Autograph Letters

[Geraldine McEwan, distinguished English actress on stage, screen and television.] Autograph Inscription Signed to menu for Gallery First Nighters? Club luncheon in honour of Prunella Scales and Timothy West.

Author: 
Geraldine McEwan [born Geraldine McKeown] (1932-2015), distinguished English actress on stage screen and television [Timothy West and Prunella Scales; The Gallery First Nighters? Club]
McEwan
Publication details: 
Luncheon by the Gallery First Nighters? Club on 24 April 1994, at the London Marriott Hotel.
£120.00
McEwan

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. A nice item, printed on shiny card. Bifolium folding to 21 x 14.5 cm. In good condition, lightly aged. On the front is a photograph of Scales and West by Jane Bohn. On reverse of first leaf is the menu, on recto of second the ?Toast List?, and the verso of the second a list of officers. McEwan?s inscription, in a good firm hand is at top left of the menu. It reads: ?With Best Wishes / Geraldine / McEwan?. From the papers of Kenneth Sephton. See Image.

[Ernst Philipp Graf von Brunnow, longtime Russian Ambassador to the Court of St James [Great Britain].] Autograph Signature and valediction of letter in English.

Author: 
Ernst Philipp Graf von Brunnow (1797-1875), Baltic German diplomat who served in the Russian Empire, for thirty years (1840-1854, 1858-1874) Russian Ambassador to the Court of St James [Great Britain]
Brunnow
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£56.00
Brunnow

A close, controlled hand, on a slip of paper 10 x 1 cm. See Image. In good condition, lightly aged with a little light red spotting. Reads: ?Believe me / faithfully yours / Brunnow?.

[Angela Lansbury, Hollywood actress, star of TV series ?Murder, She Wrote?.] Typed Card Signed to Kenneth [Sephton], stating that 'the show' ['Gypsy', at the Piccadilly Theatre'] has ?turned into more of a success than I could have ever hoped for?.

Author: 
Angela Lansbury [Dame Angela Brigid Lansbury] (1925-2022), stage and screen actress, born in Britain of partly Irish extraction, who settled in America and starred in the TV series ?Murder, She Wrote'
Lansbury
Publication details: 
9 July 1973. [London.]
£45.00
Lansbury

On one side of 15 x 10 cm grey-blue card, with facsimile of her signature at the head. Addressed to ?Dear Kenneth?, and with bold stylish signature at bottom right. The subject of the letter is the Piccadilly Theatre production of ?Gypsy?, which had opened a few days before on 29 May 1973. She thanks him for his ?kind letter?, adding ?Thank god you were right about the show and it has turned into more of a success than I could have ever hoped for.? She is sorry he couldn?t attend the first night, as ?it was a good show and I know you would have enjoyed it?.

[Sir Charles Trevelyan and the Union of Democratic Control.] Typed Note Signed ('Charles Trevelyan') to E. Dinnage of Cambridge, enclosing a receipt ‘for payment of literature already sent’.

Author: 
Sir Charles Trevelyan [Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, 3rd Baronet] (1870-1958), Liberal politician, a founder of the anti-First World War group the Union of Democratic Control
Trevelyan
Publication details: 
11 February 1915. On letterhead of The Union of Democratic Control, 37 Norfolk Street, Strand, W.C., London.
£65.00
Trevelyan

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, which states that after his resignation from government in protest against the impending war, ‘Around him he rallied those few brave, independent spirits who shared his views. Together they helped to found the Union of Democratic Control, in A. J. P. Taylor's judgement 'the most formidable Radical body ever to influence British foreign policy' (A. J. P. Taylor, Politicians, Socialism and Historians, 1982, 103). Trevelyan became the union's principal advocate in the Commons.

Mrs. Henry Wood [Ellen Wood, née Price], English author whose best-known work is ‘East Lynne’ (1861).

Author: 
Mrs. Henry Wood [Ellen Wood, née Price] (1814-1887), English author whose best-known work is ‘East Lynne’ (1861)
Wood
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£25.00
Wood

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. The valediction of a letter, cut away for an autograph collector. On a slip of paper, around 7.5 x 1.5 cm. On lightly discoloured paper, with tear through signature, attached to piece of card with archival tape. Reads: ‘Very sincerely yours / Ellen Wood’.

[Jo Grimond, Scottish Liberal Party politician.] Autograph Card Signed acknowledging receipt of twenty pounds from Hanson Books.

