WOMEN'S

[Clara Montalba, British artist and suffragist, noted for her watercolours of Venice.] Autograph Signature [given in response to a request for an autograph].

Author: 
Clara Montalba [Clara Federica Montalba] (1840-1929), British artist and suffragist of Swedish and English extraction, noted for her watercolours of Venice, daughter of Anthony Rubens Montalba
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£30.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, on discoloured paper with slight discoloration at corner as a result of removal from mount. Neatly centred on the page is 'Yours Sincerely | Clara Montalba'. No other text. The signature is florid and curliculous.

[Anna Gurney, philologist and philanthropist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('A Gurney') to Lady Cullum of Hardwick House, discussing the Cullums' European tour, and giving news of their friends.

Author: 
Anna Gurney (1795-1857), philologist and philanthropist, member of the Gurney Quaker banking family [Lady Ann Cullum (1807-1875), wife of Sir Thomas Gery Cullum (1777-1855) of Hardwick House]
Publication details: 
23 October [circa 1842]. 'N Repps [i.e. Northrepps] Cottage [near Cromer, Norfolk]'.
£180.00

See Anna Gurney's entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient and her husband had spent some time in Rome in 1842, and in 1838 had befriended the Alpinist Henriette d'Angeville at Geneva. 4pp, 4to. Bifolium with mourning border and watermark year 1840. In good condition, lightly aged, with minor traces of glue from label on outsides of gutter. The letter begins: 'My dear Lady Cullum | I think You & Sir Thomas may be home by this time & I must wish to enquire how you both are after your long wanderings.

[Mary Stocks (Lady Stocks), author and supporter of women's suffrage and social reform.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Mary Stocks') to J. Samson of the Royal Society of Arts, regretting that she is 'too senile' to chair a meeting.

Author: 
Mary Stocks [born Mary Danvers Brinton; Lady Stocks] (1891-1975), writer and worker in fields of women's suffrage, welfare state and social work; linked to Strachey, Wedgwood and Ricardo families
Publication details: 
31 August 1973. On letterhead of 'The Lady Stocks', Aubrey Lodge, Aubrey Road, W8 [London].
£60.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with pin hole to one corner. Folded twice. The surname in Stock's signature underlined in green. She is 'greatly honoured' by Samson's invitation, '& it is a thing I should have loved to do. But the sad fact is, I am getting too senile to be sure of being able to keep a discussion in hand as a competant [sic] chairman should'. The letter concludes: 'I fear I am a bad example of an 82 year-old in view of what Sybil Thorndike does at 90!'

[Frances Power Cobbe, Irish social reformer, anti-vivisectionist and campaigner for women's suffrage.] Autograph Signature ('Frances P Cobbe') to part of letter.

Author: 
Frances Cobbe [Frances Power Cobbe] (1822-1904), Irish author, social reformer, anti-vivisectionist, and campaigner for women's suffrage
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£23.00

On 4 x 11 cm slip of paper. Reads: '[...] them. | With many thanks for yr kindness believe me | very truly yrs | Frances P Cobbe'. On reverse: '[...] information. | Have you ever seen a very curious French book [...]'.

[Winifred Brown [Winifred Sawley Brown, later Adams], aviatrix, the first woman to win the King's Cup Air Race.] Autograph Signature ('Winifred Brown.') with short inscription.

Author: 
Winifred Brown [Winifred Sawley Brown, later Adams] (1899-1984), aviatrix, explorer, sportswoman, yachtswoman, in 1930 the first woman to win the King's Cup Air Race
Publication details: 
21 October 1931. No place.
£23.00

On one side of 8.5 x 11 cm piece of grey card, with rounded corners. In good condition, lightly aged. Neatly and simply written out (in response to a request for an autograph), reading: 'Best Wishes | Sincerely | Winifred Brown.' Date by Brown at bottom left. Endorsed in pencil at head: 'First woman to win King's Cup Air Race | 1930'.

[Felicia Hemans, poet.] Autograph Poem, with corrections, titled 'The Cross of the South.'

