BOOKS

[Sir John Summerson, architectural historian.] Two Autograph Letters Signed and Autograph Note Signed to the proprietor of ‘Books and Bookmen’, with two Autograph reviews written by him.

Author: 
Sir John Summerson [Sir John Newenham Summerson] (1904-1992), architectural historian and director of Sir John Soane’s Museum [Philip Dosse (1925-1980), proprietor of Hansom Books]
Publication details: 
Letters of 3 and 22 October 1973; note of 26 October 1973. On letterheads of 1 Eton Villas, London.
£120.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse (Summerson spells it ‘Dossé’) was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. The five items are in good condition, lightly aged. The three letters signed ‘John Summerson’. ONE: ALS, 3 October 1973. 1p, 12mo. Two previous letters from Dosse were sent while Summerson was in Canada. ‘The book on Fischer von Erlach I will review with pleasure. I’m not sure that I want to do the Raj book as well – anyway, not in the same review.

[Sally Emerson, novelist and author.] Autograph Letter Signed and Two Typed Letters Signed to Philip Dosse, regarding her work as an assistant on ‘Books and Bookmen’, a magazine she would later edit.

Author: 
Sally Emerson (b.1954), novelist and author, editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’, whose proprietor was Philip Dosse (1925-1980) of Hansom Books
Publication details: 
Autograph letter, 22 January [1975]; two typed letters, 11 May and 21 August 1975. All three on her letterhead, 3 Halkin Street, Belgrave Square, London.
£75.00

Emerson’s novels have undergone a re-evaluation in recent years. The first six were republished by Quartet Books as ‘Rediscovered Classics’ in 2017, and in 2021 by Quadrant Books. ‘Books and Bookmen’ was one of a stable of seven London arts magazines owned by Philip Dosse (1925-1980) of Hansom Books. Emerson, who was the editor of the magazine at the time of Dosse’s suicide, has published an account of her time there: ‘Death of a Bookman’, Standpoint, October 2018.

Richard Acland [Sir Richard Thomas Dyke Acland, 15th Baronet], Liberal and Labour politician and a founder of CND.] Typed Letter Signed to Philip Dosse of Books and Bookmen, explaining in detail why he cannot write a review for him.

Author: 
Richard Acland [Sir Richard Thomas Dyke Acland, 15th Baronet] (1906-1990), politician with Liberal, British Common Wealth and Labour parties, a founder of CND [Philip Dosse (1925-1980)]
Publication details: 
14 February 1974. Sprydon, Broadclyst, Exeter.14 February 1974. Sprydon, Broadclyst, Exeter.
£50.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including ‘Books and Bookmen’ and ‘Plays and Players’. 1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded twice for postage. In autograph: ‘Dear Philip Dossé [sic]’ and ‘Yours sincerely / Richard Acland’. He begins by thanking Dosse for his ‘most generous letter’ with regard to his autobiography ‘Four Years Hard Labour’, and for the offer of a free advertisement in ‘Books and Bookmen’, continuing: ‘But how sad.

[Richard Hoggart, author and cultural critic.] Typed Letter Signed from Paris, to Philip Dosse, explaining why, as ‘an international civil servant’, he cannot review for ‘Books and Bookmen’.

Author: 
Richard Hoggart (1918-2014), author and cultural critic [Philip Dosse (1925-1980), proprietor of Hansom Books]
Publication details: 
5 July 1972; on UNESCO letterhead of the ‘united nations educational, scientific and cultural organization’, Paris.
£35.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse (Hoggart addresses him as Dosse) was the proprietor of Hansom Books, which operated a stable of seven London arts magazines, including ‘Books and Bookmen’ and ‘Plays and Players’. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, slightly aged, worn and creased. Folded twice. Signed ‘Richard Hoggart’ (‘Assistant Director-General (Social Sciences, Human Sciences and Culture)’. He presumes that the letter with the copies of ‘Books and Bookmen’ was delayed by the French customs.

