AUTOGRAPH

Explorer in Japan. Good signature on pasaper, 3 x 1" approc. With: additional pencil note "Distinguished explorer in Japan made first ascents of many mountains" ascribed on the paper on which the signature is laid sown to "Dr [Howard] Somervell of Mt Everest Expedition" (1953 expedition, Somervelld.1975).

2pp., 8vo, discussing work in progress and promising to get the MS to "Andre" by Christmas. He will also be "Max O'Relling" (as a participle) a MS sent to him by Mouillet.

Author. Two sides of card used, thanking Wilson for obtaining for him an invitation from John Buchan to be a guest at the National Book Trade Dinner and for the "splendid showing" he arranged for his book (probably "British Agent") at Bumpus's.

Publisher. 2pp., 8vo. He discusses his reading which includes Blunden's "Cricket Country", some done for professional reasons.

Belgian dramatist, poet, essayist (1862-1949). "Deux Mille", blue wraps, small tear both ends of spine, hinge strain, yellowing pages but mainly g.. INSCRIBED "A Sir John Martin Harvey [English actor/manager]. L'incomparable <........................> ref. obscure to me> qui sera bientot le miraculeur [sic] St Antoine./ En toute <..?> admiration/ Maeterlinck/ 24 juin 1921" (last figure obscure). DNB says: "At the Prince of Wales's Theatre his Pelléas in Maeterlinck's Pelléas and Mélisande moved the author to declare: ‘Il a volé mon âme, ce M. Harvey.’

2pp, 8vo, remains of tape indicating from album, headed "Gambia Committee, 3 King Street, Westminster, "We beg respectfully to inform you that a Deputation to protest against the proposal to cede the River Gambia to France, will wait upon Earl Carnarvon ........" Thjey request Molineux's presence. {In fact, GB retained possession.]

Novelist. Total 4pp., 8vo, in the most substantial of which he confesses to being "a most barren person . . . the very act of composition is one of exceeding pain & travail". He is considering a proposal to write something to help the Journalists Orphan Fund. One note concerns the Thackeray Charterhouse Dinner, the other conveys thanks for a fee and pleases that an Exhibition was successful. Three items,

n the 4to page (12 September, Sharp's birthday) extracted from "A Birthday Book designed by her Royal Highness the Princess Beatrice" (1881). Sharp has written six Gaelic phrases with English translations E.g. "Mar a bha As it was/ Mar a tha As it is .......". . The book comprises one day to every page.The book has the bookplate of N. Hardy Wallis (see BLC).

Novelist (1860-1914). One page, 8vo. He excuses his delayed response by reference to illness and his travels "over central Europe with a knapsack". He is obviously sending a financial contribution of some sort despite not knowing where his bank account stands. In a postscript he says that he had given Norman an honourable mention in "The Bookman" earlier that year.

OUP. One page 8vo. A brief note about unpacking "Buenos Aires material" which had presumably been there for an exhibition.

Author. The letters total 5 pages, 8vo. He anticipates the publication of his "Governance of Britain", giving his view of the book. He thanks Shorter for as review (presumably in "The Sphere"), expresses admiration for Mrs Shorter's work (Dora Sigerson), discusses public reaction to his "Vision of India". He is thinking of writing a "Vision of Ireland". Three items,

Humorous writer (1863-1943), one large 8vo page each. (1929) He is returning some "sketches", commenting on the difficulty of a beginner to get published despite merits, and the need for a little revision. (I have found nothing by Horne in the BLCat.)(1930) His handwriting is even more difficult than usual, but he is responding to a card and appears to be annoyed at a suggestion ("disgraceful"). His postscript runs "If I wrote like that I would take a few lessons".

Novelist. One page each, 8vo. He is responding to an invitation and outlining a busy schedule. 2 items,

American writer, preacher and abolitionist (1832-1907). One page, 12mo. "Rev. & Dear Sir, / I thank you heartily for your letter and invitation, which have reached me here. I had already received and accepted an invitation from Mr Thos. Martineau at Maple Bank. He mentions in his note having heard from you that I intended visiting Birmingham during the meeting, & will probably inform you that I have accepted his hospitality. / With gratitude for your kind attention, I am, / Yours with cordial respect, / M. D. Conway".

Agriculturalist (1799-1855). He is pleased that his correspondent's book is making its way (which is "a work of time"). He hopes it will be as useful as his correspondent "could wish".

Irish Painter, poet, dramatist and novelist (1770-1850). He gives his correspondent the address of a "Mr Herbert" who was, according to the Post Office Directory of 1846, a professor and publisher of music.