Author: 
Felicia Hemans [Felicia Dorothea Hemans] (1793-1835), Anglo-Irish Romantic poet, born in Liverpool [William Jerdan, editor of the Literary Gazette]
Publication details: 
No date of place. On paper with watermarked date 1820. [Poem published in the Literary Gazette, London, 23 June 1821.]
£600.00

3pp, 4to. Bifolium. On wove paper with Whatman watermark dated 1820. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight loss of paper at one corner of second leaf, resulting in loss of one word of text. Folded twice. From the papers of William Jerdan, editor of the Literary Gazette, who published the poem with one other ('In the Ivy'), in the edition of 23 June 1821, giving the identity of the author given in a footnote: 'We have to thank the elegant pen of MRS. HEMANS, for these two exquisite poems. Ed.' Heman's manuscript is endorsed by Jerdan: 'Poetry origl | 231 | W J | Mrs. Hemans'.

[Maltman's Green, Gerrards Cross, girls school.]

Author: 
Maltman's Green, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire girls school, founded in 1918 [Miss Beatrice Elizabeth Chambers, head mistress]
Publication details: 
Maltman's Green, Gerrards Cross. No date [1920s?].
£25.00

Advertising booklet for the school, printed in black on three sides of a 20.5 x 23 cm bifolium of cream wove paper. In fair condition, on lightly aged and spotted paper, with one fold and slight nicking to edges. The item is undated, but must date before Chambers' retirement in 1944. The cover has a distinct modernist feel, with an 8.5 x 20 cm stylised illustration of a village green with old-fashioned houses, presumably including the school buildings, and at bottom right the words 'MALTMAN'S GREEN | GERRARD'S CROSS' in large sans serif capitals.

[Liberty's of London: 1912 women's fashion catalogue.] Printed catalogue of 'Picturesque Dresses Designed By Liberty & Co' ('Costumes never out of fashion' and 'Novelties for the season'), with 59 full-page illustrations on perforated paper.

Author: 
[Liberty's; Liberty & Co Ltd, London and Paris; women's fashion catalogue, 1912]
Publication details: 
Autumn 1912 ('SERIES XXXVIII.'). 'Copyright by Liberty & Co Ltd Regent Street, London & Boulevard des Capucines, Paris.'
£250.00

A scarce item, and considering its perforation, fortunately found in its complete state. No copy on OCLC WorldCat, which does however have entries for copies of similar Liberty's 1910 ('SERIES XXXIII') and 1913 catalogues, the latter at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 64pp, 8vo. Stitched into oat-coloured cloth soft covers, with decorative border and title printed on front cover. In fair internal condition: on lightly aged and spotted paper. In worn and stained wraps. The five pages of text and fifty-nine full-page illustrations are printed in brown on cream paper.

[Ulrike von Pogwisch, sister of Goethe's daughter-in-law, latterly Prioress of St John's Monastery, Schleswig.] Autograph Note Signed ('Ulrike v Pogwisch'), in English, [to Lady Ann Cullum], expressing pleasure at making her acquaintance.

Author: 
Ulrike von Pogwisch (1798-1875), sister of the daughter-in-law of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, from 1864 Prioress of St. John's Monastery, Schleswig [Lady Ann Cullum of Hardwick House]
Publication details: 
[Carlsbad]; nor date ('at 12 oClock').
£150.00

3pp, 16mo. Bifolium. Aged and ruckled, with light damp staining. No salutation, but apparently complete. From the papers of Lady Ann Cullum (1807-1875), wife of Rev. Sir Thomas Gery Cullum of Hardwick House. ]Begins: 'I am very sorry, that I could not keep my promise to day to call upon You, - Believe me that it was impossible, but I cant leave Carlsbad without telling You at least how glad I waws to have made Your acquaintances.

[Arthur Sidgwick, classical scholar and promoter of women's education.] Autograph Letter Signed ('A Sidgwick') to Lady Cullum of Hardwick House, written in good spirits after a visit.

Author: 
Arthur Sidgwick (1840-1920), classical scholar and promoter of women's education at Oxford, brother of Henry Sidgwick [Trinity College, Cambridge; Lady Ann Cullum (1807-1875) of Hardwick House]
Publication details: 
1 May 1863; Cambridge.
£180.00

Arthur Sidgwick's long entry in the Oxford DNB concludes with the following assessment: 'a university liberal of rare consistency and stamina: a progressive bridging Victorian and Edwardian generations, and pre-eminent among the male dons who made a place for women's higher education in Oxford'. At the time of the present letter he was nearing the end of a 'brilliant' undergraduate career at Cambridge, with the winning of many prizes: 'In 1863 he was second in the first class of the classical tripos and fourteenth senior optime in mathematics, and was also president of the union.

[Juliana Horatia Ewing, children's author.] Autograph Letter Signed (in her view 'Not an elegant signature!'), writing in high spirits to [Marion?] regarding 'our "Play"' with 'a round chess board' (illustrated), quoting from Alice in Wonderland.

