NINETEENTH

[ The Lyric Club, Piccadilly and Barnes. ] Original photographic print of an interior at the 'Lyric Club', with a newsaper cutting reporting that the New Lyric Club is 'starting on its career with every prospect of a brilliant success'.`

Author: 
The Lyric Club, Piccadilly East and Barnes, late-Victorian venue for 'smoking concerts'
Publication details: 
[ The New Lyric Club, Coventry Street, London. ] Circa 1889.
£35.00

The sepia photographic print is 15.5 x 11.5 cm, and shows a sumptuous domestic interior, showing paintings around an ornately carved wooden doorframe, into another room, with hangings draped footstool, piano, and other accoutrements of high Victorian interior decoration. In pencil on reverse: 'The Lyric Club'. The cutting is 12 cm and forty-five lines long. It begins 'The new Lyric Club is starting on its career with every propsect of a brilliant success.

[ Sir Frederick Augustus Abel, chemist. ] Manuscript note, signed by Abel ('F. A. Abel') to Sir Walter Buller.

Author: 
Sir Frederick Augustus Abel (1827-1902), British chemist, Lecturer in Chemistry at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich [ Sir Walter Lawry Buller (1838-1906), New Zealand ornithologist ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Imperial Institute of the United Kingdom, the Colonies and India, London. 19 December 1893.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, laid down on leaf removed from album. The note reads: 'The form of receipt is in the printers' hands. Addressed to Buller at the South Kensington Hotel.

[ Francis Elgar, naval architect. ] Autograph Letter Signed [ to W. J. Fisher ], regarding the fund set up at the death of Harold Frederic.

Author: 
Francis Elgar (1845-1909), English naval architect [ Harold Frederic (1856-1898), London correspondent of the New York Times ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 18 York Terrace, Regent's Park, London. 3 January 1899.
£56.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, with light signs of age. He is enclosing a cheque for two guineas towards 'The Frederic Fund', and writes that he had 'the pleasure of often meeting Mr Harold Frederic at the Savage Club some years ago'. He was 'deeply grieved to hear of his sad & untimely end'. He hopes enough money will be collected to be an 'appreciable help to his widow & children'. The letter relates to a celebrated Victorian scandal. In 1884 Frederic had come to England with his wife and five children as the London correspondent of the New York TImes.

[ Printed book. ] Esther and Ahasuerus: An Identification of the Persons so named. Followed by a History of the thirty-five Years that ended at their Marriage. With Notes and an Index to the two parts: Also an Appendix.

Author: 
Richard Edmund Tyrwhitt, M.A., retired India Chaplain
Publication details: 
London and Cambridge: Macmillan and Co. 1868.
£120.00

xii + 959pp., 8vo. With three fold-out family trees. Two continuously-paginated volumes bound together, and including title-leaf to second volume. In fair condition, aged and worn. In worn contemporary grey buckram half-binding, with marbled covers. A weighty piece of biblical exegesis. A family copy of an uncommon book, the volume descending to Tyrwhitt's relation Thomas Colmer.

[ Society for the Study of Social Ethics, Oxford. ] Six items, including 'The Idea of a Modern Ethical Society' by W. K. Firminger and W. Gibson, pamphlets on religion, over-population and immigration, and offprint of lecture on 'the poor'.

Author: 
Society for the Study of Social Ethics, Oxford [ renamed the Social Science Club in 1897 ]; Walter K. Firminger [ Walter Kelly Firminger ] (1870-1940) of Merton College
Publication details: 
Society for the Study of Social Ethics, Oxford. 1891 and 1892.
£600.00

The six items are all disbound and in fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. Items One and Five are not productions of the Society, but are closely connected with it. The first five items are scarce: the only copies of One on COPAC at Oxford and the British Library; no copy on COPAC of Two; the only copies of Three and Four at Oxford; Five is a galley proof; and Six only to be found at Oxford, the British Library, the LSE and University College, London. ONE: 'The Idea of an Oxford Modern Ethical Society.

[ Richard St John Tyrwhitt, art critic. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('R St John Tyrwhitt') to 'Miss Bosworth', presenting a copy of his 'A Handbook of Pictorial Art' to her. With inscribed copy of the book.

Author: 
Rev. R. St. John Tyrwhitt, M.A. [ Richard St John Tyrwhitt (1827-1895), English art critic, cleric and supporter of John Ruskin ]
Publication details: 
Lettter dated 29 March 1869, no place. Book published at the Clarendon Press, Oxford. 1868.
£150.00

Letter: 1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Attached by the blank second leaf of the bifolium to the reverse of the front free endpaper of the book. Envelope addressed by Tyrwhitt to 'Miss Bosworth | Parks Town' tipped-in beside the letter. He is not sure whether she has a copy of 'my art-book', which she mentioned 'the other day'. 'If not, will you kindly accept of this one, tho I fear it is not a very good one in the illustrations?' Book: [xv] + 480pp., 8vo. Sixteen-page November 1868 publisher's catalogue at rear.

