SIR

[Sir Charles Hastings, eminent surgeon. ] Letter in a secretarial hand, Signed in Autograph ('Charles Hastings'), as President of the Worcestershire Natural History Society, to manuscript collector Sir Thomas Phillipps.

Author: 
Sir Charles Hastings (1794-1866), surgeon and founder of the British Medical Association [Sir Thomas Phillipps (1792-1872), collector of books and manuscripts; Worcestershire Natural History Society]
Publication details: 
Worcester. 1 November 1852.
£75.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Written by Hastings in his capacity as 'President' of the Worcestershire Natural History Society, and addressed to 'Sir Thos Phillips [sic] Bart. | Middle Hill'. A circular letter, neatly written out in a secretarial hand, with Hastings adding no more than his signature.

[Sir Frederic George Kenyon, Director and Principal Librarian of the British Museum.] Autograph Letter Signed ('F. G. Kenyon') to 'Mr Frewen', writing in wartime to thank him for offering 'duplicates to help in the restoration of destroyed libraries'

Author: 
Sir Frederic George Kenyon [Sir F. G. Kenyon] (1863-1952), palaeographer, biblical and classical scholar, Director and Principal Librarian of the British Museum, President of the British Academy
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Friends of the National Libraries, c/o The British Museum, London, WC1. 1 September 1941.
£56.00

2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. He is 'very much obliged' to Frewen for the offer 'of duplicates to help in the restoration of destroyed libraries', and notes that 'it is impossible to forecast the needs that will exist at the end of the war'. In the meantime he has 'marked with the initials F. [L. S.?] a number of volumes in your list which I think are sure to be useful for our purpose.

[John Landseer, landscape engraver, father of Sir Edwin Landseer.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J Landseer') to 'J. Scoles Esqr', i.e. the architect Joseph John Scoles, asking for tickets of admission to his church.

Author: 
John Landseer (1769-1852), landscape engraver, father of Sir Edwin Landseer [Joseph John Scoles (1798-1863), Gothic Revival architect]
Publication details: 
'Monday Morng.' [no place or date]
£45.00

1p, 12mo. Bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf, with small seal in black wax, to 'J Scoles Esqr | Argyll Place'. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with damage to second leaf from breaking of seal. Folded twice. Written in a tight, florid hand. Reads: 'Dear Sir | I hear there will be no admission into Your Church tomorrow without tickets. If you should have any of said Tickets to spare, please to favour with one two or three according to circumstances – Yours Very Faithfully | J Landseer'.

[Sir George Thomas Napier, distinguished soldier.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo. Napier') to 'Captn. Hamilton', regarding his request for a position, and quoting from a letter from Secretary at War Fox Maule.

Author: 
Sir George Thomas Napier (1784-1855), distinguished British army officer who served in the Peninsular War and commanded the army of the Cape Colony [Major-General William Craig Emilius Napie]
Publication details: 
Geneva. 11 July [1855].
£56.00

The letter must have been written in 1855, as Fox Maule (later Earl of Dalhousie) was appointed Secretary of State for War on 8 February of that year, and Napier died on 16 September. 4pp, 16mo. Bifolium with black border. Loss to part of second leaf caused by removal from mount, resulting in loss of a few words of text, otherwise in good condition. Begins: 'In consequence of a letter from my Son William of your regt. [i.e. the King's Own Scottish Borderers] stating your wish to be appointed a Paymaster to the Out Pensioners, I wrote to my friend Mr Fox Maule the Secy.

[Sir Fleetwood Edwards, Keeper of the Privy Purse, and an executor of Queen Victoria's will.] Autograph Note in the third person, as 'Lieut: Colonel Sir Fleetwood Edwards', informing 'Miss Hogarth' that the Queen has instructed him to return a letter

Author: 
Sir Fleetwood Edwards [Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Fleetwood Isham Edwards] (1842-1910), Keeper of the Privy Purse, Extra Equerry, and an executor of Queen Victoria's will
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Privy Purse Office, Buckingham Palace, S.W. [London] 25 February 1898.
£35.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with stub from mount adhering to one edge. Reads: 'Lieut: Colonel Sir Fleetwood Edwards begs to thank Miss Hogarth for her letter of the 22nd. Inst. and to return the enclosed letter, which The Queen did not desire to keep, as Her Majesty has the one which she intended to retain.'

