woman

Autograph Letter Signed from the Victorian novelist Ethel Bourne [to Rupert Simms, author of the 'Bibliotheca Staffordiensis'] explaining her reasons for publishing under the pseudonym 'Evelyn Burne'.

Author: 
Ethel Bourne, Victorian novelist under the pseudonym 'Evelyn Burne' [Rupert Simms (1853-1937), bookseller and author of the 'Bibliotheca Staffordiensis']
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Hilderstone Hall, Stone, Staffordshire. 18 May 1892.
£38.00

1p., 12mo. 10 lines. On bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper. She explains that her only publications up to that point are 'Stormbeaten and Weary' and 'Spectre Stricken' ('a Christmas Story'). 'I wish to remain unknown until I can write a book I consider sufficiently good to have my own name - for this reason I have called myself "Evelyn Burne".'

Autograph Letter Signed Violet [Paget] to Robert Lynd, essayist and Irish Nationalist.

Author: 
Violet Paget ['Vernon Lee'] (1856-1935), author.
Publication details: 
Letterhead of 36 Chepstow Place, London; 24 September [1935
£150.00

ALS, on letterhead of 36 Chepstow Place, London; 24 September [1935], 2pp., 8vo. 'I have just come back from seeing Winifred Holtby in the nursing home where she is lying ill, & I fear there is no hope whatever for her. Her friends are very anxious that she shd. be adequately written about in the News Chronicle when the time […] & have asked me to ask you to see, if you wd.

The Popular Family Tales of Mrs. Craik

Author: 
[Mrs Craik]
Publication details: 
London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co (earliest published work in BL 1890).; Glasgow: Thomas D. Morison[after 1887, her year of death]
£350.00

430pp., 8vo, “Biographical Sketch,” unsigned, p. 5–6,bookplate (Presentation), bokseller's label (both inside front cover), very dark red smooth cloth, spine blocked in gold., sl. worn, corners bumped wear to edges of spine, eps foxed, pages stained (mainly sides), ow good. Copy in Parish Collection, Princeton; none listed on COPAC, WorldCat. or Woolf.

Autograph Note Signed "Dorothy Una Ratcliffe", no addressee, but about the cremation of Marjory Kennedy-Fraser, Scottish singer, composer, arranger (particularly Hebridean songs)

Author: 
Dorothy Una Ratcliffe, Yorkshire Poet
Publication details: 
{Printed Heading] Yacht Sea Swallow, continuing in ms. From the Stockholm Skerries [&?] the Aland Islands, 15 July 1932.
£45.00

One page, 12mo, good condition. "With many thanks for the excellent account of the cremation of Marjory Kennedy Fraser in 'The Oban Times' June 25th 1932 | Dorothy Una Ratcliffe | Laverton Grange | Kirby Malgeard | Ripon, Yorkshire."

[Typed] Memorandum of an Agreement.... Signed "May Laffan", Irish novelist, agreementy with publishers, Henry S. KIng, concerning her novel "Hogan, M.P.".

Author: 
May Laffan [Hartley] (1849–1916), Irish novelist.
Publication details: 
[London], 26 April 1876
£150.00

One page, sm. fol., sl. chipped and damp-affected but text legible (see scan on my website).

A Book of Counsels for Girls. Published under the direction of the Tract Committee.

Author: 
Mary Bell, Victorian novelist, author of 'By Northern Seas' (1897)
A Book of Counsels for Girls.
Publication details: 
London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. [1888.]
£125.00
A Book of Counsels for Girls.

12mo, 96 pp, followed by four-page SPCK catalogue (with first page listing works by the Rev. F. Bourdillon). Text clear and complete. In original olive cloth binding, gilt, stained with damp. Damp damage at rear leaving light staining to corners of last few leaves and catalogue, together with heavier damage to rear endpapers. Traces of Library label on front pastedown. Cloth faded, worn and stained. Bell explains in her preface that 'The poor are excellently well provided with all sorts of books of counsel and help.

[Printed Address] To the Electors of the Borough of Stoke-upon-Trent

Author: 
[Mary Brougham, Printer, Burslem, Stoke-upon-Trent] John Wood
Mary Brougham, Printer, Burslem,
Publication details: 
[Burslem, 1835]
£95.00
Mary Brougham, Printer, Burslem,

Broadsheet, c.24 x 40cm, fold marks, light foxing, mainly good condition. He sets out his principles in the usual high-flown manner, not identifying with any party.

