HISTORY

Autograph Letter Signed to Dr [Albert] Gunther.

Author: 
Arthur Donaldson Smith
Publication details: 
24 January 1895; Barre.
£150.00

American physician and explorer of Africa (1866-1939). The recipient (1830-1914) was Keeper of the Zoological Department at the British Museum, 1875-95, and Vice-President of the Royal Society, 1875-6. Two pages, 12mo. Very good, on slightly discoloured paper with a little light spotting. Traces of previous mount adhering to one edge. He is sending some 'spirit-specimens' from his collection and has written to Sir William Flower 'as to the disposition of the entire collection'.

Autograph Letter Signed to (Charles Edward) Fagan.

Author: 
Arthur Donaldson Smith
Publication details: 
25 January 1895; Barre.
£250.00

American physician and explorer of Africa (1866-1939). The recipient was Assistant Secretary at the Natural History Museum, London. One page, 12mo. Good, on slightly discoloured paper, and with remains of stub still neatly attached to one edge. A significant letter, sent on the eve of Donaldson Smith's most notable expedition. 'Just a line in haste to tell you I & Dodson [a taxidermist engaged for the expedition] are ready to start for Rudolph Gillitt [another taxidermist] having left for England after hearing of his father's death.

[ Austen Leigh; ALS; pamphlet ] Eton under Barnard 1754-1765

Author: 
R.A. Austen Leigh, editor
Publication details: 
Eton: At the College Press, 1904.
£100.00

Blue printed paper wraps, 39pp., 12mo, sl. worn. edges sunned, minor foxing, covers sl. away from staples, comprising Preface by Austen Leigh, an introduction and an Alphabetical List (of pupils in that period. A signature of a descendant, "E.A.B. Barnard is on front cover, while the clipped signature of R.A. Austen Leigh is glued to the titlepage. An Autograph Letter Signed "R.A. Austen Leigh" is tipped on the inside of the front wrap. dated 17 Jan. 1945,addressed to "Venn", 1.5 pages.

[ John Carter, bookseller ] Two Autograph Postcards Signed "John Carter" and "John C.", one to "R. Hyde" [Ron[ald] Hyde, collector/dealer etc, the other to Mrs [Richard] Bentley", widow of the publisher, Richard Bentley (II).

Author: 
John Waynflete Carter (1905-1975), bibliographer and bookseller
Publication details: 
[Hyde] Sotheby & Co. 34 & 35 New Bond Street, London, W1 [postmark 24 Nov. 1961] and [Mrs Bentley] [?Chelsea, 8 Dec. 1961].
£180.00

Two APCSs, sl. worn, but text clear and complete. The subject of both cards is the William Beckford letters which "disappeared" during an auction of the contents of The Mere, the Bentley house near Slough. First postcard (to Hyde): "My old friend Mrs Bentley has asked me to look into the question of other letters & papers, including the William Beckford lot w[hi]ch she tells me you saw; and I have had a talk today with her lawyer. I should much like to know just what you saw & heard. Could you possibly telephone me tomorrow morning or Sunday?

[ Edward Forbes, Manx naturalist. ] Autograph Note in the third person to 'Mr Bowerbank'.

Author: 
Edward Forbes (1815-1854), Manx naturalist, Professor of Botany at King's College, London
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£40.00

On 3 x 17 cm. slip of paper, cut from longer document. In fair condition, lightly aged and folded. Reads: 'Prof Forbes' compliments to Mr Bowerbank and he cannot they are not ready he will forward them to Mr Ransom himself'.

[ College of Aeronautics, Cranfield. ] 'Secret' typed thesis, with 71 diagrams, on the interception of atomic bombers, titled 'Turning Performance and Manoeuvrability of Aircraft at Supersonic Speeds by Lieutenant (E) R. A. Langley, Royal Navy'.

