles, in 1886'. The object 'is primarily to supply a work of convenient size for the use of Second-hand Booksellers, which may facilitate intercourse with their confreres in our own and other countries'. Three pages of advertisements at front, and a further fifty-one at rear.

[ Privately-printed keepsake playlet by Mary Hyde about Colonel Ralph Isham and the purchase of the Malahide Papers of James Boswell, with signed inscription by the author. ] Levée at Fifty-Third Street.

Author: 
Mary Hyde [ Viscountess Eccles (1912-2003), book collector and philanthropist ]; Brooke Crutchley, Printer to the University of Cambridge [ Colonel Ralph Isham; James Boswell; Samuel Johnson ]
Publication details: 
Printed in Great Britain at the University Printing House, Cambridge (Brooke Crutchley, University Printer). 1972 [ inscription dated 1971 ].
£150.00

19 + [1]pp., 4to. Nicely-printed, and saddle-stitched and placed in grey paper wraps with tasteful white label on cover with title printed in red. Inscribed inside front cover 'For Desmond + Dorothy - | with love from | the Playwright | Christmas | 1971'. The playlet is an amusing representation of a single night at the 1946-1949 high point of excitement over the discovery of the Malahide Papers ('During three years the incidents described here were repeated several times a week.'), and features among others Isham himself, his cleaner 'Mrs.

[ Printed volume. ] Recollections of a Literary Life; and Selections from my Favourite Poets and Prose Writers. By Mary Russell Mitford, Author of "Our Village," "Belford Regis," etc.

Author: 
Mary Russell Mitford, Author of "Our Village," "Belford Regis," etc. [ Jane Porter; James Maclehose, Glasgow bookseller; Edmonds & Remnants, binders; Richard Clay, London printer ]
Publication details: 
New Edition. London: Richard Bentley, New Burlington Street. Publisher in Ordinary to Her Majesty. 1859. [ R. Clay, printer, Bread Street Hill, London. ]
£60.00

xii + 516pp., 16mo. Frontispiece portrait of author. In red cloth binding with embossed patterning and gilt spine. Internally in good condition, in heavily-worn binding with split hinges. Ownership inscription on front free endpaper of 'The Misses Porter', presumably Mitford's friend Jane Porter and her sisters (an example of Jane Porter's handwriting being loosely inserted in the volume). Ticket on front pastedown of 'JAMES MACLEHOSE | Bookseller & Stationer | 61 St. Vincent St. | GLASGOW'. Ticket on rear pastedown of 'EDMONDS & REMNANTS, BINDERS.'

[ King William IV, as Lord High Admiral. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('William') to Sir James Cockburn, Inspector General of the Royal Marines, regarding 'the proper mode of depositing the various Colours' used by the different divisions.

Author: 
King William IV (1765-1837) of the United Kingdom, King of Hanover [ Sir James Cockburn (1771-1852), 9th Baronet, Inspector General of the Royal Marines ]
Publication details: 
Admiralty [ London ]. 16 August 1828.
£250.00

2pp., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Cockburn is not named as the recipient, but the item is from his papers. There has been some difficulty regarding 'the proper mode of depositing the various Colours that have been in use with the different Divisions of the Royal Marines', but William (who was at the time the Duke of Clarence) knows 'that these Colours belong to His Majesty and not as in Departments to the Colonels'. He gives instructions, 'so that they may be placed in the Chapel of the Royal Hospital' at Greenwich, and gives his reason for doing so.

[ King William IV, as Lord High Admiral. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('William') to Sir James Cockburn, Inspector General of the Royal Marines, concerning officer's examinations, divisional reports, and the preparation of a portrait.

Author: 
King William IV (1765-1837) of the United Kingdom, King of Hanover [ Sir James Cockburn (1771-1852), 9th Baronet, Inspector General of the Royal Marines ]
Publication details: 
Bushy House. 14 November 1829.
£250.00

2pp., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Cockburn is not named as the recipient, but the item comes from his papers. William (at the time the Duke of Clarence) writes: 'I rejoice exceedingly at the favourable account you are enabled to give me concerning the late examination for Adjutants amongs the Royal Marine Officers'. He is anxious to have Cockburn's 'various reports from the different Divisions'.

