LITERATURE

[ Alfred de Vigny, French romantic poet. ] Autograph Signature, with note to fellow-author Eugène Guinot.

Author: 
Alfred de Vigny [ Alfred Victor, Comte de Vigny ] (1797-1863), French romantic poet [ Eugène Guinot (1812-1861), French author ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£250.00

On one side of an 8 x 13 cm piece of paper. In good condition, with light signs of age, and central horizontal fold. Firm, bold signature, 8 cm long, with underlining flourish. Beneath the signature, in a small hand, is the message: 'M Guinot | M: Vigny vous adresse son nom pour vous remercier il ne connait pas votre adresse'. Addressed on reverse, 'à M. Eug. Guinot'.

[ Dion Boucicault the younger, actor and theatre manager. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Dion Boucicault') to 'Mr Clarkson', regarding 'wigs that are being made for Sir Arthur Pinero's new play'.

Author: 
Dion Boucicault the younger (1859-1929), actor and theatre manager, husband of the actress Irene Vanbrugh [ Sir Arthur Wing Pinero; Duke of York's Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Duke of York's Theatre, London. 25 September 1912.
£35.00

1p., landscape 8Vo. In fair condition, aged and with a number of vertical crease lines. Reads: 'Dear Mr Clarkson, | Will you please give instructions that any wigs that are being made for Sir Arthur Pinero's new play should be here not later than 11 o'clock on Monday morning next. Our Dress Parade is at 12 o'clock.' The play Boucicault refers to is 'The Widow of Wasdale Head'.

[ Padraic Fallon, Irish poet and playwright. ] Typescript of unpublished novella titled 'Hearse for a Playboy'.

Author: 
Padraic Fallon (1905-1974), Irish poet and playwright
Publication details: 
'Padraic Fallon, | Prospect, | Wexford.' [ Ireland. ] Undated.
£2,800.00

118pp., of which the first 102pp. are in 4to, and the last 16pp. in folio. Stapled into red card wraps. Ownership inscription on inside front cover: 'Padraic Fallon, | Prospect, | Wexford'. Internally in good condition, on lightly-aged paper, in heavily-worn wraps. The story is set among race-horse trainers in Ballinasloe in 1936. There is a curious example of typewriter slippage in the last line but three on the last page: '[...] and the woods and 5h3 5o2nw in 2hifh h3 hqe wp3n5 hiw lir3. Qne [...]'.

[ A. J. Cronin, Scottish author. ] Typescript of his play 'Jupiter Laughs'.

Author: 
A. J. Cronin [ Archibald Joseph Cronin ] (1896-1981), Scottish author
Publication details: 
'All communications to: Mrs. T. C. Dagnall, Messrs. A. M. Heath & Co., Ltd., 188, Piccadilly, W.1. [ London ]' Undated [ circa 1941 ].
£250.00

144pp., 4to. Stapled into red card wraps, with typed label on cover. A carbon copy with label of the London typing bureau Curtis and Page. The play was published in London by Victor Gollancz in 1941, with a second edition from the same publisher in 1954.

[ Nigel Playfair and Philip Carr. ] Typescript of ' "Shock-headed Peter" A Children's Farce with Songs, Adapted by Philip Carr and Nigel Playfair from The well-known Pictures and Verses of "Struwwelpeter" Music by Walter Rubens'.

Author: 
Nigel Playfair; Philip Carr; Walter Rubens [ Struwwelpeter; Shock-headed Peter; Edith Craig ]
Publication details: 
[ London, circa 1900. ] With label and stamp of Samuel French, Ltd, 26, Southampton Street, Strand, London, W.C.2.
£450.00

106pp., 4to. In good condition internally, on lightly-aged paper, in worn grey-cloth binding, with large and wordy French label on front cover. Rubens's score is not present. The text is preceded by twelve pages carrying: a 'List of Scenery and Properties', 'a 'Scene Plot', 'Light Plots', 'Property Plot', 'Hand Properties', 'Prompter's Cues' and 'Costumes and Wigs'. Possibly a prompt copy, with a number of passages deleted, and a few minor emendations made, in pencil, as well as call notes typed on the versos of some leaves, opposite the relevant text.

