MANUSCRIPT

[Sybil Thorndike, celebrated actress for whom Bernard Shaw wrote 'Saint Joan'.] Autograph Letter Signed to Secretary, Royal Literary Fund, explaining that 'pressure of work' will prevent her from acting as steward at Guildhall anniversary banquet.

Author: 
Sybil Thorndike [Dame Agnes Sybil Thorndike] (1882-1976), celebrated actress for whom Bernard Shaw wrote 'Saint Joan', noted for her Shakespearian roles
Publication details: 
23 June 1921. 'Little Theatre | Adelphi | W.C. [London]'
£35.00

1p, 8vo. Fifteen lines of text, in green ink. In fair condition, lightly aged, folded twice, with short closed tear to edge of one crease. Signed 'Sybil Thorndike'. Although 'deeply gratified', her 'present duties' will detain her 'at the Theatre every evening until 11 o/c', so that she will not be able to 'act as a Steward at the Anniversary of the Royal Literary Fund at the Guildhall, next Wednesday'.

[Mary Somerville, Scottish scientist after whom Somerville College, Oxford, is named.] Autograph Signature ('Yours truly | Mary Somerville') cut from letter.

Author: 
Mary Somerville [née Fairfax, sometime Greig] (1780-1872), Scottish scientist and author after whom Somerville College, Oxford, is named
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£35.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. Since 2017 she has been depicted on the Scottish ten pound note. On 2.5 x 8.5 cm slip of paper, cut from letter. In good condition, lightly aged. Laid down on 4 x 9.5 cm piece of paper. Reads 'Yours truly | Mary Somerville'.

[Sir Charles Oman, military historian, and the English archers at Agincourt.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'C. Oman') to George Townsend Warner, summing up the battle and giving a detailed description of the set up of the English archers.

Author: 
Sir Charles Oman [Sir Charles William Chadwick Oman] (1860-1946), military historian [George Townsend Warner (1865-1916), historian; Battle of Agincourt; archery; toxophily]
Publication details: 
One: 17 October 1902. On letterhead of 39 St Giles', Oxford. Two: 12 March [no year]. 39 St Giles, Oxford, on letterhead of New College, Oxford.
£100.00

Both letters annotated in pencil in contemporary hand 'To Townsend Warner Historian'. (Warner was a history master and head of the ‘modern side’ at Harrow School, and co-editor of one of the most popular British history textbooks of the period. His only child was the novelist Sylvia Townsend Warner.) Both letters in good condition, each with pin hole from former attachment.

[Sir Edward Marsh [Sir Edward Howard Marsh], author, editor and classical scholar, friend and secretary to Winston Churchill.] Autograph Note Signed ('E Marsh') to the Secretary, Royal Literary Fund, declining to become a steward at a dinner.

Author: 
Sir Edward Marsh [Sir Edward Howard Marsh] (1872-1953), civil servant, promoter of Georgian poetry, classical scholar, friend and secretary to Winston Churchill [Royal Literary Fund, London]
Publication details: 
3 June 1921. On letterhead of 5 Raymond Buildings, Gray's Inn [London].
£30.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'Dear Sir | I regret that I am an [sic] unable to become a Steward at the Royal Literary Fund dinner, but I have pleasure in sending a small donation to the fund.'

[ Arthur Murphy, Irish writer ] Autograph Instruction Signed to Cadell Esq [publishers].

Author: 
Arthur Murphy, Barrister and Author [(1727–1805), Irish writer.
Murphy
Publication details: 
Lincoln's Inn, 21 July 1788.
£500.00
Murphy

Paper, 15 x 9cm, trimmed with minimal loss of text, some staining, text clear and legible. Pay to Lady Montfort's Bearer the sum of Eighy seven Shillings & charge the same to | Your Humble Servt. | Arthur Murphy. A bold and impressive signature. Note: A, He studied at Jesuit run Saint-Omer, France, and was a gifted student of the Latin and Greek classics. He worked as an actor in the theatre, became a barrister, a journalist and finally a (not very original) playwright. He edited Gray's Inn Journal between 1752 and 1754.

