Galley proof of magazine article 'Christmas in America Fifty Years Ago' by Augusta de Grasse Stevens, with note from 'E. Lowe' to her mother Mrs Butterworth; and manuscript biography of 'the young and rising novelist' in her sister Lady Evans's hand.

Both items in very good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Item One (galley proofs): On piece of 13 x 49 cm. paper. In manuscript at head: '7 Harley Gardens SW | Monday | Dear Mrs Butterworth | The Printer will send you a proper proof tomorrow | Yours in haste | E Lowe'. The first part only, in small type, with one minor correction. The article is attributed to Augusta de Grasse Stevens in Helen O. Black's 'Notable Women Authors of the Day' (1893). Item Two (manuscript biography): 4pp., 4to. With a few minor emendations. The account, probably composed as well as written out by her sister Marie de Grasse, Lady Evans (d.1920), begins: 'Miss A de Grasse Stevens, the young and rising novelist, whose writings have given her a high position in England and America, is the youngest daughter of the late Samuel Stevens of Albany, N.Y.; who was one of the greatest Barristers, or Councillors at Law in America. His distinguished legal attainments made him prominent in the highest courts, and it was said that from the great causes he conducted the foundation of the Patent Law of the United States was largely owing. He was the life long friend of Daniel Webster, and with him was engaged, or opposed, in most of his great cases; which led Mr. Webster to say that he regarded Mr. Stevens, "as a lawyer first of any man living in the country."' After describing her antecedents, the author turns to the subject of the biography: 'Miss Stevens has travelled much abroad, and is highly accomplished. With her mother she has resided in London for the past ten years, surrounded by a wide circle of warm friends, & occupying a high social position. She is of medium height and slight, a blonde cendree, with gray-blue eyes, [...] Her working hours are from 10 to 3, every day; the afternoons and evenings being devoted to home or social pleasures. During her residence in London she has occupied the position of special art critic to the New York Times, where her initials "A de G S" must be known to a wide circle of readers. She is a constant contributor to the Saturday review, in which journal her descriptions of Old American Customs have called forth much interest and praise. She writes also for Time, the Womans World, the Argosy, and many other magazines and papers in England and America.' The author concludes with a description of her subject's books.