Orientalist and Cambridge Professor (1783-1852). Two pages, 4to, responding to a request for advice for the son of the correspondent who is engaged in preparing a Hebrew Lexicon. Lee gives some solid advice but finally points out that he is engaged on a similar task. WITH: the manuscript text with corrections, two pages, 4to, in Lee's hand, of the examination for the Crosse scholarship (presumably a Cambridge prize) involving Greek, Arabic, Hebrew and Syriac. WITH: an 8vo print of Samuel Lee. Three items,

Artist and Poet (1845-1915). Two Autograph Letters Signed, 2 pages and one page respectively, 4to, staining and damage especially to 1910 letter, but texts clear. (1904) Crane outlines his understanding of "the terms under which 'The Golden Primer' was produced" based on his co-author's (Meiklejohn) letters - three fifths of the proceeds. He quotes relevant detail from two letters,on of which discusses a cheap edition for schools. "I find a dummy copy of this with a cover design of mine & Blackwood's imprint". He thinks a re-issue in the "original form" a good idea.

Musical composer (1801-1873). One page, 4to. He says simply that "it will not be in his power to attend the meeting of the Catch Club on Tuesday the 19th [?].."

Litterateur and Journalist, editor of the "Edinburgh Review" (1813-1895). Four pages, 8vo, foxing, text clear. Reeve has received an article by Tuckwell on "the Literature of the 18th Century . . . Its defect seems to me to be that in title, in spirit, & in substance, it is somewhat too wide & vague - an article more appropriate for an Encyclopaedia than to a Review." He would have preferrd a paper of 20-25 pages on a specific topic such as Latimer's prose. "In writing for the Reviews there is no greater mistake than to embrace too large a field" resulting in a lack of "point".

Bohemian musician and pianist. One page, 8vo, sl. batterd but the text is unaffected, and clear. "My dear Mr Masson/ Every bottle drawn by your beautiful corkscrew shall be emptied to your good health and that of your sister [presumably Elizabeth Masson, vocalist and teacher, see DNB], and you will both live in our recollection as highly valued and long tried friends. With best thanks . ..... I. Moscheles

Painter, President of the Royal Academy (1836-1919). Four pages, 8vo. As follows: " I never thanked you for your postcard & its information which adds greatly to the interest of the drawing. " is puzzling certainly, but so unlike "canonico" that I can hardly think it can have been an error in the transcript of that word. I have not yet discovered the other two sketches I possess . . .

Poet and playwright (1800-1886). 8 (eight) pages, 8vo. He writes concerning a local (Bournemouth) religious controversy and "lay advowsons", giving considerable detail, expressing opinions, and requesting the Archbishop's opinion.

Novelist. She assures him that she is "still in the land of the living, and is initially flattered that he is showing an interest (in her autograph). Then she realises that he has mentioned books by her sister (M. Findlater) and has confused her with her sister - "but it is all the same to us!". She mentions that she enclosed an advertisement for "the last edition of my best-known book, suggesting he would find it an interesting read.

Statesman (1761-1830). One page [8vo- sm. folio folded in two]. "Particular engagements" prevent him from dining wiht the friends of "Mr Old Wood(sic)". [Other half of sheet has address and Tierney's frank.] With (laid down): contemporary cuttings from newspaper, obituary of Tierney abd a brief account of Pit and Tierney's duel.

Novelist (1776-1850). Text as follows: "Ever yours most faithfully/Jane Porter/ I shall return it to your care before I leave /<?>/ Sir M.A.Shee.

Bold signature on paper cut to 4" x 1", some staining marginally affecting clarity.

Loose leaf, presumably formerly endpaper of book, 8vo, inscribed "For A.J.A. Symons from Holbrook Jackson" with address and date.

Compiler and educational writer, including "Scientific Dialogues" (1764-1816). One page, 8vo, sl. grubby and frayed but text clear and complete. "I enclose you what I drew up for the M{onthly] Magazine" asking for it to be returned as it is his only copy. He refers to the ill health of Mrs Calder [?], presumably the correspondent's wife to whom he sends good wishes and compliments. In a postscript he says "you will in No. Xii of Nicholson have an article on Will - freedom, by the author of the art.[?]Necessity".

Head Constable of Liverpool. He discusses the prospect of Johnson being appointed Chief Constable of Lancashire, promising instruction and a place inat his office. He praises his active nature and describes the high opinion which "distinguished officers" have of him.