Autograph Letter Signed Henrietta E.V. Stannard, novelist [pseud. John Strange Winter] to indecipherable name about collecting.

Author: 
H.E.V. Stannard [Mrs Arthur Stannard; pseud. John Strange Winter], novelist
Autograph Letter Signed Henrietta E.V. Stannard, novelist
Publication details: 
Charleville Road, West Kensington, [London], W, 20 [July?] 1903.
£56.00
Autograph Letter Signed Henrietta E.V. Stannard, novelist

One page, 4to, good condition. She doesn't disapprove of any kind of collecting and is ahppy to send her signature. She adds I collect all sorts of odds & {?] from which she gets much satisfaction. She describes a bangle made up of about 60 sixpences given to her by a celebrity.each with the name of the celebrity on it. She stopped adding to it because it became too heavy/ Her eldest girl collects stamps her second autographs and youngest tea spoons.

Autograph Note Signed "E. Lynn Linton", novelist, to "Mr Wright".

Author: 
Eliza Lynn Linton, novelist
Autograph Note Signed "E. Lynn Linton", novelist
Publication details: 
6 Fitzroy Street, [London] W., no date.
£36.00
Autograph Note Signed "E. Lynn Linton", novelist

One page, 12mo, edge trimmed with minor loss of text. She is working too hard to find time for "social duties or politenesses" She will be at a certain place the following day. She has a cold "who has not?") abnd asks whether he will be in his "place" the following day.

Autograph Letter Signed "Anne Manning", novelist, to "Mr Warren", illustrator

Author: 
Anne Manning, novelist
Autograph Letter Signed "Anne Manning", novelist
Publication details: 
Reigate Hill, 18 Sept. 1863
£38.00
Autograph Letter Signed "Anne Manning", novelist

Three pages, 12mo, good condition. "By all means let the subject be [Insi?] the Gipsy. On after-consideration, I was afraid the other subject would be too crowded. I long to see your study from nature; rememebring your beautiful design of 'Mein Vogel'." She goes on to discuss his son's illness and her brother concern.

Autograph letters signed (x 6) to Ralph Lewis, author of "Scene in Sussex: a fresh look at the county" and others

Author: 
Esther Meynell
Publication details: 
1943-1944.
£100.00

Author. She discusses work in progress (the County Book Sussex), past work (on Lincoln), Lewis's writings and activities, the effects of the War, and life in Ditchling, especially her "new-old cottage". In the final letter there is a postscript: "Yes, Edward Johnston is a loss - he wrote the best book there is on Lettering & was a real master-craftsman in his own line". [Johnston had followed his pupil , Eric Gill, to Ditchling.] Six items,

Two autograph letters signed and one typed letter signed, to Mrs Roscoe, secretary of the Society of Women Journalists

Author: 
Ursula Bloom
Publication details: 
ALSs undated, TLS 18 April 1932
£50.00

Novelist. 4pp., 8vo and 4to, edges sl. fire and water damaged, no significant loss. She responds to an invitation to give a talk. She likes the suggested theme of Mistakes many of us Novelists make". She then gives thanks for hospitality at talk. Three items,

Autograph note signed to an unnamed correspondent.

Author: 
Flora Annie Steel
Publication details: 
no date
£35.00

Novelist (1847-1929). She is obviously writing to an editor of a periodical saying: "The terms are lower than I get elsewhere, but as you ask me to write on a subject for which I am desirous of the widest possible audience I will write you an essay of 4,000 to 4,200 words for your October number; that is, you shall have it on Sept.6." Her postscript: "I seldom find it necessary to type my manuscript".

Autograph letter signed to Daniel George, author and editor

Author: 
Catherine Carswell
Publication details: 
7 Sept. 1944
£250.00

Novelist. Two pages, 4to, chatting about personal matters and a MS. by a Mr Bligh which Rosamund Lehmann and C. Day Lewis wish to recommend for publication. [A note added to the letter in Goerge's [?] hand says that the book was published by Secker & Warburg.] She looks forward to the end of the War, concluding with impromtu verse: "I want to climb a steeple/ I want to ring the bell,/So I can tell the people/I love them all so well".