[Sir Frederick Lugard [Lord Lugard], Governor of Hong Kong and first Governor-General of Nigeria.] Three Autograph Letters Signed to colonial civil servant Simon Nicholson, and one to Nicholson's wife Molly.

Author: 
Sir Frederick Lugard [Frederick John Dealtry Lugard, 1st Baron Lugard; Lord Lugard] (1858-1945), soldier, explorer, Governor of Hong Kong, first Governor-General of Nigeria [Simon Nicholson]
Publication details: 
The first of the four letters on letterhead of Little Parkhurst, Abinger Common, Nr Dorking, Surrey; the other three without place. One from 1940, two from 1941, one from 1943.
£220.00

The recipient Simon Nicholson was a colonial civil servant and a neighbour of Lugard at Tallboys in Abinger Hammer. He and his wife Molly were a cultured couple, and were friends of Edith Wharton and Bernard Berenson. The four letters are in good condition, lightly aged and worn, and each is 2pp, 12mo. Each folded once. The first three are signed 'Lugard' and the last, to Molly Nicholson, 'Fred Lugard'. In the first letter (23 September 1940), after expressing pleasure at seeing Nicholson again and having 'a talk', he begs him 'not to postpone your week-end here.

[Sir William Molesworth, Radical politician and journalist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('W Molesworth') to 'Merivale' [i.e. Herman Merivale] of the Colonial Office, about a report on 'exploring Central Africa' and other matters.

Author: 
Sir William Molesworth (1810-1855), Radical politician associated with John Stuart Mill, co-founder of London Review, editor of Westminster Review [Herman Merivale (1806-1874), civil servant, etc
Publication details: 
Office of Works [London]. 8 December 1853.
£150.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded once. Endorsed on reverse of second leaf. At the time of writing Molesworth was serving as First Commissioner of Works in Lord Aberdeen's coalition government. (In the year of his death Aberdeen would appoint him Colonial Secretary.) The letter begins: 'My dear Merivale | Last November I moved for the enclosed return and since then I have spoken to ]Pal?] [i.e. Viscount Palmerston?] about it who promised that it should be made.

[Sir William Rothenstein, artist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Will Rothenstein'), to 'Horder', i.e. the architect Percy Morley Horder, giving a humorous spoof autobiographical entry, as a jokey suggestion of how Horder should approach the topic.

Author: 
Sir William Rothenstein (1872-1945), painter, printmaker, draughtsman, lecturer, and writer on art [Percy Richard Morley Horder (1870-1944), architect ]
Publication details: 
'Chelsea – Glebe Place | Sunday'. No place.
£220.00

1p, 8vo. Text clear and complete, on heavily chipped and worn thin paper, with loss to extremities. An unusual and revealing letter, in which Rothenstein gives his own jokey suggestion of how Horder should approach a biographical entry he has been asked to write, begins: 'My dear Horder – of course you will do it! “Mr W. R.

[Samuel Pepys, Secretary of the Admiralty and diarist.] 31 items of Pepysiana from the papers of Edwin Chappell, comprising rare printed pamphlets, booklets and offprints by him and other Pepys scholars including Sir Arthur Bryant and J. R. Tanner.

