MANUSCRIPT

[ William Maginn, Irish journalist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W M.') to the editor of a journal, regarding 'a poem by a friend of mine' (said to be 'Lockharts Greek Bubble').

Author: 
William Maginn [ 'Dr. Maginn' ] (1794-1842), Irish Tory journalist, a noted contributor to Blackwood's Magazine and Bentley's Miscellany
Publication details: 
Without place or date. [ London? Circa 1826? ]
£80.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Another hand - presumably that of the recipient - has written the word 'Printer' at the head of the page, and docketted the reverse 'Maginn | with Lockharts Greek Bubble' (the anonymous poem 'The Greek Bubble', published in 1826, is in fact said to be the work of J. Thompson). The letter reads: 'Dear Sir | Inclosed is a review of a poem by a friend of mine, who I believe is an acquaintance of yours. If you could make room for it tomorrow, you would much oblige me. Arrange the review yr. own way.

[ Sidney Morgan, English film director ] Autograph Letter Signed to fellow film-director Percy Nash, regarding the British Association of Film Directors and the 'great fight to obtain The Quota'.

Author: 
Sidney Morgan (1874-1946), English film director, who acted for Alfred Hitchcock [ [ Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-1958), film director and dramatist; Cinematograph Films Act of 1927 ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the British Association of Film Directors, The Players Club, Denman Street, London. 30 May 1927.
£90.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Nash is named on the letterhead as the Association's president, and Morgan as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. The letter begins: Dear Percy / | For various reasons we did not get a largely attended meeting on Friday, but the better feeling between members seems still to grow.' Nash's 'protracted illness' has clearly necessitated his stepping down as president, and '[a]fter considerable discussion it was decided to ask Pearson & Elvey [i.e. George Pearson (1875-1973) and Maurice Elvey (1887-1967)] to be President & Vice with myself to continue'.

[ MIles Malleson, film actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Miles Malleson') to Kenneth Sephton, regarding his work as a playwright.

Author: 
Miles Malleson [ William Miles Malleson ] (1888-1969), English film actor and dramatist
Publication details: 
135 Harley Street, W1 [ London ]. 3 May 1960.
£35.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. He thanks him for his 'most generous & warming letter' about his 1927 comedy 'The Fanatics'. He has not answered sooner as he was 'suddenly caught up in some very hectic & engrossing rehearsals for "Rhinoceros" at the Court Theatre'.

[ Oxford Women's Colleges in the late Victorian period. ] Four numbers of 'The Fritillary', a magazine for the Oxford women's colleges, edited by future novelist D. K. Broster.

Author: 
D. K. Broster [ Dorothy Kathleen Broster ] (1877-1950), editor of 'The Fritllary' magazine for Oxford Women's Colleges
Publication details: 
Oxford. No. 3: December 1894. No. 4: March 1895. No. 6: December 1895. No. 14: June 1898. The first three numbers 'Printed for the Proprietors by Alden & Company, Ltd., Bocardo Press', the last printed 'by James Parker & Co., Crown Yard'.
£220.00

All four numbers in good condition, in original grey printed wraps. Totalling 79pp. (No. 3 paginated 23-46; No. 4 paginated 47-66; No. 6 paginated 85-108; No. 14 paginated 221-231). Broster is named as editor of the last number, the others giving no information.. For more on the magazine, see Kristin Ewins, 'A History of Fritillary: A Magazine of the Oxford Women's Colleges, 1894–1931', Notes & Queries, 2008.

[ C. Aubrey Smith, Hollywood actor and test cricketer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C. Aubrey . . S.') to 'George'

Author: 
C. Aubrey Smith [ Sir Charles Aubrey Smith ] (1863-1948), English stage and film actor and test cricketer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'The Round Corner', 2881 Coldwater Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills. 22 July 1943.
£35.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. He thanks him for thinking of his birthday, and taking the trouble 'to bring me that sherry'. He has not yet sampled it, as 'it's a bit too hot for anything but water, just at present'. He will telephone him, as he doesn't 'feel cocksure' about his address. He ends with regards to 'Mrs George'. In pencil in another hand at head: 'Here it is, George | C.A.S.'

[ Anna Lee, Hollywood actress. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Anna Lee') to'Ken' [ Sephton ], discussing a number of topics including her charity the Royal Oak Foundation of California and her work on the soap opera 'General Hospital'.