Author: 
Lieut-Commander R. A. Langley, Royal Navy [ College of Aeronautics, Cranfield; Nuclear War; Atomic Weapons ]
Publication details: 
The College of Aeronautics, Cranfield. May 1952.
£1,250.00

The problem with which the thesis deals is summed up at the start: 'If war broke out in the near future, attack by atomic bombers would become an immediate possibility, and one of the biggest problems would be the defence of this Island, which, with its areas of dense population, particularly around its essential industries, would present many ideal targets to the enemy. It would, therefore, be essential to destroy, or attempt to destroy, each enemy bomber before it reached the coast.

[ Charles Lucien Bonaparte, ornithologist and nephew of Napoleon. ] Autograph Signature (' C L. Bonaparte').

Author: 
Charles Lucien Bonaparte [ Charles Lucien Jules Laurent Bonaparte, 2nd Prince of Canino and Musignano ] (1803-1857), biologist and ornithologist, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£56.00

On 5.5 x 14 cm. strip of paper. Apparently written in response to a request for an autograph. Reads: 'I am much flattered by the demand | C L. Bonaparte' ('demand' being a mistake for 'request').

[ Printed pamphlet. ] Man-Power. A Speech delivered by General Sir A. Hunter-Weston, M.P. (In the House of Commons, January 24th, 1918.)

Author: 
General Sir A. Hunter-Weston, M.P.
Publication details: 
Printed in Great Britain by Alabaster, Passmore & Sons, Ltd., 35-47, Whitecross Street, London, E.C.1.
£45.00

8pp., 8vo. Stapled pamphlet. Aged, worn and creased. Photograph (by 'Swaine') of author in uniform on front cover, and 'Introductory Note' on p.2, beginning: 'General Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston, K.C.B., D.S.O., was elected Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire last year, and he delivered his maiden speech in the debate on the Military Service Bill (Man-Power) in the House of Commons on January 24th, 1918.

[ The British Army in the Peninsular War. ] Autograph Letter Signed (twice 'J. Barker') from Deputy Storekeeper General John Barker to British Minister at Lisbon [ Charles Stuart ], giving details of 'Stores shipped by this Department' to Portugal.

Author: 
John Barker, Deputy Storekeeper General, Storekeeper General's Office, London [ Charles Stuart (1779-1845), 1st Baron Stuart de Rothesay; Peninsular War ]
Publication details: 
Storekeeper General's Office [ 23 Great George Street ], London. 28 January 1812.
£180.00

2pp., folio. In fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. On first leaf of bifolium, the second leaf docketted in pencil. In fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. Detailed letter, filling two whole folio pages, beginning: 'Sir. | In the absence of the Storekeeper General I have the honour to refer you to his letters of the 12th. Novr. 19th. & 31st. Decr.

[ John Gould, ornithologist. ] Autograph Note Signed to London bookseller J. E. Cornish, acknowledging a payment.

Author: 
John Gould (1804-1881), ornithologist [ J. E. Cornish, London bookseller ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'London, 26, Charlotte Street, | Bedford Square. W. E.' 19 August 1870.
£150.00

1p., 12mo. In very good condition. Large bold signature. 'Dear Sir | Thanks for your prompt remittance: I return the a/c duly accepted and remain | Dear Sir | Yours very truly | John Gould | Mr. J. E. Cornish'. Docketted at top left.

[ Admiral Edward Thornbrough. ] Autograph Signature ('Edwd: Thornbrough') on part of letter.

Author: 
Edward Thornbrough (1754-1834), Royal Navy Admiral, who served with distinction in the American War of Independence
Publication details: 
No place. [ August 1816.]
£100.00

On one side of 13 x 9 cm. piece of paper cut from letter. In good condition, on aged paper. The date 'Augt: 1816' is at bottom right, apparently in another hand. Reads: '<...> the men all examined - | <...> their being sent out in | <...> are sad set to keep on board | <...>pose we shall soon see | <...>il for the distribution of | <...>to keep my Cruizers out | <...>way her Bowsprit but | <...> few Days Lieutt. Jewry is | <...>man | Yours most faithfully | Edwd: Thornborough'.

