NOVELIST

[Mrs Gascoigne [Caroline Leigh Gascoigne], Victorian novelist.] Autograph Letter in the third person, asking Frederic Shoberl for advice regarding the publication of her juvenile novel 'Spencer's Cross; or, The Manor House'.

Author: 
Mrs Gascoigne [Caroline Leigh Gascoigne, née Smith; Mrs C. L. Gascoigne] (1813-1883), Victorian novelist and author [Frederic Shoberl [Schoberl] (1775-1853), journalist and writer]
Publication details: 
York House, Bognor. 5 November 1851.
£80.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight traces of glue from mount adhering to edge on reverse of second leaf. Folded twice. An interesting letter, casting light on publication practices in Victorian London, with reference to a successful female author. Mrs Gascoigne asks Schoberl advice regarding the publication of her book 'Spencer's Cross; or, The Manor House. A Tale for Young People. By the author of "Belgravia"', which would be published by Charles Westerton in 1854. The letter begins: 'Mrs. Gascoigne presents her compliments to Mr.

[Samuel Warren, Victorian novelist and barrister.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Samuel Warren') to the editor of the Courant newspaper, regarding his 'charge' to the grand jury at Hull, and a planned '“Reformatory School” for juvenile criminals' there.

Author: 
Samuel Warren (1807-1877), novelist, barrister and Member of Parliament, Recorder of Hull [nineteenth-century reformatory schools; juvenile criminals in Victorian England]
Publication details: 
Vittoria Hotel, Hull. 29 October 1854.
£120.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and lightly creased. Folded twice. Addressed 'To the Editor of the Courant'. Having been made Recorder of Hull in 1852, Warren begins his letter from that place: 'Sir, | Some friend has sent to me your paper of Thursday, last, containing a very kindly notice on my late Charge to the Grand Jury here.

[Mrs Humphry Ward, novelist.] Autograph Signature ('Mary A. Ward'), on letter in a secretarial hand, to 'Mrs. Story', suggesting - with 'a considerable hesitation' - a meeting when she and her family reach Rome.

Author: 
Mrs Humphry Ward [Mary Augusta Ward] (1851-1920), novelist, author, educationalist and founding President of the Women's National Anti-Suffrage League
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Hotel Timeo, Taormina. 3 April 1903.
£40.00

2pp, 12mo. Creased and worn. Folded once. She explains that she and her husband and daughter are on the way to Rome, where they will stay at the Hotel Molaro for six days, and expresses the hope that 'we may have the pleasure of seeing you & Mr. Story during that time, if you are at home'. She admits that she feels 'a considerable hesitation about letting any of our friends in Rome know of our coming', as they are 'so overdone with “forestieri” at this time of year'.

[James Hogg, 'the Ettrick Shepherd', Scottish poet and author.] Autograph Signature from letter.

Author: 
James Hogg (1770-1835), 'the Ettrick Shepherd', Scottish poet, novelist and essayist
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£100.00

Good clear signature on one side of slip of paper, an irregular rectangle roughly 1.5 x 12.5 cm. In fair condition, aged and worn, with traces of mount on reverse. Reads: 'Your's [sic] most affectionately | James Hogg'.

[Christopher Fry, playwright.] Typescript of a cinematic 'Story Treatment' of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens: 'A 90 Minute Animated Color Version', 'Adapted by Christopher Fry'.

Author: 
Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright; Charles Dickens
Publication details: 
With address of Fry's agent: ACTAC (Theatrical & Cinematic) Limited, 16, Cadogan Lane, London S.W.1'. Without date [1970s or 1980s?].
£400.00

In addition to his distinguished career as a playwright, Fry had some success in Hollywood. He completely rewrote (uncredited) the screenplay of 'Ben-Hur' (1959), and was responsible for the screenplay of the Dino De Laurentiis epic 'The Bible: In the Beginning' (1966), directed by John Houston. The present item is a treatment for a film that did not make it into production. It is [1] + 71pp, 8vo. Each page on a separate loose leaf. With thin card covers, also loose, the front cover carrying a duplication of the title-page, and the back cover blank. In good condition, lightly aged.