Author: 
Anna Lee [ Joan Boniface Winnifrith ] (1913-2004), British-American Hollywood actress, associated with the director John Ford
Publication details: 
1240 North Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, California 90069. 28 April 1981.
£120.00

2pp., 4to. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight wear at head of second leaf. She begins: 'I always love to receive a letter from England, especially at this time of year when I become especially homesick, thinking of April at home with the bluebells and the primroses out! Your description of the forget-me-nots, tulips, fruit-blossm etc . . .

[ Brian Aherne, British Hollywood actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Brian Aherne') to 'Mr. Cathrey', regarding an invitation to take part in a cricket match.

Author: 
Brian Aherne [ William Brian de Lacy Aherne ] (1902-1986), British Hollywood actor
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 703 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California. 27 May 1942.
£25.00

1p., 8vo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. He has 'not played cricket for twenty years, so you had better not count on me!' He will 'try to turn up as a spectator', and if Cathrey will send him a card, he will make 'a special effort to do so at Mesa, whichh I have visited several times'.

[ Bryan Forbes, film director. ] Autograph Card Signed to Ken Sephton, regarding a letter and its 'nostalgic reference'.

Author: 
Bryan Forbes [ John Theobald Clarke ] (1926-2013), English film director
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£25.00

In blue ink on one side of a 10 x 16 cm piece of white card with Forbes's name printed at the head. In very good condition. He thanks him for the 'kind and interesting letter': 'I particularly liked your nostalgic reference to snak where I had many a meal "on the slate"!'

[ Lord Harmsworth, press baron. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Alfred Harmsworth') to 'Mr. Fisher', explaining that he cannot attend a meeting as he has to 'attend to my newspapers all day long'.

Author: 
Lord Northcliffe [ Alfred Charles William Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe (1865-1922) ], press baron, owner of the Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Daily Mail, Temple, E.C. [ London ] 29 November 1898.
£56.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Reads: 'Dear Mr. Fisher | I am so sorry I cannot attend the meeting. Unfortunately, I am absolutely obliged to attend to my newspapers all day long. | Yours faithfully | Alfred Harmsworth'. The Daily Mail was little more than two years old at the time of this note.

[ King Ferdinand II of Naples. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ferdinando'), in Italian, to a nephew ('Carissimo Nipote').

Author: 
King Ferdinand II of Naples [ Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies ] (1810-1859), Bourbon monarch
Publication details: 
Place not stated. With docketed date 1850.
£50.00

2pp., 12mo. Fifteen lines of text. In fair condition, on aged paper. The second leaf of the bifolium is docketed, and has a small burn hole to it, but the leaf with the king's autograph on it is undamaged. Written during his exile following the revolution of 1848. Contains a reference to 'la Cujina Luisa' [María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón].

[ Laura Theresa Alma-Tadema, artist. ] Autograph Signature ('Laura. T. Alma Tadema').

Author: 
Laura Theresa Alma-Tadema [née Epps] (1852-1909), artist, wife of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema (1836-1912), Anglo-Dutch painter
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£28.00

On 3 x 11 cm piece of thin card, cut from conclusion to a letter. In fair condition, aged and with traces of mount to two corners (not affecting signature). Reads: 'Yours sincerely | Laura. T. Alma Tadema'. Text on reverse: '[...] with us, I should be so pleased if you would join us - [...]'.

[ Linley Sambourne. ] Large printed 'Memorial Card', carrying engraving of 'the Liberal Monument to Mr. Gladstone erected within the Palace of Westminster'.

Author: 
Linley Sambourne [ Edward Linley Sambourne ] (1844-1910), English cartoonist and illustrator who worked with Punch [ William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898), Liberal Prime Minister ]
Sambourne
Publication details: 
Without date or place. 'Linley Sambourne invt et delt V & C'.
£85.00
Sambourne

Printed in black on one side of a 19 x 29 cm piece of stiff card, with rounded corners. In fair condition, lightly-aged, with 4cm vertical closed tear at head. The memorial to a stern-faced Gladstone is depicted - a setting sun blazing behind it - between two mythical seated women, Justice on the right, and a hooded woman with a hand mirror on the left. In the background are the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The card is made out in manuscript to 'Edward C Young' (with '186357' at foot), and the caption at the foot reads: 'This Memorial Card was issued to [ Edward C Young.

[ Dame Nellie Melba, opera singer. ] Autograph Signature ('Nellie Melba').

