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[Winston Graham, author of the ‘Poldark’ series of Cornish historical novels.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Miss Cond’, with reference to her autograph collection and ‘gift shop in Sidmouth’.

Author: 
Winston Graham [Winston Mawdsley Graham, born Grime] (1908-2003), English novelist, author of the hugely-popular ‘Poldark’ series of Cornish historical novels
Publication details: 
No date. On letterhead of Treberran, Perranporth, Cornwall.
£50.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. On grey paper. In fair condition, worn and creased. Addressed to ‘Dear Miss Cond’, and signed ‘Winston Graham’. It was ‘nice’ to hear from her again, and he is happy to send her ‘the usual autograph’. ‘What a fine collection of first editions you must have. No, I didn’t know you ran a gift shop in Sidmouth. If I am ever in the town I will certainly call in.’

[Author of the first million-seller: Hall Caine, the most popular novelist of his day.] Autograph List of Corrections ‘With Sir Hall Caine’s Compts’, to [Daily Telegraph propaganda?] articles entitled ‘Downfall of a Nation’ (revolutionary Russia).

Author: 
Hall Caine [Sir Hall Caine; Sir Thomas Henry Hall Caine] (1853-1931), the most popular novelist of his day, author of ‘The Eternal City’, the first million-seller, with strong Isle of Man connections
Hall Caine
Publication details: 
No date or place. (Circa 1917)
£320.00
Hall Caine

See the description of Caine’s political views in his entry in the Oxford DNB. He began as a communist, but became a Christian Socialist, and a supporter of the Liberal Party on the mainland of Britain (he was a member of the Isle of Man House of Keys from 1901 to 1908) and a follower of the Church of England. The present item would appear to relate to the ‘impassioned propaganda’ that Caine published in the Daily Telegraph from September 1914 (ODNB). It is 1p, 4to.

[ Doris Leslie, bestseslling British novelist and historical biographer. ] Autograph Card Signed ('Doris Leslie.') to 'Miss Cond, (the ever faithful!)' [ Eileen M. Cond ], describing her husband's operation and convalescence, and a planned move

Author: 
Doris Leslie [ née Doris Oppenheim, later Lady Fergusson Hannay ] (1891-1982), bestselling British novelist and historical biographer
Publication details: 
On her letterhead as Lady Fergusson Hannay, Colesgrove Lodge, Goff's Oak, Nr. Cheshunt, Hertfordshire (with 'South Lodge' added in autograph). 28 July 1960.
£35.00

Written in blue ink and covering both sides of the card, which does not carry an address. After informing her that she is returning her bookmark with her signature she continues: 'I have been through an awful time which has killed all interest in the great success my “Perfect Wife” seems to be having. My husband has had an operation for a lobectomy (removal of part of his lung[)], which, thank God, has been successful. And all this, (for the last 3 months) while we were in the middle of a move!' She states that they have 'sold the Manor, & are living pro tem in one of our lodges.

[ 'Anya Seton', pen name of Ann Seton Chase, American author of historical romances. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Anya Seton | (Mrs. Hamilton Chase)') to 'Miss Cond' [ Eileen M. Cond ]. giving plans for a trip to England, to visit her father's family.

Author: 
'Anya Seton', pen name of Ann Seton Chase (1904-1990), bestselling American author of historical romances
Publication details: 
On her letterhead, Old Greenwich, Connecticut. 14 July 1958
£50.00

2pp., 8vo. 2pp., 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged. She begins, after stating that she is returning her bookplate (which she has signed), with details of a forthcoming visit to England, involving a drive 'up North to my father's birthplace', where she will 'stay in Northumberland a fortnight at least, and investigate some of the masses of cousins I have there'. Later she may 'be down your way' (Devon): 'Do you still run the Deer Park?

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