ETON

[Sir Arthur Hodgson, Australian squatter and politician.] Autograph Letter in the third person, thanking ‘Marcian’ [Evan Marlett Boddy?] for his ‘brochure’ ‘Relics of the late William Shakespeare’.

Author: 
Sir Arthur Hodgson (1818-1902), Australian squatter and politician involved in the deaths of hundreds of aborigines, and later Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon [Evan Marlett Boddy (c.1847-1934)]
Publication details: 
1 September [1901]. On embossed letterhead of Clopton House, Stratford-on-Avon.
£60.00

Hodgson’s entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography omits to mention the fact that the territory named Eton Vale which he squatted with his brother Christopher Pemberton Hodgson (1821-1865), was taken by force from the Barunggam people, and that, as the brother recalled in 1848, ‘so many hundreds of these poor creatures’ were ‘sacrificed’ in the struggle over the territory. From the papers of Evan Marlett Boddy (c.1847-1934), who is presumably the recipient ‘Marcian’, author of the named ‘brochure’, published in Birmingham in 1901. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, folded once.

[Lord Hugh Cecil [Hugh Richard Heathcote Gascoyne-Cecil, 1st Baron Quickswood], British Conservative politician.] Typed Letter Signed to ‘Mr. Provost’ [W. D. Ross, Provost of Oriel], sending a memorandum on ‘the recent crisis in Foreign Affairs’.

Author: 
Lord Hugh Cecil [Hugh Richard Heathcote Gascoyne-Cecil (1869-1956), 1st Baron Quickswood], Conservative politician, Provost of Eton [Sir David Ross, Provost of Oriel, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford]
Publication details: 
21 December 1935. On letterhead of Hatfield House, Hatfield, Herts.
£45.00

Cecil, who was the best man at Churchill’s wedding, was regarded as the finest orator of his generation. See his entry, and that of Ross, in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Addressed to ‘Dear Mr Provost’ and signed ‘Hugh Cecil’. He apologises for the late reply, but has ‘been ill and until yesterday was strictly confined to my room here’. He has received too many letters to be able to reply to each. ‘I therefore venture to enclose to you a brief Memorandum which I have drawn up dealing with the recent crisis in Foreign Affairs’.

[Harrow School in Georgian times.] Anonymous Manuscript Notebook, containing lists of boys' names under various headings ('Monitors', 'Upper VI' and so on), compiled under headmastership of George Butler.

Author: 
Harrow School in Georgian Times [George Butler (1774-1853), headmaster from 1805 to 1829, and later Dean of Peterborough]
Harrow
Publication details: 
Circa 1818. Harrow School, Middlesex.
£450.00
Harrow

This item is a nice artefact of one of England?s foremost public schools. The great rival of Eton, Harrow numbers among its alumni seven prime ministers, including Churchill. This notebook comprises lists of boys and their positions and classes in a particular term. The paper stock, watermark and handwriting all indicate that its composition is contemporaneous with the schooling of those named. It is the work of one person, almost certainly one of the school?s masters, and its loose and hurried nature indicate that it was intended for personal use, or as an aid in future writing.

[Dillibe Onyeama, Nigerian author of a controversial account of the racism he experienced at Eton College in England.] Two Typed Letters Signed to Philip Dosse, publisher of ?Books and Bookmen?, one regarding the trials of a freelance reviewer.

Author: 
Dillibe Onyeama (1951-2022), Nigerian author of a controversial account of his experience of racism as the first African educated at Eton College in England [Philip Dosse (1925-1980), publisher]
Publication details: 
ONE: 15 May 1974; 47a Leigham Court Road, Streatham Hill, London SW16. TWO: no date; c/o 21 Inglethorpe Street, Fulham, London SW6. Also an ANS to 'Mrs Poppmacher' (Dosse's secretary?): 21 February 1973; 169 Breakspears Road, Brockley, London SE4.
£150.00

Onyeama was the second black boy to go to Eton, and the first to complete his education there. See his obituary in the Guardian, 11 February 2022. His hugely-controversial 1972 book ?Nigger at Eton?, which resulted in him being banned from the school, was reprinted by Penguin Books in 2020 under the title ?Black Boy at Eton?. Philip Dosse, the recipient of the first two letters, was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players.