Author: 
Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931), Australian operatic soprano
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£35.00

On 6 x 14 cm piece of paper torn from letter. In good condition, lightly-aged. Cut from the valediction to a letter and reads: 'from Yrs most sincerely | Nellie Melba'.

[ George Baker, connoisseur. ] Part of Autograph Letter Signed ('Geoe. Baker'), to his bookseller, regarding a set off periodicals.

Author: 
George Baker (1747-1811) of St Paul's Churchyard, connoisseur
Publication details: 
'No. 2 St Paul's Ch. Yard'. No year.
£100.00

On 8.5 x 16.5 piece of paper, cut from the conclusion to a letter. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, laid down on a larger piece. He asks the recipient to 'make these Numbers perfect from the Waste', and gives instructions in case it cannot be done. For more about Baker see his obituary in the Gentleman's Magazine, February 1811.

[ Board of the Inland Revenue, Excise Department, London.] Late-Victorian Manuscript Notebook, compiled by several parties, with sections of questions and definitions, and others treating allowances, 'Liverpool Allowances' and 'Quarantine Practice'.

Author: 
A. C. Collyer [ Board of the Inland Revenue, Excise Department, London ]
Publication details: 
[ Board of the Inland Revenue, Excise Department, London. Circa 1891. ]
£400.00

169pp., 12mo. Covering the whole of a ruled notebook in black waxed cloth binding. In fair condition, aged and worn, in like binding with some damage to spine. Ownership signature of 'A. C. Collyer' on front free endpaper, with the word 'Notes' written under it, and beneath that a seal (hand holding a sword) in red wax. The notebook has been compiled by at least three different parties (with a couple of notes in shorthand), and is certainly the work of instructors rather than students, possibly Scottish.

[ Pamphlet. ] The Commune of Paris. [ Its Story and Meaning. ]

Author: 
[ James Leatham ]
Publication details: 
[ London: Twentieth Century Press. 1890. ]
£35.00

16pp., 12mo. Disbound without covers. In good condition, on aged paper. Drophead title. The cover carried the author's name, publication details, and the full title: 'The Commune of Paris: Its Story and Meaning'. Scarce

[ Laurence Hyde, 1st Earl of Rochester, and Sir John Ernle. ] Signatures of 'Rochester' and 'J Ernle', cut from a treasury document.

Author: 
Laurence Hyde (1642-1711), 1st Earl of Rochester, statesman, Lord High Treasurer and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland [ Sir John Ernle (1620-1697), Chancellor off the Exchequer, 1676-1689 ]
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£90.00

On rectangle of laid paper, roughly 4 x 7 cm. In good condition, lightly-aged paper with one vertical fold. Good firm signatures, wih Rochester's above Ernle's. Writing on reverse relates to Sir Thomas Vernon and the payment of an order.

[ William Hepworth Thompson, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. H Thompson') to 'My dear Pollock' [ Sir Frederick Pollock ], on Samuel Laurence's portrait of James Spedding. With annotated photograph of the portrait.

Author: 
William Hepworth Thompson, classical scholar and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge [ Samuel Laurence (1812-1884), English portrait painter; James Spedding (1808-1881), literary critic ]
Publication details: 
'T. C. L.' [ Trinity College Library, Cambridge. ] 30 May 1884. Photograph by Hills & Saunders of Cambridge.
£120.00

Both letter and photograph in good condition, with light signs of age. LETTER: 2pp., 12mo. Bifolium, with mourning border. He is enclosing the photograph, which 'poor Laurence [...] executed in his decling years & promised to Trinity College. His daughter loyally carried out his wishes, & the portrait (life size) hangs in our LIbrary.' (Laurence had died earlier in the year, from the effects of an operation.) He is sending a second copy of the photograph (not present) for 'Professor Frederick, who has left record of his affection for our dear friend'.

[ Victor Pasmore, artist and architect. ] Autograph Card Signed ('Victor'), thanking Basil [ Jonsen ] for his appreciation.

Author: 
Victor Pasmore [ Edwin John Victor Pasmore ], English abstract artist and architect
Publication details: 
With letterhead, 12 St German's Place, Blackheath, London. 1 June 1965.
£56.00

Written on one side of a 10 x 14.5 cm card, beneath a stylish 'modern' letterhead. Somewhat aged and worn. The message reads: '1/6/65 | Dear Basil, | Very many thanks indeed for your letter - believe me your appreciation is tremendously valued. | All good wishes | Victor'. The recipient is identified in another hand on the reverse, with an address and directions.