[ Russell Braddon ] Autograph Note Signed "Russell Braddon" to a "Mr Kwiatowski", about having his photograph taken.

Author: 
Russell Braddon, Australian author (of "Naked Island" etc.)
Publication details: 
[Headed] 11e Cornwall Gardens, London, SW&, 10 Nov. 1989.
£65.00

One page, 8vo, very good condition. He thanks his correspondent for his letter and poems, adding: "I dislike being formally photographed, so I have no studio shots to send you, but I enclose the four signed cards for which you asked - even though I doubt that those to Wendy, Mary and Anon will be in the least appreciated."

[Sheila Kaye-Smith, novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Miss Greenwood', explaining her reason for doubting the possibility of making a film 'setting out the Christian attitude towards divorce'.

Author: 
Sheila Kaye-Smith (1887-1956), novelist
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Little Douce Grove, Northiam, Rye, Sussex. 26 January [no year]
£60.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly aged paper, with pin holes to one corner and a few drops of light staining. She thanks Greenwood for her letter, but does not feel that her 'Valiant Woman' has any 'chance of making a successful film, for the very reasons you say it ought to'. She explains: 'In this country there would not be a large enough public for a film setting out the Christian attitude towards divorce, as popular sympathy is mostly on the other side'. Nevertheless she is sending Greenwood's letter to her agent 'Mr. A. D.

[Rafael Sabatini, Anglo-Italian popular novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Miss Greenwood', regarding a 'flagrant' cause for complaint, and the removal of his name from the 'author credits' of a film with an 'unutterable scenario'..

Author: 
Rafael Sabatini (1875-1950), Anglo-Italian author of romance and adventure novels
Publication details: 
On his letterhead, Clock Mill, Clifford, Hertfordshire. 23 July 1949.
£80.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Folded once. Signed 'Rafael Sabatini'. After thanking her for her letter of sympathy, he notes: 'In the past I have had plenty of cause for complaint, but nothing quite so flagrant.' He has been 'avenged by the Press, which described the unutterable scenario from which the film was made in terms similar to those which I employed when I requested that my name be removed from the “author credits”'. He ends with good wishes to her 'laudable enterprise'.

[Eliza Lynn Linton, novelist, pioneering woman journalist and anti-feminist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E: Lynn Linton') to 'Mr. Tinsley' (William Tinsley, proprietor of Tinsley's Magazine), asking for the return of her rejected article 'We Women'.

Author: 
Eliza Lynn Linton (1822-1898), novelist, pioneering woman journalist and anti-feminist [William Tinsley (1831-1902), publisher]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 6 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square, W. [London] 12 June 1868.
£100.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper with central spike hole. Folded twice. Begins: 'My dear Mr. Tinsley, | I see that you are not going to use my article “We Women,” & I want it so much, to form the basis of a set of articles! - & I have no copy.' She notes that it is 'generally the case with regular workers, that the Editors return the rejected MS' and explains that she has 'destroyed the first rough draft', exclaiming: 'I do hope it is not lost!' She asks him to either tell her if it is lost, so that she may 'know the worst', or if it is not lost, '& is not to be used'.

[William Makepeace Thackeray, Victorian novelist.] Autograph Note Signed ('W M Thackeray') [to the travel writer Richard Ford], humorously addressed to 'One Two Three Park Street Esqr', inviting him to 'a masculine dinner'.

Author: 
William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863), celebrated Victorian novelist [Richard Ford (1796-1858), writer on Spain]
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£200.00

On one side of 7 x 11 cm slip of paper, possibly cut down. In good condition, lightly aged, with stub from mount adhering. Reads: 'Have you any engagement on Tuesday 9th. (7/30) and will you come to a masculine dinner with | Yours always | W M Thackeray'. Addressed at bottom left to 'One Two Three Park Street Esqr.' The celebrated travel writer Richard Ford, best-known for his 'Handbook for Travellers in Spain' (1845), lived at 123 Park Street, Grosvenor Square, from 1849 to his death in 1858.