Author: 
Juliana Horatia Ewing [née Gatty] (1841-1885), Victorian children's author
Publication details: 
1 February 1880; Ecclesfield.
£320.00

4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with the conclusion and signature ('Juliana Horatia Ewing. | (Not an elegant signature!)') of the letter cross-written at the head of the first page. Drawing of a 'round chess board', with explanation, on second page. An excellent intimate letter, to a family member or friend whose name is not clearly written (Marion? Marnie?). She begins by acknowledging her 'very delightful' letter, and expressing pleasure at 'the prospect of our "play" in town'.

[ Charlotte M. Yonge, Victorian novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('C M Yonge') to 'Miss Sewell' [Elizabeth Missing Sewell?] regarding books, reviews and Hookham's Lending Library.

Author: 
Charlotte M. Yonge [ Charlotte Mary Yonge; C. M. Yonge ] (1823-1901), English novelist associated with the Oxford Movement
Publication details: 
28 August [no year]. On letterhead of Elderfield, Otterbourne, Winchester.
£120.00

4pp, 16mo. Bifolium of grey paper, with letterhead printed in red. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded three times. The recipient is undoubtedly Elizabeth Missing Sewell or a member of her family, and the letter begins: 'My dear Miss Sewell, | I wish you could have accomplished giving us a day, hoping you might have found me in more lively and sensible trim than when you were here, when I had a headache just enough to make me stupid.' She is going to post her Roscoe's 'William I', which she got 'from the L[ending] Library'.

['Edna Lyall' [Ada Ellen Bayly), novelist and feminist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ellie Bayly') to her 'Aunt Agnes', regarding the publication of her novel 'Knight Errant', family birthdays, and her father's seal.

Author: 
'Edna Lyall', pen-name of Ada Ellen Bayly (1857-1903), novelist and feminist
Publication details: 
27 February 1887. On letterhead of 6 College Road, Eastbourne.
£45.00

3pp, 16mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. Begins: 'My dearest Aunt Agnes | Thank you very much indeed for your last letter. I send with this the announcement of my new book "Knight Errant", & if it would not trouble you to pass on the cards to any likely readers I should be very grateful.' She gives news of her children Amy and Maurice, and is enclosing 'a list of all the children of the family & their birthdays' (not present).

[Lady Rosina Bulwer Lytton, Anglo-Irish writer.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Rosina Lytton Bulwer') to 'Lady Cullum' of Hardwick House, one inviting her to stay with 'stupid me' and her 'Sposo', the other thanking her for her 'kind attention'

Author: 
Lady Rosina Bulwer Lytton [née Rosina Doyle Wheeler] (1802-1882), Anglo-Irish writer, wife of novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton [Lord Lytton] (1803-1873) [Lady Ann Cullum (1807-1875) of Hardwick House]
Publication details: 
The first letter from Berrymead Priory, Acton, on 28 February 1836; the second on 'Saturday Morning', but without date or place.
£220.00

Lady Bulwer Lytton is now best-known for her mistreatment at the hands of her husband (see their entries in the Oxford DNB). Both letters are in good condition, lightly aged and worn, the first carrying traces of mount and with slight damage at one corner. ONE: 28 February 1836. 4pp, 16mo. She is delighted to hear of Lady Cullum's return to England.

[Harriet Martineau, 'the first female sociologist'.] Unpublished Signed Autograph humorous poem beginning 'What terrible confusion | Ladies make on points Malthusian', with note to Lady Cullum joking that it will be dedicated 'to the Lord Chancellor'

Author: 
Harriet Martineau (1802-1876), writer and journalist, Whig social theorist and campaigner for women's rights, considered 'the first female sociologist' [Lady Ann Cullum (1807-1875) of Hardwick House]
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£350.00

An amusing unpublished jeux d'esprit by Martineau, revealing a lighthearted aspect of her character. 1p, 16mo. Bifolium, addressed by Martineau on reverse of second leaf 'To | Lady Cullum.' In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once.

[Dominican and Franciscan Friars in England during the reign of Henry III.] Unpublished historical study in typescript, titled 'The Friars in England. An Essay'.