Author: 
Samuel Pepys; Edwin Chappell; Sir Arthur Bryant; J. R. Tanner; Sir Stephen Gaselee; T. Wellard; Arthur Ponsonby; Allen Beville Ramsay; Edward B. Powley; H. L. O. Flecker; G. S. de Beer
Publication details: 
31 items dating from between 1921 and 1941. Most of Chappell's publications from his address, 41 Westcombe Park Road, Blackheath, London. Several papers delivered at St Olave's Church, Hart Street, London. Also items from Cambridge and Greenwich.
£750.00

31 items from the papers of leading Pepys scholar and maritime historian Edwin Chappell (1883-1938). The collection in good general condition, with light signs of age and wear. Around half the items are by Chappell himself, including offprints (many of them bearing his Blackheath address, 41 Westcombe Park Road), pamphlets, articles, proofs, and a bibliography. Other items are papers and pamphlets by: Sir Arthur Bryant; J. R. Tanner; Sir Stephen Gaselee (bearing an autograph inscription by him); T. Wellard; Arthur Ponsonby; Allen Beville Ramsay; Edward B. Powley; H. L. O. Flecker.

[Sir Arnold Wesker, playwright.] Two Typed Letters Signed (both 'Arnold Wesker') to Israeli author Aubrey Hodes, regarding his touring festival Centre 42, the English attitude to 'culture outside the commercial framework' and Israeli arts funding.

Author: 
Sir Arnold Wesker (1932-2016), playwright and author [Aubrey Hodes, Israeli author; Centre 42; New Wave; Kitchen Sink Drama; Angry Young Men; Jewish writers]
Publication details: 
20 Fitzroy Square, London, N1. 17 October 1962.
£220.00

Both 1p, 4to, and in good condition, lightly aged and folded once. Both letters addressed to Hodes at Beit Rosenberg, Keron Heyesod Street, Herzlia-on-Sea, Israel. The subject of the letters is Centre 42, the touring arts group Wesker formed to bring culture to the masses on his release from prison, following a sentence for civil disobedience with the Committee of 100 in opposition to nuclear weapons. The group moved to the Roundhouse in London in 1964.

[Sir Arnold Wesker, playwright.] Typed Letter Signed ('Arnold') to playwright Bernard Kops, appealing for copies of his plays to send to Cuba, which he has visited, finding that they have 'very bad theatre', due to 'their intolerable isolation'.

Author: 
Sir Arnold Wesker (1932-2016), playwright and author [Bernard Kops (b.1923), playwright; New Wave; Kitchen Sink Drama; Angry Young Men; Jewish writers]
Publication details: 
27 Bishop's Road, London, N6. 24 November 1964.
£120.00

1p, 4to. In fair condition, aged and lightly creased. Folded twice. The letter begins: 'Dear Bernard, | You probably know that I have just returned from Cuba and it was an exciting trip. | Unfortunately, one of the most depressing things was their very bad theatre; this is particularly because it is new and has no tradition, but also, to a great extent, due to their intolerable isolation.' Although there is little that they can do, Wesker promised to 'send as many plays and books' as he can.

[Lyon Playfair, chemist and Liberal politician.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Lyon Playfair'), discussing the education of teachers, and a pamphlet on a parliamentary bill on the subject.

Author: 
Lyon Playfair, 1st Baron Playfair [Lord Playfair] (1818-1898), chemist and Liberal politician, born in India of Scottish extraction
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Edinburgh University Club. 2 April 1869.
£50.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, folded twice. The recipient is not named. Begins: 'Dear Sir | I am much obliged to you for your Pamphlet, & agree with you that there is a serious deficiency in the Bill in not securing a Practical Proof of Teaching Power.' He finds the recipient's pamphlet 'clear & decided as to the Evil', but not 'very explicit as to the remedy'.

[Peter Ustinov, film and theatre actor.] Autograph Card Signed ('Peter (USTINOV)'), describing himself as a 'lousy correspondent', regarding his mother's death and his own 'shyness'.

Author: 
Peter Ustinov [Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov] (1921-2004), Academy Award winning film and theatre actor, author [his mother the artist Nadia Benois [Nadezhda Leontievna Ustinova] (1896-1975)]
Publication details: 
Paris. 23 June 1975.
£120.00

Seventeen lines of text, on both sides of a piece of grey card. In good condition. Written in felt-tip pen, and difficult to decipher in places, as for example the Paris address and name of recipient. Begins: 'Surprise, surprise, dear [?], it is no longer true that I have not answered a single letter. Dear Nadia was so popular a person that I am still struggling with an Everest of condolences, and this far happier event has given me a momentary pause in my labours'.