[ Richard St John Tyrwhitt, art critic. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('R St John Tyrwhitt') to 'Mrs Paul', regarding his book 'Our Sketching Club. Letters and Studies on Landscape Art.' With a copy of the book.

Author: 
Rev. R. St. John Tyrwhitt, M.A. [ Richard St John Tyrwhitt (1827-1895), English art critic, cleric and supporter of John Ruskin ]
Publication details: 
Letter from Ketilley, Oxford, on cancelled letterhead of Christ Church. 25 September 1875. Book published by Macmillan and Co., London, 1874.
£150.00

Letter: 3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Laid down on the book's flyleaf. In very good condition, lightly-aged. He hears about his book 'every now & then & I suppose it goes off all right'. He advises Mrs Paul to tell her correspondent that 'she has only to go on with its lessons & exercises', and that 'The woodcuts are all meant to be copied, & a fair amount of directions is given.

[ Joakim Frederik Schouw, Danish botanist and politician. ] Autograph Signature, with biographical note in French and crude portrait.

Author: 
Joakim Frederik Schouw (1789-1852), Danish lawyer, botanist and politician
Publication details: 
Without place or date [ early nineteenth-century ].
£56.00

On an irregular slip of paper, laid down on a landscape 12mo leaf. In very good condition, with light signs of age and wear. Beneath Schouw's signature, in an early nineteenth-century hand: 'Joachim Frédéric Schouw, célèbre botaniste, président de la chambre des députés, né 1789.' To the right of the signature and inscription is a simple line portrait of Schouw's head and shoulders, in the same hand as the French inscription.

[ Jean-Henri Merle d'Aubigné, Swiss historian of the Reformation.] Autograph Letter Signed, in French, regarding a prospectus by 'La Commission de la Bibliothèque'. With contemporary original photograph of d'Aubigné.

Author: 
Jean-Henri Merle d'Aubigné (1794-1872), Swiss Protestant minister and historian of the Reformation
Publication details: 
7 February 1869.
£250.00

2pp., 8vo. On bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Written in a difficult hand. Dated 'M<?> 7 Fevr 69'. Addressed to 'Monsieur & Mes colleguès'. He writes regarding the 'Commission de la Bibliothèque', and their direction that he send copies of their prospectus to 'M le <?> Hofman à Berlin', with reference to 'Mr B'. The sepia portrait photograph of d'Aubigné is 9 x 5.5 cm and appears to have been cut down, but is otherwise in good condition.

[ Edward Askew Sothern, English actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('E. A. Sothern') to 'Mr. Ottley', returning a work which he has attempted to 'place rightly'.

Author: 
Edward Askew Sothern (1826-1881), English actor, best-known as Lord Dundreary in 'Our American Cousin' [ Henry Ottley (1811-1878)? ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date. [ London? ]
£30.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper with remains of stub adhering to one edge. Having heard from 'Russell' he is returning something which Ottley 'kindly wrote', 'which so far I've been unable to place rightly'. He invites him to 'a quick family dinner with me (143. Regent St.)' the following Sunday. Henry Ottley is the probable recipient; although best-known for his supplement to Bryan's dictionary, he was also the author of a critical analysis of 'Fechter's Version of "Othello"'.

[ Sir William Martins, Gentleman Usher. ] Autograph Letter in the third person to actor-manager Benjamin Webster, asking him to arrange a performance of a farce at the Adelphi Theatre 'at the rather earnest wish of a former Lord Chamberlain'.

Author: 
Sir William Martins (c.1787-1874), Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State [ Benjamin Webster [ Benjamin Nottingham Webster ] (1797-1882), actor-manager; Adelphi Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
St James's Palace [ London ]. 16 February [ no year, but on paper watermarked 1844 ].
£45.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condiion, on aged and worn paper. Marked 'Private', and written with an urgency suggesting the involvement of royalty behind the request. The letter begins: 'Sir William Martins presents his Compliments to Mr Webster and at theh rather earnest wish of a former Lord Chamberlain entreats Mr Webster, if it be practicable to allow the Farce of "Powder & Ball" to be played at the Adelphi one evening this Week either Wednesday Thursday or Friday'. He will 'explain further' and writes 'in case he should not be fortunate enough to meet Mr Webster at the Theatre'.

