&

[Rev. David Henry Urquhart.] Autograph Letter Signed from his wife Eliza Urquhart to his publishers [Cadell & Davies], urging them to send proofs [of his 'Commentaries on Classical Learning'] more quickly, or 'the Season will inevitably be lost'.

Author: 
Rev. David Henry Urquhart (c.1754-1829), Prebendary of Lincoln [Cadell & Davies, London publishers; Thomas Cadell (1773-1836); William Davies; Andrew Strahan (1750-1831), printer; Spottiswoode]
Publication details: 
Doncaster. 5 May [1803].
£100.00

1p., 4to. On aged paper, with damage and discoloration to one margin. Eliza Urquhart begins her letter: 'Gentlemen, | Mr Urquhart has desired me to acquaint you that he thinks it would be adviseable immediately to see Mr Spotswood [i.e. Spottiswoode, then an employee of the book's printer Andrew Strahan] on the subject of accelerating the printing of his work, as from the present tardiness with which the proofs are sent, he thinks the Season will inevitably be lost'.

[Inscribed copy.] Acis & Galataea, or The Beau ! the Belle !! and the Blacksmith !!! A Piece of Oxford Extravagance. Written for the Annual Dramatic Performance at the Victoria Theatre, Oxford, December, 1869, in aid of the Radcliffe Infirmary.

Author: 
[Thomas Forder Plowman (1844-1919)]
Publication details: 
Oxford: Slatter & Rose, High Street. 1869. [Oxford: Printed by E. W. Morris, Jun.]
£120.00

[4] + 43pp., 12mo. Stabbed as issued. An attractive and elegantly-printed little book. Internally very good, on lightly-aged paper, loose in worn light-brown calf binding, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, back hinge sprung. Stamped in gilt on the front cover: 'ACIS & GALATAEA | A PIECE OF OXFORD EXTRAVAGANCE | BY | T. F. PLOWMAN'. Inscribed on fly-leaf: 'H. W. Chapman, Esq. | with the author's sincerest regards. | 1869.' A scarce item: only three copies on COPAC, at Oxford, Cambridge and the British Library, all three of which attribute this anonymous work to Plowman.

[Desmond Flower.] Three Autograph Catalogues of his book collections: first, 'MSS., autograph letters, first & early editions by & relating to François Marie Arouet de Voltaire'; second and third, 'French Literature in first and early editions'.

Author: 
Desmond Flower [Desmond John Newman Flower] (1907-1997), director of London publishers Cassell & Co, 1931-1971, and book collector [Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) (1694-1778)]
Publication details: 
Neither catalogue with place or date. [London, from the 1940s?]
£420.00

All three items in very good condition, in superior bindings. ONE (Voltaire catalogue): Written out by Flower in his neat, calligraphic hand, on the rectos only of 102 leaves, 8vo, with some blanks. In very good condition, in a lightly-wrn red morocco quarter binding, with grey boards and gilt title on spine. Entries are short and businesslike, as the following two examples indicate: 'Commentaire sur le livre des Délits et des Peines, s.l., 1766. Bengesco 1724. pp. viii + 120. A pretty copy in contemporary scarlet morocco. Ex libris Mortimer L. Schiff. | Ditto, s.l., 1766. pp. 104 + iii.

[Two parts, all published.] Our Old English Newspapers: being verbatim reprints of the various newspapers published by our ancestors. Originally Printed and Published by Francis Coles and Lawrence Blaikelock, at the Old Bailey and Temple Bar.

Author: 
Francis Coles; Lawrence Blaikelock; D. Stewart [Stewart & Co., Warwick Chambers, Paternoster Row, London EC]; Hay Nisbet, Glasgow printer
Publication details: 
Re-issued by D. Stewart [Stewart & Co.], at the Offices, Warwick Chambers, Paternoster Row, London. [Hay Nisbet, Printer, 219 George Street, Glasgow.] July and August 1876.
£280.00

Both 48pp., 4to (Part II paginated 49-96). Both in printed blue wraps, with front cover carrying the ownership inscription of R. R. Lloyd. Both with stamps of the St. Albans' Architectural & Archaeological Society, and small taped label to wraps. Both in good condition, on lightly-aged paper, in chipped and worn wraps. Part I reprints seven items from 1641 to 1645 (the first: 'Diurnall Occurrences from 27. December to the 3. of January 1641.

