WALTON

An interesting and sprightly correspondence, mainly concerned with the practicalities of the vocation of a minor provincial poet. See David Gaskin’s obituary of Vanson, Independent, 27 July 1993, and Fry’s entry in the Oxford DNB. A second slice of Vanson material from the Christopher Fry papers (the other collection is offered separately). The collection consists of twenty-one items: nineteen letters from Vanson to Fry, a one-page typescript of three of Vanson’s poems, and a draft of an introduction by Fry to a proposed collection of poems by Vanson.

One page, 8vo, fold marks, good condition. Thank you for sending me a copy of Christabel Aberconway's letters. Her son, Lord Aberconway, has told me he has tried but failed to find any letters of William to her. A pity. She was a great friend to him. | Thank you for offering to send me the photographs returned by Robert Hale [publisher], I would love to have them. | I hope you are both well with all best regards [...]. See image.

Three excellent and characteristic long letters, neatly and closely written, in the first of which he describes 'the little tide of misfortune' which has befallen him, including shipwreck and indisposition; in the second he gives a vivid account of a visit to Wakefield by the temperance campaigner Father Mathew; and in the last he explains is reluctance to dissect the body of a bird she has sent him, exclaiming: 'I never do things by halves in Natural History'. Along the way there are references to 'my little roman owls' and 'my lions and my lion cubs'.

148pp., 4to. Bound with pink ribbon into grey card wraps with typed label on cover. In fair condition, on aged paper, in worn and aged binding. Pencil note on title page states '40000 words'. An interesting piece of social history during wartime. In a foreword Macqueen-Pope thanks a number of individuals for their assistance, adding that 'the leading characters in this real life story must perforce remain anonymous'.

'The Bird of Paradise', Tully's best-known play, is set in Hawaii during the 'Revolutionary Days of the Early Nineties'. It was the subject of what the New York Times called 'one of the bitterest plagiarism suits on record'. A schoolteacher named Grace Fender was initially successful in her claim that it was based on her play 'In Hawaii', but the case was reversed on appeal. It was first produced in Rochester, USA, in December 1911, with productions at Daly's in New York in 1912, and the Lyric Theatre, London, in September 1915. A total of 158pp., 4to.

BBTI has Walton trading between 1647 and 1688. Both prints roughly 17.5 x 12 cm. Both in fair condition, on aged paper. The first - 'IULIUS CESAR I' - has a rough edge on the right and a trimmed edge on the left. It shows Caesar in martial dress on horseback, beneath which: '

rinted and Sold by Rob: Walton at the Globe <...> the West end of St. Pauls Church turning to Ludgate | ow sold in Bow-Church-Yard.' At the foot of the engraving is a six line poem, beginning 'By ciuill wars unto the Empire came'. '151' in bottom right-hand corner.

61pp., 4to. In ruled notebook with green cloth covers. In good condition, lightly-aged. Sainsbury has written 'AIR-RAID WARNINGS' on the front cover. The first page is titled 'AIR-RAID LOG. | 3/9/39 - IR', with 'Anthony B Sainsbury | Lower VI | LBS' in the bottom right-hand corner.

1p., 4to. With mourning border. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper with minor wear at the beginning of one crease. Moule writes that he is 'quite prepared to receive and of course to attend to any communication from Mr. Sydney Walton', but that he must 'distinctly decline responsibility in detail [last three words underlined] for the work of the Bible Crusade'. He 'willingly expressed' his 'cordial personal sympathy with its aims when its founder [i.e.

Each 3pp., 12mo, on bifoliums with the first page headed 'Private'. Both in fair condition, on lightly-aged paper with minor staining from paper clip. Letter One: He hopes he will not 'appear wanting in courtesy to yourself or to the Editor of the Morning Post if I say frankly that I had much rather not have any conversation about my coming birthday, which certain old Harrow pupils and friends propose so kindly to celebrate.' He 'must beg' Walton to 'make allowance for my feeling of reserve on so delicate a matter'.

2pp., 4to. Good, on lightly-aged paper. A very funny letter, written in the style that became known as 'birrelling'. He begins: 'Dear Sir. | I admire the enthusiasm which from the depths of an Office bearing the historically-ominous title of "Ministry of Food", & lodged in a once ducal mansion, can dictate (in type) so spirited a letter as your's [sic] of the 27th. ult. I wish I could believe in your vision of Three hundred Boys shouting Come - to an (almost) Septuagenarian Lecturer. It is of course all nonsense.

The letters provide a fascinating insight into the development of the transatlantic publishing industry. They are closely typed with single spacing, and both centre around Walton's employment situation and his complaints about the sending over from America of 'Mr. Russell', about whose 'absolute worthlessness to the business' he complains. Adair's letter: 2pp., 4to. Good, on lightly-aged paper.

12mo, 1 p. Fair, on aged paper folded twice. He has 'no idea where the Graphotype Company "hail from" & cannot find out', despite making enquiries.

12mo, 3 pp. Bifolium. Fair, on aged and lightly-creased paper. He would have answered Sedgwick's letter punctually, had he been able to help him. 'But I have not only no notes for the Walton Convalescent Institution of my own available, but I have been (before your application) desirous of obtaining one for a young man known to me personally, and have not (as yet) succeeded in the object.' He hopes to send him 'a letter about hymns in the course of this autumn'. [Palmer edited a selection.]

8vo, [19 pp]. In original grey printed wraps. On lightly aged paper, with unevenly trimmed edges, and in slightly worn wraps. Short ink inscription at head of front wrap. INSCRIBED by the author's wife 'To my very dear Daughter Marian In happy memory of dear Pater the Author May 4th. and May 24th. 1936'. Full-page illustration of the 'Metropolitan Free Church Federation Eisteddfod, 1926. Grand Bardic Chair Presented by John Weir, Esq.' A curious mixture of pagan and Christian.