[ King William IV as Lord High Admiral. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('William') to Sir James Cockburn, Inspector General of the Royal Marines, on Lt-Col. Robert Moncrieff acting 'foolishly' over his commission. With ALS from Moncrieff on the subject.

Author: 
King William IV (1765-1837) of the United Kingdom, King of Hanover [ Sir James Cockburn (1771-1852), 9th Baronet, Inspector General of the Royal Marines; Lt Col. Robert Moncrieff ]
Publication details: 
Admiralty [ London ]. 22 November 1827. [ Moncrieff's letter to Cockburn from Portsmouth, 22 November 1827. ]
£200.00

2pp., 4to. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight tear to one edge. Cockburn is not named as the recipient, but the item comes from his papers. William (at the time the Duke of Clarence) writes that he is enclosing Moncrieff's letter, 'by which you will perceive he is acting foolishly not to use a harsher term. My determination therefore is when I arrive tomorrow afternoon at Portsmouth to be informed by you whether he sells or goes on the Half pay of a Colonel which is Fourteen Shillings and Six Pence pr: diem.

[ Offprint. ] Library Association of the United Kingdom, 1891. Report on Library Appliances.

Author: 
James D. Brown [ James Duff Brown; Library Association of the United Kingdom ]
Publication details: 
Dated 'August 19th, 1891.' [ John Bale & Sons, Steam Printers, 87-89, Great Titchfield Street, London. ]
£100.00

17pp., 8vo. Unbound. In fair condition, on aged paper with slight rusting to staple. Addressed 'To the Council of the Library Association of the United Kingdom'. The author explains that for the purposes of his report 'the definition of library appliances is mechanical contrivances designed to carry on or facilitate the work of a library, but excluding such as are connected with structural arrangements'. The only copy on either OCLC WorldCat or COPAC at the British Library and University of Bristol.

[ William James Callcott, marine artist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. J. Callcott') to Dr Maitland Coffin, offering a painting at an 'awfully low' price so that he can pay his studio rent.

Author: 
William James Callcott (c.1823-1900), English marine artist [ Maitland Coffin ]
Publication details: 
From 48 Stockwell Park Crescent, London S.W. On letterhead of the Savage Club, Lancaster House, Savoy, W.C. 22 December 1886.
£180.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Headed 'Private'. He writes that he called the previous day at Coffin's chambers, and that he will do so the following day, 'and will bring that bit for the wall'. He states 'in confidence' that he wishes to 'pay a surgeon on Saty next £6. 5. 0 rent for Studio - he is a good fellow but he wants his rent'. Callcott has in the studio 'a number of works, & I would let you have (if agreeable) a good picture recent work size 61in x 41 - Rocky Coast - never used yet in Exhibition or otherwise'.

[ Abbott Laurence, American ambassador to London. ] Autograph Signature ('Abbott Laurence').

Author: 
Abbott Laurence (1792-1855), American politician and philanthropist, congressman and ambassador to London, 1849-1852
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£22.00

On 1 x 5 cm. piece of paper. In fair condition, lightly aged. Cut from a letter.

[ The Argyle Theatre, Birkenhead, Victorian music hall. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Tom') from licensee and manager T. D. Clarke to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope, discussing productions for children.

Author: 
T. D. Clarke [ Tom Clarke ], Licensee and Manager, The Argyle Theatre, Birkenhead [ the Wirral; Merseyside; music hall; W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre historian ]
Publication details: 
On illustrated letterhead of the Argyle Theatre, Birkenhead. 28 July 1945.
£45.00

The Clarke family ran the Argyle for fifty years from 1890 to 1940, during which period it was one of the best-known provincial theatres. It opened as the Argyle Music Hall in 1868, and between 1876 and 1890 was named the Prince Of Wales Theatre, being used mainly to stage plays. In 1890 the focus returned to music hall and variety and it was renamed the Argyle Theatre. Its archives are in the University of Sheffield. 2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, somehwhat grubby and creased at foot of leaf.

