CHATTERTON

1p., 12mo. On aged and ruckled paper, with closed tear unobtrusively repaired. In the author's distinctive, heavily-inked hand. He writes to inform him that he has 'the MS of the piece I wrote about', and that if it meets with his approval 'it may fill up the gap till Black Mail is completed'. He continues: 'I repeat it is a most powerful drama as strong as the Dead Hearts | Will you and Churchill come and hear me read it? [last two words underlined three times] | If so - when? | Will you drive over tomorrow???? | If so - at what hour? - Telegram back and I will be in Price and condition.

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the greatest living authority on this subject, and his book, the result of nine years original research, contains much unpublished material.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'.

One: Holograph poem by Gere in red ink on slip of paper. Apparently unpublished, it reads: 'I.M. E.HWM | buried Hampstead 18. 9. '52 | Grave scholar of a Grays Inn cell, | Gay naturalist of Norfolk fen, | Divion [sic, corrected in pencil to 'Division'] now ordains farewell. | I shall not see your like again. | JG'. Items Two to Seventeen: Sixteen transcriptions of letters and notes from Meyerstein to John Gere (as 'J G'). Each on a separate piece or slip of paper, and all written out in red ink.

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.

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.'

1p., 12mo. On bifolium with mourning border. With mourning envelope addressed by Chatterton to the surgeon 'Henry G. Times Esqre. | Manchester Street | Manchester Square'. Fair, on lightly-aged paper, in aged envelope. The note reads: 'With Balsir Chattertons [sic] best thanks. | Sunday | 32 Manchester Street | Manchester Square'.

12mo: iv + 132 pp. Unbound. In original red printed wraps. Stapled. A poor copy of a scarce item (COPAC only lists copies at the British Library and National Library of Scotland). Dog-eared and grubby, with wraps faded and with loss to extremities and spine repaired with tape. Staples rusted and worn through prelims. Text complete and entirely legible. Five essays: 'Chatterton and the Rowley Poems', 'Macpherson's Poems of Ossian', 'The Shakspeare Forgery', 'Psalmanazar and the Formosa Imposture' and 'Bentley and the Epistles of Phalaris'.