[ Irving Montagu of the Illustrated London News and Punch. ] Three Autograph Letters Signed (one 'Irving Montagu' and two 'Montagu') to Edward Draper

Author: 
Irving Montagu (1842-1901), war correspondent and artist of the Illustrated London News and Punch [ Edward Draper, London solicitor and writer on the theatre ]
Publication details: 
Two from Briar Cottage, Shepherds Bush, 2 and 7 January 1893. One on letterhead of 64 Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square [ London ]. 'Saturday' [no date].
£56.00

The three items in fair condition, on aged and worn paper, the last two items with traces of grey paper from mounting adhering. ONE: From Charlotte Street. 'Saturday' (undataed). Signed 'Irving Montagu'. 2pp., 8vo. Arranging to dine at Draper's in the face of a clashing invitation. TWO: From Briar Cottage, 2 January 1893. 4pp., 12mo. Signed 'Montagu'.

[ Nicholas Carlisle, Secretary, Society of Antiquaries of London. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Nis. Carlisle.') to 'Mrs. Smyth', discussing domestic matters.

Author: 
Nicholas Carlisle (1771-1847), Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries of London
Publication details: 
Somerset Place [ London ]. 2 January 1847.
£45.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed, with broken seal in red wax, on reverse of second leaf, to 'Mrs. Smyth.' Addressed at head of letter to 'My dear friend.' He begins by thanking her for 'a huge slice of Cumberland pie', which he is certain 'will prove excellent'. The letter continues with references to 'Mr. Archer' and 'Mrs Grainger', the latter being 'at present in sorrow, for the death of her eldest sister at Sheffield'. In a contemporary hand beneath the signature: 'From Nicholas Carlisle Esq. | Sec. for many years of the Soc.

[ William Hamilton Gibson, American illustrator and naturalist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W Hamilton Gibson') to 'Mr Skinner', thanking him for a notice of a lecture

Author: 
William Hamilton Gibson (1850-1896), American illustrator and naturalist
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 132 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn. 6 March 1894.
£56.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. He thanks him for a notice of his lecture which is 'sympathetic and in every way adequate and helpful'. He is accustomed to reviews 'which however kindly and appreciative have nevertheless so woefully manipulated my facts'. He gives as an example his 'good friend Baker of the Union', who 'in the kindliest & most cordial spirit put words in my mouth, statements of scientific fact [...] But it is as you have so often told me. The only way to establish a truth is to pound away at it, iteration and reiteration.'

[ John George Wood, naturalist and author. ] Autograph Signature ('J. G. Woods') on conclusion of Autograph Letter

Author: 
Rev. J. G. Wood [ John George Wood ] (1827-1889), English naturalist and author
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£30.00

On one side of piece of 13.5 x 8.5 cm piece of paper. Aged and worn. Reads: 'know when I shall have an evening to myself, for in the last fifteen days or so, I have only dined at home twice, and as far as I see, that much of vagrant life seems rather on the increase than otherwise. But the first evening that I have, I will dedicate to you, & give you notice thereof | Best remembrances to your family - | Yours very sincerely | J. G. Wood'. On reverse, in another hand: 'J. G. Wood | the great naturalist'.

[ Two First World War printed leaflets. ] 'Three Years of War' and, by Ethel Snowden, 'A People's Peace'.

Author: 
Ethel Snowden [ Women's Peace Crusade, London; the National Labour Press, Manchester and London; First World War ]
Publication details: 
[ Women's Peace Crusade, London. ] Both printed by the National Labour Press, Ltd., London (the first also from Manchester).
£50.00

Both items 1p., 12mo. Both complete, on aged and worn newspaper stock. ONE: 'Leaflet No.5 | Three Years of War.' Quoting from a speech by Lloyd George in the House of Commons, 16 August 1917, and from the Manchester Guardian, 4 August 1917. Illustration in top left-hand corner of distraught woman having received a letter informing her of her loved one's death, titled 'CASUALTIES'. TWO: 'Leaflet No.6. | A People's Peace'. At foot, beneath slug: 'Written by Ethel Snowden, 39 Woodstock Road, Golders Green, N.W.4.' Headed 'Passed by the Press Bureau, December 2nd. No. 00096'.