[ Daniel Terry, actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Danl. Terry') to the wife of the architect William Atkinson

Author: 
Daniel Terry (c.1780-1829), English actor and dramatist, friend of Sir Walter Scott [ William Atkinson (c.1774-1839), English architect ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date, but with note stating that it was written 'about the year 1829'.
£45.00

1p., 12mo. Addressed to 'My dear Mrs. Atkinson', and with contemporary note at head stating that the letter is 'To Mrs. Atkinson Grove end - about the year 1829', Grove End in Paddington being the estate of the architect William Atkinson. In good condition, lightly-aged, with minor traces of stub adhering to one edge on blank reverse. He thanks her for her 'beautiful present' and informs her that he has 'secured 6 places in the front Boxes for to-morrow evening - and shall do myself the pleasure of bringing up admissions for that Number either to day or early to morrow morning'.

[ Charles Mathews, actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C. Mathews') to Richard Wilson, declining an invitation because of 'so much responsibiltiy on my shoulders in the new farce'. With cartoon of Mathews, Yates, Reeves, and an elephant.

Author: 
Charles Mathews [ Charles James Mathews ] (1803-1878), English actor and dramatist [ Richard Wilson (1759-1834) of Lincoln's Inn Fields, Member of Parliament ]
Publication details: 
'Theatre | Thursday Evg.' [ No place or date, but before 1834. ]
£45.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium, addressed on second leaf to 'Rd. Wilson Esqr | Lincolns Inn Fields'. In good condition, with light signs of age and wear. The letter begins: 'My dear Sir | I have so much responsibility on my shoulders in the new farce that I really dare not venture into society on those days on which I perform in it.' If he had a holiday he would accept Wilson's 'polite invitation', 'but so situated I am sorry to say it is impossible'.

[ Daniel Terry, actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Danl. Terry') to William Campbell, playfully inviting him to come and drink with him and 'Geddes' in Mount Street.

Author: 
Daniel Terry (c.1780-1829), English actor and dramatist, friend of Sir Walter Scott
Publication details: 
'Sunday Afternoon'. Without place or date.
£45.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed on second leaf to 'Wm Campbell Esqr. | Brook Street'. In good condition, lightly-aged. The letter begins: 'Had I been aware, before dinner, of what our friend Geddes has just informed me after dinner, - that you are at present a Batchelor, you certainly should have had no excuse for not returning with him to a friendly knife & fork in Mount Street'. He asks him, if he is 'quite alone', to 'come immeditely & lecture him for his remissness - & drink to his better behaviour - we are quite en famille with only Geddes'.

[ The Garrick Club, London. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('R H Atkinson') from the secretary of the Garrick Club to drama critic R. W. Lowe, regarding 'the privilege of engraving the pictures in the Club Collection'.

Author: 
R. H. Atkinson, Secretary of the Garrick Club, London [ Robert William Lowe (1853-1902), drama critic ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Secretary's Office, Garrick Club [ London ]. 15 May 1888.
£56.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Lowe's request has been laid before the Club's committee, and there is no possibility of acceding to it: 'You say in your letter that you are aware that the privilege engraving the pictures in the Club Collection is "rarely" granted, but in this matter I fear you must have been misinformed as it is against the Rules to grant it at all'.

[ Walter James Macqueen-Pope, theatre historian. ] Two Typed Drafts of article: 'It Was Top of the Bill | The Story of Music Hall.' One draft with autograph emendations. With copy of covering letter to Greville Poke, editor of 'Everybody's' magazine.

Author: 
W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre historian
Publication details: 
Drafts without place or date. Covering letter to Poke dated 20 January 1951 [ without place ].
£450.00

ONE: The earlier of the two drafts, titled 'It Was Top of the Bill | The Story of Music Hall. | by | W. Macqueen-Pope.' 14pp., 4to. Paginated 1-12, with two further pages carrying material to be inserted. With a few autograph emendations, including an addition to the ending. Macqueen-Pope writes knowledgeably and with a passion for his theme, which is that 'Music Hall reflected public taste even more accurately than did the "legitimate" Theatre because it was created by the people themselves. The basis of the Drama of the Theatre - was religion.

[ Helen Faucit, English actress. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Helen Faucit Martin') to John Coleman, explaining why an engagement in Sheffield would be inconvenient to her.

Author: 
Helen Faucit [ Helena Saville Faucit, latterly Lady Martin ] (1817-1898), English actress
Publication details: 
42 Albany Street, Edinburgh. 20 February [no year].
£40.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. Her engagements will keep her in Scotland for three weeks, after which she intends to 'return direct to London'. Sheffield is too far out of her way, and would 'prove tiresome & expensive'. Should she visit Manchester 'at Easter or Whitsuntide' she would have no objection to performing in Sheffield for a couple of nights.