[Marie Belloc Lowndes, novelist, sister of Hilaire Belloc.] Autograph Letter in the third person, declining a dinner invitation on account of ill health.

Author: 
Marie Belloc Lowndes [Marie Adelaide Elizabeth Rayner Lowndes; Mrs Belloc Lowndes] (1868-1947), novelist, sister of Hilaire Belloc, author of Jack the Ripper novel 'The Lodger', filmed by Hitchcock
Publication details: 
30 May [no year]. On letterhead of 9 Barton Street, Westminster, S.W.
£30.00

1p, landscape 12mo In good condition, with glue stain to one corner. Folded once. 'Mrs Belloc Lowndes regrets, on the score of ill health, that she cannot have the pleasure of accepting Lord [Treghre?]'s kind invitation.'

[L. A. G. Strong, novelist and critic.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Leonard.') to 'Terence' [BBC Producer Terence Dudley?], discussing a proposed broadcast lecture.

Author: 
L. A. G. Strong [Leonard Alfred George Strong] (1896-1958), novelist, critic, and poet, a director of the publishers Methuen Ltd [Terence Dudley, BBC producer]
Publication details: 
10 May 1958. On letterhead of Dromore, Old Frensham Road, Farnham, Surrey.
£50.00

2pp, 12mo. On aged and creased paper, with two torn spike holes resulting in loss of a few letters of text. Date stamp on reverse. The recipient is not named, but is presumably the BBC producer Terence Dudley (1919-1988). Writing three months before his death, Strong begins the letter: 'My dear Terence, | How very kind of you! I [d]on't have any dignity in such matters! and I'd love to have a go, whether live or recorded.

[Lord Derby [Edward Henry Stanley, 15th Earl of Derby], Tory politician.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Derby') to 'G. Norbury. Esq.' (i.e. artist Richard Norbury), explaining his reluctance to be patron to the proposed Liverpool Watercolour Society.

Author: 
Lord Derby [Edward Henry Stanley, 15th Earl of Derby] (1826-1893), Tory politician, Foreign Secretary and Colonial Secretary [Richard Norbury (1815-1886), artist; Liverpool Watercolour Society]
Publication details: 
5 December 1871. On letterhead of Galloway House, Garliestown, N. B. [i.e. Scotland].
£35.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. A daughter from Lady Derby's first marriage was married to the Earl of Galloway, from whose seat Derby writes. Addressed to 'G. [sic] Norbury. Esq.' Having received the letter of the unnamed male recipient, he feels he 'must decline to give my name as patron of the now proposed society of water colour painters in Liverpool: not because I do not approve of the formation of such a society, but because your invitation to join it is the first intimation I have received of any such project being in contemplation'.

[Lyn Harding, Welsh stage and screen actor.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Lyn') to 'Popie' [theatre historian W. J. Macqueen-Pope], complaining of a coach party of '50 arrived from Scotland', who have 'robbed God of several hours of daylight'.

Author: 
Lyn Harding [David Llewellyn Harding] (1867-1952), Welsh stage and screen actor [W. J. Macqueen-Pope]
Publication details: 
34 Valkyrie Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. 'after April 14th. [1951]'
£40.00

2pp, 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with crease lines from having been folded into a packet. The letter is from a batch of letters written following Ivor Novello's death in 1951, in Macqueen-Pope's personal papers. He writes to send his new address ('after April 14th.'), having been forced after eight weeks to move from the Holmwood Hotel, 'to seek a little relaxation at a guest house where there will be less noise and Jubilation'.

[Henry George Bohn, bookseller and publisher.] Autograph Note in the third person, from 'Mr & Mrs. Bohn', accepting an invitation from [Joseph Hubback], the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.

