METHUEN

[L. A. G. Strong, English writer and published.] Typed Letter Signed to ‘Miss Murphy’, expressing delight at her enjoyment of his work, and the hope that it will never ‘disappoint’ her.

Author: 
L. A. G. Strong [Leonard Alfred George Strong] (1896-1958), English writer and publisher
Publication details: 
23 March 1932; on letterhead of 10 Brunswick Gardens W.8. [London.]
£35.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. Sixteen lines of text. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded once. Stylized signature: ‘L A G Strong.’ He replies to her letter by saying that he is ‘delighted’ that she enjoys reading his books, ‘and I very much appreciate your kindness in taking the trouble to write and tell me so’. He hopes that she will continue to read his work, and that it will ‘never disappoint’ her. ‘Nothing is more encouraging to a writer than to know that he has numbers of friends, whom he has never seen, but who are following what he does with interest and pleasure.’

[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.

[E. V. Lucas writes to E. H. Shepard regarding the illustrating of a poem for 'Punch'.] Typed Letter Signed ('E. V.') to 'Ernest', regarding the illustrating of a poem ('Monmouthshire'?) for 'Punch'.

Author: 
E. V. Lucas [Edward Verrall Lucas] (1868-1938), author and Chairman of Methuen & Co, London publishers [E. H. Shepard [Ernest Howard Shepard] (1879-1976), artist and illustrator; Punch magazine]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Methuen & Co, Publishers, London. 17 May 1928.
£100.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Addressed in type to 'My dear Shepard,' but with the last word corrected in autograph to 'Ernest'. He has now 'made sufficient progress with Monmouthshire' to be able to give Shephard 'a line': 'The first two verses bear upon the Wye valley and the Usk valley, of which Tintern is the best symbol.

[ Sir George Clausen, RA, to E. V. Lucas. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('George Clausen') from Clausen to Lucas, a letter of introduction for the artist Curmow Vosper.

Author: 
Sir George Clausen (1852-1944), RA, English artist of Danish extraction [ E. V. Lucas [ Edward Verrall Lucas ] (1868-1938), essayist and publisher; Sydney Curnow Vosper (1866-1942), English painter ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 61 Carlton Hill, NW8. 14 February 1932.
£45.00

2pp., 8vo. In good condition. Clausen is writing to Lucas in the latter's capacity as chairman of the London publishers Methuen & Co., and the letter is a 'note of introduction' for Clausen's 'friend Mr Curnow Vosper, who has written and illustrated a children's book, which he wishes to submit to you. | Mr. Vosper is a painter, a member of the old Water-colour Society, and I have no doubt his work is known to you. I hope that you may find this his latest work, of interest.' Vosper does not appear to have published any book during this period, either with Methuen or anybody else.

[ L. A. G. Strong, British author. ] 24 Signed Letters (5 of them in Autograph and 19 Typed) to Margaret Greenwood, mainly regarding her efforts to adapt his books for film. With copies of 26 letters from her to him.

Author: 
L. A. G. Strong [ Leonard Alfred George Strong ] (1896-1958), author, poet and publisher (Methuen & Co., London) [ Margaret Greenwood ]
Publication details: 
Strong's 24 letters between 1946 and 1952, on letterheads of Shortfield House, Frensham, Surrey (21); Salterns, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey (1); Methuen & Co. Ltd, London (1). Greenwood writing from Bexley Heath, Kent.
£600.00

A total of 50 items, all but the three earliest of Strong's letters held together with a brass stud. The collection in good overall condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. Strong's 24 letters total 37pp., with the early letters signed 'L A G Strong' and the later ones 'Leonard', and occasional variant signatures in between ('Leonard Strong', 'LAGS'). The copies of Greenwood's 26 letters (two in autograph, the rest typed) total 32pp. An interesting correspondence, in which Strong responds with tact and patience to his inexperienced correspondent's proposals and actions.

[E. V. Lucas.] Copy of his book 'Charles Lamb and the Lloyds', marked up 'With corrections for Second Edition' in his autograph, with new preface and other additions loosely inserted.

Author: 
E. V. Lucas [Edward Verrall Lucas] (1868-1938), English author, publisher, and editor of Charles Lamb
Publication details: 
London: Smith, Elder, & Co., 15 Waterloo Place. 1898.
£200.00

xiii + 297pp., with frontispiece and four plates, and six-page publishers' catalogue at end. Blocks of text have been cut out by Lucas, between pp.205 and 232, and the three leaves carrying pp.199-204 have been removed. Otherwise in good condition, in worn burgundy cloth binding, gilt. Lucas has written 'With corrections for Second Edition' at the head of the title page. (There was no second edition.) Emendations throughout in pencil and pen.

[ E. V. Lucas and Methuen & Co Ltd, publishers. ] Typed Letter Signed ('E V Lucas') from E. V. Lucas to 'Mr. Wilber', regarding portrait tablets of Sir Algernon Methuen, with copy of the printed booklet 'Sir Algernon Methuen Baronet. A Memoir.'