[ William Pett Ridge, novelist and humorist. ] Autograph Card Signed ('W. Pett Ridge'), apologising for being unable to attend a meeting.

Author: 
W. Pett Ridge [ William Pett Ridge ] (1859-1930), English novelist and humorous journalist with the St James Gazette
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Garrick Club, London. 'Wednesday' [no date].
£25.00

On both sides of a card. In good condition, with light aging. He hopes she will have 'a very succcessful meeting', but cannot give 'a promise to attend', as other matters are 'engaging, just now, all the attention I have to spare'.

[ J. Stelfox Gee, Manchester philatelist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. Stelfox Gee') to 'Autolycus', regarding a document concerning 'the Manchester Mail Coach in 1805'.

Author: 
J. Stelfox Gee [ James Stelfox Gee ], philatelist [ H. Verity & Sons Limited, 67 Mosley Street, Manchester ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of H. Verity & Sons Limited, 67 Mosley Street, Manchester. 19 May 1924.
£45.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper. He is sending 'the two accounts or whatever you like to call them for the Manchester Mail Coach in 1805', but 'cannot make out exactly what they are beyond being a monthly return of the takings and division of profits of the running of the Machester to Derby Coach for August 1805'.

[ Frederic Shields, artist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Fredc. Shields') to 'Mrs Stephens'

Author: 
Frederic Shields [ Frederic James Shields ] (1833-1911), English artist and illustrator associated with the Pre-Raphaelites
Publication details: 
7 Lodge Place, London N.W. 8 June [no year].
£65.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, with tiny remains of labels from mount adhering to corners. He returns her 'Burlington Club permit', with 'thanks for the opportunity of seeing so brilliant a Collection', before concluding with regards to her husband and 'Holly'.

[ Harriet Willoughby, daughter of Whig politician Charles James Fox. ] Autograph Signature ('H Willougby') on part of letter.

Author: 
Harriet Willoughby (1786-1856), illegitimate daughter of Whig politician Charles James Fox
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£100.00

On 8 x 18 cm piece of paper cut from the end of a letter. In fair condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'And now my dear Mary Anne adieu With kind Regards to Mr T & love to yourself I remain ever | Your's sincerely & affectionately | H Willoughby | I shall leave directions With Mr Hyman to forward the Papers during my absence'.

[ Sir James Allen, New Zealand politician. ] Autograph Signature ('J Allen.').

Author: 
Sir James Allen (1855-1942), prominent New Zealand politician and diplomat, serving in various posts including Minister of Finance, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£20.00

On 3 x 8 cm. slip of paper, cut from letter. In fair condition, lightly aged, laid down on piece of green card. Good firm signature, cut from a letter, beneath the typewritten words 'Yours faithfully,' The card is erroneously annotated in a contemporary hand 'Sir J. Allen | Prime Minister of New Zealand'.

[ Printed pamphlet. ] Record of the Speeches and List of Guests at the Luncheon given by The Spectator in Honour of Mr. J. L. Garvinn to commemorate his completion of 21 years as Editor of The Observer. Mr. Evelyn Wrench in the Chair.

Author: 
J. L. Garvin [ James Louis Garvin ] (1868-1947), editor of the Observer [ Arthur Henderson; David Lloyd George; the Marquis of Londonderry; Evelyn Wrench ]
Publication details: 
At Stationers' Hall [ London ]. 14 November 1929. [ Roffey & Clark, Ltd. Printers, 12, High St., Croydon. ]
£90.00

43 + [1]pp., 8vo. Strapled ino printed card wraps. Internally in good condition, lightly aged, in aged and worn wraps with rusted staples. Over 24 pages the speeches by Henderson, Lloyd George and the Marquis of Londonderry are reported in full, as is that of the chairman, quoting letters he has received from Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, Viscount Rothermere, General Smuts and several others. This is followed by a five-page list of guests, and a final seven-page 'Extract from "The Observer" of Sunday, Nov. 17, 1929', titled 'The Soul of a Newspaper'.