[Salt-Hill Society, Burnham and Stoke, Buckinghamshire.] Large poster giving the 15 ‘Rules and Articles’, and listing those who agree with ‘the before-mentioned Articles’.

Author: 
Salt-Hill Society, (Instituted 1783) for the protection of Persons and Property from Felons & Thieves, Within the Hundreds of Burnham and Stoke, Buckingham; Edmund J. Craske, Treasurer [Eton College]
Publication details: 
Following ‘General Meeting, held at the Public Hall, Slough’, 3 March 1914. Printed by Spottiswoode and Co., Ltd., Eton College. [Buckinghamshire]
£56.00

A scarce item relating to provincial history and printing. A similar poster, from 1897, is offered separately, and is the only other item relating to the Salt-Hill Society present on ViaLibri. Large poster, printed on one side of 45 x 76 cm sheet of discoloured and brittle wove paper. The item is complete, but there are numerous long tears along the four fold lines (which might be easily repaired with archival tape).

[The horologist who designed the Big Ben clock: Sir Edmund Beckett Denison (latterly Lord Grimthorpe).] Three Autograph Letters Signed to Edward Hayes Plumptre, regarding the business of Westminster girls’ school Queen’s College.

Author: 
Sir Edmund Beckett Denison [afterwards Edmund Beckett, Lord Grimthorpe] (1816-1905), lawyer, architect and horologist who designed the Big Ben clock [Edward Hayes Plumptre (1821-91); Queen’s College]
Publication details: 
ONE: 14 January 1856; Queen’s College. TWO: ‘Valentines Day’ [14 February] 1870; 33 Queen Anne Street W. [London] THREE: 3 April 1870; Doncaster.
£220.00

The third of these letters in particular gives a good indication of his Yorkshire bluntness (his entry in the Oxford DNB describes him as ‘a man of arrogance and bile, [...] capable of generosity, strong friendships, and kindness towards people in need of help’). The three items are in good condition, lightly aged; the third with slight wear along one edge. All three are signed ‘E B Denison’ and the second and third are addressed to ‘My dear Plumptre’. ONE (14 January 1856): 3pp, 4to.

[Lord Coleridge, jurist and Liberal politician.] Autograph Letter Signed, lamenting that the recipient ‘Dickenson’ is having to sell his library, discussing his own and the love of books, their friendship and his Devon home.

Author: 
Lord Coleridge [John Duke Coleridge, 1st Baron Coleridge] (1820-1894), jurist and Liberal politician; Solicitor General, Attorney General, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas and Lord Chief Justice
Publication details: 
[?] 1886; 1 Sussex Square, on the letterhead of the Royal Courts of Justice.
£65.00

An evocative artefact of a bygone age of well-read men with substantial libraries. See Coleridge’s entry in the Oxford DNB (in addition to his achievements he was the great-nephew of the poet). 3pp, 12mo. On a bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Signed ‘Coleridge’ and addressed to ‘My dear Dickenson’. Coleridge’s hand is not an easy one, and the following rendition is in parts tentative. He begins by stating that he is touched ‘not a little’ by Dickenson’s letter, not having forgotten ‘old days in Harley Street & [St George’s?] Square’. He grieves at ‘the necessity you mention [i.e.

[Oxford Etonian Club] Broadsheet headed 'RULES OF THE OXFORD ETONIAN CLUB.'

Author: 
The Oxford Etonian Club [Eton College; Old Etonians]
Publication details: 
Oxford. 1872. ['Revised October, 1857; November, 1858; February, 1863; May, 1864; and May, 1872.']
£220.00

Printed in two columns in black and red on one side of a piece of paper seventeen and a half inches by eleven and a quarter wide. Foxed and with a few very small closed tears at points along crease lines. Thirty-six rules, listed under sections headed 'THE EXECUTIVE', 'GENERAL MEETINGS', 'MOTIONS', 'ELECTION OF MEMBERS', 'PAYMENT OF SUBSCRIPTIONS, &C.', 'HONORARY MEMBERS', 'ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE', 'DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT', 'DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY', 'DUTIES OF THE AUDITOR', 'BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS, &C.', 'MISCELLANEOUS' and 'CLUB DINNER'.