Author: 
Elizabeth E. Smith, B.A. [Dominican and Franciscan Friars in England during the reign of Henry III.]
Publication details: 
Birmingham, 1908.
£320.00

Title-page: 'The Friars in England. | An Essay | by | Elizabeth E. Smith, B.A. | Birmingham – 1908.' Duplicated typescript, printed on versos only. [1] + x + [1] + 209pp, 4to. With hand-drawn plans on two leaves at rear (the first, 'Site of the Blackfriars of Leicester'; the second, 'Carmelite Friary at Hulne' and 'Dominican Friary at Norwich'. In half binding of black leather spine and corners, with purple cloth boards, title in gilt on front cover, floral printed endpapers. Tightly copy, in good condition, on lightly aged paper, in lightly worn binding with slight discoloration to cloth.

[Mrs Gascoigne [Caroline Leigh Gascoigne], Victorian novelist.] Autograph Letter in the third person, asking Frederic Shoberl for advice regarding the publication of her juvenile novel 'Spencer's Cross; or, The Manor House'.

Author: 
Mrs Gascoigne [Caroline Leigh Gascoigne, née Smith; Mrs C. L. Gascoigne] (1813-1883), Victorian novelist and author [Frederic Shoberl [Schoberl] (1775-1853), journalist and writer]
Publication details: 
York House, Bognor. 5 November 1851.
£80.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight traces of glue from mount adhering to edge on reverse of second leaf. Folded twice. An interesting letter, casting light on publication practices in Victorian London, with reference to a successful female author. Mrs Gascoigne asks Schoberl advice regarding the publication of her book 'Spencer's Cross; or, The Manor House. A Tale for Young People. By the author of "Belgravia"', which would be published by Charles Westerton in 1854. The letter begins: 'Mrs. Gascoigne presents her compliments to Mr.

[Florence Montgomery, Victorian novelist and children's author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Florence Montgomery') to her cousin Lilian Levi (née Yorke), regarding the death and funeral of their relative 'Coutie' [Ormond?].

Author: 
Florence Montgomery (1843-1923), novelist and children's author
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Cadogan Place, SW [London] 4 January [1921].
£35.00

Florence Montgomery's 1869 novel 'Misunderstood' was admired by Henry James, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson and George Du Maurier, and was childhood reading of Vladimir Nabokov. It has been adapted for cinema twice (in Italy in 1966, in Hollywood in 1984). The present item is 4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In envelope addressed to 'Mrs. William Levi | Woughton Hall | Bletchley'. (The recipient Lilian Maud Levi was the granddaughter of Sir Henry Cunningham Montgomery, and the daughter of the Dean of Worcester Grantham Munton Yorke.) The postmark gives the year as 1921.

[Dinah Maria Craik ['Mrs. Craik'], novelist and poet, author of 'John Halifax, Gentleman'.] Autograph Note Signed ('D M Mulock') to 'Mrs. Suckling', suggesting a meeting.

Author: 
Dinah Maria Craik [Dinah Maria Mulock; Miss Mulock; Mrs. Craik] (1826-1887), novelist and poet, author of 'John Halifax, Gentleman'
Publication details: 
Wildwood, North End, Hampstead. 14 August 1856.
£45.00

1p, 16mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with slight damage to blank reverse caused by removal from mount. Reads: 'Dear Mrs. Suckling – if it be you that is C. S. - I can't come into Town – but shall always be glad to see you here.'

[Louisa May Alcott, American author.] Front panel of envelope, bearing the address, in her autograph, of 'Mrs Peter Taylor', i.e. the abolitionist Clementia Taylor.

Author: 
Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), American author of the novels 'Little Women', 'Little Men' and 'Jo's Boys' [Clementia Taylor[née Doughty] (1810-1898), abolitionist and supporter of women's suffrage]
Publication details: 
Boston postmark, 2 November [1880]. Endorsed 14 November 1880.
£220.00

Front panel of envelope, 7.5 x 10.5 cm. On thin paper. Aged, worn and creased, with fraying and loss to edges. Two circular Boston postmarks in black ink at top right. Endorsed at top left 'Nov. 14. 80.' In contemporary hand [Clementia Taylor?] at bottom left: 'May Allcott [sic]'. The address, in Alcott's autograph, one word of which is cropped, reads: 'Mrs Peter Taylor. | 22 Marine Par[ade] | Brighton | England'. Clementia Taylor [née Doughty] (1810-1898) was an abolitionist and supporter of women's suffrage.

[Violet Markham, author and social reformer, to art historian Benedict Nicholson.] Typed Letter Signed ('Violet Markham'), thanking him for 'drawings of St. Nectaire', discussing France and French 'betrayal of the Allied cause'.

