Literature

Autograph Letter Signed to E. J. Wheatley.

Author: 
Henry R. Potter [David Love, the Nottingham poet]
Publication details: 
Wymeswold Sat[urda]y AM.'
£50.00

Possibly the Henry R. Potter, of the Office of Works, who corresponded with Gladstone in 1885 and 1894. 4 pages, 16mo. In good condition: neatly folded twice, with traces of stub along one edge of verso of second leaf of bifoliate. Apologises for 'the numerous omissions of which I have been guilty' in his lecture. His only excuse is that he 'submitted the lists to two or three persons resident in Nott[ingha]m and consequently, as I concluded, conversant with its "Notables" '.

Bookplate "Ex Libris N. Asherson".

Author: 
Mervyn Peake.
Publication details: 
No date.
£55.00

Bookplate, in very good condition, inside front cover of "The Physical Background of Perception" by E.D. Adrian (Oxford, 1947), good condition in frayed dj. From the Library of N[ehemiah] Asherson.

Bookplate "Ex Libris N. Asherson".

Author: 
Mervyn Peake.
Publication details: 
No date.
£55.00

Bookplate, in very good condition, inside front cover of "The Medical Works of Hippocrates" trans. John Chadwick and W.N. Mann (Oxford, 1950), in good condition in chipped and torn dj, label of bookseller at base of inside front cover. From the Library of N[ehemiah] Asherson.

Bookplate "Ex Libris N. Asherson".

Author: 
Mervyn Peake.
Publication details: 
No date.
£55.00

Bookplate, in good condition, inside front cover of "The Fatal Illness of Frederick the Noble" by Sir Morell Mackenzie (London, 1988), good condition, previous owner's initials on front ep, enclosing note from the firnd who gave Asherson the book (Graydon Hume) and another in Asherson's hand describing this gift. From the Library of N[ehemiah] Asherson.

Bookplate "Ex Libris N. Asherson".

Author: 
Mervyn Peake.
Publication details: 
No date.
£55.00

Bookplate, in very good condition, inside front cover of "Disraeli" by the Earl of Cromer (London, 1912), sl. hinge strain, ow. good condition, former owner's inscription and bookseller's label, From the Library of N[ehemiah] Asherson.

Bookplate "Ex Libris N. Asherson".

Author: 
Mervyn Peake.
Publication details: 
No date.
£55.00

Bookplate, in good condition, inside front cover of "Selected Writings of Sir William Osler" (OUP, 1951), mainly good condition in soiledand sl. chipped dj, with one small tear. From the Library of N[ehemiah] Asherson.

Bookplate "Ex Libris N. Asherson".

Author: 
Mervyn Peake.
Publication details: 
No date.
£55.00

Bookplate, in very good condition, inside front cover of "Rats Lice and History" by Hans Zinsser (London, 1935), covers marked but mainly good condition, no dj. From the Library of N[ehemiah] Asherson.

Bookplate "Ex Libris N. Asherson".

Author: 
Mervyn Peake.
Publication details: 
No date.
£55.00

Bookplate, in very good condition, inside front cover of "Lives of the Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons of England" by D'Arcy Power and W.R. Le Fanu (London, 1953), mainly good condition, no dj. From the Library of N[ehemiah] Asherson.

Manuscript Poem in his hand and signed by him on page detached from a Birthday Book.

Author: 
Brian Rhys.
Publication details: 
No date.
£80.00

Poet and mountaineer son of Ernest and Grace Rhys. One page, 4to, good condition, suitable for framing, Poem, two stanzas, 16 lines, title at end "[On attempting Snowdon Aug . 09]", starting "When first afar I saw thy mighty height . . . fading in beauty 'fore thy gifted sight. / But when thy foot, O Searcher into Heav'n! . . . "Await," I heard, "thy better wiser year."

Autograph Note Signed to "Miss [Nancy] Sheppard". With original envelope, original address changed to another.

Author: 
Katherine Mayo.
Publication details: 
Maaikenshof, Bedford Hills, New York, 1 Aug. 1927.
£75.00

Author of "Mother India" (1927). One page, 12mo, very good condition, saying "If I sold [Ey land?] while this book [Mother India presumably] is still a matter of any interest. I shall certainly remember you. / Yours faithfully, / Katherine Mayo".

A memorial service for Dorothy Leigh Sayers (Mrs. Atherton Fleming) M.A. (Oxon.): Hon. D.Litt. (Durham) Born 13th June, 1893 Died 17th December, 1957

Author: 
[Dorothy Leigh Sayers]
Publication details: 
ST. MARGARET, WESTMINSTER [...] on WEDNESDAY, 15th JANUARY, 1958 at 12.30 p.m.'
£75.00

Unbound bifoliate. Four unpaginated pages. Dimensions of leaf roughly 8 inches by 5 inches. In very good condition, but with two instances of light creasing. The lessons were read by Val Gielgud and Judge Gordon Clark, and the panegyric was by C. S. Lewis.

Autograph Note Signed to illegible correspondent.

