MASSINGHAM

[ Henry Russell, song writer and entertainer. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Massingham' [ W. W. Massingham of the Princess's Theatre ], requesting complimentary tickets to 'the Pantomime'.

Author: 
Henry Russell (1812?-1900), English song writer and entertainer [ William Wright Massingham, essee of the box-office at the Princess's Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
Without date or place. On paper watermarked 'A PIRIE & SONS | 1852'.
£30.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged paper, with minor traces of glue from mount on reverse. Reads: 'My ydear Massingham. | Will you give me an admission for myself & friend to see the Pantomime - I hear it is great - how are you - can I do any thing for you! - | Thine sincerely | Henry Massingham'. 'Old Massingham' was well-known in his day as 'the lessee of the box-office at the Princess's Theatre during the reign of Keeley and Charles Kean'. His collection of theatrical material was auctioned after his death.

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[ H. M. Tomlinson, author. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('H. M Tomlinson') to the publisher George G. Harrap, expressing an unwillingness to sign the introduction to 'Great Sea Stories of All Nations'.

Author: 
H. M. Tomlinson [ Henry Major Tomlinson ] (1873-1958), English journalist and author [ George G. Harrap, London publisher ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Rigewood, Croham Manor Road, South Croydon. 14 April 1930.
£56.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. He would agree to sign 'the introduction to the Sea Stories, for a special edition', if he was not 'convinced this "special edition" promotion has been overdone of late'. He concludes: 'I would rather not: but I am greatly obliged by the invitation.'

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Three Autograph Letters Signed and three Typed Letters Signed (all 'Charles') from the Chairman of the BBC Governors Lord Hill to the Observer journalist Hugh Massingham, mainly regarding their collaboration on the two volumes of his memoirs.

Author: 
Charles Hill (1904-1989), Baron Hill of Luton [Lord Hill], BBC 'Radio Doctor', Conservative MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Chairman of BBC Governors [Hugh Massingham (1905-71), journalist]
Publication details: 
On letterheads of Bury Knowle, Milton Road, Harpenden; The Independent Television Authority, 70 Brompton Road, London SW3; Winch Hill House, Wandon End, near Luton; and last three from Broadcasting House, London W1. 1963 (1), 1967 (1) and 1968 (4).
£120.00

Totalling 5pp., 4to and 3pp., 12mo. The six items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with the first three in autograph and the last three (from Broadcasting House) typed. Hill begins the first letter (22 April 1963) with the assertion that he is 'taking heed' of Massingham's 'stimulating advice', and this sets the tone of the whole correspondence.

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Autograph Letter Signed ('John Foster Fraser') from the English travel writer Sir John Foster Fraser to H. W. Massingham of the Daily Chronicle, describing his career and qualifications while applying for journalistic work.

Author: 
Sir John Foster Fraser (1868-1936), English travel writer [Henry William Massingham (1860-1924), editor of 'The Nation', 1907-1923]
Sir John Foster Fraser
Publication details: 
3 January 1896; The Author's Club, 3 Whitehall Court, SW, London.
£180.00
Sir John Foster Fraser

12mo, 4 pp. 61 lines. Text clear and complete. Good, on lightly-aged paper. An impressive letter applying for work. He does not expect Massingham (addressed as 'W. H. Massingham') to remember their meeting 'in the Lobby' when he was 'chief reporter on The Sun', while at the same time holding 'a Parliamentary engagement on the staff of the C. N.' Gives details of his subsequent employment, including joining the editorial staff of the 'Manchester Guardian' ('principally to look after their weekly paper which was in a sad way.

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