[King Leopold III and Eton.] Typed Letter Signed (‘Lilian de Belgique’), in French, from Princess Lilian of Belgium to Lord Monckton, discussing her late husband’s connection with Eton, and the 'émouvant hommage' the college has just paid to him.

Author: 
Princess Lilian of Belgium [née Mary Lilian Baels] (1916-2002), Princess of Réthy, second wife of King Leopold III [Lord Monckton [Gilbert Walter Riversdale Monckton (1916-2006), 2nd Viscount]]
Publication details: 
21 February 1988; on letterhead of the ‘Domaine d’Argenteuil’.
£56.00

1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. The typed text of the letter is in French, but the following autograph text is in English: the address (‘Dear Lord Monckton,’), the valediction (‘With the hope of seeing you here soon! | Liliane de Belgique’), and the dating (‘21st. of February 1988’). She has been deeply touched by the ‘émouvant hommage’ which, thanks to Monckton, Eton has just rendered to the memory of the king. Monckton is aware ‘combien celui-ci était resté attaché à son ancien collège, auquel le liaient tant de souvenirs, et dont l’empreinte a marqué toute sa vie’.

[Hugh Dalton, Clement Attlee’s Chancellor of the Exchequer: ‘This is a proud honour’.] Two Typed Letters Signed to educationalist T. Lloyd Humberstone, noting that he is the first University of London Chancellor, criticizing ‘Harrovian Chancellors’.

Author: 
Hugh Dalton (1887-1962), economist, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1945-7, one of ‘big five’ in Clement Attlee Labour Party postwar government [T. Lloyd Humberstone, educationist; University of London]
Publication details: 
21 September 1945 and 11 March 1946. Both from Treasury Chambers, the first from Whitehall and the second from Great George Street.
£75.00

See entry in Oxford DNB on Edward Hugh John Neale Dalton, Baron Dalton (1887-1962). Thomas Lloyd Humberstone (1876-1957) was a prominent member of the Convocation of the University of London. Both signed ‘Hugh Dalton’. Both in good condition and lightly aged. ONE (21 September 1945): 1p, 4to. Folded twice. He has found Humberstone’s letter ‘most interesting’, and sends delayed thanks for his congratulations (on Dalton’s appointment as Chancellor). He will also be ‘requiring a cheque in due course’, and notes the ‘suggestion of a tax rebate’.

[Gertrude Ward, Matron at Eton College, who trained under Florence Nightingale.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Miss Wright’, discussing their forthcoming meeting at Eton.

Author: 
Gertrude Ward (c.1862-1950), Matron at Eton College, who trained under Florence Nightingale at St Thomas’s Hospital, London
Publication details: 
3 October 1903; on letterhead of ‘Eton College, Windsor.’
£75.00

Gertrude Ward trained under Florence Nightingale at St Thomas’s Hospital in London (see below), after which she became a district nurse, and then sister at the Medical Mission, Zanzibar. She was appointed to the position of Matron at Eton in 1901. 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium, folded twice. In good condition. Nineteen lines of text. Signed ‘Gertrude Ward.’ She confirms the day of an appointment, but wishes to change the hour, as ‘unfortunately another UMCA Candidate has arranged to come at 3.30 on that day’.

[A. C. Benson, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, poet, essayist and ghost story writer.] Autograph Signature ('Arthur Christopher Benson') on leaf from diary.

Author: 
A. C. Benson [Arthur Christopher Benson] (1862-1925), essayist, poet and ghost story writer, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, author of the words to 'Land of Hope and Glory'
Publication details: 
No place or date. [On leaf from 'The Meredith Birthday Book', published in London in 1898.]
£25.00

On 17 x 12 cm leaf of thickish paper, removed from 'The Meredith Birthday Book'. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Scratchy signature, underlined. In one of three printed boxes of red rules on one side of the leaf, the other side bearing quotations from George Meredith for the days 25 to 27 April.