[ James Lothian, Scottish gardener. ] Autograph Letter Signed to Daniel Mctaggart of Kilkerran, sending a book on the 'Potatoe question'.

Author: 
James Lothian (1817-1871), Scottish gardener, author of the first English book on the cultivation of Alpine plants [ Daniel McTaggart [ Mactaggart ] of Kilkerran, Argyll, Scotland
Publication details: 
No place. 19 June 1854.
£56.00

2pp., 16mo. Bifolium. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Daniel McTaggart Esq: of Kilkeran [sic]'. In fair condition, on lightly aged paper. He is sending him 'Keith' (i.e. a book by George Skene Keith), which contains 'some facts bearing on the Potatoe question'. He has other works on the same matter, but they are 'out', with the exception of 'Vol: 2 of the Gardener which I send down'. In his opinion 'Works on Forrest [sic] trees and Landscape Gardening throw no light on either disease or Longivity [sic] of Plants.

[ Printed pamphlet. ] Answer to Dr Mitchell's Statement of Facts.

Author: 
James Gibson [ afterwards Sir James Gibson Craig (1765-1850) of Riccarton; Dr John Mitchell, M.D., Freemason, Master of the Caledonian Lodge of Edinburgh, Scotland ]
Publication details: 
Edinburgh, 5th March 1808. Neill & Co. Printers.
£80.00

12pp., 4to. Unbound. In fair condition, aged, worn, and with light damp-staining. An interesting document in the context of Whig politics and Freemasonry in Scotland. One of a number of acrimonious pamphlets exchanged between the two men. On 22 February 1808, a few days before the writing of the present pamphlet, Mitchell had distributed a handbill stating: 'I hereby declare to the world, that, Mr James Gibson, Writer to the Signet, of York Place, is a dastardly ruffian and infamous coward'.

[ James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps, Shakespeare scholar and folklorist. ] Autograph Signature ('J O Halliwell').

Author: 
James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps [ born James Orchard Halliwell; J. O. Halliwell-Phillipps ] (1820-1889), English Shakespeare scholar and folklorist
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated, but before his name change in 1872.
£23.00

On 1.5 x 5.5 cm. slip of paper. In fair condition, with light signs of age. Presumably cut from a letter in response to a request for an autograph.

[ Robert Simson, Scottish mathematician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Rob: Simson') to unnamed recipient, regarding the shipping of 'Fifty four English Euclids Small paper', and the transit of Venus.

Author: 
Robert Simson (1687-1768), Scottish mathematician, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Glasgow [ John Bevis (1695-1771); James Short (1710-1798); James Bradley (1693-1762), Astronomer Royal]
Publication details: 
Glasgow, 1 July 1761.
£180.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, on aged paper discoloured at the corners, neatly placed in a paper windowpane mount. He asked 'Mr Foulis to pack up Fifty four English Euclids Small paper, for as they had been put up in three bundles of 18 books in each, he thought it should be left to pack up these bundles as they were rather than break one of them to take out four books'. The books have been sent to 'Borroustonness', i.e. Bo'ness (Burrowstounness), Falkirk, and Foulis has given him a receipt from 'Richard G the Master of the Neptune aboard which Ship they are <?> directed to you'.

[ James Kelly, Bishop of Newfoundland. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J B Newfoundland'), regarding the recently-deceased Edward Feild.

