Literature

Typescript, 12pp., 4to, cover/title spotted, contents good.

Statesman, friend of Byron (1786-1869). One page, 8vo, staining, but text clear and complete: Alas my dear Lord I have not got such a thing as an Assistant Surgeoncy in my gift."

Short story writer and essayist (1900-1996). 8vo, to “Mrs Biggs”, appreciating her enjoyment of “the Russian books”, mentioning an error in his review of them, and recommending that she read Leskov about whom he hopes to write.

Scottish poet and legal writer (-c.1805). 3pp., 4to, some damage and staining partially obscuring text. He writes initially of being elected to the “Kelso folly”, not wishing to be re-elected. He moves on to a matter which will involve the court of session, explaining that “the patrons as well as all the parties interested are by a ...(?) barred from appearing to prosecute”. He then discusses the signing of the “definitive treaty” on which he and his correspondent disagree, leaving posterity to judge its usefulness.

Poet and journalist (1797-1864). 2pp., 8vo, good. Watts accepts an invitation and gives his excuse for not responding earlier in rather more words than appear necessary.

Novelist (1861-1955). 3pp. ea., 8vo, good. He cannot accept Bill’s invitation because he has arranged to play in a cricket match. He has been accumulating material for a book on Brittany(“By ‘serious’, I mean not a novel!), and reports on the success of The Face of Clay (published 1906).

Lord Houghton, poet and politician (1809-1885). 2pp., 8vo, damp-staining not obscuring text, inviting his correspondent and wife to the debate on the occupation of Cracow at the House of Commons, giving directions for a meeting afterwards.

Spanish author. Two pages, 4to. He writes concerning the World Unity Movement of which Polak is a sponsor, criticising the Chairman, James Avery Joyce. With: a TLS, 2pp., 4to, from Joyce to Polak referring to a note he has received from de Madariaga (copy enclosed) and describing his difficulties in finding a speaker. He also asks for his expenses from an American trip which de Madariaga found offensive.

Writer on natural history (1780-1868). One page, 8vo, good. He thanks his correspondent for his “interesting pamphlet” and discusses rough drawings of swans he is sending him.

Novelist, dramatist and journalist (1831-1894). One page each, 8vo, good. In the first, he is sorry that “Fred” has been bothered in a particular“matter”. In the second, he says simply “Here is the Valentine you askfor”.

Writer (1849-1923). 1 & 2pp., 8vo, good. In the former, he gives details of his movements in the expectation of a meeting. In the latter, he describes his plans and, when he has been able to “get at” his copies of his book, he will send him one.2 items,

Irish author and editor (1800-1889). One page, 8vo, good. He is thanking his correspondent on behalf of his wife for his contributionof a “little picture . . . in aid of the governess asylum”.

Banker and writer (1840-1930). 2pp., 8vo, good. He is asking friends to his home for “chat and supper”, including Bowen.He gives minute directions how to get to his house in Tufnell Park.

Novelist and biographer, daughter of W.M. Thackeray (1837-1919). 2pp., 12mo, good. She commends a doctor to May’s mother, Mrs Irving.

Canon of St Paul’s and wit (1771-1845). One page, 4to, good. some damage, slightly affecting the text, traces of mounting. Smith outlines his travel plans, including a visit to his correspondent. He continues, “We talk of nothing now but bombarding & it is supposed that Troy would have been under such a Cannonade have been taken in 15 or 20 minutes”.

Politician and critic (1759-1835). One page, 12mo, good. He regretfully declines her invitation claiming a prior engagement.

Scottish novelist (1800-1864). One page, 8vo, good. She quotes Shakespeare’s “What’s in a name?” and appends hersignature.

Novelist. Signature with part of subscription ("yours truly / Thos Highes"), on piece of paper c.1.5 x 0.75", good condition.

Librarian and author. "I shall be very happy to conduct the members of hte South Place Ethical Society over the Library, at any time that may be mutually arranged."

Paper, c.6.5 x 4.5", fold mark, some foxing, but image bold and clear of people on the sea-front pulling and pushing an invalid chair against a fierce gale which has caught an umbrella, a fish, a handbill, etc. The sub-title reads "I [underlined] got a nice little airing! / Yours ever / GAB."

Author and drama critic (DNB). One page, 4to, good condition. He thinks that "the man who alters the view of life of the world is a more important person" than the rose-grower "who makes his neighbourhood fragrant". Those who initiate are few. Hw would rather see wages increased, and the purchasing power of hte masses. He disklikes the tendencu to giving "bad value for money" - e.g. in his childhood the milkman would give extra just iun case of a shortfall. Today, it's exact measure or less.

Paper, c.4 x 3.5", good condition, at the top of which the authoress has signed her real name and her pseudonym "Ada Ellen Bayly. / Edna Lyall."

Novelist. Text: "Yours / E Bulwer Lytton / 71 Marina / St Leonards on Sea / Sussex", clipped part of letter, c.4 x 2", laid down on similar sized card, fold mark but clear.

Signature, "Faithfully yours / M. Arnold", on laid down piece o fblue paper, c. 2 x 1", accompanied by another small portion of the same letter with date 6 Dec. 1860, and a blind-stamp, "Privy Council Office"

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, poet. A fragment cut from a letter, c. 6" long and from 0.5 to 0.75" wide, with vestiges of hte laying-down process and small tear. Text:" P.S. Derwent! James Coleridge has written to his Brother, that / your wife is beautiful, unaffected, good, & an ornament to our / Family.-" I am informed by Professor James Mays, editor of the "Works" of Coleridge, that "Derwent was married on 6 Dec. 1827 . . . and the letter must date from very soon after 28 April 1828 when C's brother James paid STC a surprise visit at Highgate."

Novelist. One page, 8vo. She has obviously asked him for a copy of his "So Perish the Rose" but he says that it has "long been out of print & copies are extremely difficult to come by as I well know for I have been trying to get one for some time."

Ian Hay Beith, novelist. Two pages, 8vo. He is sending one of his books, "The Lighter Side of School Life" since Codner has expressed a desire to read it. He gives instructions about how he should return it.

Novelist. Card, c.3.5 x 2.5", verso has traces of the laying down processs., slightly soiled by signature clear.

P.J. Bailey, Poet. One page, 8vo, letter in good condition, the name "'Festus' Bailey" in red ink top left corner. He thanks his correspondent for a "little volume of poems" which have given him pleasure, and many of which "give evidence of pure and true feeling & graceful fancy". Collinson published a volume called "Autumn Leaves" in [1869] in London and _Nottingham_. Presumably he was a fellow-townsman of Bailey's.

Novelist. One page, 8vo. "Thank you so much for your appreciative letter."