[ Printed First World War pamphlet. ] Those German Peace Offers.

Author: 
William Stephen Sanders
Publication details: 
No. 3 in the 'German Aims Series.' Distributed for W. H. Smith & Son, London: by John Menzies & Cco. Ltd., Edinburgh. [ 1918. ]
£35.00

20pp., in printed covers. Dimensions 13.5 x 10.5 cm. Stapled. In good condition, with light signs of age. Refers to a speech in the Reichstag on 24 June 1918, and thus published between then and the end of the war. Headings: 'Allies' Terms in Detail', 'The One Formal Offer', 'No Annexations and No Indemnities', 'How the Bolsheviks were Treated', 'Offers to Separate the Allies', 'The Papal Note of 1917', 'Declining All Discussion', 'Insincere Approaches', 'Frontiers "Drawn by History."' Two copies on COPAC: at the Imperial War Museum and Leeds University.

[ Printed First World War pamphlet. ] Pan-German Socialism (Neo-Marxism).

Author: 
William Stephen Sanders [ The New Age, London ]
Publication details: 
'(Reprinted from "The New Age")'. W. H. Smith & Son, London. [ 1918. ]
£28.00

24pp., 12mo. Stapled. In good condition, with light signs of age. A wartime pamphlet, the latest reference in which is to 'the "demonstration" vote of the Socialist Party in the Reichstag, July, 1918, against the Budget', and thus written between that date and the end of the war. The author's message is summed-up in his conclusion: 'Franz Mehring is right in declaring that the old German Social Democracy is dead.

[ Printed First World War pamphlet. ] Negotiate Now? A Business Man's Answer. An Interview with Lord Leverhulme by Harold Begbie.

Author: 
Lord Leverhulme [ William Hesketh Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme (1851-1925) ] ; Harold Begbie [ The Daily Chronicle, London ]
Publication details: 
W. H. Smith & Son: 186 Strand, London, W.C.
£45.00

7 + [1]pp., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn newspaper stock. Reproduction on cover of Louis Raemaekers cartoon from the Daily Chronicle titled 'The Hand of Kultur'. Biography of Leverhulme on p.2. Headings: '"Burglar Morality"', 'Change of Mind Necessary', 'Back to the 1914 Mood', 'Meaning of Hertling's Speech', 'Hypocrisy and Confidence', 'Our Rock of Defence', 'When Gernmany may be Trusted'. Quotation from Leverhulme on back cover: 'Russia is out. Rumania is out. Italy has received a hard blow. France and England are the only enemies left who remain to be crushed.

[ Printed First World War pamphlet by Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labour. ] American Labour & the War

Author: 
Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labour [ The Daily Chronicle, London; British Trades Union Congress; National War Aims Committee, London ]
Publication details: 
'No. 28.' 'Reprinted, by permission, from the "Daily Chronicle," November 15, 1917.' 'From the statement of Samuel Gompers conveyed through Messrs. John Golden and James Lord, fraternal delegates to the British Trade Union Congress'.
£56.00

[4]pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn newspaper stock. Front page headed by National War Aims Committee medallion featuring George slaying the dragon. Introductory note: 'Mr. Samuel Gompers has been president of the American Federation of Labour - with the intermisssion of one year - since 1882. The body of which he is the founder has now a membership of over 2,500,00, and he is consequently entitled to speak authoritatively for organised labour in the United States.' Headings: 'International Conferences' and 'In Freedom's Cause'. No copy in the British Library.

[ The Earl of Denbigh on the First World War. ] Printed pamphlet titled 'Why Germany Made War'; with printed handbill of 'Points to Remember' ('What Germany Wants'), carrying full-page coloured map.