[Peel River Land and Mineral Company Limited, London.] Autograph Manuscript certificate by C. A. Aylmer, with two memoranda, one signed.

Author: 
C. A. Aylmer [Charles Arthur Aylmer (1814-1885)], Secretary, Peel River Land and Mineral Company Limited [New South Wales, Australia]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Peel River Land & Mineral Company Limited, 54D Moorgate St Buildings, London EC. 21 April 1865.
£56.00

The certificate is 1p., 4to, on the recto of the first leaf of a bifolium. It reads: 'I hereby Certify that on the twenty-first day of April, One Thousand Eight hundred & sixty five, Walter Stevenson Davidson of No. 16 St. James's Street, Esquire, is a registered Proprietor in the Books of the Peel River Land & Mineral Company Limited of Sixty five thousand pounds (£65,000) Consolidated Stock. | C. A. Aylmer. | Secy.' The recto of the second leaf carries the following: '21st. Apl 1865 | Memo. | Mr.

[Roger Ingpen of the London publishers Ingpen & Grant.] Typed Letter Signed ('Roger Ingpen') to John G. Wilson of the London booksellers Messrs Bumpus, regarding E. H. W. Meyerstein's 'Life of Chatterton'.

Author: 
Roger Ingpen [Roger Edric Ingpen] (1867-1936) of publishers Ingpen & Grant [John G. Wilson (1876-1963) of booksellers J. & E. Bumpus Ltd; E. H. W. Meyerstein (1889-1952), scholar and poet]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Ingpen & Grant, Publishers, 37 Museum Street, London WC1. 14 October 1930.
£60.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged and creased paper. He announces the publication of 'a book of outstanding literary importance, namely Meyerstein's "Life of Chatterton". Meyerstein is undoubtedly the greatest living authority on this subject, and his book, the result of nine years original research, contains much unpublished material. I believe it will be recognised as the standard work on Chatterton for many years to come.' He states that he has 'put a great deal of money and time into this book', and asks Wilson to help him 'make it a success'.

[Printed book.] Seraphine. By E. H. W. Meyerstein | Author of "Terence Duke".

Author: 
E. H. W. Meyerstein [Edward Harry William Meyerstein] (1889-1952), scholar and poet
Publication details: 
London: Richards [The Richards Press Limited], 10 Paternoster Square, EC4. 1936.
£20.00

362 + [1]pp., 8vo. Advertisement on final page for Meyerstein's 'Terence Duke'. A fair copy, on lightly-aged paper, in worn original orange cloth binding, and lacking the dustwrapper.

[Presentation copy by E. H. W. Meyerstein.] The Boy. A Modern Poem. [With pencil note by Meyerstein: 'One of thirteen copies printed by mistake on large paper, and uncut.']

Author: 
E. H. W. Meyerstein [Edward Harry William Meyerstein] (1889-1952), scholar and poet
Publication details: 
London: Ingpen & Grant, 12 Bury Street, London WC1. 1928.
£120.00

62pp., 8vo. In good condition, on aged paper, in dulled black cloth binding with chipped printed label. Presentation inscription by Meyerstein on front free endpaper: 'J. A Petheridge | with the writer's kind regards. | Aug. 13. 1928'. Pencil note (probably also by Meyerstein) on front pastedown: 'One of thirteen copies printed by mistake on large paper, and uncut.'

[Printed periodical, in original illustrated wraps.] The Month. A View of passing Subjects and Manners, Home and Foreign, Social and General. By Albert Smith & John Leech. [Issues I, II, III and V.]

