RUBENS

Grafe’s putative intelligence work during the war is referenced in Helen Fry’s ‘The Walls Have Ears | The Greatest Intelligence Operation of World War II’ (2019). He worked as translator and editor from as early as 1950 (for Phaidon) and 1986 (for Thames and Hudson). Nigel Spivey, in his ‘Phaidon 1923-98’ (1999), describes how, during the ‘Harvey Miller period’ at the firm, ‘Steady editorial continuity within the workforce at Cromwell Place was provided by an ex-Viennese scholar called Innocenz Grafe (who for a perhaps obvious reason preferred to be known as simply ‘Dr G.’ ’.

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, on discoloured paper with slight discoloration at corner as a result of removal from mount. Neatly centred on the page is 'Yours Sincerely | Clara Montalba'. No other text. The signature is florid and curliculous.

106pp., 4to. In good condition internally, on lightly-aged paper, in worn grey-cloth binding, with large and wordy French label on front cover. Rubens's score is not present. The text is preceded by twelve pages carrying: a 'List of Scenery and Properties', 'a 'Scene Plot', 'Light Plots', 'Property Plot', 'Hand Properties', 'Prompter's Cues' and 'Costumes and Wigs'. Possibly a prompt copy, with a number of passages deleted, and a few minor emendations made, in pencil, as well as call notes typed on the versos of some leaves, opposite the relevant text.