[Julia Maria Hallam, wife of historian Henry Hallam.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J M Hallam') to Lady Elizabeth Palgrave, wife of Sir Francis Palgrave, reporting in affectionate terms on her son's health at Eton College.

Author: 
Julia Maria Hallam (1783-1840), wife of historian Henry Hallam (1777-1859), sister of poet Sir Charles Abraham Elton (1778-1853) [Lady Elizabeth Palgrave [née Turner] (1799-1852)]
Publication details: 
'Eton Friday Eveng.' [With postmark dated 29 July 1837.]
£180.00

2pp, 4to. On first leaf of bifolium, the second leaf carrying the address to 'Lady Palgrave | Hampstead Green', with four postmarks, one dated 29 July 1837. In fair condition, on aged, worn and creased paper. Lady Elizabeth Palgrave was the wife of the archivist and historian Sir Francis Palgrave (1788-1861, né Cohen), and daughter of the banker, naturalist and bibliophile Dawson Turner (1775-1858) of Yarmouth.

[ Richard Bentley the younger. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed to Sir Ambrose Heal, 're Writing Masters' and Buckinghamshire local history. With presentation copy of 'Some Stray Notes upon Slough and Upton collected from Various Sources'.

Author: 
Richard Bentley the younger (1854-1936), London publisher and antiquary [ Sir Ambrose Heal (1872-1959) furniture designer and proprietor of a celebrated London store, Heal's of Tottenham Court Road ]
Publication details: 
Both letters on letterheads of Upton, Slough, Bucks. 4 May 1927 and 4 June 1928. Book limited to 200 copies: 'Privately Printed | 1892'.
£120.00

All three items are in good condition, lightly aged. Both letters are signed 'Richard Bentley'. ONE (ALS, 4 May 1927): 2pp., landscape 12mo. Annotated by Heal at head of first page: 're Writing Masters'. Begins: 'My dear Sir | I thought you MUST have the mezzo of Tomkins! The private schools being adjacent to that of St. Pauls is hardly accidental? It would seem to imply a connection of duties (though not of schools.) and in former times people lived close to their work. No railways – no omnibuses even then. Stage Coaches, pre-Palmer, also slow'.

[ James William Lowther, 1st Viscount Ullswater. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('James W Lowther'), on his retirement as Speaker of the House of Commons, stating that he is not going to publish his reminiscences, considering it 'very improper'..

Author: 
James William Lowther, 1st Viscount Ullswater (1855-1949), Speaker of the House of Commons, 1905-1921
Publication details: 
On House of Commons letterhead. 9 May 1921.
£56.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and folded twice. He states that he has 'no intention at present of writing or publishing any reminsicences', having always 'held a very strong view against the modern system of gentlemen who have been employed in official & confidential positions rushing into print the moment they have left their situations.' For Lowther's career see his entry in the Oxford DNB. In 1921 he retired as speaker, on being created Viscount Ullswater and appointed GCB.

[ James John Hornby, Headmaster of Eton College. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. J. Hornby') to Sir Richard Harington regarding the portrait just done of him [ by John Collier ].

Author: 
J. J. Hornby [ James John Hornby ] (1826-1909), Headmaster of Eton College, 1868-1884 [ John Collier (1850-1934), painter ] [ Sir Richard Harington, 11th Baronet (1835-1911) ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Lodge, Eton College. 10 December 1897.
£50.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. The letter concerns a portrait of Hornby described in Lionel Cust's 'Eton College Portraits' (1909, dedicated to Hornby's memory), as being '56 x 45 inches. Painted by the Hon. John COLLIER, 1897. […] Seated figure to the knees, facing the spectator; in black gown and D.D. Hood. | Presented to the College by Old Etonians. (Provost’s Dining Room.)' Responding to Harington's congratulations, Hornby writes that it is 'a great pleasure to have such kind words from an old friend'.

[ Edmond Warre, Head Master of Eton College. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'My dear Hugh' (a former pupil?), sending 'the usual Certificate', discussing his father's ill health, and with mention of 'Cyril' and the Hampton Court Tapestry.