Author: 
Albert Smith [Albert Richard Smith] (1816-1860), editor; John Leech (1817-1864), illustrator [Bradbury & Evans, Printers, Whitefriars]
Publication details: 
Published at the Office of 'The Month,' No. 3, Whitefriars Street. [Bradbury & Evans, Printers, Whitefriars.] [Issues I, II, III and V, dated July, August, September and November 1851.]
£180.00

16mo, with the first three issues continuously paginated to 240, and issue V paginated 321-400. Each volume with a frontispiece by Leech, and numerous illustrations by him in text. Three of the four issues (I, III and V) with an initial four-pages of advertisements, and more advertisements on the wraps. The four volumes in fair condition, on aged paper, in worn wraps, with the first volume lacking its spine. Each with the small and neat ownership inscription of 'L Jackson' in the top right-hand corner of its front wrap.

[Edward Smith, engraver.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edwd. Smith') to the London book and print seller John Martin, stating his terms for engraving 'the Game Keeper after W. Hunt'.

Author: 
Edward Smith (c.1780-c.1849), Scottish engraver, based in London [John Martin, bookseller, and printseller, of the London firm of Rodwell & Martin]
Publication details: 
3 College Street, Camden Town. 28 March 1831.
£150.00

1p., 4to. In very good condition, neatly placed within a windowpane mount. Addressed at head to 'Mr. John Martin'. Laying out, in detail, the 'Terms on which I agree to engrave the Game Keeper after W. Hunt'. The terms are described over twelve lines, beginning: 'The Engraving to be 7 by 5 inches in my best manner, the charge to be seventy Guineas, one third to be paid on the Etching, the remainder on delivery of the work, which I undertake to do in about four months.'

[John Henry Robinson, engraver.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Robinson') to an unnamed male recipient, discussing his engraving of the Marchionness of Abercorn, and pointing out that the plate belongs to the printseller F. G. Moon.

Author: 
John Henry Robinson (c.1796-1871), engraver [Sir Francis Graham Moon (1796-1871), London printseller and publisher]
Publication details: 
20 Spring Street [London]. 23 February 1842.
£45.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper, with slight creasing and chipping at head. In answer to an enquiry, he states regarding 'the Portrait of the Marchioness of Abercorn' that 'though Mr Moon & I have not yet completed our arrangements I consider that the Plate is his property & not mine as you appear to have been informed'. He concludes by thanking him 'for the favorable opinion you are pleased to express both of the plate in question & the engraving'.

[John Henry Robinson, engraver.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Robinson') to an unnamed male recipient, discussing his engraving of the Marchionness of Abercorn, and pointing out that the plate belongs to the printseller F. G. Moon.

Author: 
John Henry Robinson (c.1796-1871), engraver [Sir Francis Graham Moon (1796-1871), London printseller and publisher]
Publication details: 
20 Spring Street [London]. 23 February 1842.
£45.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper, with slight creasing and chipping at head. In answer to an enquiry, he states regarding 'the Portrait of the Marchioness of Abercorn' that 'though Mr Moon & I have not yet completed our arrangements I consider that the Plate is his property & not mine as you appear to have been informed'. He concludes by thanking him 'for the favorable opinion you are pleased to express both of the plate in question & the engraving'.

[Charles Daly, London bookseller.] Autograph Letter Signed to Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, complaining of a fraud practised on him by the Birmingham bookbinder Thomas Male, by 'representing himself as patronized by' Wiseman.

Author: 
Charles Daly, London bookseller (fl.1832-1855) [Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman (1802-1865), Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster; Thomas Male, bookbinder of Duke Street, Birmingham; Bickers & Darling]
Publication details: 
17 Greville Street, Hatton Garden, London. 2 March 1844.
£80.00

1p., 8vo. On bifolium. In fair condition, on aged paper with a few small closed tears to edges. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with broken red wax seal, Penny Red stamp and postmarks, to: 'Revd. Dr. Wiseman, | St. Mary's College | Oscott | Nr. Birmingham'. 22 lines of text, closely and neatly written. Daly begins: 'I am sorry to trouble you by laying before you the Letters [not present] of a man of the name of Thomas Male - Bookseller & Bookbinder residing at St. Mary's, who has by representing himself as patronized by you got Credit from me to the Amount of £11 . 9 .