[ Rudolph de Cordova and Alicia Ramsay, playwrights and actors. ] Typescripts of three plays: 'The Earthquake', 'The Hand of Vengeance' and 'A Game of Nap' (the last by de Cordova alone), and of a short stoy by de Cordova, 'The Man in Mourning'.

Author: 
Rudolph de Cordova (1860-1941), Jamaican-born British writer, screenwriter of the silent era and actor, married to Alicia Ramsey [ born Alice Joanna Royston ] (1864-1933)
Publication details: 
'The Earthquake' performed at the Hippodrome, London, around 1914. 'The Man in Mourning' published in the Green Book Magazine, February 1916.
£1,200.00

De Cordova was a voluminous author (see his entry in Who Was Who). Several of the couple's works were adapted for the cinema during the silent era. Of the four items present here, 'The Man in Mourning' was published in the Green Book Magazine, February 1916, and de Cordova's entry in Who's Who 1914 lists 'The Earthquake' among 'seven sensational dramas for the London Hippodrome'. No record has been found of the other two pieces. Four duplicated typescripts. In fair condition, with some wear and aging. ONE: '"The Earthquake" A Dramatic Sketch by Alicia Ramsey and Rudolph de Cordova'. A play.

[ Eric Ambler, thriller writer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Eric Ambler') to military historian Barrie Pitt, regarding the award of an OBE and the gift of a book. With copies of two letters by Pitt to Ambler.

Author: 
Eric Ambler [ Eric Clifford Ambler ] (1909-1998), British writer of crime and espionage novels [ Barrie Pitt ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Av. Eugene Rambert 20, 1815 Clarens, Suisse [ Switzerland ]. 1 May 1981.
£150.00

1p. 8vo. In good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. With envelope addressed by Ambler to Pitt at Kennister in Somerset. Also present are copies of two letters to Ambler from Pitt, dated 2 January and 20 February 1980. In the first Pitt congratulates Ambler on the receipt of an OBE, reminds him of their previous correspondence through Peter Janson-Smith, and sends 'Part I of my trilogy on the North African campaign' ('If it gives you one tenth of the enjoyment I get from every one of your books, it will have been worth writing.').

[ Sir A. J. B. Beresford-Hope, Tory politician and author. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('A J B Beresford Hope') to W. de Boinville, thanking him for uncovering information about the poet Christopher Smart.

Author: 
Sir Alexander James Beresford Beresford Hope [ Alexander Hope; A. J. B. Hope; A. J. B. Beresford Hope ] (1820-1887), Tory politician and author
Publication details: 
Bedgebury Park, Cranbrook [ Kent ]. 4 February 1858.
£45.00

3pp., 12mo. Writing in a difficult hand, he thanks him for his very curious & interesting letter respecting Chr. Smart, of whose birthplace I had been previously ignorant, tho' his name was not unknown to me in connection with Horace'.

[ William Clark Russell, nautical author. ] Offprint of article about him by 'Capt. W. J. Ward (Cardiff)', titled 'A National Asset'. With photographic portrait of Russell, and reproduction of sonnet to him by Julia D. Young.

Author: 
Capt. W. J. Ward (Cardiff), Author of "A Lady Skipper," "S.S. Grauck, or The Scheme That Failed," Etc. Etc. [ William Clark Russell (1844-1911), English nautical author; Julia D. Young ]
Publication details: 
'Reprinted from "The Maritime Review."' No place or date (but during the reign of King George V).
£50.00

2pp., 4to. Printed on the same side of one piece of shiny art paper, folded to make a bifolium. Aged and stained, with wear and slight loss to extremities. Photograph of Russell beneath title, alongside 'Sonnet | To W. Clark Russell', reprinted 'From "English Sea Pictures." By Julia D. Young, Author of "Barham Beach, the President's Poem." - New York.' The author laments that '[i]n this country, it is not the fashion to ennoble those who really do something for their time and generation', such as Russell, whose 'stupendous output' consists of 'fifty-seven books everyone [sic] of them good'.