Author: 
Rev. G.R. Gleig.
Publication details: 
Place illegible, 7 April [no year].
£50.00

Later chaplain-general of the forces, author (DNB). One page, 8vo, remnants of laying down process on blank conjugate leaf, letter in good condition. "I will be happy to supply your place on Sunday morning [presumably taking a service] - & much regret the cause of your absence. / I too have had my gout, but it is pretty well over."

Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent.

Author: 
T.H. Horne.
Publication details: 
Rectory, Nicholas Lane, 2 July 1836.
£75.00

Thomas Hartwell Horne. Biblical scholar, bibliographer, and polemic (DNB) Three pages, 8vo, remnants of laying down process, good condition. He is sending a copy of his "Manual of Parochial Psalmody" and its companion volume, "Selection of Tunes". He also is sending "a copy or two of my little publications.

Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent (a contributor to a periodical).

Author: 
William Beattie.
Publication details: 
13 Upper Berkeley St, Portman Square, Wednesday 7pm [no date].
£85.00

Writer and M.D. (DNB) Two pages, 12mo, good condition. "I return the proofs herwith. It is much improved by the Editorial Notes and will [?] in this moment in the M. & N. Gaz [ Naval & Military Gazette?] It was very kind of you to admit it so promptly - & I feel assured it will be much read in Paris. A note from the author (Paris 17th) says - "Several officers here in the main agreed with me (in conversation) & others have sincerely thanked me for opening their eyes.

Autograph Letter Signed, to an unnamed correspondent.

Author: 
William Adam
Publication details: 
Charlotte24 Nov. 1832.
£50.00

Scottish lawyer and politician, friend of Walter Scott (1751-1839). 2pp., 4to, good condition. He is submitting letters to his correspondent for him to "peruse" and plans a discussion of "the matter" in a carriage. A note has been added "Of Sir Walter Scott" ( Scott died 21 Sept. 1832, and Adam was a friend), but there is no internal evidence of this.

Autograph Letter Signed to George Glenny, horticultural writer and editor (DNB).

Author: 
Julia Pardoe.
Publication details: 
Friday, no date.
£150.00

Travel-writer and novelist (DNB). One page, 8vo, sl. marked, trimmed but text complete and clear, with partially detached conjugate leaf, verso of which has name "For George Glenny Esqre". "I have extracted all critiques on the Bouquet and R.L.M. [Royal Lady's Magazine and St. James's Archive] from the papers you sent me, and herewith enclose them. If you can send me any more by the bearer, I shall be obliged. / Papa, I am sorry to say, has not left his bed today . . ." Note: "The Bouquet" ([1835]) with contributions by eminent authors, Pardoe's role formerly unknown.

Autograph Letter Signed to unnamed correspondent.

Author: 
Margaret Baillie-Saunders
Publication details: 
25 Nov. [no year].
£50.00

Novelist. Four pages, 8vo, good condition. She responds to a question by revealing that she is working on a new novel called "Scarlet Sials" (pub. 1924, BLC) "all about the Isle of Wight and a rather fascinating love intrigue and social tragedy". She says it's "full of the sea . . . (Solent, Spithead) and the drifts of orange flower scented air form the Lotus Island, and is a great delight to write in the midst of fogs & General Elections". She mentions the Redwing Yacht Club ("cherry-coloured sails") but is torn from them by her being a speaker at election meetings ("blue" - Tory).

Autograph Letter Signed to J. Marshall, Hull.

Author: 
Charles Mackay.
Publication details: 
64 Lincolns Inn Fields, 29 Jan. 1859.
£125.00

Poet and Journalist (DNB). Three pages, 8vo, evidence of having been laid down, minor damage not affecting text, ow good condition. "My terms for a [?] Lecture at Hull would be Ten guineas and my travelling expenses". He suggests an approximate date, and outlines the subjects of his lectures on offer: "1. Poetry and Song: - and the influence of songs upon the character & fortunes of nations. 2. The popular & national Songs of England 3. The popular & national Songs of Scotland." He gives reasons for advising the first.

Autograph Note Signed to A. Durham.

Author: 
Martin Archer Shee.
Publication details: 
Cavendish Squate, no date.
£30.00

Irish artist and writer (DNB). One page, 8vo, good condition. He cannot accept an invitation because the event clkashes with a meeeting of the Dilettante Society to which he is committed.

Autograph Letter Signed to "J. Maclehose", publisher.

Author: 
Robert Buchanan.
Publication details: 
Chatsworth House, Great Malvern, 30 March 1874.
£60.00

Robert Williams Buchanan, Author (see Dictionary of National Biography). One page, 8vo, good condition, thanking his correspondent for a letter and a book (to come) which he will check, adding "Macmillan's edition was full of atrocious 'misprints', but I presume Mr Bell and Mr Nichol had read the proofs this time carefully?" In the Postscript he asks for "local help" for an edition of his collected poems just issued by King & Co.

Autograph Letter Signed to "Mr Callender".