Author: 
Edmond Warre (1837-1920), successively Provost and Head Master of Eton College, and outstanding rower
Publication details: 
Eton (on his monogrammed letterhead); 8 October 1882.
£60.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. He is sending 'the usual Certificate', and is sorry to hear of the recipient's father's accident. 'How did he do it? I hope he will have no ill effects from it.' He asks to be remembered to his mother. 'Cyril is staying out with a Cold to day but not much the matter.' He concludes: 'I hope you will get through the Exam all right at Balliol. Come & see us on yr way down'. A postscript refers to 'the Hampton Court Tapestry "The Fates" 3 pieces', and ends with a Latin quotation.

[ Book; theological poem etc ] Poems

Author: 
Dr Roberts of Eton College [ William Hayward Roberts, Provost of Eton College ]
Publication details: 
London: J. Wilkie, T. Payne, W. Frederic (Bath) J. Woodyer (Cambridge), J. Pote (Eton)
£165.00

7, [1], 163, [1] p. ; 19 cm. (8°), orig. lea. bds, corners bumped, some wear and tear, rebacked, spine with raised bands, "Poems by Dr. Roberts" gt on black, edges of eps stained, contents good. Final page with advt for Roberts' "Judah Restored". ESTC citation number: T100111

[ Cyril Connolly, literary critic. ] Autograph Note Signed to 'Mr Rota' (bookseller Anthony Rota), with signed copy of his book 'Previous Convictions'.

Author: 
Cyril Connolly (1903-1974), literary critic [ Anthony Rota (1932-2009), antiquarian bookseller ]
Publication details: 
Note on letterhead of the Sunday Times, London; 27 August [ 1969 ]. 'Previous Convictions' published by Hamish Hamilton, London, 1963.
£35.00

NOTE: Autograph Note Signed. 1p., 12mo. Lightly stamped with date of receipt, 28 August 1969. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Reads: 'Dear Mr Rota, | I hope & believe this is one you havent got - it needs a touch of ink eraser - | Gratefully, yrs | Cyril Connolly'. At foot of page, in Rota's autograph: 'About exchanging issues of Personal Landscape [i.e. Lawrence Durrell's magazine]'. BOOK: xv + 414pp., 8vo. In good condition in like dustwrapper. Connolly has scored through his name on the title page and written beneath it in blue ink 'Cyril Connolly.'

[ Austen Leigh; ALS; pamphlet ] Eton under Barnard 1754-1765

Author: 
R.A. Austen Leigh, editor
Publication details: 
Eton: At the College Press, 1904.
£100.00

Blue printed paper wraps, 39pp., 12mo, sl. worn. edges sunned, minor foxing, covers sl. away from staples, comprising Preface by Austen Leigh, an introduction and an Alphabetical List (of pupils in that period. A signature of a descendant, "E.A.B. Barnard is on front cover, while the clipped signature of R.A. Austen Leigh is glued to the titlepage. An Autograph Letter Signed "R.A. Austen Leigh" is tipped on the inside of the front wrap. dated 17 Jan. 1945,addressed to "Venn", 1.5 pages.

Victorian bookplate or label of 'ETON COLLEGE.'

Author: 
[ Eton College, Windsor ]
Publication details: 
[ English, mid-Victorian. ]
£35.00

6 x 9 cm. Printed in black ink. Laid down on part of a leaf, carrying on the reverse a part of an inscription in French from 'votre affectionée Eugénie'. Lightly-aged, and discoloured from the glue used in mounting. Within a decorative border characteristic of the period depicts a distant prospect of the college, with two boats rowing on the river, and a middle-class couple (she with bustle, he with top hat) with dog on bank in foreground.

[ Sir Arthur Hodgson, Australian squatter and politician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Arthur Hodgson') to 'Mrs. Lewis', regarding his naval career and 'St. Anne votes'.