Author: 
Violet Markham [Violet Rosa Markham], author, social reformer and campaigner against women's suffrage [Benedict Nicholson (1914-1978), art historian]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 8 Gower Street, Bloomsbury [London]. 3 December 1942.
£65.00

2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Addressed to 'B. Nicholson, Esq., | Brooks's, | St. James's Street, S.W.1.' (Nicholson was the son of Harold Nicholson and Vita Sackville-West.) She begins by thanking him for his 'kind letter and charming gift of your drawings of St. Nectaire', adding: 'as an author my vanity is flattered by your appreciation of “Romanesque France”'. She is glad she has helped 'a certain number of people in getting to know some of the beauties of France', but feels 'something of a fraud about the book as without the help of my friend Mr.

[Mrs Humphry Ward, novelist.] Autograph Signature ('Mary A. Ward'), on letter in a secretarial hand, to 'Mrs. Story', suggesting - with 'a considerable hesitation' - a meeting when she and her family reach Rome.

Author: 
Mrs Humphry Ward [Mary Augusta Ward] (1851-1920), novelist, author, educationalist and founding President of the Women's National Anti-Suffrage League
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Hotel Timeo, Taormina. 3 April 1903.
£40.00

2pp, 12mo. Creased and worn. Folded once. She explains that she and her husband and daughter are on the way to Rome, where they will stay at the Hotel Molaro for six days, and expresses the hope that 'we may have the pleasure of seeing you & Mr. Story during that time, if you are at home'. She admits that she feels 'a considerable hesitation about letting any of our friends in Rome know of our coming', as they are 'so overdone with “forestieri” at this time of year'.

[Lady Augusta Spencer-Churchill, as Chairman, British Legion Women's Section.] Two Typed Letters Signed (both 'Augusta Spencer-Churchill') to 'Mrs Everett' of the Legion's Kettering Branch, regarding a funfair, and her award of an OBE.

Author: 
Lady Augusta Spencer-Churchill [née Warburton] (1854-1941), wife of Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill (1853-1911), half-brother of the 7th Duke of Marlborough and close relation of Winston Churchill
Publication details: 
ONE: 28 Grosvenor Street, London SW1; 16 November 1934. TWO: Queensmead, Windsor; 9 January 1935. Each on letterhead of the British Legion, Women's Section, Haig House, 26 Ecclestone Square, London, SW1.
£56.00

Each 1p, 4to. Both in fair condition, lightly aged and worn, and each folded three times. On the letterhead she is referred to as 'The Lady Edward Spencer-Churchill O.B.E.' Chairman of the British Legion. Women's Section. ONE: 16 November 1934. Having been informed by 'Miss Gerds' that the recipient 'would like to know if I am coming by Car or by train on December 1st, to open your “Fun Fair,”' she states that she is 'not sure how long it would take to motor from London', but thinks it would be quicker by train. 'I see a good one arrives at 2-47!' TWO: 5 January 1935.

[Sir Henry Taylor's 'peculiarly severe' poem on Caroline Norton.] Autograph Manuscript of untitled poem beginning 'Soft be the voice & friendly that rebukes | The error of thy way'.

Author: 
Sir Henry Taylor (1800-1886), poet and dramatist, civil servant at the Colonial Office [Caroline Norton (1808-1877), social reformer and fighter for women's rights]
Publication details: 
Without place or date. [Circa 1847.]
£200.00

2pp, 12mo. On a bifolium of grey laid paper, with fleur-de-lys 'J M & Co' watermark. In good condition, lightly aged, with creases from having been neatly folded three times, and stub adhering to edge of blank second leaf of bifolium. The item derives from the collection of a notable nineteenth-century autograph collector, Lord Houghton, a friend of both Taylor and Norton.

[Eliza Lynn Linton, novelist, pioneering woman journalist and anti-feminist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E: Lynn Linton') to 'Mr. Tinsley' (William Tinsley, proprietor of Tinsley's Magazine), asking for the return of her rejected article 'We Women'.

Author: 
Eliza Lynn Linton (1822-1898), novelist, pioneering woman journalist and anti-feminist [William Tinsley (1831-1902), publisher]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 6 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy Square, W. [London] 12 June 1868.
£100.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper with central spike hole. Folded twice. Begins: 'My dear Mr. Tinsley, | I see that you are not going to use my article “We Women,” & I want it so much, to form the basis of a set of articles! - & I have no copy.' She notes that it is 'generally the case with regular workers, that the Editors return the rejected MS' and explains that she has 'destroyed the first rough draft', exclaiming: 'I do hope it is not lost!' She asks him to either tell her if it is lost, so that she may 'know the worst', or if it is not lost, '& is not to be used'.