Author: 
Mortimer Collins.
Publication details: 
Knowl Hill, Berkshire, 6 Feb. 1874.
£45.00

Miscellaneous Writer (see Dictionary of National Biography). Two pages, 12mo, faint foxing, other minor defects, but mainly good condition and text clear. "Allow me to congratulate you & the Conservatives of Manchester on your great triumph - a double victory, since it not only brings you into the House, but keeps Jacob Bright out!"

Autograph Letter Signed to Lady Watney [wife of Sir Frank Watney], together historical notes, two tracings and two small photographs.

Author: 
William Byam Lane
Publication details: 
20 July 1937; 39 Eton College Road, Chalk Farm.
£125.00

English writer (1866-1945). The letter is 2 pages, 8vo, and the notes are 9 pages octavo. Neatly written on one side each of eleven matching leaves, all ruled with blue lines. In good condition overall, but with the paper somewhat discoloured, creased and ruckled, and with some rust stains from a paper clip and closed tears. He is sending as promised 'the evidence of the bishop's mitre having come down to us from very ancient times'.

Autograph Letter Signed to Dr Dawson William Turner.

Author: 
Robert R. Hamilton
Publication details: 
30 August 1883; 61 Westbourne Park Crescent, W.
£35.00

Turner (1815-85; DNB) was the son of the noted botanist and autograph collector. 4 pages, 16mo. Creased, stained and grubby. Odd cross between an offer of work and a begging letter. Marked 'Private'. From their 'former relations' Hamilton feels sure Turner will assist him as he did before, when he was 'engaged in bringing out the West-End'. He hopes 'it will not be long before I can again avail myself of your facile pen for a few more of your graphic sketches of what comes under your observation.

Autograph Letter Signed to [Clement] Shorter.

Author: 
Arthur Anthony Baumann
Publication details: 
16 October 1918; on letterhead '44, HYDE PARK SQUARE. W.2.'
£30.00

English author (1856-1936). 2 pages, 8vo. In good condition. As Shorter has sent his letter to Baumann's home instead of to 'the office of the paper' it will be too late to insert it that week, 'as the paper was practically made up when I left this afternoon'. There are three letters dealing with Shorter's first letter in that week's issue. As Shorter may want to reply to them he is returning the letter, 'which otherwise will be published next week'. 'A letter should reach the office (10 King St. Covent Garden) not later than noon on Wednesday.' Signed 'Arthur A. Baumann'.

Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Edward Verrall Lucas
Publication details: 
26 February 1919; on compliments slip with letterhead '176, VICTORIA STREET. S.W.'
£20.00

English essayist and biographer of Charles Lamb (1868-1938). 1 page, dimensions approximately 4 inches by 6 inches. Somewhat grubby and creased. Reads 'Feb 26| 1919 | with E V Lucas's | compliments'.

Autograph Letter Signed by O'Conor to Mrs [J. M.] Patterson, Secretary to The Royal Society of Literature, regarding a reading of John Masefield's poems.

Author: 
Joseph O'Conor [John Masefield, Royals Society of Literature]
Publication details: 
No date (but post 1963?); 18 Melville Road, Barnes, S.W.13.
£65.00

Irish actor (1916-2001). 2 pages, 8vo. In good condition though creased along one edge. Accompanying this item are a typescript (1 page, 8vo, in good condition, annotated in ink) headed 'MASEFIELD READINGS', listing 13 items alternatively allocated to 'O'Conor' and 'Day Lewis', and two typewritten slips of paper listing some of the officers of the Royal Society of Literature, one of which has corrected details of the Don Carlos Coloma Memorial Lecture on the reverse. In the letter O'Conor complains that [Masefield's Collected Poems 'seem riddled with misprints'.

Valuation of the literary properties of Anthony Hope, deceased.

Author: 
Anthony Hope
Publication details: 
1933 (death of Hope).
£150.00

Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins (d.1933)(DNB) From the archives of literary agents, A.P. Watt, letters, copy letters, listings of publishers, titles of books (inc. Zenda, etc) and contributions, royalties and valuations inc. literary estate, payments to Lady Hawkins c. 18 pages, 8vo and folio, most in manuscript.

Bibliographie anecdotique et critique des oeuvres de Jacques Casanova.

Author: 
Joseph Pollio
Publication details: 
Paris: L. Giraud-Badin, 1926.
£40.00

Edition limited to 680 copies. 8vo: 235 pages. Uncut. With numerous portraits and facsimiles. In original printed wraps with loss and splitting at head of spine. Internally a good tight copy on paper discoloured with age.

Valuation of the literary properties of Baroness Orczy, deceased.

Author: 
Baroness Orczy
Publication details: 
1945- 1947 (death), 1969
£250.00

(Oxford Companion, ed. Drabble)) From the archives of literary agents, A.P. Watt, letters, copy letters, listings of publishers, titles of books (Pimpernel, Lady Molly etc) and contributions, films, translations, royalties and valuations inc. literary estate, foreign rights, c. 25 pages, 8vo and folio, most in manuscript.

The History of Valentine and Orson

Author: 
Anon.
Publication details: 
n.d. (mid-late 18thC)
£100.00

12mo, unopened, unbound, g+

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