Author: 
Henry George Bohn (1796-1884), bookseller, publisher and translator [Joseph Hubback, Lord Mayor of Liverpool]
Publication details: 
25 August 1870. On letterhead of North End House, Twickenham.
£45.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with traces of yellow paper mount adhering to the blank reverse. Reads: 'Mr & Mrs. Bohn present their compliments to the Mayor of Liverpool and Mrs. Hubback, and have much pleasure in accepting their polite invitation for the 15th. proxo.'

[Ivor Novello, composer, playwright and actor.] Autograph Signature on front cover of the 'Magazine Programme' of his comedy 'I Lived With You'.

Author: 
Ivor Novello [born David Ivor Davies] (1893-1951), Welsh composer, playwright and actor [W. J. Macqueen-Pope]
Publication details: 
The Magazine Programme [London: Prince of Wales' Theatre], No. 893. 4 April 1932.
£45.00

[24]pp, 12mo. Stapled programme, in shiny covers. Strip torn away from back cover, and with staples slightly rusted, otherwise in fair condition. Large signature 'Ivor Novello' diagonally across title on front cover: 'Richard D. Rose | presents | Ivor Novello | in | I Lived With You | A comedy in three acts | by | Ivor Novello'. An illustrated 'magazine' programme, containing articles and advertisements. No copy on OCLC WorldCat. From the papers of Novello's friend and biographer, the theatre historian W. J.

[John Harris Backhouse, classical scholar and antiquary, educated at the Manchester School.] Long Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Backhouse'), on matters relating to Richard Montagu, Bishop of Norwich, with reference to Sir Thomas Browne and others.

Author: 
John Harris Backhouse (1826-1882), Rector of Laverton, Somerset, classical scholar, editor and antiquary, educated at the Manchester School [Richard Montagu, Bishop of Norwich; Sir Thomas Browne]
Publication details: 
27 September 1881. Laverton Rectory, Bath.
£45.00

See his entry in J. F. Smith, 'The Admission Register of the Manchester School'. 6pp, 12mo. Written in a neat, close hand. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded three times. A vivid example of the methodology of the nineteenth-century English clerical antiquary. The main subject is the controversialist Richard Montagu (1577-1641), Bishop of Norwich, about whom, in January of the following year (that of his death), Backhouse would publish a letter in 'The Academy' under the title 'The Abbreviations in Bishop Mountagu's [sic] Dedication'. The recipient is not identified.

[Captain George Richards, Royal Marines.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo. Richards'), sending his likeness and describing his service: '23 Actions' including 'the death of Nelson and Abercrombie', serving under Wellington in Peninsular War.

Author: 
Captain George Richards (d.1866), Royal Marines, meritorious British Army officer [Solihull, Warwickshire]
Publication details: 
16 September 1863. Solihull [Warwickshire].
£150.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, aged and creased. Folded twice. Written in a shaky hand, as explained by the text: 'My dear Sir / | Agreeable to promise I send my Likeness, I wish it was something worthy of your acceptance - suffice it to say the original saw the death of Nelson and Abercrombie. Served under Wellington in the Spanish peninsular War, attended his funeral, and from 1797 to 1814 was by Sea and Land in 23 Actions[.] I am well in health but cannot see what I write - My sincere love to Mrs. Macwey - God bless you'.

[Eric Coates, composer of 'The Dam Busters March'.] Autograph Signed Inscription to May Hirst, on reverse of a 'Photograph of Original Full Score of The Three Bears.

Author: 
Eric Coates [Eric Francis Harrison Coates] (1886-1957), English composer of light music, best-known for 'The Dam Busters March'
Publication details: 
No date (but 1926 or after) or place.
£80.00

On reverse of 11.25 x 8.25 cm card carrying a black and white print of the autograph score of Coates's second 'phantasy', 'The Three Bears' (1926). In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'To May Hirst | with best wishes | from | Eric Coates | Photograph of | Original Full Score of | The Three Bears'.