Author: 
Sir Arthur Hodgson (1818-1902), Anglo-Australian squatter and politician
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Clopton House, Stratford-on-Avon. 1 September 1888.
£130.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. He begins with reference to his 'St. Anne votes', which are promised and so cannot be given to her 'very deserving case'. He is pleased to learn that her brother is 'enjoying such a pleasant Holiday on board Sir John Pender's yacht, my old cruising ground as a Middy [i.e. a midshipman] on board H.M.S. Canopus from 1834 to 1837!' He states that he was 'present at coronation of King Otho in Athens in 1835!', and that he saw 'Byron's maid of Athens, then Mrs. Black'.

[ Trinity College, Cambridge; Eton ] Autograph Note, third person, to the "President and Committee of the Etonian Club".

Author: 
[ Henry Montagu Butler (called Montagu;1833–1918), academic ]
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] Trinity Lodge, Cambridge, 17 May 1888.
£35.00

1.5pp., 12mo, black border, bifolium, good condition: "The Master of Trinity [H.M. Butler] presents his Compliments to the President and Committee of the Etonian Club, and, while highly sensible of the honour implied in their very kind Invitation, regrets much that an engagement at home must prevent him from accepting."

[ Trinity College, Cambridge; Eton ] Autograph Note, third person, to the "President and Committee of the Etonian Club".

Author: 
[ Henry Montagu Butler (called Montagu;1833–1918), academic ]
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] Trinity Lodge, Cambridge, 17 May 1888.
£35.00

1.5pp., 12mo, black border, bifolium, good condition: "The Master of Trinity [H.M. Butler] presents his Compliments to the President and Committee of the Etonian Club, and, while highly sensible of the honour implied in their very kind Invitation, regrets much that an engagement at home must prevent him from accepting."

[Three items of Eton College printed ephemera.] Handbill, with names, of the 'Election of King's Scholars, Eton, August 1st, 1860'; and Eton College Election papers for 1859 and 1860, both with English texts for translation into Latin verse and prose

Author: 
[Eton College printed ephemera, 1859 and 1860; Charles Old Goodford (1812-1884); Rev. Edward Henry Rogers; C. Waterfield]
Publication details: 
[Eton College, Berkshire.] 1859 and 1860.
£120.00

All three items in fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. ONE: Handbill. 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. First page headed 'The Electors and Examiners', listing the names of six individuals, including the schools headmaster Dr Goodford, and 'The Rev. Edward Henry Rogers, M.A., Fellow of King's College, Cambridge; | C. Waterfield, Esq., M.A., Fellow of King's College, Cambridge'. Second page listing the names of twenty pupils from 'Maude' to 'Wace', under heading 'Election of King's Scholars, Eton, | August 1st, 1860'.

[Sir Claude Aurelius Elliott, headmaster of Eton.] Autograph Letter Signed ('C A Elliott') to J. J. S. Driberg, discussing his son J. H. Driberg's 'Poems', inserted in a copy of the book, inscribed by the author to his mother.

Author: 
Sir Claude Aurelius Elliott (1888-1973), headmaster of Eton; Jack Herbert Driberg (1888-1946), Lecturer in Anthropology, Cambridge University, 1934-42 and brother of Labour MP Tom Driberg (1905-1976)
Publication details: 
Elliott's letter on letterhead of Fernwood, Wimbledon Park, London SW; 17 September [no year]. Driberg's book: London: Frank H. Morland, 16 Park Mansions, Fulham, S.W. 1908.
£220.00

ONE (Elliott's letter): 3pp., 12mo. 34 lines. Bifolium. In good condition, on aged paper, loosely attached to the title-leaf of the book by a small piece of gummed paper. The letter begins: 'My dear Driberg | I ought to have acknowledged your letter sooner, but I only received it on my return from abroad, and since then I have been busy struggling with the arears which always accrue during absence.' He thanks him for sending his 'son's little volume', which he has read 'with much interest & congratulate him on the neat & modest appearance he has made in print'.