[Richard Ingrams, journalist, editor of ‘Private Eye’ and ‘The Oldie’.] Autograph Letter Signed to Philip Dosse of ‘Books and Bookmen’, on subjects including a ‘rather rude’ review by him of a book by Clive James and a book about James Thurber.

Author: 
Richard Ingrams [Richard Reid Ingrams] (b.1937), editor of ‘Private Eye’ and founding editor of ‘The Oldie’ [Philip Dosse (1925-1980)]
Publication details: 
16 April 1977. On letterhead of Forge House, Aldworth, Reading, Berks.
£35.00

The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and ‘Plays and Players’. 2pp, small 4to. Addressed to ‘Dear Philip Dossé’ [sic] and signed ‘Richard Ingrams’. He is enclosing ‘a rather rude review of the Clive James book for the June B & B’, and sends renewed apologies for missing the May issue. He will ‘do Thurber next’ and reminds Dosse that he still has ‘the biography of Thurber which you sent me many moons ago’: ‘Would it be too late to embrace that as well?’ He thanks him for ‘continuing to print the P.

[Desmond Guinness, Anglo-Irish authority on Georgian architecture, son of Lord Moyne and Diana Mitford.] Autograph Note Signed to Philip Dosse, proprietor of ‘Books and Bookmen’, agreeing to do a review.

Author: 
Desmond Guinness [Desmond Walter Guinness] (1931-2020), Anglo-Irish authority on Georgian architecture, son of Bryan Guinness, Lord Moyne, and Diana Mitford [Philip Dosse (1925-1980)]
Publication details: 
6 December 1976; on letterhead of Leixlip Castle, Leixlip, County Kildare [Ireland].
£45.00

See the entries for his mother and father in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse (Guinness spells it ‘Dossé’) was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and ‘Plays and Players’. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Large signature, underlined. Reads: ‘Thankyou! [sic] I should be glad to review “Lost Demesnes” and “Classic Irish Houses” by Craig (see the enclosed) if it is sent to you.’

[Dame Ruth Railton, musical director and conductor.] Autograph Card Signed to Philip Dosse of Hansom Books, regarding matters including his mother’s cancer treatment and a book by her husband Cecil Harmsworth King.

Author: 
Dame Ruth Railton (1915-2001), conductor, founder of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, wife of press baron Cecil Harmsworth King [Philip Dosse (1925-1980)]
Publication details: 
Irish postmark of 2 April 1975; on letterhead of The Pavilion, Greenfield Park, Dublin.
£56.00

See her entry, and her husband’s, in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including ‘Books and Bookmen’ and ‘Plays and Players’. Postcard of 14 x 9 cm, with letterhead and no illustration. Monogram signature ‘RK’. In good condition, lightly aged, with slight smudging to a couple of words in one corner. Addressed to ‘Mr Philip Dossé. [sic] / Hansom Books. / Artillery Mansions. / 75, Victoria Street. / LONDON.

[‘Philippe Jullian’ [Philippe Simounet], French illustrator, author and aesthete.] Three Autograph Letters Signed and Autograph Card Signed to Philip Dosse, on reviews for ‘Books and Bookmen’, mostly concerning Violet Trefusis and Vita Sackville West

Author: 
‘Philippe Jullian’ [nom de plume of Philippe Simounet] (1919-1977), French illustrator, author, aesthete and dandy [Philip Dosse (1925-1980); Violet Trefusis; Vita Sackville West; Nigel Nicolson]
Publication details: 
All undated, but from 1973 and 1974. Three (including the card) on letterheads of 54 rue de Miromesnil, Paris.
£120.00

The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including ‘Books and Bookmen’ and ‘Plays and Players’. Like Jullian, he would commit suicide. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by Sally Emerson, Standpoint magazine, October 2018. The card is in good condition, lightly aged, while the four letters are in fair condition, with wear and creasing, one (Item Four) with a few small holes to the leaf caused by a paper clip. None of the items is dated. ONE: ACS. On both sides of a plain card with printed letterhead and no illustration.

