TOOLE'S

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Thin strip of mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. Folded for postage. Begins: ?Dear Edmonston - / Will you kindly get me Dr. Sydie? book of ballads with music. It is I think published in Edinburgh.? He asks for the book to be sent to him at the Gaiety Theatre and he will pay the cost. Ends: ?I hope you are jolly & well / Kind regards to yourself & all friends in Auld Reekie?. Signed ?J. W. Toole?. Postscript: ?Did you read the ?World? this week? There is something about me in it.?

The production to which the first item relates was Toole's last before being forced by gout to retire from the London stage. Both items in fair condition, on lightly-aged paper; the first with short closed tear at head. Both printed on one side only. Item One: 33 x 21 cm. Headed 'Mr. J. L. Toole's Company. | THOROUGH-BRED. | PROPERTY PLOT.' Listing, under 'Stage' and 'Hand', all the props needed for the three acts, the last (and shortest) entry reading '[ACT III.] HAND. | Field glasses, cases. Race cards for all. Letter (WILHELMINA). Set of bones (TOSH). Coins (all). 2 tambourines.

British actress (born c. 1836). In the 1881 census Johnstone features as a visitor in the house of the actor-manager John Laurence Toole (1830-1906). Three pages, 12mo. Good, though grubby and with a few stains. In envelope with penny red stamp and black wax seal, addressed to Croker at 9 Pelham Place, Brompton. 'I return your book my father having complied with your request | I can not tell you the great pleasure I received in looking over your lovely collection. It is so good it makes one almost envious.' Signed 'Eliza Johnstone'.