[R. A. Austen-Leigh.] ALS and TLS to P. C. Vellacott, Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge, regarding historical queries; TLS from Austen-Leigh to C. H. K. Marten, Vice-Provost of Eton, with Marten's ALS reply on reverse. With draft of Vellacott letter

Author: 
R. A. Austen-Leigh [Richard Arthur Austen-Leigh] (1872-1961), Jane Austen scholar and relative [P. C. Vellacott, Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge; Sir Henry Marten (1872-1948), Provost of Eton College]
Publication details: 
One (ALS to Vellacott): As from D2 Albany, Piccadilly W1. 3 May 1942. Two (TLS to Vellacott): on letterhead of 1 New-street Square, London, EC4. 10 June 1942. Three (TLS to Marten): same as Two. Four (Marten to Austen-Leigh): Eton. 11 August 1942.
£120.00

Austen-Leigh's three letters are all signed 'R A Austen Leigh'. ONE: ALS to Vellacott. 3 May 1942; 'as from | D2 Albany | Piccadilly W.1'. 2pp., 12mo. He asks if Vellacott can 'enlighten me on the following point - I am editing some letters of Dr. Goodall, who was Provost of Eton 1809 to 1840. There follows a sixteen-line transcript of a letter written in May 1838 from Goodall to his brother, regarding which he writes: 'Who would Mr.

[Sir Joseph Barnby, composer and conductor.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J Barnby') to his 'Dear friend' [Madame Albani]

Author: 
Sir Joseph Barnby (1838-1896), conductor and composer [Dame Emma Albani (1847-1930) [Marie-Louise-Emma-Cécile Lajeunesse]; Sir Walter Parratt (1841-1924), organist and composer]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Eton College, Windsor. 12 December 1887.
£120.00

3pp., 12mo. On bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, on aged paper. Her letter to him is 'the essence of sweetness': it has 'touched me deeply and will not soon be forgotten'. He supposes that she is unaware that 'Parratt and I travelled down to Windsor in the same train with you - indeed in the same carriage'.

[Printed keepsake, with two illustrations.] In thankful Commemoration of the 90th Birthday of The Dowager Lady Barrow, January 5th, 1900. Printed by one who owes much to her loving spiritual help and letters when he was an Eton Boy in 1845.

Author: 
'W.B.-M.' [Rev. William Bramley-Moore] [Rosamond Hester Elizabeth (1810-1906), Lady Barrow, daughter of William Pennell and adopted daughter of John Wilson Croker; Sir Thomas Lawrence; G.F. Zink]
Publication details: 
'W.B.-M., 26 R. Sq., [i.e. William Bramley-Moore, 26 Russell Square, London] Jan. 6th, 1900.'
£80.00

4pp., ,4to. Bifolium. Printed in gold on shiny art paper, with the two illustrations in black. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The recto of the first leaf carries a memoir of Lady Barrow, 'Reproduced, by permission, from "The Surrey Comet," Dec. 25, 1899.': 'LADY BARROW - nee Rosamond Hester Elizabeth, daughter of the late William Pennell, Esq., Consul-General in Brazil - was born January 5th, 1810, and was the twenty-first child of her parents. Six weeks after her birth she became the adopted daughter of the Right Hon. John Wilson Croker, who had married her eldest sister.

Autograph Letter Signed and Typed Note from the novelist and biographer Ralph Straus to Mrs. Roscoe [Secretary, Society of Women Journalists], the former discussing the newly-formed Collins Crime Club, 'J. J. Connington' and M. R. K. Burge.

Author: 
Ralph Straus (1882-1950), Manchester-born writer, educated at Harrow and Pembroke College, Cambridge [Mrs Roscoe; Collins Crime Club; Sir Godfrey Collins; 'J. J. Connington' [Alfred Walter Stewart]]
Publication details: 
Autograph Letter Signed: From Exeter, but on his letterhead, 8E Hyde Park Mansions, NW1 [London]; 14 May 1930. Typed Note: On his letterhead, The Tanyard, Shorne, near Gravesend; 26 August 1945.
£90.00

Both items in poor condition, with burn marks and damp damage [fire damaged much of the Society's archive]. Some of the text of the autograph letter has faded, and it may be that the signature to the typed note has washed away. Autograph Letter Signed: 2pp., 4to. He begins by offering to 'oppose anybody' in a debate that Mrs Roscoe is organising (at the Society of Women Journalists).

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