[Abel Heywood & Son Ltd., Manchester booksellers.] Large printed order sheet for the supply of newspapers and periodicals to distributors.

Author: 
Abel Heywood & Son Ltd., Manchester booksellers [newspaper distribution; twentieth-century book trade]
Publication details: 
[Abel Heywood & Son Ltd., Manchester.] 'WEEK - OCT. 31st to NOV. 5th, 1966'.
£125.00

2pp., on a folio sheet (63 x 36cm). In fair condition, on aged and lightly-worn paper. Not filled in. Stamped '577' in red. One side listing the newspapers available from the Monday to the Friday of the week, and the other giving those on the Saturday, 'Odd Papers', 'BRANCHES' and 'TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUPPLIES'. A range of periodicals is listed, including local and national newspapers, 'Continental Publications', comics ('Sparky', 'Wham' and 'Smash'), specialist ('Architect and Building News') and hobby ('Philatelic Mag.') magazines, 'Bolton Journal Series'

[Printed pamphlet.] Tom Cladpole's Jurney To Lunnun; Shewing the many Difficulties he met with, and How he got safe Home at Last. Told by himself and written in pure Wessex Doggerel, By his Uncle Tim.

Author: 
'Uncle Tim' [Richard Lower (1782-1865)] ['Pure Wessex Doggerel'; Sussex dialect; Lewes]
Publication details: 
New Edition. Lewes: Printed and Published by Farncombe & Co., "East Sussex News." [Farncombe & Co., Printers, Lewes.]
£60.00

34 + [1]pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper, a little ruckled. Advertisement for 'Jan Cladpole's Trip to Merricur' ('Just published') on last page. A three-page preface is followed by the poem, in 152 four-line stanzas, with pp.33-34 carrying another poem titled 'Tom Cladpole's Return'. Surprisingly uncommon.

[Sir George Hayter, artist.] Autograph Receipt Signed ('George Hayter'), to Messrs Crace, for the loan 'of two spear axe pikes, and a body & helmet suit of armour'.

Author: 
Sir George Hayter (1792-1871), painter and engraver [Messrs Crace & Son, 14 Wigmore Street, London, interior designers]
Publication details: 
'33 Gloucester Place in the new Road [London]'. 25 April 1855.
£130.00

On one side of a piece of cm blue paper. Reads: 'April 25, 1855. | 33 Gloucester Place in the new Road | Received of Messrs Crace | The favour of loan of two spear axe pikes, and a body & helmet suit of armour, to be returned. | George Hayter | with Thanks & Compliments.'

[Nerot & Nandies, wigmakers.] Manuscript itemised receipt to Colonel Archibald Robertson, for '2 Natural Hair Curld Bob Wigs' and other items.

Author: 
Nerot & Naudies, wigmakers [Lieutenant-General Archibald Robertson of Lawers, Scottish soldier who participated in the Battle of Havana, 1762, and the American War of Independence]
Publication details: 
30 November 1797. [Scotland?]
£100.00

On a piece of 8.5 x 19 cm watermarked paper. In good condition, lightly aged. One side carries the receipt: 'Col. Archd. Robertson | To Jno. Nerot and A. Naudies | 1797 Novem 30th. To 2 Natural Hair Curld Bob Wigs . . . . 4. 4. 0 | Another do do Loose Curl Scratches . . . . 2. 2. 0 | 2 pairs of Silk wig Laced . . . . 0. 1. 0 | Boxes & Packing Case &c . . . . 0. 2. 6 | £6. 9. 6 - | Receivd the Contents for Self & Jno. Nerot By Me - A. Naudies'. The other side is docketted by Robertson: 'Receipt | Naudies for Wigs | Novr. 1797 | £6. 9. 6'.

[John Venn & Sons, London Public Notaries.] Request for Wiseman's help.