[ Frederick Charles Husenbeth, Catholic priest and writer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('F. C. Husenbeth') ordering books from an unnamed bookseller's catalogue.

Author: 
Frederick Charles Husenbeth (1796-1872), English Catholic priest and writer
Publication details: 
Cossey [ Norfolk ]. 26 February 1854.
£25.00

1p., 12mo. On aged paper, with spike hole and damage to one margin, affecting five words of text, but not the signature. He asks for the item he orders, 'Natural Hist of England', to be addressed on the parcel to 'Very Rev. Dr. Husenbeth | Care of Mr. Spratchett | St. John's | Madder Market | Norwich'.

[ William Black, Scottish novelist. ] Autograph Note Signed, asking Scottish painter Thomas Faed to second his application for membership of the Athenaeum.

Author: 
William Black (1841-1898), Scottish journalist and novelist [ Thomas Faed (1826-1900), RA, Scottish artist ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Reform Club, Pall Mall, S.W. [ London ] 26 July [no year].
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly-aged, and laid down on a piece of card. Reads: 'July 26 | My dear Faed, | Would you mind seconding me at the Athenaeum? I believe Tom Hughes has put down my name. | Yours faithfully | William Black.' According to Black's entry in the Oxford DNB, he 'studied landscape painting for a short time in the Glasgow School of Art, but, becoming connected with the Glasgow Citizen, gradually exchanged art for journalism'.

[ Edward Lytton, Lord Lytton. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('L.') to 'Mr. Pearson', offering him a present.

Author: 
Edward Lytton, Lord Lytton [ Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton ] (1803-1873), 1st Baron Lytton, English novelist and politician, friend of Charles Dickens
Publication details: 
Without place or date. On his monogrammed letterhead.
£56.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly-aged. He writes that he has had 'a very fine p' sent to him, and asks if Pearson might accept it. 'If you dont care about it yourself you may have friends here to whom you might like to give it. Only, unluckily, I must have back the top'. He ends with a complaint regarding a 'Bronchial cough'.

[ Walter Sydney Sichel, historical biographer. ] Autograph Signature ('Walter S Sichel') on part of letter.

Author: 
Walter S. Sichel [ Walter Sydney Sichel ] (1855-1933), English historical biographer biographer
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£20.00

On one side of 7 x 11 cm piece of paper, cut from the end of a letter. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'It would be very good of you to append this short notice of a deserving measure. | Please forgive me trespassing on yr. time & good nature and believe me | Faithfully your's | Walter S Sichel'. For more information about Sichel, see his entry in Who Was Who.

[ Marie Corelli, novelist. ] Autograph signature.

Author: 
Marie Corelli (1855-1924), British novelist
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£23.00

A good, firm signature on the reverse of an 8vo endpaper removed from a book. In good condition, lightly-aged. Reads simply: 'Marie Corelli'.

[ Florence Marryat, author and actress. ] Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Florence Marryat (1833-1899), English author and actress, daughter of the novelist Captain Frederick Marryat (1792-1848)
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£25.00

Good, firm signature, on 5.5 x 14.5 cm piece of paper. In good condition, lightly aged, on card backing bearing traces of mount on reverse. Reads simply: 'Florence Marryat.'

[ Sir Compton Mackenzie, Scottish author. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Compton Mackenzie') to 'J. F. K.', inviting him back to 'this enchanting place' and informing him about his latest writing.

Author: 
Sir Compton Mackenzie (1883-1972), Scottish author
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Pradelles, Les Arques, Par Cazals, Lot, France. 1 November 1964.
£35.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged, with tiny stain in margin. He thanks him for his letter, and invites him to 'call again' at 'this enchanting place'. He has 'finished Octave 5' and is 'at work now on another Ben Nevis story'. He has asked his publishers Chatto & Windus to send him 'Octave 3'. A letterhead with Mackenzie's Edinburgh address is printed upside down on the reverse.

