RAIKES

viii + 132pp., 8vo. Unopened. In good condition, lightly aged, in lightly-worn cloth quarter-binding with cream spine and grey boards, gilt. Three-page preface by the editor, beginning with the self-contradictory assertion that 'it has been decided to publish [sic] the following collection of pieces for private circulation'. A parody of Scott's 'Bonny Dundee', pp.7-9, is said to have been first published (in Punch in 1862) at 'The time of the Anarchist scare', and is accompanied by a long note regarding 'the epidemic of garotting from which London suffered in 1862'. No other copy recorded!

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Having just received Buckingham's letter, he writes that he 'cannot but feel much gratified that my letter to Mr Raikes Currie should have in any way attracted the notice of a Gentleman like yourself whose name is so well known in connexion with our literature and our social progress.' He concludes by expressing an interest in the 'undertakings which have engaged, and now engage' Buckingham's attention, and by wishing him every success.

The two items are uniform in layout, on folio bifoliums, with the text covering the whole of the recto of the first leaf, and the details printed lengthwise on the reverse of the second. Both in good condition, and folded into the customary packets. An early example of nimbyism, rather rich coming from a banker. The petition begins: 'In the House of Lords.

12mo: 2 pp. Very good. 'The Association for establishing depots of cheap food for the poor' has been formed, 'under the auspices of Lord Brougham, the Earl of Shrewsbury, Sir John Villiers Shelley, and others,' and Jerrold asks whether Raikes would 'permit us to add your name to the list of patrons', a position which 'entails no pecuniary responsibility whatsoever.'