[ Sir Arthur Hodgson, Australian squatter and politician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Arthur Hodgson') to 'Mrs. Lewis', regarding his naval career and 'St. Anne votes'.

Author: 
Sir Arthur Hodgson (1818-1902), Anglo-Australian squatter and politician
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Clopton House, Stratford-on-Avon. 1 September 1888.
£130.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. He begins with reference to his 'St. Anne votes', which are promised and so cannot be given to her 'very deserving case'. He is pleased to learn that her brother is 'enjoying such a pleasant Holiday on board Sir John Pender's yacht, my old cruising ground as a Middy [i.e. a midshipman] on board H.M.S. Canopus from 1834 to 1837!' He states that he was 'present at coronation of King Otho in Athens in 1835!', and that he saw 'Byron's maid of Athens, then Mrs. Black'.

[ Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace, foreign correspondent of The Times. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Donald M Wallace') to 'Sir Robert' [ Sir Robert Herbert ] regarding a meeting of the Breakfast Club.

Author: 
Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace (1841-1919), foreign correspondent of The Times of London [ Sir Robert Herbert (1831-1905), first Premier of Queensland ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of St. Ermins Mansions, Caxton Street, SW [ London ]. 11 June [ no year ].
£56.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, with light signs of age. He hopes to make his Breakfast Club 'debut' the following Saturday morning.

[ James Spedding, editor of Sir Francis Bacon. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed to 'Mrs. Pollock' [ later Lady Juliet Pollock ], one listing the twenty-two 'greatest' English authors, the other concerning the 'Swedish nightingale' Jenny Lind.

Author: 
James Spedding (1808-1881), editor of Sir Francis Bacon, literary critic and Cambridge Apostle [ Lady Juliet Pollock [ née Creed ] (1819-1899), wife of Sir William Frederick Pollock (1815-1888) ]
Publication details: 
Both letters from '60 L. I. F.' [ i.e. 60 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London ]. 3 June 1847 and 24 April 1854.
£1,210.00

Learned and witty, Spedding was a popular figure within the literary scene of Victorian London. As he lay dying following an accident, Tennyson rushed to the hospital and begged admission to his bedside. When approached by Delia Bacon, he dismissed the Baconian theory with contempt, and was the first to realise that the play 'Henry VIII' was a collaboration between Shakespeare and John Fletcher. Both of the present letters are signed 'Jas Spedding' and addressed to 'My dear Mrs. Pollock', and both in good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper, with minor traces of glue from mount.

[ Charles Dance, playwright. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'My dear Kean' [ Charles John Kean ], requesting a box for his performance of Richard II [ at the Princess's Theatre, London ].

Author: 
Charles Dance (1794-1863), English dramatist who collaborated with James Planché [ Charles John Kean (1811-1868), actor and theatre manager, son of Edmund Kean (1787-1833) ]
Publication details: 
64 Mornington Road, Regent's Park, N.W. [ London ] 4 May 1857.
£80.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper. He hopes he is not 'premature' in asking for 'a box for Richard 2d for tomorrow - Tuesday - night!' If he is not he will be 'thankful'; if he is he will 'wait patiently for a future occasion'. Kean's Richard II opened at the Princess's Theatre on 14 March 1857 and ran for 112 nights.

[ H. H. L. Malcolm, as Lieutenant-Colonel, 2nd Cameron Highlanders. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Huntly Malcolm') to G. J. S. Scovell, discussing his desire for an exchange from the first battalion, and his own polo accident.

Author: 
Brigadier-General H. H. L. Malcolm [ Brigadier General Henry Huntly Leith Malcolm ] (1860-1938) [ Lieut-Col. George Julian Selwyn Scovell (1881-1948), 1st Cameron Highlanders ]
Publication details: 
From Fort-Manoel [ Malta ], on letterhead of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders ('Egypt'). 22 December 1903.
£90.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. He begins by telling him that there is 'no chance of an exchange to this Battalion, all were asked lately and said they did not wish to exchange to the 1st Battn.' He suggests that Scovell's 'best chance' is to 'fill a vacancy caused by a Promotion', in which case he may be 'brought in instead of their gazetting a youngster to us'.

[ Michel Chevalier, French economist and politician.] Autograph Letter Signed, in French, to James Yates, regarding a statistical congress in England. With Engraved portrait of 'The Late M. Michel Chevalier'.