[Frank Benson [Sir Francis Robert Benson; F. R. Benson], actor-manager who specialised in Shakespeare productions.] Autograph Note in third person, stating that 'his departure for South Africa' prevents him from attending a Literary Society banquet.

Author: 
Frank Benson [Sir Francis Robert Benson; F. R. Benson] (1858-1939), actor-manager who specialised in Shakespeare productions [Royal Literary Society, London]
Publication details: 
4 July 1921. No place.
£35.00

1p, 4to. In fair condition, on lightly aged and creased paper, folded twice. Reads: 'Sir Frank Benson regrets that his departure for South Africa will prevent his having the pleasure of availing himself of the Literary Society's kind invitation to assist at the banquet, on Wednesday, July 16th. -'

[[C. R. Cockerell [Charles Robert Cockerell], Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts.] Autograph Note Signed ('C. R. Cockerell') regarding the paying of a subscription.

Author: 
C. R. Cockerell [Charles Robert Cockerell] (1788-1863), architect, archaeologist and author, Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts
Publication details: 
8 May 1848. No place.
£35.00

1p, 12mo. On a bifolium endorsed on second leaf '1848 | C R Cockerell R A | 8 May'. Reads: 'My Dear Sir | I hope you have recd. my subscription paid by cheque on London & Westymr. Bank. & forwarded to Mess. Drummond on the 14 Feby. 1848. | Your's truly | C. R. Cockerell'.

[Card games: 'Whist for two' and 'the game of Mrs. Allport'.] Autograph instructions by 'Miss Stanton' on 'How to play the game of Mrs. Allport' and 'Whist for two'.

Author: 
[Card games; pastimes; Miss Stanton; Mrs Allport; whist; Chelsea, London]
Publication details: 
No date (1920s?). On letterhead of 72 Elm Park Mansions, Park Walk, Chelsea, London, S.W.
£120.00

9pp, 12mo. On twi bifoliums and a single leaf, only the first of the bifoliums carrying the letterhead. In good condition, on aged paper. Folded once and in an envelope with 'Whist for 2. | Rules by Miss Stanton.' on cover. The letterhead has the feel of the 1920s, but the handwriting is Victorian, and presumably that of an old spinster. The first bifolium carries a separate set of instructions over four pages, headed 'Whist for two', and concluding: 'Hope you can read it excuse blots for I cant see what I have written'.

[Alexander Hamilton Bullock, Republican politician and abolitionist.] Autograph Signature ('Alexander H Bullock') to printed card of 'The Governor of Massachusetts', inscribed on reverse as a gift 'For Master Walter G. Webster'.

Author: 
Alexander Hamilton Bullock (1816-1882), Republican politician and abolitionist, who served three terms as 26th Governor of Massachusetts
Publication details: 
[Massachusetts.] Dated by Bullock '1867'.
£56.00

6.5 x 11 cm calling card, with the words 'The Governor of Massachusetts' printed at centred of one side. Above this Bullock signs 'Alexander H Bullock', and below it '1867'. On the reverse Bullock writes: 'For | Master | Walter G. Webster'. In good condition, lightly aged, with the reverse carrying traces of grey paper mount at the four corners.

[Alfred Austin, Poet Laureate.] Autograph Signature and Note, to printed form on post card addressed to 'The Registrar of the University of Leeds'.

Author: 
Alfred Austin (1835-1913), Poet Laureate from 1896 to his death, born at Headingley, Yorkshire [University of Leeds]
Publication details: 
Regarding attendance at the University of Leeds degree ceremony, Town Hall, Leeds, on 6 October 1904.
£35.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The item is a nice association between Austin and his birthplace. An 8 x 13.5 cm post card, printed on both sides. In fair condition, aged, with central vertical fold. The form is a request for a ticket to the degree ceremony, but Austin has altered the text in autograph to read: 'I shall be glad [if you will kindly admit the bearer of this] ticket [to] the Degree Ceremony, at the Town Hall, Leeds, on Thursday, October 6th, 1904.' He signs 'Alfred Austin' at bottom right, underlined with two short lines.

