[‘Collector and preserver of Autographs’: William Upcott, antiquary and autograph collector, Assistant Librarian of the London Institution.] Autograph Document Signed, with four pieces of advice in life.

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, together with A. N. L. Munby’s entertaining ‘The Cult of the Autograph Letter in England’ (1962). 1p, 4to. No fold. In good condition, on lightly aged paper extracted from a notebook. Signed at foot: ‘William Upcott / a collector and preserver of Autographs. / London Institution / Finsbury Circus. / January 17. 1834’. The four memoranda are neatly written out over fifteen lines in Upcott’s distinctive hand. (But compare the other item by him, with same watermark, offered separately, in what is clearly his best hand, and more like type.) First: ‘An Hour well spent is worth a Life. When we reflect on the Sum of Improvement and delight gained in a single hour, how do the multitude of hours already past, use and say “What good has marked us?” Wouldst thou know the true worth of Time, employ one hour.’ The second memorandum concerns happiness, the third daily improvement, and the last employments.