Author: 
E. V. Lucas [ Edward Verrall Lucas (1868-1938), author ] [ Sir Algernon Methuen, publisher; Methuen & Co Ltd, publishers ]
Publication details: 
Booklet: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 36 Essex Street, W.C., London. Printed at the University Press, Aberdeen. 1925. Lucas's letter dated 21 September 1925, on Methuen & Co letterhead.
£80.00

Lucas's letter is 1p., 4to. In fair condition, lightly spotted. He informs Wilber that when he arrives at the office the following morning, he will find that 'the two portrait tablets of the late Sir Algernon Methuen, the founder of our firm, have been unveiled'. He explains that the tablets are 'a gift to the firm from Lady Methuen, whose wish is that each member of the staff should possess a copy of the accompanying Memoir'. The booklet is 13pp., 4to. With three plates including collotype frontispiece portrait of tablet of author.

[Methuen & Co., London publishers.] Sixteen printed publishers' advertisements, including lists of 'Messrs. Methuen's New Books', and handbills for Jack London's 'White Fang', and works by Robert Hichens, Arnold Bennett and others.

Author: 
Methuen & Co., London publishers [Jack London; Arnold Bennett; Robert Hichens]
Publication details: 
Methuen & Co. Ltd, 36 Essex Street, London WC2. Dated items between Spring 1907 and Autumn 1939.
£180.00

The collection of sixteen items is in good overall condition, on aged and worn paper. Includes: two lists of 'Messrs. Methuen's Sixpenny Books', one of them dated to 1908; lists for 1912, 1915, 1924 (two), 1934 (two: novels and 'new books'), 1939 (two: one in red of novels, and the other in blue of non-fiction). Also advertisements for: 'The Illustrated Pocket Library of Plain and Coloured Books'; 'The Heather Moon' by C. N. and A. M.

[Methuen & Co., London publishers.] Eight in-house publicity items and a trade catalogue, comprising: two issues of the firm's 'Book Gazette & Notes on Books'; six issues of its 'Monthly Bulletin'; and 'A Complete and Illustrated Catalogue of Books'.

Author: 
[Methuen & Co., London publishers.]
Publication details: 
All items from Methuen & Co., 36 Essex Street, London, WC. The two copies of the 'Book Gazette' from October 1896 and September 1901. The six copies of the 'Monthly Bulletin' between July 1904 and April-May-June 1910. The 'Catalogue', January 1929.
£220.00

The collection in fair condition, on aged and worn paper. The catalogue stitched and in wraps; the other eight items with rusted staples, and unbound. Items One and Two: Copies of the 'Book Gazette' (both 32pp., small 4to), numbered 8 (October 1896) and 16 (September 1901), and containing Announcements, Literary Notes, and extracts from publications. Items Three to Eight: Six copies of 'Methuen's Monthly Bulletin'. All 8vo, and ranging in length from 20 to 32pp. The earliest of the six (July 1904) with announcement on front cover: 'Messrs.

47 Autograph Letters Signed, 3 Typed Letters Signed and 3 Autograph Cards Signed, from the author 'Charles Inge' [Captain Charles Inge Gardiner] to his literary agent

Author: 
Captain Charles Inge Gardiner, author, under the pseudonym 'Charles Inge', of six books between 1905 ('A North Sea Agony') and 1920 ('Flashes of London') [J. B. Pinker [James Brand Pinker] (1863-1922
Publication details: 
Written from London, York, Brighton, Windsor and other places in England between 1904 and 1920.
£350.00

An interesting correspondence by an author about whom little is known. The 54 items (including one TLS to Gardiner from Methuen & Co Ltd) are in fair condition, on lightly-aged and worn paper. Four letters are signed 'Chas. Inge' and the others 'Chas. I . Gardiner'. The earliest items (1904-1911) are on the letterhead of 'CHAS. I. GARDINER', Blenheim Mansions, Queen Anne's Gate, London; thereafter he moves to 9 Irving Mansions, Queen's Club Gardens, West Kensington, and thence, while serving in the First World War, to York.

[Printed pamphlet.] The Incorporated Society of Auctioneers and Landed Property Agents. Report of the First General Meeting [...] 20th February, 1925, [...] and of the Inaugural Banquet [...] at The Savoy Hotel. [With mimeographed circular.]