Author: 
James Kelly [ James Butler Knill Kelly ] (1832-1907), Bishop of Newfoundland [ Edward Feild (1801-1876), second Bishop of Newfoundland ]
Publication details: 
Newfoundland. 5 September 1876.
£50.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Addressed to an unnamed woman ('My dear Madam'). On embossed letterhead. Feild, the subject of the letter, is not named. Kelly begins by acknowledging the recipient's letter, sent through 'Mrs Feild', before continuing: 'Some years have now elapsed since I had the pleasure of meeting & being introduced to you at the meeting which the Master of Clare [i.e. the Cambridge college] was kind enough to allow me to address in the Combination Room of my old College.

[ James Lamborn Cock, music publisher. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J Lamborn Cock | Music Publisher') to J. H. Friswell, giving an account of Thomas Moore's song 'My Heart and Lute'.

Author: 
James Lamborn Cock of London music publishers Leader & Cock [ James Hain Friswell (1825-1878), author; Thomas Moore, Irish poet; Lewis Carroll [ Charles Lutwidge Dodgson ]; Alice in Wonderland ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 63 New Bond Street ('Corner of Brooke Street'), London W. 16 February 1865.
£50.00

An interesting letter concerning a song mentioned in Lewis Carroll's 'Through the Looking-Glass'. 6pp., 12mo. On two bifolium letterheads. In fair condition, on aged paper. He begins by statig that he has 'taken much interest in theh discussion in the Athenaeum respecting a song of Moore's "My heart & Lute" and possessing some information relative to it' is sends it to Friswell. He proceeds to give an account of publication, with references including the music publisher Power, Sir H. R. Bishop, John Kemble, Sherwood & James, 'The London Stage' and 'The National Airs'.

[ 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.

[ Bernard Miles, actor and director. ] Two Typed Notes Signed and one Autograph Note Signed to the bookseller Barry Duncan.

Author: 
Bernard Miles [ Bernard James, Baron Miles ] (1907-1981), English actor, writer and director
Publication details: 
One typed note (28 September 1948) on letterhead of Duff House, Acacia Road, London, NW8, the other on letterhead of the Mermaid Theatre, Blackfriars, 16 November 1964. The autograph note without place or date.
£40.00

The two typed notes in good condition, lightly aged; the autograph note in fair condition, on aged paper. Two items signed 'Bernard Miles' and one 'B. M.' The first typed note suggests an exchange of material, with the autograph postscript 'One or two of the appeals for charity are endorsed by H. I. [ Henry Irving? ] himself.' The second typed note declines a collection: 'I managed to pick up an almost complete set in Leeds soon after we talked - nearly 200'. The autograph note simply acknowledges the sending of a cheque for a 'little lot of photographs I took away'.

[ Printed item, with sixteen illustrations of 'Gibson Heads'. ] Proofs of Drawings by Charles Dana Gibson. (Size 15 to 20 Inches.) Hand printed on Japanese tissue paper, mounted on boards ready for framing.

Author: 
[ Charles Dana Gibson, American illustrator, known for his illustrations of 'Gibson Girls' ] James Henderson & Sons, Victorian publishers
Publication details: 
James Henderson & Sons, Red Lion House, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, E.C. Undated [ Edwardian ].
£56.00

4pp., 8vo. Bifolium on shiny paper. In good condition, lightly-aged. The front cover carries a reproduction of the print 'Wireless Telegraphy.' Pp.3-4 carry reproductions of the 'Gibson Heads': 'NOW READY. - A Series of Sixteen Gibson Heads, of which the accompanying illustrations are miniatures. | Each subject is Hand-Printed on Japanese Hand-Made Tissue Paper, mounted ready for framing. Price 5s. 6d. each, post free.' Scarce: no copies on WorldCat, or on COPAC.

[ Printed volume. ] The Spirit of the Doctor; comprising Many Interesting Poems; selected from the original manuscript of the Late Mr. James Watson, Formerly Librarian of the Portico, in Manchester; and commonly called Doctor Watson.

