Literature

Victorian novelist (Mrs Henry Reeves). Docketed 'Authoress of "Coming thro' the Rye"'. Signed 'Helen Reeves' and docketed 'nee Mathers'. Closing two lines of letter above signature, and on reverse five lines (referring to "the dreadful time of yours", partly covered by glued-on piece of paper. Creased and discoloured.

Victorian novelist and satirist of the Raj. 'Dear Madam | I regret that I shall be away from England all winter | Yours truly | F. A. Steel." Creased, disoloured and docketed in pencil. Writing offset by folding of letter.

Ist American (trans), no dw, some bumping, sp. sl. sunned, contents good. INSCRIBED by the author: "To Countess Marion Giordani (?) Orsini with kindest regard Alfred Neumann Florence, 7.VI.35"

Note on front cover: "3rd draft-typed 3rd June 1986". Dramatised by Maggie Wadey, Rehearsal script, BBC2, director Giles Foster, 170pp, fol.

Author. 2pp., 8vo, sl. soiled. She responds to commenmts about her "Four Guineas" and how Nigeria has changed, discussing the effects of technology on employment and her pleasure in gardening.

Divine, novelist, philologist and theological writer (1831-1903). He will get very great pleasure from being present at the laying of the foundation stone "of your new school" [in Taunton}. He goes on to describe the progress Harrow has made in science education ("All these changes are signs of the time". "I shall be very glad to have the honour of being present at the extension of a school so distinguished for efforts in this direction . . .". In a postscript he wonders if guest participation in a porcession involves "academical dress".

One page, 8vo, some pin-pricks not affecting text which runs as follows: "Mrs Fenimore Cooper presets her compliments to Miss Smith and thanks her for her politeness in sending the information respecting the femme de chambre of Miss Somerville. Had she known of it a little earlier, Mrs Cooper would hav ebeen very happy to have profited by it. But she had already engaged one when Miss Smith's obliging note was received.

Welsh actor, dramatist and theatre director (1905-1987). One page, 16mo. "I am afraid I am filming at the moment as well as playing in the theatre, and could not fit anything else in - I am so sorry."

Miscellaneous writer and inventor ( (1810-1889). One page, 8vo. Text as follows: "O glorious sea of mountains in a storm,/ &c &c/ Martin F. Tupper:/ for the Revd James Newman's Church Bazaar./ 1858 Brecon."

Journalist and police magistrate (1818-1891). 2pp., 8vo. Statement of Account for contributions to the "Miscellany", countersigned by Know three times. "Wellesley" attributes the articles listed in these statements to John Hamilton Reynolds, Keats's friend.

Dramatic author (so docketted). One page, 12mo. "On looking (as the young women say "promiscuously") over the list of your C. G. vice Presds. I do not perceive the name of my good friend the Duke of Beaufort - Has he never belonged to it? Or if not shall I ask him?" The reverse glued to the remains of the mount, with some slight loss (not affecting text) to one of the corners. Macready mentions Dance in his diary on a few occasions, without giving his first name in full.

English actor, playwright, songwriter (1856-1914). One page, 8vo. "Sir Maple is a handy man / And comfort round him spreads, / He furnishes on every plan / And also makes the beds." In bad condition, torn and holed by removal from mount, traces of which are glued to the reverse.

"I will carefully consider the suggestion and if the need arise will communicate with you again. | Yours faithfully | Sidney Lee"

Grubby and stained envelope addressed to Williams with "With a bag." in top left-hand corner. "The proof of your remembrance of your kind promise to me reached me just as I was leaving London, for a few days in this region. | I place your volumes on the shelves of my humble library with real satisfaction: for I am very pleased to have such a Token of your approval of my enterprize, and of your willingness to cooperate in making it a success. I hope to open - without any "ceremony" - possibly even in this month". Before they begin work he will ask him to visit Rowton House again.

The two pieces are attached on the reverse by gummed paper. The first is the head of the letter, giving place and date, and the second the conclusion, with Noyes' signature.

"Will you be so kind as to send me to this place, a dozen of the finest Champagne in the urse of the Morning? If you have any still Champagne I should prefer it provided it is of the best quality; but this, I fear is out of the question. Send the Bill with the Wine."

Difficult handwriting. "Dear Sir | I wish <?> good government and Peace [last word underlined three times] | Faithfully Yours | Geo Manville Fenn"

"I am laid up from the effects of an accidental blow on the leg." Is only writing to postpone the visit to 9 November.

Asks whether he is able to dine with them on 6 July. Neat square stamp in purple ink at head filled in in another hand with details of when received and answered. Small paper and glue mark at centre of otherwise-blank reverse.

He has heard that "a prospectus of the Company now being formed for the establishment of an English Opera Theatre in London has been sent to you at Thurloe Square", but he sends another with a few words. "I think that we have undertaken a good work: and I feel confident that, were the Company established, we should prosper." Needs to fill list of shareholders by 13 inst. Asks his correspondent to take a few shares "for the love of an art, which, if not your own, is akin to it".

The 1889 note: "Let me know whether you care to publish poetry - I can send you 3 stanzas". The other note: "I regret much that I am already engaged to dinner on Tuesday. If it were probable that yr party sat late into the night I would gladly join you in the coffee state of yr festivities". Two items,

"No Bye day!" He saw Charles Payne the day before. "It is freezing here with Arctic severity & I tremble for Friday and Saturday". Signed "J W Melville". Mounted on a piece of card.

1809-1895, Scottish professor and man of letters (DNB). Two pages, 8vo, minor defects, text clear and complete. He sasy that he has been reading the fourth edition of "Tyndall's Address" and written some remarks whioch would make 6 or 7 pages of his correspondent's "Review" (Edinburgh? No mention in Wellesley 1). He wonders if his correspondent would like it.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.