Author: 
Jo Grimond [Joseph Grimond, Baron Grimond] (1913-1993), Scottish Liberal Party politician
Grimond
Publication details: 
4 August [1978]. ‘Official Paid’ card printed with ‘House of Commons’.
£35.00
Grimond

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. From the papers of Philip Dosse (1925-1980), proprietor of Hansom Books, publishers of several arts magazines. Presumably acknowledging payment for a review in ‘Books and Bookmen’. On plain ‘House of Commons’ postcard. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with crease to one corner going through the final flourish of Grimond’s signature. Reads: ‘4 Aug / Many thanks for cheque for £20 already acknowledged / J Grimond’.

[Elizabeth Missing Sewell, English author of religious and educational texts.] Autograph Signature (‘Elizabeth M Sewell’) cut from a letter.

Author: 
Elizabeth M. Sewell [Elizabeth Missing Sewell] (1815-1906), English author of religious and educational texts
Sewell
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£25.00
Sewell

An uncommon signature. See her entry in the Oxford DNB. The valediction of a letter, cut away for an autograph collector. On a slip of paper, around 7.5 x 2 cm. Somewhat aged and worn, backed with discoloured card. Reads: ‘Very truly yours / Elizabeth M Sewell’. See Image.

[Alfred Edward Chalon, Portrait Painter in Water Colour to Queen Victoria, and John James Chalon, Swiss-born British artists, both Royal Academicians.] Autograph Signatures to part of an application for assistance from the daughter of Henry Bone, RA.

Author: 
Alfred Edward Chalon (1780-1860), Portrait Painter in Water Colour to Queen Victoria, and John James Chalon (1778-1854), Swiss-born British artists, both Royal Academicians [Henry Bone (1755-1834)]
Chalon
Publication details: 
8 November 1849.
£75.00
Chalon

See their separate entries in the Oxford DNB. On 12.5 x 9.5 cm piece of light-grey paper, cut from. The large signatures are written one on top of the other on one side of the paper, with the only other writing the date at the head: ‘Alfd. Edwd. Chalon / Jno. Jas Chalon’. On the reverse is the beginning of an application to the Artists’ General Benevolent Institution: ‘Gentlemen, Your Petitioner Elizth. Debh. Bone, only Daughter of the late Mr Bone R.A.

[‘We are so vexed, & not our fault’: Augusta, first Empress of Germany [Augusta of Saxe-Weimar], wife of Kaiser Wilhelm I.] Autograph Letter Signed, in English, to Lady Ashbourne, regarding a conflict of invitations with the Abercorns.

Author: 
Augusta, Empress of Germany [Augusta Marie Luise Katharina of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach; Queen of Prussia] (1811-1890), wife of Kaiser Wilhelm I [Frances Maria Adelaide Gibson, Lady Ashbourne (1849-1926)]
Augusta
Publication details: 
‘Easter Sunday / 1887.’ On letterhead of the Royal Hospital, Dublin.
£150.00
Augusta

In 1858 her son Frederick married Princess Victoria, the eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert; her grandson was Kaiser Wilhem III. For Lady Ashbourne, see her husband’s entry in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Before receiving Lady Ashbourne’s invitation, ‘The Duke & Duchess of Abercorns, [sic] my Cousins, had begged us attend a Masonic Concert the 18th.

[Georges Clemenceau (1841 – 1929), French statesman] Autograph Letter Signed G[B]Clemenceau to unnamed correspondent [George Meredith, novelist and poet] responding fulsomely to his receipt of Meredith's 'Ballads and Poems' (just published).

Author: 
Georges Benjamin Clemenceau (1841 – 1929), French statesman.
Publication details: 
[Printed headiing] Chambre des Deputes, Paris 29 Juillet 1887
£350.00

Two pages, 8vo, bifolium, faint staining, text clear, good condition. The handwriting can be a little obscure. Text: Je ne sais comment vous remercier, Monsieur, de l'amabilite que vous avez de m'envoyer votre beau volume 'Ballads and Poems'. Je l'ai lu. J'ai meme relu la plupart des pieces. Et bien que ma connaissance imparfaite de la langue anglaise ne me permette pas de porter un jugement sur votre oeuvre, il me semble que [l'emotion?] a la fois delicate et forte que vous avez eveille en [?] art la [preuve?] que vous avez reussi a toucher la corde humaine.