[Rebecca West, author and journalist.] Autograph Card Signed ('R. W.') to John M[?] of the BBC, postponing arrangements due to illness. With Autograph Note by Rex Moorfoot.

Author: 
Rebecca West [Dame Cicely Isabel Fairfield (1892-1983)], author and journalist [Rex Moorfoot (1921-1994), BBC producer and broadcaster]
Publication details: 
Card with letterhead of Ibstone House, Ibstone, near High Wycombe, Bucks. Postmark date 21 August 1951.
£180.00

In fair condition, lightly aged, with punch holes for ring binder. Addressed to 'John M[?] Esq. | (Far Eastern Section) | B.B.C. | 200 Oxford St | London W'. Text reads 'Alas, I have been ill with a virus infection and am going to France for a holiday with Henry, who has been ill too, and I don't think I had better undertake anything. Can I leave it till I come back – that will be at the end of September? | R. W.' In addition to two date stamps and a reference number the card carries two initialled manuscript notes on the address side.

[ Littleton Powys, second-eldest of the Powys family, Sherborne schoolmaster and naturalist.] Four Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Littleton') to the journalist Collin Brooks ('Collin'), mainly regarding his late wife the novelist Elizabeth Myers.

Author: 
Littleton Powys [Littleton Charles Powys] (1874-1955) of the Powys Family, teacher (Sherborne) and naturalist [his wife the novelist Elizabeth Myers (1903-1947); Collin Brooks (1893-1959), journalist]
Publication details: 
All four letters from The Quarry House, The Avenue, Sherborne, Dorset. (The first on a letterhead of the address.) 5 May, 20 August and 10 September 1948; and 28 April 1949.
£420.00

Four good letters, in which the author's love for his wife and grief at her death are apparent. Littleton Powys was the second-eldest of eleven, his siblings including writers John Cowper Powys, T. F. Powys and Llewelyn Powys, architect A. R. Powys, artist Gertrude Powys, lacemaker Marian Powys, and poet and novelist Philippa Powys. His autobiography 'The Joy of it' was published in 1937, with the sequel 'Still the Joy of it' appearing in 1956. The four letters are in good condition, lightly aged. They total 12pp., 12mo.

[Nina Bawden, novelist and children's writer.] Autograph Signed Inscription on card.

Author: 
Nina Bawden (1925-2012), English novelist and children's writer
Publication details: 
Card with her letterhead, 22 Noel Road, London N1 8HA. No date.
£50.00

On one side of 10.5 x 14.5 cm grey-blue card. In very good condition. Inscription in blue ink, beneath the letterhead (which includes email address and phone number): 'This is for the Autograph Auction next March. | Good luck, | Nina Bawden'.

[Hall Caine, novelist: studio portrait and signed autograph inscription.] Signed Autograph Inscription ('Hall Caine') to Lady Campbell Clarke, with print of studio portrait photograph.

Author: 
Hall Caine [Sir Thomas Henry Hall Caine] (1853-1931), popular Isle of Man author [Lady Campbell Clarke]
Publication details: 
No place. 9 November 1905.
£220.00

An attractive item, in good condition, lightly aged and spotted. On one side of a piece of 17.5 x 25 cm landscape paper, with the autograph writing on the right-hand side and the 15 x 10 cm print of a studio portrait laid down on the left-hand side. Caine was a striking and instantly-recognisable individual, and the photograph shows him in characteristic style, bare-headed in his usual dress of long double-breasted coat with white cravat, staring intently at the camera, with a book in his right hand, and his right hand draped across his left thigh, his left leg being elevated on a chair.

[ Littleton Powys, second-eldest of the Powys family, Sherborne schoolmaster and naturalist.] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Littleton') to the journalist Collin Brooks ('Collin'), mainly regarding his late wife the novelist Elizabeth Myers.