[ Helen Faucit, English actress. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Helen Faucit') requesting a private box for a performance of James White's 'John Savile of Haysted'.

Author: 
Helen Faucit [ Helena Saville Faucit, latterly Lady Martin ] (1817-1898), English actress
Publication details: 
55 Brompton Square [ London ]. 15 November [ 1847 ].
£35.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. She asks for a 'Private Box at your Theatre on Wednesday evening if your new play of "John Saville" [sic] is acted.' Rev. James White's 'John Savile of Haysted' was performed in London in November 1847.

[ Henry Kemble, actor. ] Long Autograph Letter Signed to 'Seymour', entirely written in verse, giving a humorous account of his activities in provincial theatre.

Author: 
Henry Kemble (1848-1907), English actor
Publication details: 
Theatre Royal Nottingham, 21 September 1871.
£600.00

8pp., 12mo. Text complete on aged and worn paper. A charming and high-spirited description of life in the provincial theatre in Victorian England, in better than average verse showing the influence of Byron's humorous poetry.

[ John Cust, 1st Earl Brownlow. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Brownlow') to C. B. Massingberd, regarding Royal Humane Society medallions to be presented to Richard Hoodlass and Joseph Dobson.

Author: 
John Cust (1779-1853), 1st Earl Brownlow, peer and Tory politician [ The Royal Humane Society, London ]
Publication details: 
Belton House [ Grantham, Lincolnshire ], 8 February 1834.
£56.00

2pp., 4to. Bifolium, with the lower part of the second leaf lacking, and only part of Brownlow's franking of the address present, together with his broken seal in red wax. Frank reads: '<...> Febry eighth 1834 | <...> Massingberd Esqre | Ormsby | Spilsby | <?> | Brownlow'. In fair condition, on lightly aged and ruckled paper, with folds strengthened with archival tape. He writes regarding the award of the Honorary Medallion of the Royal Humane Society to 'Rd.

[ Edward Fitzball, writer of melodramas. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Fitzball') to an unnamed recipient, regarding changes to the last scene of his play 'The Haunted Hulk'.

Author: 
Edward Fitzball (1792-1873), English playwright specialising in melodrama [ Benjamin Nottingham Webster (1797-1882), actor-manager ]
Publication details: 
'Monday Evng.' [ London?, 1831. ]
£56.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. He has had a conversation with 'Tomkins', and as a consequence has 'made a few alterations in the last scene of the "Hulk"'. He asks him to read the last scene and 'manage, if possible, to get the Prompter's Copy set right before the reading of the Piece'. He feels his changes make the play 'more original, and more likely to render the Piece effective'. With postscript. 'The Haunted Hulk', a Nautical Drama in two Acts was performed at the Adelphi in 1831.

[ Helen Faucit, actress. ] Autograph Signature ('Helena Martin') on part of letter.

Author: 
Helen Faucit [ Helena Saville Faucit, latterly Lady Martin ] (1817-1898), English actress
Publication details: 
31 Onslow Square [ London ]. No date.
£20.00

On 6 x 11 cm piece of paper., torn from the foot of a leaf. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'Mr Martin sends kind wishes with Yours | Very affectionately | Helena Martin. | 31 Onslow Square.' The reverse reads: '[...] attend to <?> William's little ones are all laid up with scarlet fever, so there is no [...]'.

[ Thomas Heron Jones, 7th Viscount Ranelagh. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ranelagh') to an unnamed recipient, complaining of the actions of 'Mr. Clarke

Author: 
Thomas Heron Jones (1812-1885), 7th Viscount Ranelagh, leading figure in the volunteer movement [ later incorporated into the Territorial Army ] and "known for his links to glamorous women"
Publication details: 
7 New Burlington Street [ London ]. 16 April 1861.
£56.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He is 'very much disgusted and indignant against Mr. Clarke for his Impertinence' in calling on the recipient, and has 'expressed as much to him'. He discussed with Clarke the question of the number of gentlemen contacting him about the matter, and hoped to put Clarke in touch with the recipient. The letter concludes: 'It seems Mr. Clarke, when I was out of the Room, took up your Letter addressed to me, and copied your name and direction, a most unwarrantable and unjustifiable act.'

[ Lord William Pitt Lennox. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Willm P. Lennox') to an unnamed recipient, regarding the sale of a copyright to the London publishers Hurst & Blackett.