[Sir Louis Blom-Cooper, barrister and campaigner for law reform.] Autograph Letter Signed to Philip Dosse, editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’, explaining his reservations with regards to writing a review.

Author: 
Sir Louis Blom-Cooper (1926-2018), barrister and campaigner for law reform, a founder of Amnesty International who played a prominent part in the Hanratty murder case [Philip Dosse (1925-1980)]
Publication details: 
17 January 1975; on letterhead of Goldsmith Building, Temple, EC4 [London].
£50.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Dosse was the proprietor of Hansom Books, publishers of ‘Books and Bookmen’ and six other arts magazines. 1 p, 8vo. In good condition, folded for postage. Addressed to ‘Mr. Dossé’ (Dosse did not spell his name with an accent) and signed ‘Louis Blom-Cooper’ (the hyphen, if hyphen it is, consisting of a tiny dot). He is flattered by the request that he ‘contribute occasionally to Books & Bookmen’, and ‘in principle’ he is ‘very willing to review appropriate books’, having written ‘one or two reviews way back in the 1950s’.

[Sir Oswald Mosley and his secretary Jeffrey Hamm; British Union of Fascists.] Typed Letter Signed from Hamm to Philip Dosse of Books and Bookmen, regarding a review by Mosley and Peter Liddle, with copy of Mosley letter on Boothby and Skidelsky

Author: 
Sir Oswald Mosley and his secretary Jeffrey Hamm [Edward Jeffrey Hamm] (1915-1992), Welsh fascist who succeeded him as leader of the Union Movement and edited ‘Lodestar’ [British Union of Fascists]
Publication details: 
Hamm's letter: 15 March 1979; on letterhead of the 'Sir Oswald Mosley Secretariat', 76A Rochester Row, London SW1. Copy of Mosley letter to Dosse: undated ('For June Issue' in 1975); on his letterhead, 1 Rue des Lacs, Orsay 91, France.
£60.00

See Mosley’s entry in the Oxford DNB. Hamm’s papers are in the University of Birmingham. The recipient Philip Dosse (1925-1980) was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players.ONE: Typed Letter Signed from ‘Jeffrey Hamm’ to ‘Mr. Dossé’ (Dosse did not employ an accent). 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and folded once. Begins: ‘Sir Oswald dictated this review over the telephone today on to my recording machine.

[Miron Grindea, editor of the long-lived London literary magazine ‘ADAM International Review’.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘Adam’), advising Philip Dosse of ‘Books and Bookmen’ on the question of applying to Jean-Paul Sartre for a review.

Author: 
Miron Grindea [born Mondi-Miron Grimberg] (1909-1995), Romanian-born founder and editor of the London literary magazine ‘ADAM International Review’, published 1941-1995 [Philip Dosse (1925-1980)]
Publication details: 
‘Saturday’ [no year]. On letterhead of 1 Palmeira Square, Hove, Sussex.
£50.00

An interesting item, linking the editors of two prominent literary magazines. See his entry in the Oxford DNB, which states, without giving a date, that ‘Chaotic working conditions led to desperation: Grindea sold the title to Frank Cass and retreated to Hove hoping to write his memoirs, but quickly decided he didn't want to and “in agonies of self-flagellation begged Cass to sell back the magazine”’. The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players.

[Nora Beloff, political correspondent of the Observer.] Autograph Letter Signed to Philip Dosse of 'Books and Bookmen', regarding the writing of a review.

Author: 
Nora Beloff [Leah Nora Beloff] (1919-1997), journalist with the Observer, the first female political correspondent of a British newspaper [Philip Dosse (1925-1980)]
Publication details: 
Undated. On letterhead of the Observer, London.
£45.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. She thanks him for his note, adding 'Would this do?', and stating 'I will write my piece definitely by March 15th.' Signed 'Nora Beloff / NORA BELOFF'.

[‘I have got hold of a rascally bad pen’: Thomas Hughes, author of the Victorian children’s classic ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays’.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Miss Stead’, responding to a request for an autograph.