[John MacWhirter, Scottish landscape painter.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J MacWhirter') to 'W. Agnew Esq', i.e. the London art dealer Sir William Agnew, thanking him for his 'generous praise', and praising him in turn, in contrast to 'the Critics'.

Author: 
John MacWhirter (1839-1911), Scottish landscape painter [Sir William Agnew (1825-1910), London art dealer]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 1 Abbey Road, St John's Wood, N.W. [London] 'Sunday' [no date, but before Agnew's receipt of a baronetcy in 1895].
£50.00

2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with traces of mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. A white label has been stuck over the letter's salutation, but MacWhirter writes the name of the recipient at the end of the letter: 'W. Agnew Esq'. He cannot express the pleasure he felt on receiving Agnew's letter.

[Anne de Vere Chamberlain, wife of Conservative Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.] Autograph Note Signed ('Anne Chamberlain') to printed notice of thanks for messages of condolence on her husband's death.

Author: 
Anne de Vere Chamberlain [née Cole] (1883-1967), wife of Conservative Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain [Arthur Neville Chamberlain] (1869-1940), who pursued a policy of appeasement against Hitler
Publication details: 
Printed notice is dated from Highfield Park, Heckfield, Basingstoke; November 1940; Autograph Note undated.
£100.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Conventionally-presented printed notice, in copperplate with mourning border, with address and date at foot. Reads: 'Mrs. Neville Chamberlain is deeply grateful for the wonderful messages and letters which she has received and she sends you her heartfelt thanks for your sympathy.' At the head of the notice is the ANS: 'Thank you Sir Egerton so much. I [?] you are right in what you say about my husband's efforts & work. & I like to have your sympathy. | Anne Chamberlain'.

[Samuel Pepys, Secretary of the Admiralty and diarist.] 31 items of Pepysiana from the papers of Edwin Chappell, comprising rare printed pamphlets, booklets and offprints by him and other Pepys scholars including Sir Arthur Bryant and J. R. Tanner.

Author: 
Samuel Pepys; Edwin Chappell; Sir Arthur Bryant; J. R. Tanner; Sir Stephen Gaselee; T. Wellard; Arthur Ponsonby; Allen Beville Ramsay; Edward B. Powley; H. L. O. Flecker; G. S. de Beer
Publication details: 
31 items dating from between 1921 and 1941. Most of Chappell's publications from his address, 41 Westcombe Park Road, Blackheath, London. Several papers delivered at St Olave's Church, Hart Street, London. Also items from Cambridge and Greenwich.
£750.00

31 items from the papers of leading Pepys scholar and maritime historian Edwin Chappell (1883-1938). The collection in good general condition, with light signs of age and wear. Around half the items are by Chappell himself, including offprints (many of them bearing his Blackheath address, 41 Westcombe Park Road), pamphlets, articles, proofs, and a bibliography. Other items are papers and pamphlets by: Sir Arthur Bryant; J. R. Tanner; Sir Stephen Gaselee (bearing an autograph inscription by him); T. Wellard; Arthur Ponsonby; Allen Beville Ramsay; Edward B. Powley; H. L. O. Flecker.

[Sir John Hare, actor-manager, to Willy Clarkson, theatrical wigmaker and homosexual blackmailer.] Autograph Letter Signed ('John Hare'), giving instructions on a wig 'of great importance', required for an American tour.

Author: 
Sir John Hare (1844-1921), actor and manager of the Garrick Theatre, London [Willy Clarkson [William Berry Clarkson (1861-1934), theatrical wigmaker and costume designer, homosexual blackmailer]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'Mr. John Hare's Autumn Provincial Tour, 1900' (Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester). 15 September 1900.
£80.00

2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. The letter casts an interesting sidelight on the practicalities of the late-Victorian theatre. He begins by explaining that he is sending back a wig he made for him, which was 'an admirable one in every way', and asking that he make him 'one like it for America & to bestow your best skill on it as it is of great importance to me'. He instructs him to 'make the wig a shade darker, something of the color it is dyed behind, & put a little natural white hair on the temples each side'.