Author: 
Col. The Earl of Denbigh, C.V.O., A.D.C. [ Rudolph Robert Basil Aloysius Augustine Feilding, 9th Earl of Denbigh, 8th Earl of Desmond (1859-1939) ]
Publication details: 
PAMPHLET: No. 2 in 'German Aims Series.' Distributed by W. H. Smith & Son, London: John Menzies & Co., Ltd, Edinburgh. Printed by Darling & Son, Ltd., London. HANDBILL: printed by R. Clay and Sons, Ltd, London and Suffolk; undated.
£65.00

Both items in good condition, on lightly aged paper. PAMPHLET: 23pp., thin 12mo (15 x 7.5 cm.). Stapled; in blue printed wraps, with two 15 x 16.5 cm. fold-outs carrying four maps.

[ Printed pamphlet. ] The Winning Plans of the European Peace Awards | Offered in the British Empire, France, Italy, and Germany for "The best practical proposals for restoring peace and prosperity in each of those countries [...].

Author: 
Edward A. Filene, foreword; Alice La Mazière, introductory note [ European Peace Awards; British Peace Award; Albert Mansbridge ]
Publication details: 
The European Peace Awards. 'Rouffe, Imp., Paris'. [ 1924. ] 'Additional copies of this pamphlet can be obtained for 1 sh. per copy, post free, on application to: Dr. Albert Mansbridge c/o British Peace Award, 13 John Street, Adelphi, London W.C.2.'
£80.00

Full title: 'The Winning Plans of the European Peace Awards | Offered in the British Empire, France, Italy, and Germany for "The best practical proposals for restoring peace and prosperity in each of those countries through international co-operation"'. 180pp. Dimensions of pamphlet 19.5 x 9 cm. Three copies on COPAC: at Birmingham, the British Library, and Senate House. Nicely printed by Rouffe of Paris, with separate sections on the British, French, German and Italian Peace Awards, with an 'Annex' on the American Peace Award.

[ Printed First World War pamphlet by the National War Aims Committee, London, on address by Prime Minister David Lloyd George. ] Our United War Aims.

Author: 
[ National War Aims Committee, London; David Lloyd George, Liberal prime minister ]
Publication details: 
'No. 33', 'Published by the National War Aims Committee, at 54, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1.' [ Report of address by the Prime Minister 'to delegates of the British Trade Unions at the Central Hall, Westminster, on January 5th, 1918.'
£40.00

4pp., 8vo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. 'No. 33' in top right-hand corner of first page, which is headed by National War Aims medallion featuring George slaying the dragon. The two central papers carry 'The Prime Minister's Declaration', with headings: 'What we are NOT fighting for', 'What we ARE fighting for' ('In Europe', 'In Asia and Africa', 'General', 'Conclusions'. The back page carries 'Endorsements of the Prime Minister' by Clemenceau, Albert Thomas, President Wilson, Arthur Henderson, J. H. Thomas, Lord Lansdowne and Ramsay Macdonald.

[ Printed First World War pamphlet. ] War Loan Catechism.

Author: 
[ National War Savings Committee, London ]
Publication details: 
N.W.S.C. War Loan Leaflet B. 'Issued by the National War Savings Committee, Salisbury Square, E.C.' '1/17' [ i.e. January 1917 ].
£50.00

4pp., 8vo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper with some fraying at head. 29 questions, beginning with 'WHAT is the Loan for? | To raise money to pay for the War, and to hasten the coming of Peace.' Scarce: no copy on OCLC WorldCat or on COPAC.

[ Printed First World War handbill on the Russian Revolution and Reichstag Peace Resolution. ] Peace Negotiations To-Morrow

Author: 
[ The Women's International League, London; the National Labour Press Ltd., London ] [ Russian Revolution; Reichstag Peace Resolution, 1917 ]
Publication details: 
'Published by the Women's International League, 12 Little College St., S.W.1; Printed by the National Labour Press Ltd., 8 & 9 Johnson's Court, E.C.4. [ 1917 ]
£50.00

2pp., 12mo. On single leaf. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Headings: 'Support Russia!', 'No Annexations and No Indemnities and the Right of Peoples to determine their own Government', 'Russia demands our practical sympathy, shall she have it?' and 'The Peace Negotiations could begin to-morrow'. The document begins: 'The British people have acclaimed the Russian Revolution.