[ Tom Taylor, dramatist etc ] Autograph Letter Signed "Tom Taylor" to "[Thomas] Woolner", sculptor and poet

Author: 
Tom Taylor, dramatist, critic, biographer, public servant, and editor of Punch magazine
Publication details: 
Lavender Sweep, [Clapham Common, London], 30 Oct. 1877.
£56.00

Three pages, 12mo, bifolium, faint foxing and minor damage, text clear and complete. " The son of my excellent friendm Robt Harrison, Librarian of the London Library, is an applicant for the assistant Librarianship of the Royal Academy. [...]" He gives information about him (education, languages, travels, familiarity with "library work" (as assistant to his father), current filling in work in the Observatory at Kew. He solicits Woolner's vote, and adds, in a postscript, that the applicant is the grandson of an artist.

[ Poul Anderson, 'Golden Age' science fiction author. ] Typed Letter Signed (' Poul') to 'Don' [ Scottish science fiction expert Donald Malcolm ], discussing Malcolm's plans for a checklist of his work, his family background, and Scotland.

Author: 
Poul Anderson (1926-2001), American 'Golden Age' science fiction author [ Don Malcolm ]
Publication details: 
3 Las Palomas, Orinda, California. 30 June 1964.
£150.00

34 lines of typed text on air mail letter on blue paper. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Addressed to Malcom at Paisley, Renfrewshire.

[ 'Spacecraft lands in Sauchiehall Street', Glasgow. ] Autograph Letter Signed from publisher F. J. Stewart ('John') to Don Malcolm, with spoof newspaper article by him: 'Viking Spacecraft lands in Sauchiehall Street | Is There Life In Glasgow?'

Author: 
F. J. Steward, publisher with New English Library and Science Fiction conference organiser [ Don Malcolm, Scottish science fiction expert; Glasgow, Scotland ]
Publication details: 
Letter from 67 Abbey House, Abbey Road, London NW8. 11 July 1977.
£150.00

Both items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The letter is 2pp., 4to, and is written in a playful tone. Escaping the accompanying spoof Steward writes: 'Your remark that Glasgow was as alien to you as Mars got me thinking along the lines of the attached headline . . . . . It would be a good idea for a story if it hadnt been done about three thousand times already (See Robert Bloch (Report on Sol III) and others).

[ Francis Browning Bickerstaffe-Drew, English author. ] Typed Letter Signed ('John Ayscough') to an unnamed editor, offering republication of his novel 'Two Fair Ladies', on reverse of letter from J. S. Wood, editor of the Gentlewoman.

Author: 
'John Ayscough', penmame of Francis Browning Bickerstaffe-Drew (1858-1928), English author, Roman Catholic priest and papal count; J. S. Wood [ John Snell Wood ] (1853-1920), editor of the Gentlewoman
Publication details: 
Wood's letter, on letterhead of the Gentlewoman, Arundel Street, Strand, WC. 3 January 1894. Bickerstaffe-Drew's letter from 6 Holyrood Place, Plymouth. 4 January 1894.
£100.00

Each letter 1p., 4to, Bickerstaffe-Drew's on reverse of Wood's. In fair condition, on aged leaf of paper with strip torn from head. The two letters cast an interesting light on English publishing practice in the late nineteenth century. Wood's letter, signed 'J. S. Wood', is written by a secretary, and addressed to 'The Right Rev Mgr Bickerstaff Drew'.

[ Walter Jerrold, English writer. ] Humorous manuscript address to him, signed by nine authors including Arthur St John Adcock, Alfred George Gardiner ('Alpha of the Plough'), William Archer, George Sampson and Keighley Snowden, on reverse of menu.

Author: 
[ Walter Jerrold [Walter Copeland Jerrold] (1865-1929), English author and journalist] Alfred George Gardiner ('Alpha of the Plough'); William Archer; A..St John Adcock; George Sampson; C. E. Lawrence
Publication details: 
On letterhead menu of the Wayside Inn, 2 & 3 Bishops Court, Chancery Lane, WC [London]. Dated 4 June 1919.
£80.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The menu is written out in faint pencil on one side, beneath the letterhead. On the other side, and headed with the date 4 June 1919 is the following playful address: 'Dear Jerrold, | "Carry on"! | This has no reference to the food we have just eaten. | You Walter [pun on 'ought to'] be here because you're a Jerrold [pun on 'dear old'] fellow. | And so say all of us.' Beneath this are nine signatures, two of which are undeciphered.