[ Charles Butler, lawyer and writer ] Autograph Note in the third person about something he was publishing in The Pamphleteer.

Author: 
Charles Butler [ (1750–1832), Roman Catholic lawyer and miscellaneous writer ].
Publication details: 
Lincolns Inn, 9 April 1825.
£45.00

One page, 12mo, fold marks (folded to form envelope with address). Mr Butler has no objection to the Pamphleteer inserting the 2nd Edition (published to day), of his Letter to the Bishop of Chester. The Bishop had sent [published] a letter to Butler in vindication of the English Protestants

[ Viscount Cranbrook ] Autograph Letter Signed Cranbrook to Lady Strangford [ Emily Ann Smythe or Emily Anne Beaufort (1826–1887), illustrator, writer and nurse, presumably about scheme to make soldiers' wives nurses.

Author: 
Cranbrook [ Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy, 1st Earl of Cranbrook (1814–1906), Conservative politician ].
Publication details: 
[Embossed heading] 17 Grosvenor Crescent, SW, 26 March 1881.
£45.00

Three pages, 12mo, bifolium, large hand, good condition. Your object is excellent and the means appear to be well adapted to effect it. Short service must diminish the number of soldiers wives but [then?] ought the more readily to found a way to elevate and [?] for the advantage of their husbands & for the removal of a state of things which has not been creditable to the Service. My name in support of your scheme is at your disposal. I hardly know what kind of of pecuniary aid you require but shall be happy to contribute.

[ Herbert Trench, Irish Poet ] Autograph Letter Signed Herbert Trench to Douglas Jerrold, author and editor., discussing the imminent performance of Apollo and his other favourite works.

Author: 
Herbert Trench [ Frederic Herbert Trench (1865 – 1923), Irish poet ]
Publication details: 
5 Mansfield PLace, Richmond, Surrey with Printed heading Board of Education Library. and its embossed stamp , 12 November 1907.
£90.00

Three pages, 12mo, bifolium, sl. grubby with remnants indicatiing it was formerly tipped in an album, mainly good. He thanks him for his letter and kind expressions. I am sure to profit by your criticism, whatever it is: & I am very glad indeed to hear you approve of the book. | The first piece 'Apollo & the Seaman' is to be done at the Queen's Hall, in the dark, to 100 instruments: & 100-200 mle voices : the words to be cast upon a sheet. It is an experimental development of the Strauss programme music idea: & will be very unusual.

[ John Harland; The Guardian newspaper ] Autograph Letter Signed J Harland to Rev W. Thornber, wearing his antiquary's hat.

Author: 
John Harland [ (1806–1868), newspaper (Guardian) reporter and antiquary ]
Publication details: 
[ Printed heading ] Guardian Office, Manchester, 12 May 1852.
£45.00

Two pages, 8vo, battered and two small closed tears and fold marks, but text legible. Your packet was most welcome. What you have sent will suffice for one article. I will send a proof & the MS. when in type. You can then send me the 2nd portn. As to [Diculares?] Abbey Chartulary you are under a mistake.

[Louis Desanges; Artist ] Autograph Note Signed L. Desanges to an unnamed female correspondent, encouraging her to view a picture.

Author: 
Louis W. Desanges [ Louis William Desanges (1822 - 1887), artist ]
Publication details: 
[ Printed heading ] 16 Stratford PLace, W, 21 Feb. 1883.
£45.00

One page, 12mo, one edge rough, good condition. Should you care to see my picture of 'Egypt 1882' I shall be happy to show it to you when you may be pleased to honour my Studio with a visit. Note: Desanges's picture represented an equestrian group of all the commanders in Egypt with Wolseley in the centre. The picture was published by Henry Graves and Co. in 1884 under the title Egypt 1882.

[ Thomas Burt; working class MP ] Autograph Letter Signed Thos Burt to Watson [presumably his biographer, Aaron Watson], about a social event he can't attend, and his health.