[Mrs Sarah Ellis (Sarah Stickney Ellis), Victorian author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Sarah S. Ellis') to the female editor of a magazine, apologising for delay in article on 'Java Sparrows' and announcing 'a better story in the Child's department'.

Author: 
Mrs Sarah Ellis [Sarah Stickney Ellis, born Sarah Stickney] (1799-1872), Quaker (later Congregationalist) author of numerous books, several on woman's place in society
Publication details: 
Rose Hill [Lord Street, Hoddesdon]. 4 April [no year].
£120.00

2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. The female recipient is unidentified, but would appear to be the editor of a magazine, enquiring after the progress of a 'paper' Ellis has agreed to write on 'Java Sparrows'. Ellis explains that she has 'begun a better story in the Child's department which it is consequently necessary to finish first', to appear 'in the number for June', but that 'your paper shall certainly come next'. The handwriting is not altogether straightforward, but Ellis appears to say here that 'stories will not always [write?] up when [necessary?]'.

[Elizabeth Missing Sewell, nineteenth-century religious author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Elizabeth M Sewell') to 'My dearest Annie'

Author: 
Elizabeth M. Sewell [Elizabeth Missing Sewell] (1815-1906), nineteenth-century author of religious and educational books
Publication details: 
Bonchurch [Isle of Wight]. 13 July 1868.
£90.00

See Sewell's entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, landscape 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The letter reads: 'My dearest Annie | Eliza tells me you wanted a copy of the French Book. I am so glad I happen to have one by me. - for I want you to have it from me. Please accept the book with love. | Yours very affly | Elizabeth M Sewell | Bonchurch. July 13th. 1868'.

[Joan Hammond, Australian operatic soprano and champion golfer.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Joan') to 'Derek', regarding her heart attack, recuperation and retirement.

Author: 
Joan Hammond [Dame Joan Hilda Hood Hammond] (1912-1996), Australian operatic soprano and champion golfer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Old Cottage, Egypt, Farnham Common, Bucks. 15 October 1965.
£120.00

2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with lightly-rusted indentation from a paperclip. She thanks him for the 'lovely form of intrusion your letter proved to be - as though you could ever intrude!' She wonders whether, if she had been 'a more patient patient' the 'second attack' might not have happened' (a heart attack had forced her to retire from the stage), 'but I was never one for sitting and doing nothing'. She is 'trying very hard now as I have learnt my lesson'. She has 'so many interests that retirement is beginning to become a pleasure, thank heavens'.

[Caroline Norton, social reformer, George Meredith's 'Diana of the Crossways'.] Autograph Letter Signed, requesting permission to attend 'some curious experiments of animal magnetism'.

Author: 
Caroline Norton [Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton] (1808-1877), author and social reformer, heroine of the novel 'Diana of hte Crossways' by her friend George Gissing
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£500.00

1p., 16mo. With mourning border. Aged and worn, with tear to one corner and glue stains on reverse. Signed 'Caroline Norton'. The recipient is not identified. The letter begins: 'Dear Sir | The Prince Schomberg having told me of some curious experiments in animal magnetism which you would make this evg. I called to ask permission to witness them -'. She will 'retract' her 'petition' if he has 'no other ladies present – or if the persons on whom the experiments are made, only speak German', as she 'will not be able to understand enough of what passes'.

[Hannah More and her sisters Sally and Patty.] Parts of Autograph Letters from the three sisters, each with signature ('H More', 'S More' and 'Martha More').

Author: 
Hannah More (1745-1833), bluestocking, poet and playwright; her sisters Sarah More ('Sally', 1743-1819), and Martha More ('Patty', 1747-1819)
More
Publication details: 
None of the three with place or date.
£220.00
More

Three slips of paper cut from letters. All in good condition, lightly aged, and each with minor evidence of previous mounting. ONE: Hannah More. On both sides of 4 x 15.5 cm slip. On one side: '[…] I am this moment come from Charlotte she is vastly well only her eyes have some remaining weknesses | Adieu my dear Madam believe me with all possible regard your ever obliged and affectionate | Servant | H More'. Other side: '[…] the good People here enough to be all concerned any of their judgment or their Actions where Taste has any thing to do.

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