[ S. Gertrude Ford, poet and suffragist. ] Holograph poem ('Compensation') and four Autograph Letters Signed to editor ('Wilson') and illustrator ('Robinson') of 'B. M. T[elegraph].' Topics include her writing, publication, and views on bereavement.

Author: 
S. Gertrude Ford, poet, journalist, suffragist and methodist, born in the Rossendale Valley, Lancashire [ probably sister of Cicely Ford (1876-1960) of Girton College, social worker and deaconess ]
Publication details: 
The first three letters from Chelmsford Cottage, Pine Rd, Winton, Bournemouth. 20 November 1905, and 4 and 11 January 1906. Fourth letter from Heather Cottage, Withermore Rd, Winton, Bournemouth, 20 July 1907. Poem dated October 1903.
£180.00

Ford's first book of verse was 'Sung by the Way', published in Blackburn in 1905. She published several volumes of patriotic poetry: 'Poems of War and Peace' (1915), 'A Crown of Amaranth' (with Erskine Macdonald, 1915), 'Our Heroes' (1916); 'A Fight to a Finish' (1917). Other volumes include 'Lyric Leaves' (1912) and 'The England of my Dream' (1928). She edited the series of 'Little Books of Georgian Verse', 1915-1916. Her 'Lessons in Verse-Craft' was published in 1919 with a second edition in 1923. Her song 'In the Twilight' (1923) was set to music by Harry Brookes.

[ Mrs Humphry Ward, English novelist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Mary A. Ward') to 'My dear Violet'

Author: 
Mrs Humphry Ward [ Mary Augusta Ward, neé Arnold ] (1851-1920), English novelist, born in Tasmania
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Stocks, Tring. 12 March 1895.
£38.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. She apologises for the delay in writing, explaining: 'my hand has been dreadfully lame, & I have no secretary'. She explains that she has spoken to 'Mr. Craufurd' regarding the cottage, but that there is 'an old lady here, the widow of a farmer, a certain Mrs. Mead, who is supposed by Mr. Craufurd to have a prior claim'. She discusses whether Mrs Mead truly wants the cottage, and the possibility of making alterations to it, ending with remembrances to the recipient's father and mother.

[Booklet; inscribed by author] The Literary Beauties of the Bible: A Lecture delivered to the Waterford Young Men's Christian Institute

Author: 
Rev. Edward Dalton, Rector of Tramore, sometime Secretary to the Protestant Association.
Publication details: 
London: W.H. Dalton, Bookseller to the Queen [...] Messrs. Hodges, Smith & Co., Publishers to the University, Dublin, 1862
£85.00

32pp., 8vo, pale blue printed wraps, partly detached at spine, some foxing, mainly good. Inscribed, front wrap, "With the Author's Christian love". Several copies listed on WorldCat including main British Libraries. No other copy currently on the market.

[Booksellers Stock 1880-1] A General Catalogue of the Stock of C.J. Stewart. 1880[1881]

Author: 
C.J. Stewart [Charles James Stewart], Bookseller (theological)
Publication details: 
C.J. Stewart, 11 King William Street, West Strand, London, WC, 1880-1.
£280.00

584pp., 8vo, utilitarian cloth binding, sl. hinge strain, for the sections as they were published (A-Calvin, Calvin-Fulke,Fulke-Zaccaria), with original wraps of the three original parts bound in, in good+ condition. Small stamp on spine "Trin.Coll. Camb.."His stock has a theological bent, for example the section on BIBLES runs from pp.106 -165, nos.1312-1912, Biblio polyglotta (1586) to Biblia Maxima Versionum ex Linguis Orientalibus (1660).