Author: 
John Venn & Sons, Public Notaries, 2 Pope's Head Alley, London [Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman (1802-1865), Archbishop of Westminster; Dr Moore, St Patrick's, London; Ellen Antonia Teresa Ann Garbayo]
Publication details: 
With stamp of John Venn & Sons, Public Notaries, 2 Pope's Head Alley, London. 25 November 1856.
£75.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed, with Penny Red stamp, postmark and seal in red wax, to Wiseman at 8 York Place, Portman Square. In fair condition, on aged and lightly-creased paper. The firm is writing at 'the special request of Miss Ellen Antonia Teresa Ann Garbayo, at present risiding abroad [...] It appears that the above Lady is desirous of contacting marriage, but cannot do so without the production of her Baptismal Certificate. She states that she was baptised about the year 1827, by a Doctr. Moore of St. Patrick's Church London'.

[Washington Irving's brother-in-law Henry Van Wart.] Signed bill, 'To Mess. P. Irving & Co | Merchants | Liverpool', 'In re Peter Irving & In re Washington Irving', carrying bankruptcy order; and Promissory Note; both payable to Messrs. Lewis C & Co.

Author: 
Henry Van Wart (1784-1873), American-born founder of the Birmingham Stock Exchange, England, and husband of Sarah Irving, sister of Washington Irving (1783-1859), American author and diplomat1
Irving
Publication details: 
Both items dated from Birmingham [England], the bill on 1 November 1816, and the promissory note on 1 July 1817. Both signed boldly by Henry van War
£400.00
Irving

 

[John Orde.] Autograph Letter Signed to Messrs Erskine & Curle, Writers, Melrose, regarding his claim for drains against Messrs Scot & Turner.

Author: 
John Orde [Messrs Erskine & Curle, Writers [solicitors], Melrose, Scotland; Scot & Turner]
Publication details: 
No place [Melrose, Scotland?]. 3 October 1824.
£35.00

2pp., 4to. On bifolium. Addressed by Orde on reverse of second leaf, with docketting and faint postmark. Good, on lightly-aged paper.

[Alex Younie, for Andrew Lang, Sheriff-Clerk of Selkirkshire.] Autograph Letter Signed to Melrose writers [solicitors] Erskine & Curle, explaining why Lang will have to delay payment of the dividends from 'John Brydens funds'.

Author: 
Andrew Lang, Sheriff Clerk of Selkirkshire, grandfather of the writer of the same name, and friend of Sir Walter Scott; Alex Younie; Messrs Erskine & Curle, Writers [solicitors], Melrose
Publication details: 
Selkirk. 17 April 1818.
£40.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed, with postmark, on reverse of second leaf, which is docketed 'Mr A. Lang | About dividend from John Brydens funds'. In good condition, on aged and lightly creased paper. The letter reads: 'Gentlemen, | Mr. Lang has just now received your letter of yesterday's date. - Bryden's funds are not yet drawn from the Bank, and the dividends cannot be paid sooner than the latter end of next week, as Mr. L. goes from home on Sunday and will not return till that time. - You will get notice what time to send for Mr. James Brydons [sic] dividd.'

[Robert Peake, London coach builder, father of Archibald Henry Peake, Premier of South Australia.] Printed handbill with anecdotes, a poem ('The Troubles of Lord Alphonsius Fitz Noodle'), and two jeux d'esprit.

Author: 
Robert Peake, coach maker, Bloomsbury, London, born in Yorkshire in 1815, died in Australia in 1889, father of Archibald Henry Peake (1859-1920), Premier of South Australia
Publication details: 
[London. 1840s or 1850s.]
£250.00

2pp., 12mo. Printed on facing pages on one side of a landscape 8vo leaf, with blank reverse. In fair condition, on aged paper, laid down on part of a leaf removed from an album. The left-hand page carries three items: 'The Confidence Trick. A scene in Oxford Street.' (a series of puns with a purpose now lost, beginning 'A stout "Nave," | Met a green "Felloe"'), 'Anecdotes of the old Coaching Days' (beginning 'Talleyrand bought a new coach, but did not pay for it.') and 'Lord Lyndhurst'. The last reads in full: 'Ordered Robert Peake to build him a Chariot. It was finished and approved of.