Author: 
Thomas Hughes (1822-1896), author of the Victorian children's classic 'Tom Brown's Schooldays', Liberal MP and judge
Publication details: 
24 October 1871; on embossed letterhead of the Athenaeum club, London.
£80.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and folded twice for postage. One corner very slightly cropped. Signed ‘Tho. Hughes’. In response to a request for an autograph he writes: ‘My dear Madam / I have only just returned to town where I find your note, with the request contained in which I have much pleasure in complying & sending you my signature below, though it is not a good specimen as I have got hold of a rascally bad pen.’ See Image.

[John Masefield, Poet Laureate and children's writer.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Miss McConnell’ and Signed inscription to ‘Jeannie McConnell’.

Author: 
John Masefield (1878-1967), Poet Laureate and children's writer
Publication details: 
Neither item with date or place.
£80.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Both items are somewhat sunned, but in good overall condition. ONE: ALS. 1p, 4to. Folded three times for postage. Signed ‘John Masefield’.

[Israel; Solly Sachs [Emil Solomon Sachs], South African anti-apartheid campaigner, exiled in England.] Typed Letter Signed, thanking Philip Dosse of ‘Books and Bookmen’ for his offer to publish ‘our “Open Letter” to the Prime Minister of Israel’.

Author: 
Solly Sachs [Emil Solomon Sachs] (1900-1976), South African trade unionist and anti-apartheid campaigner, exiled in England from 1953 [Philip Dosse of Hansom Books, publisher of 'Books and Bookmen']
Publication details: 
27 February 1975. From 793 Finchley Road, London NW11, on letterhead of the Committee for Peace in the Middle East.
£120.00

27 February 1975. On letterhead of the Committee for Peace in the Middle East. From the papers of Philip Dosse (1925-1980), proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018; and Michael Barber, 'What was Books and Bookmen?', Literary Review blog, 18 August 2023. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded twice. Reads: ‘Dear Mr.

[Israel; Solly Sachs [Emil Solomon Sachs], South African anti-apartheid campaigner, exiled in England.] Typed Letter Signed, thanking Philip Dosse of ‘Books and Bookmen’ for his offer to publish ‘our “Open Letter” to the Prime Minister of Israel’.

Author: 
Solly Sachs [Emil Solomon Sachs] (1900-1976), South African trade unionist and anti-apartheid campaigner, exiled in England from 1953 [Philip Dosse of Hansom Books, publisher of 'Books and Bookmen']
Publication details: 
27 February 1975. From 793 Finchley Road, London NW11, on letterhead of the Committee for Peace in the Middle East.
£120.00

27 February 1975. On letterhead of the Committee for Peace in the Middle East. From the papers of Philip Dosse (1925-1980), proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018; and Michael Barber, 'What was Books and Bookmen?', Literary Review blog, 18 August 2023. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded twice. Reads: ‘Dear Mr.

[Richard Herne Shepherd, Victorian bibliographer.] Autograph Letter Signed to C. Oscar Gridley, arranging for ?a stroll on the heath?, and enclosing a cutting relating to Froude?s life of Carlyle.

Author: 
Richard Herne Shepherd (1840-1895), Victorian bibliographer [Charles Oscar Gridley (1853-1941), Secretary of the Carlyle Society]
Publication details: 
?5 Bramerton-street, Kings road, / Chelsea, S. W. Oct. 11. 1884?.
£165.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Gridley was the Secretary of the Carlyle Society. He had visited Walt Whitman in America earlier in the year. 2pp, 16mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Addressed to ?C. Oscar Gridley, Esq.? and signed ?R H Shepherd?. ?Weather permitting (which is likely)?, he proposes to call on Gridley on the following day, ?for a stroll on the heath, &c.? He is ?quite well and on my legs again, since last Wednesday?. He ends by stating that he is enclosing a cutting which will interest him.