[ Printed First World War pamphlet. ] British War Aims | Statement by the Prime Minister, The Right Honourable David Lloyd George, on January 5, 1918.

Author: 
'The Right Honourable David Lloyd George'
Publication details: 
Published by Authority of the British Government. Printed under the Authority of His Majesty's Stationery Office by Harrison, Jehring & Co., Ltd., 11-15, Emerald Street, London, W.C.1. [ 1918 ].
£28.00

12pp., 8vo. Stapled. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. 'This Statement was delivered to a meeting of the Representatives of Labour called to consider the question of further efforts for the prosecution of the war.

[ Three First World War printed pamphlets issued by the National War Aims Committee, London. ] 'Wilson's Message | The Conditions of Peace', 'Balfour's Message | The Obstacles of Peace' and 'Lloyd George's Message | Looking Forward.'

Author: 
[ National War Aims Committee, London ] [ Woodrow Wilson; A. J. Balfour; David Lloyd George ]
Publication details: 
Nos. 3, 5 and 6 in the 'Message Series'. National War Aims Committee. Copies from W. H. Smith & Son, London; John Menzies & Co., Ltd., Edinburgh. [ All three from 1918. ]
£125.00

The three items are uniform in layout with silhouette portraits of the authors on the covers, and measure 14.5 x 8 cm. All three in fair condition, aged and worn. NO. 3, 'Wilson's Message': [8]pp. Stitched in printed covers. 'President Wilson at Washington's Tomb, Mount Vernon, on Independence Day, July 4, 1918.' NO.5, 'Balfour's Message': [16]pp. Stapled in printed covers. 'Substance of a Speech delivered by the Rt. Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P., Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in the House of Commons, August 8, 1918.' NO.6, 'Lloyd George's Message': [1] + 14 + [1]pp. Stapled.

[ Printed First World War pamphlet. ] Industrial Problems After the War. Speech delivered by The Right Hon. G. H. Roberts, M.P., Minister of Labour.

Author: 
'The Right Hon. G. H. Roberts, M.P., Minister of Labour' [ George Henry Roberts (1868-1928); The Industrial Reconstruction Council, Manchester ]
Publication details: 
'At a Public Meeting, Convened by the Industrial Reconstruction Council, at Manchester, on March 13th, 1918.'
£30.00

8pp., 8vo. Stapled. In fair condition, on aged and worn newspaper stock. Portrait of Roberts on front cover. Headings: 'Demobilisation', 'The State and Industrial Councils', 'The Outlook for British Trade after the War', 'The Need for Better Organisation', 'The Interest of Labour in Industrial Problems', 'Reform, not Revolution', 'The Outlook of Industry and a Living Wage', 'Industry and the Common Ground', 'A New Spirit of Industry'. No copy in the British Library, and the only copies on COPAC at the Imperial War Museum and Leeds.

[ Barry Pitt, military historian. ] Typescript, with autograph emendations, of article on 'Orde Wingate'.

Author: 
Barrie Pitt (1918-2006), military historian [ Orde Wingate [ Major-General Orde Charles Wingate ] (1903-1944), British Army officer, tactical innovator during the Burma Campaign of World War Two
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£150.00

3pp., 4to. On three leaves of yellow paper. In good condition, with slight staining from paper clip. Emendations in black and red ink. No evidence of publication of the text has been discovered. It begins: 'On 25th July, 1943, Mr. Churchill wrote "I consider Wingate should command the army against Burma. [...]"'.

[ Barrie Pitt, military historian. ] Typed account, titled 'Monty', of meetings with Field Marshal Montgomery of Alamein, first in Egypt in 1942, and then 'some time in the 1970s'.

Author: 
Barrie Pitt (1918-2006), British military historian [ Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (1887-1976); Basil Liddell-Hart; the Savage Club, London ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date [ 1980s? ].
£180.00

4pp., 8vo. In good condition, with light signs of age. A lively and vivid account, as the opening indicates: '"Ah!

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