Author: 
Littleton Powys [Littleton Charles Powys] (1874-1955) of the Powys Family, teacher (Sherborne) and naturalist [his wife the novelist Elizabeth Myers (1903-1947); Collin Brooks (1893-1959), journalist]
Publication details: 
All three letters from The Quarry House, The Avenue, Sherborne, Dorset. (The first on a letterhead of the address.) 5 May and 20 August 1948; and 28 April 1949.
£420.00

Littleton Powys was the second-eldest of eleven, his siblings including writers John Cowper Powys, T. F. Powys and Llewelyn Powys, architect A. R. Powys, artist Gertrude Powys, lacemaker Marian Powys, and poet and novelist Philippa Powys. His autobiography 'The Joy of it' was published in 1937, with the sequel 'Still the Joy of it' appearing in 1956. The three letters are in good condition, lightly aged. They total 8pp., 12mo. The main topic is the correspondence between the recipient Brooks and Powys's wife Elizabeth Myers, which would feature in Powys's 1951 edition of her letters.

[Arthur Locker, novelist and journalist, as editor of the Graphic.] Autograph Note Signed ('Arthur Locker | (Ed. Graphic)') to Henry Walker of Worcester, declining an article.

Author: 
Arthur Locker (1828-1893), novelist and journalist, editor of The Graphic
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Graphic ('An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper, Price Sixpence.'), 109 Strand, W.C. [London]
£30.00

1p., 12mo. On grey paper. Aged and with light discoloration and chipping along one edge. A somewhat barbed missive, reading: 'Sir, | I thank you for your offer, but I have so many subjects on hand just now that I fear I could not find room for your article even if I approved of it.' The Graphic was first published on 4 December 1869 by William Luson Thomas's company Illustrated Newspapers Limited, with Henry Sutherland Edwards (1828-1906) as editor. Locker had taken over the editorship only a few days before the writing of this note, on 1 May 1870.

[James Payn, Victorian novelist and journalist.] Autograph Signature ('James Payn') in response to request for autograph.

Author: 
James Payn (1830-1898), Victorian novelist and journalist, editor of Chambers's Journal in Edinburgh and the Cornhill Magazine in London
Publication details: 
28 March 1887.
£20.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. Strip of glue from tape at head of page. Written in response to a request for an autograph. Centred in the page, and reading: 'Yours truly | James Payn | March 28th 1887.'

[ Margaret Lane, English novelist and biographer: 'it really was a thrilling adventure'. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Margaret Lane') to 'Miss Cond' [ Eileen M. Cond ], on the writing of 'A Calabash of Diamonds'.

Author: 
Margaret Lane [ Margaret Winifred Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon ] (1907-1994), British novelist, journalist and biographer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Westmead House, Roehampton, SW15 [ London ].11 July 1961.
£25.00

1p., 12mo. On grey paper. In fair condition, lightly aged. She is returning Cond's bookplate, which she has signed with great pleasure, and is very glad Cond has enjoyed 'A Calabash of Diamonds', which 'really was a thrilling adventure and I don't suppose we shall ever experience anything quite so exciting again'. The book was subtitled 'An African Treasure Hunt', and involved the search for a Zulu chief's burial place. Apparently 'Eileen Cond was a book collector who sent out her bookplate to her favorite authors, many of whom signed and returned them to her.'

[ J. Edward Jenkins, novelist and Liberal Party politician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edward Jenkins') to Wilhelmina Maria Green, wife of the geologist Alexander Henry Green, explaining why he cannot undertake any more work at present.

Author: 
Edward Jenkins [ John Edward Jenkins; J. Edward Jenkins ] (1838-1910), novelist, satirist, and Liberal Party politician, and Agent-General of Canada
Publication details: 
On lettehead of the House of Commons Library. 19 June 1898.
£30.00

From the papers of the family of the second wife of the geologist Alexander Henry Green (1832-1896), previously Miss Wilhelmina Maria Armstrong of Clifton. 1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. Addressed at bottom left to 'Mrs Wilhelmina Armstrong'. The letter opens: 'Dear Madam | I heartily wish I could see my way – but the clouds of work are growing so thick I cannot see each of them - & my elasticity is failing.' He does not dare undertake anything at the present time, but feels 'grateful & flattered by the invitation'.