[Andrew Lang, Scottish poet, author and collector of folk tales.] Autograph Letter Signed ('A. Lang') to 'Miss Roberts', regarding illness, 'Mudie's little game', an author's lack of remuneration, Sir Francis Bacon.

Author: 
Andrew Lang (1844-1912), Scottish poet, author, anthropologist and collector of folk and fairy tales
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Alleyne House, St Andrews, Scotland. 6 January [no year].
£35.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and worn. Folded once. Wretched handwriting, resulting in the following tentative transcription. He begins by saying that he is sorry she has been ill, adding, 'I have no advantage over you in that matter. The [?] and [?] got hold upon me.' Regarding the celebrated circulating library, he writes that 'Mudie's little game is 'not to [buy?] another little [me?], knowing that he can weary out the public. | I have therefore to circulate my own copy among students, but it is out at present.

[Sir John Pollock and the 'Play that was Banned': venereal disease, censorship, War Economy publication.] Material relating to play 'Damaged Goods', including revised typescript and correspondence with bishops and Ministries of Health and Information

Author: 
Sir John Pollock; Eugène Brieux; Jonathan Cape; Sir Weldon Dalrymple-Champneys; Lawrence Whitaker Harrison; Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury, venereal disease; Ministry of Information
Publication details: 
London and the provinces, 1943.
£950.00

A fascinating and revealing collection of material, touching on questions of censorship and sexual morality in twentieth-century Britain, as well as the problems of publication during the Second World War. From the papers of Sir John Pollock (1872-1963), and relating to the 1943 revival of his 'Damaged Goods', a translation of Eugène Brieux's scandalous play 'Les Avariés'. Written in 1901, Brieux's play concerns the effects of a diagnosis of syphilis on a respectable family, and was met with outrage on its first appearance in Paris in 1902.

[Sir John Pollock and Eugène Brieux: London theatre, censorship, venereal disease.] First separate English and American printings of 'Damaged Goods', the former with Pollock's autograph emendations; copy of 'The Play Pictorial' on London production.

Author: 
Sir John Pollock; Eugène Brieux; The Connecticut Society of Social Hygiene; George Bernard Shaw
Publication details: 
English edition: A. C. Fifield, London, 1914. American Edition: Brentano's, New York, for the Connecticut Society of Social Hygiene, 1912. The Play Pictorial: London, 1917.
£950.00

Three items from the papers of Sir John Pollock, relating to his translation of Eugène Brieux's scandalous play 'Les Avariés'.

[Sir Edward Blakeney, Field Marshal.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E. Blakeney') to [Folington?], regarding Sir John Wilson and an application from 'Mr Ferrier' of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

Author: 
Sir Edward Blakeney (1778-1868), Field Marshal in the British Army, Commander-in-Chief in Ireland [Royal Hospital, Chelsea; Sir James Wilson]
Publication details: 
Chelsea [Royal Hospital, Chelsea]. 16 January 1863.
£160.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with strip of paper from mount adhering at foot of reverse. The recipient's name is not decipherable, but he appears to have been a royal equerry. Blakeney hopes that he 'got safe home last night', and thanks him 'for giving me the pleasure of your Company'. He is enclosing a letter from Sir John Wilson (1780-1856) 'who is forwarding an application from Mr Ferrier the Quarter Master of this Establishment in favour of an application to obtain admission into the Cambridge [?]'.

[Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Dundas, Royal Navy officer who distinguished himself at Trafalgar.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Thomas Dundas') to Sir John Philippart, regarding his writing of an article for the Naval and Military Gazette.

Author: 
Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Dundas (1765-1841), Royal Navy officer in American War of Independence, French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and at Battle of Trafalgar [Sir John Philippart]
Publication details: 
Falkirk. 11 January 1832.
£220.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with traces of mount, and red wax seal, adhering to the reverse of the second leaf, which is franked (the franker's name and signature illegible) to 'Sir John Phippart [sic] | &c &c | No 8 New Burlington St'. Slight loss to one corner of second leaf, from breaking open of seal, with damage to one word of text.

