[Offprint; Inscribed by Author] The Bentley Papers [Describing the purchase of a substantial part of the archive of Richard Bentley & Son, Publishers]

Pamphlet/Offprint, paginated [175]-200, inc title. original green printed paper wraps, faded, corners sl. turned and chipped, good condition. Inscribed on title by author: "For Mrs Richard Bentley | Gordon N. Ray | New York City, 11 March 1953".Pencil note on front cover, "Please retrun boo or pamphlet. Lucy [=Mrs Richard Bentley]. Autograph Letter Signed "Eric" [Bentley family member]], Weybridge, 18 April 1953, commenting on Colburn's unpleasantness, saying that he and other family members think she has a perfect right to dispose of the letters, having enclosed a draft letter (not present) dictated by "Hal", another family member, addressed to Gordon Ray. Mrs Bentley has added a pencilled note on p.179, commenting on Ray's statement that the collection was diminished over the years, "Of course it was". At that time (953) the large collection of letters and other material stored in the barn of the Mere had yet to be rescued by Ron and Betty Hyde, the latter being the daughter of Mrs Bentley's housekeeper. I had the pleasure of documenting and selling this substantial rump.