[The Atlantic Union.] Three documents relating to this club founded by Sir Walter Besant, Conan Doyle and others: Typed Letter Signed from Hon. Sec. T. D. Hawkin to Mrs J. L. Nissen; 'amplified' offprint of article from The African World; circular.

Author: 
[The Atlantic Union, club founded in 1900 by Sir Walter Besant; Thomas Driffield Hawkin; John Leigh Nissen, partner in London printers Nissen & Arnold and Past Master of the Leathersellers' Company]
Publication details: 
Hawkin's letter: on Atlantic Union letterhead, 13a Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, London; 10 December 1907; offprint 'Amplified from The African World, April 4, 1908'; circular from The Atlantic Union, undated.
£450.00

The Oxford DNB entry on Sir Walter Besant states that, 'Concerned to cultivate better understanding with North America, Besant worked in the last two years of his life for the Atlantic Union.' In fact it was Besant who founded the club in 1900, with Conan Doyle and others, with the object, according to The Times, 22 February 1900, 'of drawing together the various English-speaking peoples and strengthening the bonds of union by the formation of ties of personal friendship among individual members'.

[Harriet Maria Gordon Smythies, Victorian novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('H. M. Gordon Smythies'] to a male correspondent, regarding the London publishers Darton and Company and the sale of her copyrights.

Author: 
Harriet Maria Gordon Smythies (d.1883), Victorian novelist [Darton & Company, London booksellers]
Publication details: 
108 Stanley Street, Pimlico. 12 September 1862.
£56.00

2pp., 12mo. Very good, on lightly-aged paper. 'It has just struck me that I ought to have let you know that Mr. Hodge went from the bargain he had himself proposed'. She thinks that 'Mr Darton feared to make any purchase, in these bad times - I have some hopes of selling the Copyrights

and I will let you know directly I find I can do so.' Darton's had published Smythies's books 'The Breach of Promise' and 'The Marrying Man'.

[Sheila Kaye-Smith, novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr. Cazenove' of the publishers George Bell & Sons, regarding the publication of her first novel 'The Tramping Methodist', requesting corrections to the proofs and suggesting the title.

Author: 
Sheila Kaye-Smith [married name Emily Sheila Fry] (1887-1956), English novelist [George Bell & Sons, London publishers]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 9 Dane Road, St Leonards on Sea. 20 May [1908].
£120.00

3pp., 12mo. On bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Docketed at head of first page. She begins by explaining that at her 'interview with Mr. Bell on the 8th. he suggested an alteration in an important sentence, giving me the alternative of taking the MS. home with me or of correcting the sentence in the proofs. At the time I thought the latter course would be the best, but it occurs to me that it would save expence if the correction was made now.' She asks Cazenove to 'ask Mr. O'Connor if he would kindly alter the words in accordance with the enclosed [not present]'.

[Victorian newspaper advertising.] Printed pamphlet, headed 'Provincial Advertisement Office. | List of Provincial Newspapers in which advertisements appear, | The weekly Circulation of which is estimated at UPWARDS OF A MILLION Copies.'

Author: 
[Provincial Advertisement Office; Brown Gould & Co., 470 Oxford Street, W.C., London]
Publication details: 
With the oval blind stamp in one corner of Brown Gould & Co., 470 Oxford Street, W.C., London. '5.69', i.e. May 1869.
£56.00

4pp., 4to. Bifolium on wove paper. Good, on lightly aged and worn paper. 114 newspapers are listed, each with the 'Day Published', from 'Ayrshire Express | Saturday' to 'Yarmouth Independent | Saturday.' One title is added in manuscript, at the foot of the first page: 'Nottingham & Midland Counties Daily Express.' At the foot of the last page: 'Intimations of Alterations and Additions will from time to time be given. | 5.69.' Scarce: no copies on COPAC or OCLC WorldCat.

[Halifax Explosion, Nova Scotia, Canada, 6 December 1917.] Twelve postcards of scenes of devastation by the largest non-nuclear man-made explosion in history, by Underwood & Underwood of New York.