Author: 
The Incorporated Society of Auctioneers and Landed Property Agents, London [Methuen A. Fluder, Secretary; Savoy Hotel]
he Incorporated Society of Auctioneers
Publication details: 
20 February 1925. Newnham, Cowell & Gripper, Ltd., 75, Chiswell St., E.C.1. [The Incorporated Society of Auctioneers and Landed Property Agents, London.]
£125.00
he Incorporated Society of Auctioneers

4to, 14 pp. In original brown printed wraps. Clear and complete. Good, on aged paper, with one central vertical fold, and horizontal mark to blank rear wrap. The description of the 'First General Meeting' covers the first three pages, with the report of the 'Inaugural Banquet' on the next four. On the last seven pages are the 'Report of Council (Presented by Mr. E. K. House.)' No copy at the British Library or on COPAC. The mimeographed circular (4to, 1 p), dated 9 March 1925, is a covering letter with a facsimile of Fluder's signature.

Autograph Letter Signed ('EVL') from E. V. Lucas to 'My dear <Reed?>', concerning his 'Shakespeare drawings'.

Author: 
E. V. Lucas [Edward Verrall Lucas] (1868-1938), author, authority on Charles Lamb, and chairman of the publishers Methuen & Co.
E. V. Lucas [Edward Verrall Lucas] (1868-1938), author
Publication details: 
Undated. On letterhead of the Savoy Hotel, London.
£56.00
E. V. Lucas [Edward Verrall Lucas] (1868-1938), author

12mo, 1 p. Text clear and complete. Fair, on lightly-aged paper. Lucas's handwriting is not straightforward, and the recipient's name is unclear. His 'Shakespeare drawings' are 'first rate'. Lucas retires 'into private life again' on the Monday, when 'O. S.' returns.

Keepsake poem entitled 'Lines written for the dinner of the Book Publishers' Representatives' Association. October 4th, 1929.'

Author: 
E. V. Lucas [The Book Publishers' Representatives' Association; Methuen & Co.]
Publication details: 
[1929.]
£35.00

12mo: 8 pp. Dimensions of leaf roughly 13.5 x 11 cm. Lightly-spotted and creased, in creased and worn original purple wraps with title printed on front, and stitched with matching purple thread. An uncommon piece of Lucas and book trade ephemera, nicely printed. Beneath the title: 'President. W. J. Crawley. Principal Guests of the Evening. Sir Godfrey Collins, M.P. Edgar Wallace. E. V. Lucas. H. E.

Autograph Note Signed ('E. V. Lucas') to an unnamed female correspondent.

Author: 
E. V. Lucas [Edward Verrall Lucas] (1868-1938), English writer and Chairman of the London publishers Methuen & Co.
Publication details: 
23 June 1912; on letterhead of Kingston Manor, Lewes.
£35.00

4to, 1 page. Good, on lightly-aged paper with dog-eared corners and small stain from mount on reverse. Reads 'Dear Madam some sort of a sequel to the Ingleside [Lucas's book 'Mr. Ingleside' (1910)] is being finished this day. | Yours faithfully | [signed] E. V. Lucas'.

Eight items relating to royalties due from Richards for Lucas's 'The Open Road' following Richards' bankruptcy.

Author: 
Edward Verrall Lucas (1868-1938), English author; Grant Richards (1872-1948), English publisher
Publication details: 
London; 9 March to 7 April 1905.
£220.00

The collection as a whole is in good condition, although lightly creased in places and somewhat dusty and aged. All items have unobtrusive pinholes, and Item Seven has fraying and closed tears to extremities. An interesting correspondence casting light on publishing practices at the turn of the nineteenth century. ITEMS ONE TO FIVE: 12mo letters from Lucas's solicitors Field, Roscoe & Co., each on the firm's letterhead, to the 'Receiver and Manager appointed to carry on [Richards'] business', H. C. K. Stileman, dated 9, 11, 18 and 21 March, and 1 April 1905.

Typed Letter Signed to Betty Ross.

Author: 
Edward Verrall Lucas
Publication details: 
12 February 1936; on letterhead of the publishers Methuen & Co Ltd.
£38.00

English essayist and biographer of Charles Lamb (1868-1938). One page, quarto. Good only, on discoloured and creased paper. Lucas finds Ross's 'Heads and tales, etc.' (London: Rich & Cowan, 1934), a collection of interviews with the famous, 'incorrigibly lively'. 'I do not share all your sympathies but you have made a very entertaining thing out of question and answer. While I was reading, it occurred to me that a new kind of interview might be based on the "Questions I should not put to So-and-so". To G[eorge]. B[ernard].

Typed Letter Signed to R[ainforth]. A[rmitage]. Walker of the Print Collector's Quarterly.

Author: 
Edward Verrall Lucas
Publication details: 
28 February 1935; on letterhead of the publishers Methuen & Co.
£56.00

One page, quarto. Poor, on creased, discoloured paper, with two punch holes in left-hand margin and short closed tears along the central fold. 'It is as well that you underlined your name in print, for I cannot detect the faintest resemblance between it and your signature. Is this the fault of my imperfect eyes or your powerful hand? | As to your humorist - I think the Forceps Saga is funny, but Punch has a number of people who do things rather like it. Still, he should certainly let the Editor see this specimen together with something new.

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