Author: 
'The Late Mr. James Watson, Formerly Librarian of the Portico, in Manchester' [ The Theatre Royal, Manchester ]
Publication details: 
1st part ('The Spirit of the Doctor'): Manchester: Printed for the Editors, by George Cave. 1820. 2nd part ('The Humors of Trim').Printed by J. Phenix, Manchester, in the Year 1820, and First Year of the Reign of His Majesty, King George the Fourth.
£220.00

The full title reads: 'The Spirit of the Doctor; comprising Many Interesting Poems; selected from the original manuscript of the Late Mr. James Watson, Formerly Librarian of the Portico, in Manchester; and commonly called Doctor Watson. [Four-line quotation in Latin from Terence.] To which is prefixed A Lithographic Portrait of the Doctor; with a short memoir of his life: And various Anecdotes relative to Him - After, and to which are subjoined The Humors of Trim, [Two-line quotation from Sterne].;151pp [xxxvi + 51 + 64]., 8vo. Lithographic portrait of author as frontispiece.

[ Michael Martin Harvey, actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Michael M. H.') to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope ('Dearest Popie'), accompanying a typescript of his unpublished play 'Trust Chapeau'.

Author: 
Michael Martin Harvey (1897-1975), British actor, son of Sir John Martin-Harvey (1863-1944) [ W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre manager and historian ]
Publication details: 
Both letter and typescript from Rowstock Cottage, Rowstock, Didcot, Berkshire. Both undated.
£280.00

ONE: Letter. 1p., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged paper. Smudged signature. He is sending the play, which he thinks has 'originality and charm and would be very funny. Who could play "Chapeau"? - I could, but I expect I'm too old!!!!' TWO: Typescript of play. 91pp., 4to. With autograph emendations. In good condition, on aged paper, in worn card covers.

[ W. Macqueen-Pope, theatre historian. ] Typescript of '"Train 68". A Play in One Act by James Macqueen. (W. Macqueen Pope)'.

Author: 
[ W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre manager and historian ]
Publication details: 
'The property of W. Macqueen Pope. | 33, Etheldene Avenue. | Muswell Hill. | N.'
£180.00

[1] + 15pp., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Nicely presented, attached by brass studs in grey covers, with paper labels on front. Unpublished. 'Who's Who in the Theatre' records this title among 4 plays by Macqueen-Pope.

[ Murder mystery concerning crime writers in 1950s London. ] Two typewritten drafts of the play '"Death in Act IV" by Basil Francis', accompanied by Typed Letter Signed from the author to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope.

Author: 
Basil Francis [ W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre manager and historian ]
Publication details: 
Letter on Francis's letterhead of 115 Kenilworth Court, S.W.15. 14 November 1950. Both typescript with same address; neither dated.
£320.00

ONE: Letter. 1p., landscape 12mo. Aged and creased. Addressed to 'My dear Popie'. He is sending the revised version of the play, 'which has been tightened up considerably from the earlier draft', asking whether it has 'commercial possibilities', or 'stinks'. He feels that five minutes with Pope gives him 'more practical dope on the theatre than 5 years at the RADA!' TWO: Early typescript of 'Death in Act IV'. The letter ends with a reference to 'Fanny K', Francis's 1950 biography 'Fanny Kelly of Drury Lane'. 68pp., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper.

[ J. B. Platnauer. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Plat') to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope ('Popey'), accompanying a typescript of his unpublished pseudonymous play 'David and Jonathan'.

Author: 
'Dick M. Adelar' (pseudonym of J. B. Platnauer) [ W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre manager and historian ]
Publication details: 
Letter from the Ministry of Works Press Office, on government letterhead of Lambeth Bridge House, London. 7 May 1946. Typescript undated, to be returned to Platnauer at 43 Arlington Lodge, Baytree Rd, London SW2.
£220.00

ONE: Letter: 1p., 12mo. In good condition. Pope's 'stimulating verve' over 'an excellent lunch', at which 'Stoll' (a member of the family of Sir Oswald Stoll) was present, emboldens Platnauer to hope that his play might be 'a commercial success, despite the admittedly rational principles upon which theatrical choice is based today? Tastes change - usually before the pundits are aware of it.

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