[C. B. Oldman [Cecil Bernard Oldman], bibliographer and musicologist, Principal Keeper of Printed Books at the British Museum.] Autograph Letter Signed to the music bookseller Leonard Hyman, regarding his promotion and Hyman’s latest catalogue.

Author: 
C. B. Oldman [Cecil Bernard Oldman] (1894-1969), bibliographer and musicologist, Principal Keeper of Printed Books at the British Museum from 1948 to 1959 [Leonard Hyman, music bookseller]
Publication details: 
30 December 1947; on letterhead of 3 Cromwell Road, Kensington, S.W.7 [London].
£60.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded for postage. Addressed to ‘Dear Hyman’ and signed ‘C. B. Oldman.’ He begins by thanking him for his ‘kind congratulations’ (on his promotion to at the British Museum, following the retirement of Sir Henry Thomas): ‘I have been laid up with a bad cold over Christmas otherwise I should have written before’. Hyman’s latest catalogue interested him very much, and he hopes that ‘the fact that I don’t buy much nowadays will not deter you from sending me future issues.

[‘Hesba Stretton’ (Sarah Smith), evangelical novelist and writer of children’s books.] Autograph Letter Signed [to the Secretary of the Religious Truth Society] regarding a manuscript she has titled ‘From Bethlehem to Olivet’.

Author: 
‘Hesba Stretton’, pseudonym of Sarah Smith (1832-1911), evangelical novelist and writer of children’s books [Religious Truth Society, London]
Publication details: 
‘70 Lansdowne Road. W. [London] / Jan 30. 1884’.
£45.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB, and Elaine Lomax’s 2016 book, ‘The Writings of Hesba Stretton: Reclaiming the Outcast’. 1p, 16mo. Cut down to 11.5 x 12 cm. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded once for postage. The recipient is not named, but is clearly the secretary of the Religious Truth Society (who appear to have published the MS referred to in the letter as ‘The Sweet Story of Old’ (see Lomax). Signed ‘Hesba Stretton’. ‘Dear Sir, / I forward by this post my promised M.

[C. Gordon Tether: ?Lombard? of the Financial Times of London.] Typed Letter Signed to Philip Dosse of ?Books and Bookmen?, regarding reviews and his anti-Common Market pamphlet.

Author: 
C. Gordon Tether, economic author and journalist, the ?Lombard? columnist of the Financial Times of London [Philip Dosse (1925-1980) of Hansom Books, publisher of 'Books and Bookmen']
Publication details: 
7 June 1979. With printed label with address Hetheringstoke, Lawfords Hill Road, Worplesdon, Guildford.
£45.00

Such was the longevity of Tether?s Financial Times ?Lombard? column that it featured in the Guinness Book of Records, so the entire absence of biographical information seems odd. Conspiracy theorists might point to the fact that he was an early opponent of the Bilderberg Group: an article on them was rejected by the Financial Times in November 1976. It is reprinted in his ?Banned Articles of C. Gordon Tether? (1977). From the papers of Philip Dosse, proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players.

[Andrew White Tuer, proprietor of the Leadenhall Press, London.] Autograph Card to Percy Fitzgerald, Anglo-Irish author and critic, painter and sculptor, regarding his 'London City Suburbs' which he has just published.

Author: 
Andrew White Tuer (1838-1900), proprietor of the Leadenhall Press, London [ 'Ye Leadenhalle Presse'] [Percy Fitzgerald (1830-1925)]
Tuer
Publication details: 
29 May 1893; on letterhead of 'The Leadenhall Press, Ltd: / 50, LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, E.C.'
£56.00
Tuer

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. On one side of a 12 x 7.5 cm post card. On brittle, discoloured card, with chipping to corners and some repair with archival tape. Self-printed with stamp, addressed, with postmark, to 'Percy Fitzgerald, Esq. / 37 St. George's Road / SW.' On other side, with letterhead in fancy type, regarding Fitzgerald's book 'London City Suburbs', which he has just published, reads: 'See todays & last Saturdays Daily Telegraph new no. (June) of Art Journal for notices L. C. Suburbs. Stamped at bottom right: 'The Leadenhall Press, Ltd:' See Image.