Author: 
Thomas Burt [ (1837–1922), trade unionist and one of the first working-class Members of Parliament.]
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] Northumberland Miners' Mutual Confident Association, with lines through and address changed in Burt's hand to 20 Burton Terrace (Newcastle), 17 Nov. 1906.
£56.00

Four pages, 8vo, bifolium, good condition. I rejoice that the N.L. Club is about to give you a complimentary Luncheon. The Committee asked me to propose, so to speak the Toast of the Guests. Most reluctantly I had to decline, mainly owing to the state of my health, but partly too because I am uncertain whether I can be in London in time for the function. | I trust, and feel sure, that there will be a great and appreciative gathering worthy of the guests and of the occasion. | It seems almost an age since I saw you and I have often chided myself for not calling upon you.

[W.C. Gorgas; Surgeon-General; malaria ] Signature W.C. Gorgas with title on fragment of Notepaper headed Salisbury | Rhodesia.

Author: 
William C. Gorgas [ William Crawford Gorgas KCMG (1854–1920) was a United States Army physician, Surgeon General of the U.S. Army (1914–1918).
Publication details: 
[Headed] Salisbury, Rhodesia, no date
£65.00

Part of headed notepaper, 11 x 8.5cm, good condition, tipped on to slightly larger piece of paper, as is (corner) a small clipping from a newspaper about his activity against yellow fever. Text in his hand: W.C. Gorgas. | Colonel Medical Corps U.S. Army | Panama.

[ General Colin Campbell ] Secretarial Letter Signed C Campbell | L Colonel | 98th Regt to The Quarter Master General | Horse Guards | London, asking for a Route for some of his Men.

Author: 
[ Field Marshal Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde(1792 – 1863), British Army officer (Napoleonic, Opium War, Crimea, Indian Mutiny).]
Publication details: 
Weedon Barracks, 11th May 1838.
£100.00

One page, folio, edges dusted and sl. stained, text clear and complete. Sir | The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the Men of the 98th Regiment named in the margin, being sent to Chatham for the purpose of appearing before the Chelsea Board, I have the honor to request you will be pleased to furnish me with a Route for those men to proceed accordingly under charge of a Serjeant. Nine Privates' names are written in the left margin.

[ William Trumbull, Statesman ] Autograph (Clipped) Signature Will. Trumbull only.

Author: 
Sir William Trumbull [ (1639–1716), statesman ].
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£20.00

Clipped signature, 6 x 3.5cm, tipped onto sl. larger piece of paper, good condition

[ George Thomson, friend of Burns ] Autograph Letter Signed G. Thomson to W.F. Watson, bookseller of Prince's Street, with a sportive invitation to dinner. (also invited David Scott(

Author: 
[George Thomson [(1757–1851), noted collector of the music of Scotland, music publisher, and a friend of Robert Burns.]
Publication details: 
Leith Links, 3 John's Place, Tuesday 4 Jany (docketed, adding 1848).
£180.00

Two pages, 12mo, bifolium, formerly in an album, tipped onto strip of album page, as is the addressed envelope (no postal marks), good condition. My dear Sir | If as I hope you are disengaged on Friday [underlined] next come and partake of a quiet family dinner with us at 5 o'clock, you will confer much pleasure on us, and will I trust meet honest David Scott with whom we will discuss high & important matters. As an inducement to him to do me that favour I have ventured to tell him that I hope he will meet you. | Prytheee then let us not be disappointed. Postscript, asking What of Mr Black?

[ Stephen Fox; Court of Charles II ] Signature only Ste. ffox.

Author: 
Stephen Fox [ Sir Stephen Fox (1627–1716), royal administrator and courtier to Charles II, and politican, richest commoner in the three kingdoms ]
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£45.00

C.5 x 2cm, laid down on larger piece of paper, docketed Sir Stephen Fox a Lord of the treasury in the Reign Chas II 1679. Grandfather of C.J. Fox.

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