Autograph Letter Signed ('George A Lawrence') to an unnamed publisher [George Routledge?].

Author: 
George A. Lawrence [George Alfred Lawrence] (1827-1876), English novelist [Miss Caulfield; George Routledge]
Publication details: 
22 March 1858; Plymouth.
£35.00

16mo (leaf dimensions 13 x 10 cm), 3 pp. Bifolium. Twenty-eight lines. Text clear and complete. On aged and lightly creased paper with small closed tear in margin (not affecting text). He has been asked by 'Miss Caulfield' to 'perform the ceremony of "introduction" with a view to your publishing (if you approved of it) a work she has lately written [...] <"Janet de Rinzy?">'.

Short Poems and Sacred Verses. Third Series.

Author: 
A. S. [minor Victorian poetry; nineteenth-century devotional verse]
Publication details: 
London: 1895. [Printed for Private Circulation.]' [London: G. E. Waters, Printer, 97, Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, W.'
£100.00

12mo: iv + 164 pp. In original green cloth, with the title in gilt on the front cover. All edges gilt. Slightly foxed. Good and tight, in lightly worn cloth. A curious collection, with the index of first lines containing such entries as 'Sweet Edgbaston bells' [this poem dated 1844], 'Dear Varinka', ' 'Twas a boy in a cut-off jacket' and 'They call me little Trottie'. All three series are excessively scarce. The only copy of this third series on COPAC is in the British Library, and the only copy on WorldCat in California.

Autograph Signature on fragment of letter.

Author: 
Marie Krebs [Marie Krebs-Brenning] (1851-1900), German pianist
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£23.00

Dimensions of paper 3 x 8 cm. Good, firm signature, on lightly aged and spotted paper. The flourish beneath the signature (paraph) has been cropped.

Invitation card "Mrs George Lillie Craik. | At Home") to "Mrs Mackinlay".

Author: 
Mrs Craik [Dinah Mulock; Mrs George Lillie Craik], author
Craik
Publication details: 
The Corner House, Shortlands. | RSVP
£56.00
Craik

Printed Card, c.4 x 2.5", with manuscript additions in Mrs Craik's hand. She gives the day and month, and time, then adds details about trains and Cabs.

Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent.

Author: 
Emma Roberts, author, inc. "Hindustan" (1845).
Publication details: 
[19 Decr 1827 - date entered in pencil in another hand]
£125.00

Two pages, 8vo, good condition. She explains why she can't fulfil his wish that she receive his guests but looks forward to a visit to "Craven Street"., only postponed. Hhe has "written to Mr Pickering [publisher?] according to your instructions and shall feel obliged by the exertion of your influence in my behalf with him." She claims to be writing in great haste.

Autograph Letter Signed "A Bennett Smith / Annie S. Swan" to an unnamed male correspondent.

Author: 
Annie S. Swan, novelist
Publication details: 
Cecil House, Hertford, 17 June [no year given].
£75.00

Two pages, 8vo, punch-holes (with loss of one or two letters), closed tear and a small hole in the corner (with some rust marks), but text clear and complete. "In my opinion it is impossible to over estimate the value and importance of the work being done for the troops at home and abroad by the YMCA. I speak from first hand knowledge when I say that the soldiers themselves are ever ready to acknowledge the sympathy, spiritual help and material kindness which the Association bes[ow] upon them in the camps."

Autograph Note Signed ('Mary W. Findlater') to unnamed female autograph hunter.

Author: 
Mary Williamina Findlater (1865-1963), Scottish novelist and poet
Publication details: 
27 October 1901; Mount Stuart, Torquay, England.
£10.00

One page, 16mo. Good, on lightly aged grey paper, with previous paper mount adhering to reverse. Reads 'I have pleasure in sending you the Autograph you desire'.

Three autograph letters signed to [C.H.] Grinling, socialist, editor of the Woolwich Pioneer (London).

Author: 
Annie Payson Call
Publication details: 
The Hillside, Waltham, Mass., 24 April [1915?] AND Worcester Lane. Waltham, Mass., 9 April 1916 AND 19 March 1923.
£275.00

Author, associate of Arthur Astor Carey (1857-1923), philanthropist and social worker, of Waltham, Mass. Four, three and two pages, 8vo, respectively, good condition. (1915?). She speculates that she didb't answer his letter because "I think I wanted at first to consider asking my publishers what they thought of publishing a cheap edition of my books - as you suggested - and then I decided that they would not think it advisable . . ." She praises a pamphlet he has sent, "Libraries as Workshops", describing her early experience in libraries.