[Joseph h. Choate, lawyer and diplomat]] Autograph Letter Signed Joseph H. Choate to George Meredith, novelist and poet., asking Meredith for a centennial tribute to the American author, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Author: 
Joseph H. Choate [Joseph Hodges Choate (1832 – 1917) American lawyer and diplomat].
Publication details: 
[Embossed address] American Embassy, London, 3 May 1904.
£280.00

Four pages, 12mo, bifolium, some marks but mainly good condition. Text: Dear Mr. Meredith, | I am going to ask you (if your health and time permit) to do me and many of my countrymen a great favor. | The Centennial of the birth of Nathaniel Hawthorne comes on the 4th.

[A.C. Swinburne] Substantial Autograph Letter Signed A C Swinburne to Walter [Theodore Watts-Dunton=Walter] with family news, a reading of Sidney's 'Arcadia', a coincidence of phraseology between 'Arcadia' and 'The Duchess of Malfi', etc.

Author: 
A.C. Swinburne [Algernon Charles Swinburne ( 1837 – 1909) poet, playwright, novelist, and critic].
Publication details: 
[Embossed address] Broxhead Warren, Alton, Hants, 10 Aug.1892. With pencilled annotation by Watts-Dunton. See image.
£800.00

Eight pages, 12mo, two bifoliums, one page stained but legible, mainly good condition. He discusses holiday plans initially for his Aunt Mary, and how they affect his own and others (we). He continues: Your sonnet on Columbus is greatly admired here - not least by me, who think [sic] it quite one of your finest.

[Kathleen Epstein and Jacob Epstein, sculptor] Autograph Letter Signed Kathleen & Epstein, To 'Sheridan', text in Kathleen's hand, signed by both. See image.

Author: 
Kathleen Epstein and Jacob Epstein, sculptor.
Epstein
Publication details: 
[Address embossed in red] 18 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington, SW7. Knightsbridge 7968. 7 May 1957.
£150.00
Epstein

Two pages, 8vo, good condition. Text: Thank you for your kind thought in reserving seats for us at your wedding. I shall certainly be there & and there is a chance (but I'm afraid a very slight one) that Epstein will down tools just for that one morning but the compulsion to work every [underlined] morning is very strong. Perhaps I can persuade him to declare a one day strike on June 1st. | It sounds such an auspicious date. I do hope it will prove a very happy one. | With best wishes from us both | Kathleen & Epstein.

[Laurence Alma Tadema, author, children's poet, daughter of the Artist] Autograph Letter Signed Laurence Alma Tadema about the publication of children's poems.

Author: 
Laurence Alma Tadema [Laurence Alma-Tadema (1865 – 1940), British writer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, daughter of the Artist.]
Alma Tadema
Publication details: 
Boston 12 April 1908 (also giving her London address).
£220.00
Alma Tadema

One page, 4to, a little grubby and worn at edges, some text faded but all legible. See image. Text: Dear Sir, | Kindly excuse delay in replying to yours of March 19th but, as [you] see, I am not in England [touring America, 1907-8]. I sh[ou]ld be very pleased to grant permission for the inclusion of some of my children's poems in your anthology. A great many children's poems are included in my last published vovl.

[John Bowring, sometime Governor of Hong Kong] Autograph Letter Signed John Bowring to dear Friend [Miss Mary A. Humble] about the consequences of a disaster (shipwreck in the Red Sea on his return trip from Hong Kong).

Author: 
John Bowring [Sir John Bowring or Phraya Siamanukulkij Siammitrmahayot (1792-1872), British political economist, traveller, writer, literary translator, polyglot and the fourth Governor of Hong Kong.]
Bowring
Publication details: 
Off Sardinia St [Ellera?], 2 July 1859. At foot of first page: Miss Mary A Humble | Vicars Cross | Chester.
£380.00
Bowring

Two pages, 8vo, blue paper, fold marks, slight damage at fold not affecting text, mainly good condition. Despite a neat appearance, a difficult hand occasionally. Text: Of our disaster [underlined] you will have heard from others. I know you will not be displeased to hear of our safety from us [underlined]. We have lost nearly everything - Maria everything [see Note B. below] & have been clothed by Christian charity. I think better of human nature & more highly of human virtue after what I have seen. It was a beautiful display of every mortal excellence.

[Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellingon; Prime Minister] Autograph Letter Signed Wellington to Richard [presumably his brother Richard Wellesley] about not being able to improve his [Richard's] official Situation despite being PM]

Author: 
The Duke of Wellington [Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington] (1769-1852), conqueror of the French in the Peninsular Campaign, and of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo; Prime Minister
Wellington
Publication details: 
London, 5 July 1830.
£450.00
Wellington

He defeated Napoleon but can't get his brother an 'official Situation'. Two pages, 4to, black-bordered, fold marks, repair along one fold mark. See image. Text: My dear Richard. I am really very sorry that it is totally out of my Power to hold out any prospect of improving your official position. I have been nearly three years in Officew and I have not had one Office in my Gift; nor do I think that I shall have one for many years; while there are hundreds of Applicants; neither have I in my Power of bri9nging you into Parliament.

[Léo Delibes, composer] Printed Calling Card with Autograph Note Signed L.D. of thanks to his cher collaborateur, perhaps one of the lyricists of Lakmé

Author: 
Léo Delibes [Clément Philibert Léo Delibes (1836 – 1891) French Romantic composer, best known for his ballets and operas].
Delibes
Delibes2
Publication details: 
No place or date, but reference to Lakmé suggests 1883.
£160.00
Delibes
Delibes2

Calling Card, 9.5 x 5.5cm, some staining but text clear. See Images. Printed text (recto) is as follows: Léo Delibes || Membre de l'Institut || 220 rue de Rivoli. He has written the following; Mille remerciements bien affectueux, cher collaborateur. Vous permettez ce titre, sinon a l'auteur du Roi l'a dit [underlined], du moins a celui de 'Lakmé'! | L.D.

[James Abbott McNeill Whistler, painter] Autograph Card Signed J McN.Whistler to Monsieur Francis Howard, mainly asking for a reply to his enquiry referring to a distinguished sculptor

Author: 
James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834 – 1903), American painter in oils and watercolor, and printmaker.
Whistler
Whistler2
Publication details: 
110 Rue du Bac, Paris, postmark undeciphered [1899?].
£800.00
Whistler
Whistler2

Postcard (Carte Postale), 14 x 9cm, shade of green, somewhat grubby and crumpled, smudged. See Images. Text: I sent you a letter some weeks ago - making a proposal with reference to a distinguished Sculptor here [Auguste Rodin perhaps]. Did my letter reach you? !! I regret that I shall not be able to be present at the meeting of 7th - I also wrote as you requested to Gilbert, R.A. | Very faitfully yours | J McN. Whistler. The card is addressed to Monsieur Francis Howard, The Exhibition of International Art, Prince's Skating [Club?] Knitsbridge [sic] S.W. London || Angleterre. See Images.

[John Ruskin, prominent art critic, etc.] Autograph Note Signed J Ruskin to My dear Con (presumably one of his circle called Constance) wishing her (conversationally) a happy Christmas and anicipoating a visit.

Author: 
John Ruskin (1819-1900), prominent Victorian art critic, author, artist and thinker
Ruskin
Publication details: 
Xmas day 63
£650.00
Ruskin

One page, 12mo, good condition, laid down on part of an album page (see note below). Text: My dear Con, | Many and many a Happy Christmas to you- & to all who love you - that's a wide wish I know. | Now - when & how do you & mama want me to come to yoy. I will be at your [underlined] orders, (provided they are peremptory-) any day after New Years day. | Thank mama for her kind note. | Ever affectionately Your | J Ruskin. Note: Item detached from Meredith family album containing letters from distinguished contemporaries such as Henry James, Thomas Hardy, Clemenceau, etc etc.

[John Singer Sargent, American expatriate artist] Autograph Note Signed John S Sargent to a Mrs Sturgis, declining an invitation

Author: 
John Singer Sargent, (1856 – 1925), American expatriate artist.
Sargent
Publication details: 
[Printed address] 33 Tite Street, Chelsea, S.W., No Date.
£450.00
Sargent

One page, 12mo, bifolium, second leaf laid down on part of an Album page, good condition. A scrawl. See Image. Text: I regret [so much?] not being able to accept your invitation - I have already booked myself elsewhere for that Sunday. | With best regards | Yoiurs sincerely | John S. Sargent. Note: Sargent's letter to a Mrs Sturgis has been extracted from an Album which mainly contains letters from distinguished writers (Hardy, George Eliot, Henry James, etc) to fellow author, George Meredith, or his daughter.