Author: 
Michel Chevalier (1806-1879), French free market economist, politician, and engineer, editor of the Paris 'Globe'
Publication details: 
73 Rue de l'Universite, Paris. 15 July 1860.
£80.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Addressed to 'Dear Sir', but with the rest written in French. He explains that it is with reluctance that he is unable to leave paris and attend the 'Congrès de Statistique', and that it is always with pleasure that he visits England. He refers to a 'traite de Commerce' and the 'Conseil Superieur du Commerce, dont j'ai l'honneur d'etre membre'. The letter is accompanied by an engraved portrait of 'The Late M. Michel Chevalier', cut from a magazine. On 14 x 9 cm paper. In good condition, lightly-aged.

[ Rev. George Harris, Unitarian minister. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'George Harris') to James Yates of London and York, regarding the troubles of his previous congregation in Glasgow, under their new minister 'Mr. Taylor'.

Author: 
Rev. George Harris (1794-1859), Unitarian minister, author and editor
Publication details: 
Both from 2 Hope Park, Edinburgh. 22 February and 5 March 1844.
£120.00

Both on 4to biofoliums, and addressed, with postmarks, on the reverse of the second leaf. Both in fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. ONE (22 February 1844): Concerning the unfortunate state of 'the Glasgow congregation' since Harris's removal to Edinburgh. His successor 'Mr. T[aylor].' stated his 'present views' to 'Messrs C<?> & Smith', 'and they said at once he ought to resign the pulpit [...] The end cannot be far off. Mr. T. declared he would not quit the pulpit till he was dragged out of it'. The letter continues with references to 'Mr Taylor' and 'Mr Davidson'.

[ James Everett, Manchester bookseller and Wesleyan minister. ] Autograph Letter Signed to him from 'W. Brailsford', urging him to preach a 'preparatory Sermon' at a meeting of 'the Missionary committee' in Longholme.

Author: 
W. Brailsford of Longholme [ James Everett (1784-1872), Wesleyan minister and Manchester bookseller ]
Publication details: 
Longholme [ Manchester ]. 24 September 1832.
£56.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed on reverse to 'Mr. Everett | Market Street | Manchester'. Brailsford has been 'desired by the Missionary committee connected with this place to write you & earnestly to request the favour of yr. Services at their approaching Anniversary which is fixed for Monday Oct. 22nd. by preaching a preparatory Sermon on the Sunday eveng. Oct 21.

[ James Clarke Hook, RA, English painter. ] Signed ('Jas: C. Hook') Autograph transcription of J. R. Lowell's lines on Abraham Lincoln.

Author: 
James Clarke Hook (1819-1907), English painter, Member of the Royal Academy
Publication details: 
On letterhehad of Silverbeck, Churt, Farnham, Surrey. 23 October 1895.
£38.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Written in response to a request for an autograph, and signed at foot 'Yours Truly | Jas: C. Hook'. Above this, beneath the heading 'Lincoln', Hook has transcribed twelve lines from 'Ode Recited at the Harvard Commemoration, July 21 1865', beginning 'He knew to bide his time, | And can his fame abide,' and with 'J. R. Lowell.' at the end.

[ John Fonblanque, author and whig politician. ] Autograph Memorandum, signed 'John: Fonblanque', regarding 'distinguishing Barons by Tenure from Barons by Writ'.

Author: 
John Fonblanque [ John Anthony de Grenier Fonblanque ] (1759-1837), English author, whig politician and barrister
Publication details: 
Temple [ London ]. 7 March 1830.
£90.00

2pp., 12mo. 55 lines of closely-written text, with a few minor emendations. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper, with 'John Fonblanque' in another hand at foot of first page. The document begins: 'I have been considering whether the Distinction that we notices this morning in the Description of the Heir sometimes as Lord & sometimes not may not fornish another Criticism for distinguishing Barons by Tenure from Barons by Writ'. He proceeds to argue the point learnedly.

[ Jules Baroche, French Statesman. ] Autograph Note Signed ('P J Baroche') to 'Monsieur De la Salle | avoué' ('Mon cher maitre').

Author: 
Jules Baroche [ Pierre Jules Baroche ] (1802-1870), French statesman, minister under Napoleon III
Publication details: 
24 January 1845.
£65.00

1p., 16mo. On bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Monsieur De la Salle | avoué'. Regarding a payment for his part 'dans l'aff. janvier'.

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