[Lady Louisa Hardy, wife of Sir Thomas Hardy, Captain of HMS Victory at Battle of Trafalgar.] Autograph Letter in the third person to 'Mr Lahee' (the auctioneer Samuel Lahee), concerning Hardy's consent to requirements in a new house

Author: 
Lady Louisa Emily Anna Hardy (1788-1877), wife of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy (1769-1839)], Royal Navy officer, Captain of HMS Victory at Battle of Trafalgar [Samuel Lahee]
Publication details: 
9 Queen Street, Mayfair [London]. 15 October [no year].
£250.00

Hardy is immortalised in Nelson's dying request 'Kiss me, Hardy.' Lady Hardy was the daughter of Admiral Sir George Cranfield Berkeley (1753-1818). 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with parts of red wax seal and traces of glue from mount on reverse of second leaf, which is addressed 'To | Mr Lahee | 65. New Bond Street'. Folded once.

[Nelson describes his victory at the Battle of Copenhagen.] 'Extraordinary' number of 'The London Gazette', containing accounts of the engagement by Nelson and his commanding officer Sir Hyde Parker.

Author: 
Admiral Lord Nelson [Horatio Nelson] (1758-1805); Sir Hyde Parker (1739-1807), Royal Navy admiral, Nelson's superior at the Battle of Copenhagen, 1801
Publication details: 
Number 15454. 'Printed by ANDREW STRAHAN, Printers Street, Gough Square. [London]' 15 April 1801.
£280.00

4pp, 8vo, paginated 401-404. Originally a bifolium, but with the leaves separated. In fair condition, lightly aged, with each leaf carrying in a margin a strip of paper from the mount. Several fold lines. Page one carries the half-penny tax stamp. In small print and double column. The entire number concerns the battle. Begins: 'Admiralty-Office, April 15, 1801.

[George Arbuthnot, civil servant, as Private Secretary to Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir Charles Wood.] Autograph Letter Signed ('G. Arbuthnot') to unnamed editor, sending for publication a corrected copy of speech in reply to motion by Disraeli.

Author: 
George Arbuthnot (1802-1865), senior civil servant [Charles Wood (1800-1885), 1st Viscount Halifax, Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer]
Publication details: 
Downing Street [London]. 7 April 1849.
£50.00

According to his entry in the Oxford DNB, Arbuthnot 'served as private secretary successively to seven patronage secretaries; to the permanent head of the department, Sir Charles Spearman, and his successor, Sir Charles Trevelyan; to the prime minister, Sir Robert Peel; and to Sir Charles Wood, chancellor of the exchequer in Russell's administration'. The present item was written by Arbuthnot while holding the last position. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Laid down on part of a leaf from an album.

[John Mortimer, author and barrister, creator of 'Rumpole of the Bailey'.] Two Typed Letters Signed and one Autograph Card Signed to the playwright Christopher Fry, suggesting meetings and commenting on his busy schedule

Author: 
John Mortimer [Sir John Clifford Mortimer] (1923-2009), author, dramatist and barrister, creator of 'Rumpole of the Bailey' [Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright]
Publication details: 
All three on letterheads of Turville Heath Cottage, Henley-on-Thames. Letters dated 11 November 1995 and 1 March 1997. Card undated.
£56.00

All three items in good condition, with both letters lightly-creased at the foot. ONE: TLS. Signed 'John Mortimer'. 11 November 1995. 1p, 8vo. He was delighted to receive Fry's letter and would 'like to visit a writing group with which you're connected. If I'm free on May 10th I'll come. I'm just waiting to hear about a trip to Florida – so do let the committee write to me. I'll know by then more clearly what I'm doing.' TWO: TLS. Signed 'John', with Mortimer deleting the typed word 'sincerely'. 1 March 1997. 1p, 8vo. He found it 'a delight' to hear Fry's 'lecture at the RSL'.