[Kate Greenaway, artist] Substantial Autograph Letter Signed Katie to My dearest Joanie [Joan Ponsonby?] . She is writing as if to a child.

Author: 
Kate Greenaway [Catherine Greenaway (1846 – 1901), Victorian artist and writer.]
Greenaway
Publication details: 
[Embossed address] 39, Frognal, Hampstead, N.W., 5 June 1897. Note above address from Kate Greenaway.
£850.00
Greenaway

Three pages, 12mo, bifolium, good condition. Second leaf laid down on part of a album page. See Image of pp.2 & 3. Text: You write to me and I dont [sic] answer. but I know you hear of me From [sic] his letters - which I just manage to send though I fear . [sic] they most often be very dull. | Are you coming up For the Jubilee - its all Jubilee - I hope it is going to be Fine [sic] it would bve such a great disappointment if it was not. | I have been awayFor [sic] the last three Sundays but it seems to take a lot of time somehow . We are of course a long way off the station here.

[James Russell Lowell] Autograph Note Signed J.R. Lowell to Miss Meredith, daughter of novelist and poet, George Meredith, responding to what seems to be a request for an autograph.

Author: 
James Russell Lowell, American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat.
Lowell
Publication details: 
[Embossed] 2 Radnor Place, Hyde Park, W., 25 July 1889.
£280.00
Lowell

One page, 12mo, tipped on to part of an album page, name of writer written below letter presumably by Miss Meredith. See Image. Text: My dear Miss Meredtith, | You will never succeed in making a complete collection of the signatures of your father's debtors, but one of them, at least, takes great pleasure in thus acknowledging what he can never discharge. | Faithfully yours | J.R. Lowell || Miss Marie Eveleen Meredith. Item detached from Meredith family album containing letters from distinguished contemporaries such as Henry James, Thomas Hardy, Clemenceau, etc etc.

[A.E.F. Horniman; Abbey Theatre, Dublin, etc.] Autograph Letter Signed to unknown correspondent (Madam. See note below), about her past, the great fire in the Crystal Palace and the historical lack of orchestral concerts.

Author: 
A.E.F. Horniman [Annie Elizabeth Fredericka Horniman CH (1860 ? 1937), English theatre patron and manager. She established the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, etc.]
Horniman
Publication details: 
I [H?] Montagu Mansions, W.1., 12 June,1932.
£400.00
Horniman

One page, cr. 8vo, fold marks, faint foxing, good condition. See Image. Text: It is delightful to read that August Manns [conductor - see Wiki] is still remembered. I was born within sight of the Crystal Palace and can even remember the great fire on one Sunday afternoon when part of the 'Tropical End' was burned to the ground. Those Courts [with?] the fine casts of statues of all periods taught me how to look at their originals in many places.

[Noel Coward] Autograph Note Signed Noel Coward to a Miss Weeds, apologising for having no photograph!

Author: 
Noel Coward [Sir Noël Peirce Coward (1899 – 1973), playwright, composer, director, actor, and singer, known for his wit, etc]
Coward
Publication details: 
[Printed address] 111 Ebury Street, SW1, 15 May 1930.
£120.00
Coward

One page, 12mo, blue paper, good condition. See Image. I am so sorry - I have got no photograph so just the autograph must do -.

[Frank Richards [Charles Hamilton; Bunter] Autograph Signature only Frank Richards. See image.

Author: 
Frank Richards (Charles Hamilton) [Charles Harold St. John Hamilton (1876 – 1961), writer, creator of Bunter.
Bunter
Publication details: 
No place or date given.
£50.00
Bunter

Bold signature on light blue paper 13.5 x 8cm, laid down on slightly larger paper extracted from an autograph album, headed in boyish handwriting This page is reserved for Frank Richards autograph. See image.

[Kenneth Horne, much-loved comedian whose BBC radio series included 'Round the Horne'.] Autograph Note Signed, cut from a letter, regarding Frank Muir, pronunciation and a taxi to the Savoy.