[ Taylor Caldwell, Anglo-American novelist. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Taylor Caldwell') to 'Eileen M. Cond' [ i.e. Eileen M. Cond ],

Author: 
Taylor Caldwell [ Janet Miriam Holland Taylor Caldwell ] (1900-1985), Anglo-American novelist
Publication details: 
On her letterhead, 34 Audley End, Buffalo 26, New York. 16 April 1962.
£30.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. She apologises for the late reply to her 'nice letter', and has 'autographed the bookplate as you requested'. She ends with the question: 'Have you read my latest book, "A Prologue to Love"?' Note: Eileen Cond was an autograph collector who used to send her bookplate for sigining to significant contemporaries.

] Captain Frederick Marryat, novelist and friend of Charles Dickens. ] Autograph Signature ('F Marryat') to conclusion of letter to his mother and family.

Author: 
Captain Frederick Marryat (1792-1848), Royal Navy officer, novelist, friend of Charles Dickens, inventor of Marryat's Code of signalling
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£30.00

On one side of a slip of paper cut from a letter. In good condition, lightly aged. The conclusion of a letter, reading: '[...] also to get another Servant, so I shall put it off till my return & I have every thing in order. | My kind love to all of you & you my dear Mother ever truly | F Marryat'.

[ Catherine Gaskin, Irish-Australian author of romantic fiction. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Catherine Gaskin Cornberg') to 'Miss Cord [sic]' [ i.e. Eileen M. Cond ], discussing her former publisher William Hope Collins and his family.

Author: 
Catherine Gaskin [ Catherine Gaskin Cornberg ] (1929-2009), best-selling Irish-Australian novelist in the field of romantic fiction [ William Hope Collins (1903-1967), Glasgow publisher ]
Publication details: 
On her letterhead, Ballymacahara, Wicklow, County Wicklow, Ireland. 14 June 1970.
£80.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. She begins by agreeing to inscribe Cond's bookplate, before continuing: 'Ye, I did know Hope Collins – not particularly well, since he was based in Glasgow, and I lived in New York and the West Indies from 1955 to 1967 and so our visits to London rarely co-incided.' She remembers Collins as 'a most kindly and courteous man', and he is 'greatly missed.

[ 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.

[ William Harrison Ainsworth, historical novelist and friend of Charles Dickens. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W Harrison Ainsworth') to his publisher 'Mr. Tinsley', complaining of the delay in forwarding a letter, and of printers Savile & Edwards.

Author: 
W. Harrison Ainsworth [ William Harrison Ainsworth ] (1805-1882), historical novelist and friend of Charles Dickens [ Tinsley Brothers, publishers; Savile & Edwards, London printers ]
Publication details: 
Hill View Lodge, Reigate. 10 March 1874.
£120.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with tissue labels from mount adhering to the blank reverse. Tinsley Brothers of 8 Catherine Street, Strand, were Ainsworth's publishers during this period. The letter begins: 'Dear Mr. Tinsley, | You are quite incorrigible.' Ainsworth complains that Tinsley has sent him a letter, 'delayed since Novr. 11th. last', and that he has 'been obliged to write a long letter of explanation and apology'. He hopes that 'the lady – for the writer is a lady – will be satisfied'.

[ Ethel Mannin, novelist and travel writer. ] Typed Card Signed ('E M') to Sewell Stokes, explaining why she declines to write an introduction for his autobiography, and referring to Isadora Duncan.

