Printing History

One page, 4to, fold marks, text clear and complete.

French writer (1805-1851). Three pages, 8vo, bifoliate, good condition. "Sir,/ I have the honor to forward you the enclosed prospectus of the "Encyclopedie du XIXe Siecle" in which the high approbation given to this work by his Holiness, and also that of the R.R.

Scottish journalist, editor of The Star, Biblical writer and inventor (of the stereotype) (1759-1825). One page 8vo, trimmed, text clear and complete. "Dear Sir/ Have the kindness to lend me the Appendix to Aikens Chem. Dicy. for about a week - I wish to give some Notice of it in the Phil. Mag. . . ."

Scottish antiquary (1802-1869). (To Dawson Turner) Two pages, 8vo, good condition, citing the brevity of his stay in Yarmouth as his reason for not visiting and accepting an invitation. "On some future occasion you will perhaps allow me the gratification of seeing some of the book treasures you have the happiness to possess." (To George Stokes) One page, 8vo, good condition. He has received Stokes's letters but has anticipated his "wishes and corrections. "I returned the sheet marked merely "for press," but no doubt the printers will proceed with it immediately".

Glass manufacturer (1814-1854). 2pp., 8vo, good, admitting that he isinvolved with the Crystal Palace Company, but is not the secretary. He says that he has the interests of “Mr Woodfall” [the printer?] at heart, and his family is well. Phillips became literary diretor of the Crystal Palace Co. in 1853. He wrote Guide to the Crystal Palace and Park (1854).

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.

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.

Librarian at Windsor Castle. Three pages, 8vo, good condition. "I am one of hte unfortunates of the earth . . ." He is unable to accept an invitation to Britwell (hence the identification of Samuel Christie-Miller as the correspondent) because he "cannot keep off the demands of the printers any longer, & I must work." He hopes, however, to welcome him to the Library (Windsor) and to have the invitation to Britwell repeated. He adds a paragraph about "the great loss all Bibliophiles have experienced in the death of Mr Thomas Watts of the British Museum.

Publisher, Oxford University Press. One page each, 8vo (2) and 4to (2), one grubby, fold marks, minor defects, but texts clear and complete. Two are goodhumoured, brief, and concerning social trivia. The one sent in 1932 goes: "This is to introduce Sir Wallis Budge. I have told him you are the best bookseller in London, and would be able to get him all he wanted." (one ms. correction and one ms. addition). The letter dated 1943 discusses the works of Mark Rutherford: "I remember in very old days you were a devoted admirer of my late brother-in-law, Mark Rutherofrd.