['Johnson's Alamode Beef House': celebrated London eaterie associated with Charles Dickens.] Autograph Letter Signed from proprietor R. J. P. Jaquet, asking Sir Herbert Taylor to help with application to Bow Street magistrates Birnie and Minshull.

Author: 
'Johnson's Alamode Beef House', Drury Lane, London, Robert John Philip Jaquet, (1799-1867), proprietor [Sir Herbert Taylor (1775-1839); Sir Richard Birnie (c.1760-1832); Charles Dickens; Bow Street]
Publication details: 
21 Clare Court [Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London]; 2 March 1829.
£450.00

An interesting document relative to London social history, and a nice piece of Dickensiana. George Johnson is said to have established his celebrated restaurant Johnson's Alamode Beef House at 21 Clare Court, Drury Lane, in the 1780s, although the present letter states that it was licensed around 1805 . In 1824 a twelve-year-old Charles Dickens – employed in a nearby blacking warehouse as a result of his father's imprisionment for debt – himself experienced an incident which he later made use of in 'David Copperfield'.

[Sir Edmund Fremantle, Royal Navy officer and naval tactician.] Autograph Card Signed ('E R Fremantle') to 'Dr. B. Guisburg', suggesting a meeting.

Author: 
Sir Edmund Fremantle [Admiral Sir Edmund Robert Fremantle] (1836-1929), Royal Navy officer and influential naval tactician; Commander-in-Chief in China, and at Devonport [Plymouth]
Publication details: 
Card with letterhead of 44 Lower Sloane Street, S.W. [London]; 'Thursday Evg' [postmark date 11 May 1917].
£35.00

Card with printed stamp. In fair condition, lightly aged. Central vertical fold line and two punch holes at head. Addressed to 'Dr. B. Guisburg | 18 King's Bench Walk | EC 4', with address corrected in another rhand to 3 Downside Crescent | Haverstock Hill | London | N.W.' Begins: 'Dear Dr. Guisburg, | I wrote you a letter – no a PC this morning, sending it to the Controller of Shipping Office St James' Park'. That being the wrong address, he now attempts to arrange a meeting for lunch.

[Sir James Jenkins, Inspector-General of Hospitals and Fleets.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Jas Jenkins') to J. A. Smith, regretting that he will not be able to join his party.

Author: 
Sir James Jenkins (1818-1912), Inspector-General of Hospitals and Fleets, Hon. Surgeon to King Edward VII
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'London, E.C.' 19 July 1872.
£35.00

Jenkins's impressive list of appointments is in Who Was Who, and includes service 'in charge of Naval Brigade before Sebastopol, 1854-1855 (medal with clasp, Turkish medal, and Legion of Honour); Staff-Surgeon of hospital ships “Belleisle” and “Simoon” in China, 1857-61 (medal with two clasps)'. 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium, with the leaves separated, and reattached with small paper labels. Otherwise in fair condition, aged, and with wear along one edge. He regrets that his business engagements 'will not allow of my joining your party tomorrow'.

[Imperial College Literary and Debating Society, London.] Printed poster for 'A Lecture on "The Interaction of Life and Matter" by Sir Oliver Lodge, D.Sc., F.R.S.

Author: 
Sir Oliver Lodge [Sir Oliver Joseph Lodge] (1851-1940), physicist, inventor and Christian Spiritualist; W. G. Wren, Hon. Sec., Imperial College Literary and Debating Society, London
Publication details: 
Imperial College Literary and Debating Society, London. 'In the Main Chemistry Lecture Theatre Royal College of Science (Imperial Institute Road, S.W.7) on Monday, 16th March, 1931 At 5-15 p.m.'
£120.00

Printed in black on one side of a 51 x 39 cm piece of light-green paper. Heavily inked, in the variety of types and point sizes typical of the period. Printed on high-acidity paper, and perhaps a unique survival. Aged and worn, with chipping and short closed tears to extremities. Reads: 'Imperial College | Literary and Debating Society | [thick-thin rule] | A LECTURE | ON | “The Interaction of Life | and Matter” | BY | SIR OLIVER LODGE, | D.Sc., F.R.S.

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