[Grabhorn Press; Bohemian Club Authors] A brief Catalog of the published works of Bohemian Club Authors

Author: 
[Bohemian Club Authors; Grabhorn Press]
Publication details: 
San Francisco, Bohemian Club, 1937 [imprint, Grabhorn Press]
£280.00

[51]pp., 8vo, stiff paper wraps, dulled minor wear and tear (small closed tears, for example), contents good. No other copy currently on the market, 6 copies listed on WordldCat (BL and five US/Canadian).

[ Caradoc Evans, Welsh author ] Autograph Letter Signed "Caradoc Evans" to [Sewell] Stokes [" novelist, biographer, playwright, screenwriter, broadcaster and prison visitor. "]

Author: 
Caradoc Evans [David Caradoc Evans], (1878–1945), Welsh story writer, novelist and playwright.
Publication details: 
26 Thornton Road, East Sheen, Tuesday [n.d. between1923 and 1929]. Perhaps when he edited T.P.'s Weekly, Sewell Stokes as assistant editor
£180.00

One page, 8vo, fold mark, small closed tears on fold, good condition, pencilled ticks (by Stokes?). "I am in bed, now reading a bit of Ben Johnson [sic] now a bit of 'Moll Flanders", now a bit of [?] & now a bit of Marie Corelli." He anticipates when he'll next be in the "office". New paragrph, "Will you and Mr Moore go through that basket of mine marked "Current" & send off for setting that wghich appeals to you. There is an article on Arthur Machen, which should be cut [...].

[ Thomas Hood, English poet. ] Autograph Inscription, signed 'Thos: Hood', to Lord Jeffrey.

Author: 
Thomas Hood (1799-1845), English poet and humourist, a contributor to the London Magazine [ Francis Jeffrey (1773-1850), Lord Jeffrey, Scottish judge and critic, editor of the Edinburgh Review ]
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£20.00

On piece of 9 x 14.5 cm card. In fair condition: aged, lightly-stained and with traces of mount adhering to reverse. Reads: 'To | Lord Jeffrey | With Kind regards from | Thos: Hood'.

[ Eugène Ionesco, 'Theatre of the Absurd' playwright. ] Typescripts of two translations of his plays by Donald Watson: the 'original text' of 'The Bald Prima Donna. A Pseudo-Play in one act', and 'The Motor Show'.

Author: 
Eugène Ionesco (1909-1994), Franco-Romanian 'Theatre of the Absurd' playwright; Donald Watson, translator
Publication details: 
Neither translation dated, but both 'Copyright by DONALD WATSON, | 13 Oakley St., Chelsea, London.'
£300.00

Watson's translation of 'La Cantatrice Chauve' (1950) was first published in London by Calder in 1958, and his version of 'Le Salon de l'Automobile' (1951) by the same publisher in the fifth volume of Ionesco's plays in 1963. The two scripts typed in uniform style, on rectos of leaves, and stapled together. ONE: 'The Bald Prima Donna'. 19pp., 8vo. In good condition, on aged paper, with somewhat-appropriate child's markings in black ink on blank parts of first page.

[ Simon Lane, novelist and bon viveur. ] Typescripts of two unpublished plays, the first signed by the author: 'Anagrams' and '"Petipa Dort" or "The Sleeping Princess Revised (again)"'.

Author: 
Simon Lane [Oliver Simon Lane] (1957-2012), novelist, playwright, bon viveur and wit
Publication details: 
'Anagrams' signed by Lane with the address 9 Kenilworth Court, Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 1EW, and dated 9 November 1978, 'Petipa Dort' with typed name 'O S LANE ESQ', from the same address.
£350.00

In his obituary in the Independent, Lane was described as 'one of those writers whose published oeuvre is only matched by the supreme fiction of their own existence'. The present two pieces, both unpublished, date from his time studying theatre design at Wimbledon Art School, before 'launching himself across the globe, seemingly supported only by his verbal brilliance, good looks, perfect wardrobe and genius to amuse'. ONE: '"ANAGRAMS [no closing quotation mark] | A One Act Play - by Simon Lane'. [3] + 19pp., 8vo. Duplicated typescript on loose leaves held together by paper clip.

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