Author: 
Ethel Mannin [ Ethel Edith Mannin ] (1900-1984), novelist, travel writer and socialist [ Francis Martin Sewell Stokes (1902-1979), author and broadcaster ]
Publication details: 
Wimbledon [ London ] postmark. 23 May 1934.
£75.00

Unillustrated official 'POST CARD' with printed penny stamp. Addressed on one side, with Wimbledon postmark, to 'Sewell Stokes, Esq., | 53, Holland Park, W.11.' In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Twelve typed lines of text. The subject of the text is Stokes's forthcoming autobiography 'Monologue' (Hutchinson, 1934), with Mannin referring to her own 'Confessions and Impressions' (Jarrolds, 1930). After thanking him for his letter she writes: 'I am glad you have decided to dispense with an introduction to the book – books, particularly of this kind, should stand on their own legs . . .

[ Graham Greene, major English novelist. ] Autograph Signature ('Graham Greene') to typed valediction to letter to 'The Lord Iddesleigh'.

Author: 
Graham Greene (1904-1991), major English novelist
Greene
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£120.00
Greene

On 6.5 x 12 cm slip of thin laid paper, cut from the end of a typed letter. Signature in blue ink. In fair condition, lightly aged, with tissue labels from mount adhering to the blank reverse. Reads: '[...] | Yours sincerely, | [Graham Greene] | Graham Greene. | The Lord Iddesleigh, | Pynes, | Exeter.'

[ William Gerhardie, novelist. ] Typed Letter Signed to 'Miss M. Moseley' [ the novelist Maboth Moseley ], concerning Lord Beaverbrook and the publication of her articles and novel.

Author: 
William Gerhardie [ William Alexander Gerhardie ] (1895-1977), novelist [ Maboth Moseley (1906-1975), Yorkshire novelist ]
Publication details: 
28 Dean Street, W1. [ London ] 14 September 1927.
£100.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. He apologises for his 'long silence', having been 'troubled by several things not connected with literature'. He expresses a desire to call on her 'some time later'. He has not been successful with her articles with Lord Beaverbrook, and thinks 'the most effective step to take would be to publish your novel first'. (Her first novel 'Cold Surge' was published by Hutchinson & Co. in 1929.) He has signed her copy of his novel 'The Polyglots', which he is returning separately.

[ Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Lord Lytton, author and politician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Lytton'), inviting the unnamed recipient, presumably F.W. Farrer, and 'Mrs. Farrer' to extend their forthcoming stay.

Author: 
Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Lord Lytton [ Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton ] (1803-1873), English novelist, poet, playwright, and politician, friend of Charles Dickens
Publication details: 
12 Grosvenor Square [ London ]. 21 July [ no year ].
£50.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'My dear Sir/ | I think it is the 28th. thar you proposed to come to me & I hope that you & Mrs. Farrer may find it not interfering with more agreeable <?> please to stay at least till the following Monday or Tuesday Aug 1st'.

[ Mary Cholmondeley, English novelist. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr. Harington', a dinner invitation with a reference to copies of a book.

Author: 
Mary Cholmondeley (1859-1925), English novelist
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 62 Albert Gate Mansions, Hyde Park, S.W. [ London ] 7 March [ 1899 ].
£40.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p., 12mo. On aged and worn paper. She has pinned a short newspaper cutting regarding Major Matthew Nathan at the head, and drawn a hand pointing to it. A dinner invitation, concluding 'You had better begin to look out for second hand copies of ""' From the papers of the Harington baronets of Ridlington.

[ L. P. Hartley, novelist. ] Two typewritten drafts of his final short story 'The Ugly Picture', one headed in autograph 'First Version | (with description of <Verdley?> picture)'.

Author: 
L. P. Hartley [ Leslie Poles Hartley ] (1895-1972), English novelist and short-story writer
Publication details: 
Without place or date. [ Circa 1972. ]
£350.00

'The Ugly Picture' was L. P. Hartley's final short story. It appeared in the Christmas issue of the Spectator, 23 December 1972, a few days before his death. There is a synopsis in Adrian Wright's 'Foreign Country: The Life of L. P. Hartley' (1996). Neither of the two drafts present here corresponds with the published version, whose ending, for example, has been heavily reworked from the ending to the later of the two drafts. The two items are both in good condition, each on loose leaves (one side only) of paper attached with a safety pin.

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