Author: 
Underwood & Underwood, N.Y. [Halifax Explosion, Nova Scotia, Canada, 6 December 1917]
Publication details: 
Copyright Underwood & Underwood, N.Y. [New York.] 'Novelty Mfg. & Art Co., Limited, Montreal [Canada]'. Undated [1917 or 1918].
£100.00

The largest man-made explosion before the the development of nuclear weapons, with a force equivalent to nearly 3 kilotons of TNT, occurred when the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc, laden with wartime munitions, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Narrows, a strait connecting the upper Halifax Harbour to Bedford Basin. The explosion devastated the Richmond District of Halifax, killing 2000 and injuring 9000. Each postcard carries the words 'Copyright Underwood & Underwood, N.Y.' next to the caption beneath the image, with 'Novelty Mfg.

[Chatto & Windus, London publishers.] Manuscript letter, signed on behalf of 'Chatto & Windus', to fellow London bookseller Philip Stephen King, declining the offer of a translation of Portuguese novelist Alexandre Herculano's 'O Monge de Cister'.

Author: 
Chatto & Windus [P. S. King [Philip Stephen King] (1819-1908), London Parliamentary Bookseller of 12 Bridge St, Westminster and other addresses; Alexandre Herculano (1810-1877), Portuguese writer]
Publication details: 
On the firm's letterhead at the 'Office of Belgravia of the Gentleman's Magazine & of "Academy Notes", 74 & 75 Piccadilly, London. 4 January 1878.
£120.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Tasteful letterhead including the firm's device within an oval, printed in sepia. In good condition: on aged and lightly-worn paper. King was the leading London parliamentary bookseller, and it is interesting to see him apparently offering a work of his own to other publishers. The letter reads: 'Dear Sir | We beg to acknowledge with thanks your offer of a translation of Herculano's "O Monge de Cister," which we much regret our inability to accept - our hands being very full just now, & all our arrangements for some time to come made.

[Three coloured plates, tipped in onto three leaves in an illustrated portfolio.] The Bookman Portfolio. Containing Plates in Colour by Jessie Willcox Smith. Illustrating The Water Babies, by Charles Kingsley.

Author: 
Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935), American children's illustrator [Hodder & Stoughton Limited, London publishers; Charles Kingsley]
Publication details: 
Hodder & Stoughton Limited, Warwick Square, London, E.C.4. Christmas 1920.
£120.00

Each of the three coloured plates is 19 x 14 cm, and each is laid down on a piece of 31.5 x 20.5 cm cream textured paper, each mount with caption and vignette printed in green. The three are placed in a portfolio, made of the same textured paper as the mount, with the front carrying the title, publishers' details, and an illustration (of underwater baby balancing on a fish). In fair condition, aged and with wear to extremities.

[Printed Press Extracts' relating to the geologist William Hobbs Shrubsole.] 'Biographical Sketch of W. H. Shrubsole, F.G.S.' from the East Kent Gazette; 'Presentation to Mr. W. H. Shrubsole, F.G.S., F.R.M.S.' from the Sheerness Times, and two others

Author: 
William Hobbs Shrubsole [W. H. Shrubsole] (1837-1927), British geologist, who made discoveries at Sheerness
Publication details: 
Extracts from the East Kent Gazette, the Sheerness Times, the Proceedings of he Geological Society of London, and the Rochester & Chatham Standard; dating from 1894 and 1895.
£95.00

Shrubsole was a frequent contributor to the Manchester Guardian, and its obituary of 21 May 1927 was headed 'DEATH OF GREAT SHEERNESS GEOLOGIST WHO WON FAME THROUGHOUT THE WORLD' ('Experts in every continent sought his wonderful advice, and it was during his researches at Sheppey that he made many valuable discoveries. Below we are able to give a detailed account of his brilliant career. He was a frequent contributor to the columns of the "Guardian" up to the time of his death.'). 3pp., foolscap 8vo, in a bifolium. Printed in three columns of small print.

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