Author: 
Kenneth Horne (1907-1969), much-loved comedian with three BBC radio series ‘Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh’ (1944–54), ‘Beyond Our Ken’ (1958–64) and ‘Round the Horne’ (1965–68) [Frank Muir (1920-1998)]
Horne
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£35.00
Horne

See Horne and Muir's entries in the Oxford DNB. On one side of 8.5 x 20.5 piece of paper cut from the conclusion of a letter. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. With fold from postage. Good firm signature. Reads: 'Re above from Frank Muir, I pronounced the name to my taxi-driver and had no difficulty. After he had taken me to the Savoy I came back here and had a marvellous meal / Kenneth Horne'. See image.

[Sir Michael Redgrave, distinguished English actor.] Autograph Card Signed to ‘Christopher’ [the playwright Christopher Fry], belatedly congratulating him on the success of his play 'The Lark'.

Author: 
Sir Michael Redgrave [Sir Michael Scudamore] (1908-1985), English actor and head of theatrical family dynasty Christopher Fry [born Arthur Hammond Harris] (1907-2005), English playwright]
Redgrave
Publication details: 
16 June 1955; on his letterhead.
£50.00
Redgrave

See the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. In good condition. 11.5 x 9 cm card, without illustration. Printed in red at head: ‘MICHAEL REDGRAVE.’ The message concerns the London production of Fry’s ‘The Lark’ (a translation of Anouilh’s ‘L’Alouette’), which opened at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, on 11 May 1955. Redgrave would star in Fry’s next play, ‘Tiger at the Gates’ (a translation of Giraudoux’s ‘La guerre de Troie n'aura pas lieu’), which premiered in New York on 3 October 1955.

[Rollo Russell, meteorologist, son of Lord John Russell and uncle of Bertrand Russell.] Autograph Postcard Signed.

Author: 
Rollo Russell [Francis Albert Rollo Russell] (1849-1914), meteorologist and scientific writer, son of Liberal Prime Minister Lord John Russell and uncle of philosopher Bertrand Russell
Russell
Publication details: 
No date, but with Haslemere postmark of 8 May 1895. In autograph: 'Dunrozel. Haslemere.'
£45.00
Russell

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. On 11.5 x 9 cm plain post card with printed half penny stamp. In fair condition, lightly aged, with dog eared corner and spike hole (through part of address on one side and blank space at bottom left on message side). Addressed by Russell to ‘The Secretary / Society of Arts / John St / Adelphi / London / W.C.’ Reads: ‘Dunrozel, Haslemere. / In reply I beg to say I shd like the Journal “supplied in a bound volume at the conclusion of the Vol. in Nov.” / J. A. R. Russell’.

[Samuel Rogers ('The Banker Poet')] Autograph Note Signed to Lady Burdett, declining with regret an invitation that would have given him pleasure.

Author: 
Samuel Rogers, 'The Banker Poet', art connoisseur, member of the Holland House circle, and acquaintance of Wordsworth, Byron, Sir Walter Scott [Lady Burdett]
Rogers
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£56.00
Rogers

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Removed from album, and closely trimmed, having been cut down to 9 x 7 cm, with corners cropped. Lightly aged, with one fold for postage. In neat close hand, reads: ‘My dear Lady Burdett / I am very sorry indeed that an Engagement from which I cannot release myself will deprive me of so great a pleasure. Yours ever / S Rogers.’ See image

[Edward Hubert Fitchew, artist & editor; Nelson] Autograph Letter Signed to Herbert Wrigley Wilson, discussing the printing of a book (‘Nelson and His Times’ by Beresford and Wilson, 1898). With two pages covered in notes in another hand (Wilson’s?).

Author: 
Edward Hubert Fitchew (1851-1934), artist and editor [Herbert Wrigley Wilson (1866-1940), journalist and naval historian; Her Majesty’s Printing Office, London]
Nelson
Publication details: 
10 January 1898. On letterhead of Her Majesty’s Printing Office, 6 Middle New Street, Fetter Lane, E.C. [London].
£220.00
Nelson

An interesting item, providing a sidelight into the process of Victorian scholarly editing and publication. Fitchew’s letter is 2pp, 4to, on the outer pages of a bifolium; the inner pages being filled with notes (citations?) in a minuscule hand, possibly the recipient’s. In good condition, lightly aged and worn, and folded for postage. Addressed to ‘H. W. Wilson’ and signed ‘E. H. Fitchew’. The letter begins: ‘Dear Mr. Wilson / I think it is possible we may want a little more letterpress, but probably not much. Up to end of pt. 7 we have used 82 slips.

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