Author: 
Lord William Pitt Lennox (1799-1881), British Army officer and author [ Hurst & Blackett, London publishers ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Hall Place, Tunbridge. 16 July 1863.
£80.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition. The subject of the letter is probably Lennox's Fifty Years' Biographical Reminiscences', published by Hurst and Blackett in 1863. Lennox is 'extremely flattered' at the contents of the recipient's letter, but has 'disposed of the copy right to Messrs Hurst and Blackett. 13. Gr. Marlborough St.', to whom he refers the recipient. 'Had I been in London I would have done myself the pleasure of expressing my thanks in person'.

[ Sir A. J. B. Beresford-Hope, Tory politician and author. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('A J B Beresford Hope') to W. de Boinville, thanking him for uncovering information about the poet Christopher Smart.

Author: 
Sir Alexander James Beresford Beresford Hope [ Alexander Hope; A. J. B. Hope; A. J. B. Beresford Hope ] (1820-1887), Tory politician and author
Publication details: 
Bedgebury Park, Cranbrook [ Kent ]. 4 February 1858.
£45.00

3pp., 12mo. Writing in a difficult hand, he thanks him for his very curious & interesting letter respecting Chr. Smart, of whose birthplace I had been previously ignorant, tho' his name was not unknown to me in connection with Horace'.

[ Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. ] Autograph Letter in the third person to 'M de Boinville', complaining of 'want of leisure'.

Author: 
Anthony Ashley Cooper (1801-1885), 7th Earl of Shaftesbury [ Lord Shaftesbury ] , British politician, philanthropist and social reformer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of St Giles's House, Cranbourne, Salisbury. 17 January 1856.
£45.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper. He assures de Boinville that he 'much regrets his want of leisure to peruse the MS. that M de Boinville has been so good as to send him'. He concludes with the complaint that he is 'really so occupied that heh has not time for the discharge of the several duties that are imposed upon him'.

[ Charles Forbes René de Montalembert, Comte de Montalembert. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'le Cte de Montalembert'), in French, to an unnamed recipient

Author: 
Charles Forbes René de Montalembert (1810-1870), Comte de Montalembert [ Abraham Hayward; John Wilson Croker ]
Publication details: 
Paris. 26 April and 25 May 1856.
£180.00

Both in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: He thanks him for offering to translate his book ('The Political Future of England'), but considers his knowledge of English law too shaky to permit him to give any encouragement. He suggests that the recipient come to an arrangement with 'Mr. Abraham Hayward, Queen's Counsel, 1 King's Bench Walk, Temple', who is acting for de Montalembert in the matter.

[ Edward Law, 1st Earl of Ellenborough. ] Autograph Signature ('Ellenborough') on frank to the Duke of Wellington's private secretary Algernon Greville.

Author: 
Edward Law (1790-1871), 1st Earl of Ellenborough, Tory politician and Governor-General of India, 1842-1844
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£23.00

On 7 x 12 cm. panel cut from front of envelope. In good condition, lightly-aged. All in Ellenborough's hand, it reads 'Algernon Greville Esq | Apsley House | Ellenborough'.. As required with a frank, Ellenborough's signature is between two horizontal lines, in the bottom left-hand corner.

[ John Singleton Copley, Lord Lyndhurst. ] Autograph Signature ('Lyndhurst') on frank to the Duke of Wellington.

Author: 
John Singleton Copley (1772-1863), 1st Baron Lyndhurst [ Lord Lyndhurst ], Lord Chancellor of Great Britain
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£22.00

On 8 x 14.5 cm panel cut from front of envelope. In good condition, lightly-aged. All in Lyndhurst's hand, it reads 'His Grace | The Duke of Wellington KG | &c &c &c | Lyndhurst'. As is customary, the signature is between two horizontal lines, in the bottom left-hand corner.

[ Henry Thomas Ellacombe, campanologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('H T Ellacombe') to Boisville, regarding work on his church at Clyst St George, Devon.

Author: 
Henry Thomas Ellacombe (1790-1885), English campanologist, divine and antiquary
Publication details: 
Clyst St George, Topsham [ Devon ]. 17 February 1858.
£35.00

4pp., 16mo. Bifolium. He thanks him for his 'intended help with Mr Hope & Mr Marriott'. He is sending him 'the Design I wish to carry out for our West Window', but without Hope's help it 'must be a distant job - the estimate is 100£ Hardman made the drawing from my description'. He continues by discussing work on the chancel and altar rails, and is sending 'a published view of the old Church'. He explains that he is setting up 'one of our South Windows' in memory of his sister-in-law Harriet, who died in 1851, addiing that 'S Parr also gave a Stone Pulpit & Eagle Lectern'.

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