Receipt, printed heading, signed "E Harris".

Author: 
Eliz[abeth] Harris, bookseller, stationer, printer, bookbinder (adds to BBTI)
Publication details: 
96 High Street, Shadwell, LOndon, 31 Dec. 1833) - date extends BBTI
£75.00

One page, 6.5 x 5.5", good condition. Payment for one number of "Blackwood's Magazine". Note spelling "Recieved".

Part of an autograph letter to "Mrs Sterndale".

Author: 
Barbara Hofland.
Publication details: 
Kensington, Pembroke Square, date indecipherable (September).
£100.00

Novelist. The two surviving pages, 4to, from a lengthy letter which has already been crudely repaired but which has an additional tear which does not, however, lead to textual loss. "I was very much rejoiced at the sight of your truly welcome letter" except that it announced a death. She eulogises the departed "He was one of the few of whom you may know little yet think much . . ." She explains how she had planned to visit her within a more complicated trip but "all my plans were laid aside and certainly my pleasures annihilated by an attack of inflammation in the eyes.

Substantial part of autograph letter signed to [Hunt]..

Author: 
Mary St Leger Harrison ( Lucas Malet ).
Publication details: 
No place of date.
£45.00

Novelist, Daughter of Charles Kingsley (see DNB). Two surviving pages from a letter, 8vo, attached to card (ultimately from album leaf), tear at fold but complete and clear. Text: " He is a very clever little boy - He used to possess - and probably possess still - a power of committing small sins & contriving that other persons should bear the punishment of them, which almost amounted to genius. We used to call him Jacob - for there was an element of saintliness in his character too. / I hope you and Mrs Hunt may still cxome to Clovelly.

autograph note signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Ellen Kean (née Ellen Tree)
Publication details: 
docketed "22 May 1850", no place.
£20.00

English actress (1806-80), wife of Charles John Kean (1811-68). One page, 12mo. "Sir/ / Under the sofa in our sitting room you will find a long narrow deal Box. [at least we left it there] it contains a roll of Pictures - will you oblige me by sending it properly directed to Mr. Kean 8 Torrington Square London and sent immediately / Ellen Kean". Cropped, with traces of previous mount on reverse.

autograph note signed to Mr [?] Shaw,

Author: 
Ellen Kean (nee Tree)
Publication details: 
6 July [no year], with letterhead 47 Queensborough Terrace, Kensington Gardens.
£20.00

English actress (1806-80), wife of Charles John Kean (1811-68). "Dear Mr. Shaw / I have not forgotten the little girl and I want more books / I hope you are well through this weather / yours very sincerely / Ellen Kean". Negligible evidence of previous mounting.

autograph letter signed to Mr [?] Ward,

Author: 
Ada Cavendish
Publication details: 
20 February 1877, with letterhead 26 Sackville Street, Piccadilly, and serpentine monogram of the initials A and C.
£20.00

English actress (1839-1895), for a time manageress of the Olympic Theatre. 2 pp, 12mo. "I enclose you the Stalls with much pleasure - and I hope you will enjoy the performance. Please place the enclosed cheque for £25 - to my account and oblige / Yours sincerely / Ada Cavendish". Traces of glue and paper from previous mounting at foot of second page.

one autograph note signed to an unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Ada Cavendish
Publication details: 
without date or place.
£20.00

English actress (1839-1895), for a time manageress of the Olympic Theatre. One page, 12mo. Written in a bold hand, clearly in reply to a request for an autograph. " "Tell me thy reason / Why thou wilt marry " / "All's well that ends well" / Ada Cavendish". In reasonable condition, despite a tear almost halfway down a crease running vertically down the centre of the paper, and traces of glue and paper from previous mounting on the reverse.

Autograph Letters Signed (x 3) to Col. Harvey

Author: 
Margot Asquith,
Publication details: 
1913 and 1915
£300.00

Wife of Prime Minister. 2-5pp., 8vo. Extensive eulogising of her husband, H.H. Asquith, and condemnation of his enemies. (Asquith was replaced by Lloyd George in 1916.) Three items,

Syndicate content