[Sir John Betjeman, Poet Laureate, broadcaster and public figure.] Autograph Note begun in type to the proprietor of Books and Bookmen Philip Dosse.

Author: 
Sir John Betjeman (1906-1984), Poet Laureate and popular broadcaster and public figure [Philip Dosse (1925-1980), proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of arts magazines including Books and Bookmen]
Sir John Betjeman
Publication details: 
No date or place [1970s]. On his compliments slip.
£56.00
Sir John Betjeman

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. From the papers of Philip Dosse, proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018; and Michael Barber, 'What was Books and Bookmen?', Literary Review blog, 18 August 2023. On one side of a 14 x 10 cm compliments slip in red ink, which has 'Sir JOHN BETJEMAN' at top left, and 'With Compliments' centred.

[John Masefield, Poet Laureate and children's writer.] Autograph Signature on inscription to 'Grace', on the back of part of a Book Token.

Author: 
John Masefield (1878-1967), Poet Laureate and children's writer
John Masefield
Publication details: 
31 August 1956. No date.
£90.00
John Masefield

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. On one side of a 9 x 12.5 cm piece of paper: formerly the first leaf of a bifolium card, the second leaf, which carried the actual book token, having been detached by perforation. In good condition, lightly aged, but with traces of mount at the corners of the reverse, which carries a colour reproduction of a painting by Leonard Richmond. The page with the inscription is a printed form, and Masefield has written 'For Grace.' and 'John Masefield. / August the 31st. 1956.' See Image.

[Thomas Hughes, author of ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays’.] Autograph Letter Signed to Sir Spencer Ponsonby of the Lord Chamberlain's Office, introducing ‘Mr. Selway’, whom he advises him to consult about proposals for a theatre in Surrey Gardens.

Author: 
Thomas Hughes (1822-1896), author of the Victorian classic children's book 'Tom Brown's Schooldays', Liberal MP for Lambeth [Sir Spencer Cecil Brabazon Ponsonby-Fane of the Lord Chamberlain's Office]
Publication details: 
19 March 1872. No place.
£220.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. In good condition, lightly aged. On first leaf of a bifolium of wove paper. Folded for postage. Signed ‘Tho. Hughes’. Begins: ‘My dear Ponsonby / Let me introduce the bearer, Mr. Selway, [i.e. William Robbins Selway (c.1822-1893) of Walworth] who was vice Chairman of my Committee in Lambeth, & is one of the most influential & trustworthy men in the South of London’. Selway wishes to see Ponsonby ‘about a building in the Surrey Gardens which certain persons are proposing to convert into a Theatre’.

[J. K. Galbraith, Canadian economist, Professor of Economics at Harvard University.] Typed Letter Signed and Typed Note Signed to Philip Dosse, regarding his reviewing for 'Books and Bookmen'.

Author: 
J. K. Galbraith [John Kenneth Galbraith] (1908-2006), Canadian economist and diplomat, Professor of Economics at Harvard University [Philip Dosse (1925-1980), publisher of 'Books and Bookmen']
Publication details: 
1 October 1974 and 5 February 1975. Both on his Harvard letterhead.
£80.00

From the papers of Philip Dosse, proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See 'Death of a Bookman' by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of 'Books and Bookmen' at the time of Dosse's suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018; and Michael Barber, 'What was Books and Bookmen?', Literary Review blog, 18 August 2023. Both items in good condition, lightly aged. Both folded once for postage. Both 1p, 12mo. ONE (1 October 1974): It was 'nice' of Dosse to write, but he 'needn't have given it a second thought'.

[Isaiah Berlin's secretary Patricia Utrechin.] Two Typed Letters Signed to Philip Dosse, conveying Berlin's unwillingness to review Golda Meir's autobiography ('no reviewing for at least two years').

Author: 
Isaiah Berlin's secretary Patricia Utechin [Isaiah Berlin (1907-1997), historian of ideas; Philip Dosse (1925-80); 'Books and Bookmen']
Publication details: 
16 October and 4 November 1975. Each on letterhead of Headington House, Old High Street, Headington, Oxford.
£150.00

See Berlin's entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse (often addressed, as in this letter, as ‘Dossé’) was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018. Both items 1p, landscape 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged.

[Barbara Cartland, ‘The Queen of Romance’, best-selling author of romantic fiction.] Typed Letter Signed to Philip Dosse, proprietor of ‘Books and Bookmen’, responding to his praise of a speech she has given.

Author: 
Barbara Cartland [Dame Mary Barbara Hamilton Cartland] (1901-2000), ‘The Queen of Romance’, best-selling author of more than 700 works of romantic fiction [Philip Dosse (1925-80); 'Books and Bookmen']
Publication details: 
‘From: Miss Barbara Cartland, D.ST.J.’ 1 October 1979; on letterhead of Camfield Place, Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
£56.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse (often addressed, as in this letter, as ‘Dossé’) was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Large and ebullient signature in red felt-tip pen.

[Bamber Gascoigne (1935-2022), television presenter and author, original quizmaster on the ITV television series ‘University Challenge’.] Autograph Letter Signed to Philip Dosse, on reviewing (for ‘Books and Bookmen’), Harold Acton and Lord Longford.

Author: 
Bamber Gascoigne (1935-2022), television presenter and author, original quizmaster on the ITV television series ‘University Challenge’ [Philip Dosse (1925-1980), publisher]
Publication details: 
27 February 1974. On letterhead of One Saint Helena Terrace, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1NR.
£100.00

Victoria Coren’s comment to the BBC on Gascoigne’s death is most apt: ‘No quiz host has ever seemed more like they could answer all the questions themselves.’ The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018. 1p, 4to. Written in green ink. Addressed to ‘Dear Mr.

[Enoch Powell, Conservative and Unionist politician, controversial after his 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech.] 14 Typed Letters Signed, with one in Autograph and five other items, to Philip Dosse, regarding his reviewing for ‘Books and Bookmen’.

Author: 
Enoch Powell [John Enoch Powell] (1912-1998), Conservative and Unionist politician, a controversial figure after his 1968 ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech on immigration [Philip Dosse (c.1924-1980)]
Powell
Publication details: 
Of Powell's fifteen letters: 2 from 1973, 10 from 1974, 1 from 1975, and 2 (including one in autograph) from 1976. On letterheads of House of Commons and 33 South Eaton Place, London, S.W.1.
£450.00
Powell

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. From the archives of Philip Dosse, proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of the ‘Seven Arts’ group of magazines, including ‘Books and Bookmen’ and ‘Plays and Players’. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018. The twenty items are in good condition, lightly aged. Of Powell’s fifteen letters (all signed ‘J. Enoch Powell’) five on House of Commons letterheads, four on his Eaton Place letterhead, and the others with the latter address typed.

[Auberon Waugh, journalist and novelist, son of Evelyn Waugh.] Long and entertaining Typed Letter Signed to Philip Dosse, proprietor of ‘Books and Bookmen’, regarding personal and professional matters.

Author: 
Auberon Waugh (‘Bron’, 1939-2001), journalist, novelist and editor of the ‘Literary Review’, son of Evelyn Waugh [Philip Dosse (c.1924-1980), proprietor of 'Books and Bookmen' (Hansom Books)]
Auberon Waugh
Publication details: 
24 May 1977. On illustrated letterhead of ‘Combe Florey House, Combe Florey, Taunton, Somerset.
£180.00
Auberon Waugh

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. From the archives of Philip Dosse, proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of the ‘Seven Arts’ group of magazines, including ‘Books and Bookmen’ and ‘Plays and Players’. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018. 2pp, 4to. The letterhead, on both leaves, is topped by a pleasing 10 x 6 cm woodcut of Combe Florey House. The paper is creased, otherwise in good condition, and entirely legible.

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