AUTOGRAPH

[Alfred Austin, Poet Laureate.] Autograph Signature and Note, to printed form on post card addressed to 'The Registrar of the University of Leeds'.

Author: 
Alfred Austin (1835-1913), Poet Laureate from 1896 to his death, born at Headingley, Yorkshire [University of Leeds]
Publication details: 
Regarding attendance at the University of Leeds degree ceremony, Town Hall, Leeds, on 6 October 1904.
£35.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The item is a nice association between Austin and his birthplace. An 8 x 13.5 cm post card, printed on both sides. In fair condition, aged, with central vertical fold. The form is a request for a ticket to the degree ceremony, but Austin has altered the text in autograph to read: 'I shall be glad [if you will kindly admit the bearer of this] ticket [to] the Degree Ceremony, at the Town Hall, Leeds, on Thursday, October 6th, 1904.' He signs 'Alfred Austin' at bottom right, underlined with two short lines.

[[C. R. Cockerell [Charles Robert Cockerell], Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts.] Autograph Note Signed ('C. R. Cockerell') regarding the paying of a subscription.

Author: 
C. R. Cockerell [Charles Robert Cockerell] (1788-1863), architect, archaeologist and author, Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy of Arts
Publication details: 
8 May 1848. No place.
£35.00

1p, 12mo. On a bifolium endorsed on second leaf '1848 | C R Cockerell R A | 8 May'. Reads: 'My Dear Sir | I hope you have recd. my subscription paid by cheque on London & Westymr. Bank. & forwarded to Mess. Drummond on the 14 Feby. 1848. | Your's truly | C. R. Cockerell'.

[Card games: 'Whist for two' and 'the game of Mrs. Allport'.] Autograph instructions by 'Miss Stanton' on 'How to play the game of Mrs. Allport' and 'Whist for two'.

Author: 
[Card games; pastimes; Miss Stanton; Mrs Allport; whist; Chelsea, London]
Publication details: 
No date (1920s?). On letterhead of 72 Elm Park Mansions, Park Walk, Chelsea, London, S.W.
£120.00

9pp, 12mo. On twi bifoliums and a single leaf, only the first of the bifoliums carrying the letterhead. In good condition, on aged paper. Folded once and in an envelope with 'Whist for 2. | Rules by Miss Stanton.' on cover. The letterhead has the feel of the 1920s, but the handwriting is Victorian, and presumably that of an old spinster. The first bifolium carries a separate set of instructions over four pages, headed 'Whist for two', and concluding: 'Hope you can read it excuse blots for I cant see what I have written'.

[ Viscount Cranbrook ] Autograph Letter Signed Cranbrook to Lady Strangford [ Emily Ann Smythe or Emily Anne Beaufort (1826–1887), illustrator, writer and nurse, presumably about scheme to make soldiers' wives nurses.

Author: 
Cranbrook [ Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy, 1st Earl of Cranbrook (1814–1906), Conservative politician ].
Publication details: 
[Embossed heading] 17 Grosvenor Crescent, SW, 26 March 1881.
£45.00

Three pages, 12mo, bifolium, large hand, good condition. Your object is excellent and the means appear to be well adapted to effect it. Short service must diminish the number of soldiers wives but [then?] ought the more readily to found a way to elevate and [?] for the advantage of their husbands & for the removal of a state of things which has not been creditable to the Service. My name in support of your scheme is at your disposal. I hardly know what kind of of pecuniary aid you require but shall be happy to contribute.

[ Charles Butler, lawyer and writer ] Autograph Note in the third person about something he was publishing in The Pamphleteer.

Author: 
Charles Butler [ (1750–1832), Roman Catholic lawyer and miscellaneous writer ].
Publication details: 
Lincolns Inn, 9 April 1825.
£45.00

One page, 12mo, fold marks (folded to form envelope with address). Mr Butler has no objection to the Pamphleteer inserting the 2nd Edition (published to day), of his Letter to the Bishop of Chester. The Bishop had sent [published] a letter to Butler in vindication of the English Protestants

[ Thomas Burt; working class MP ] Autograph Letter Signed Thos Burt to Watson [presumably his biographer, Aaron Watson], about a social event he can't attend, and his health.

Author: 
Thomas Burt [ (1837–1922), trade unionist and one of the first working-class Members of Parliament.]
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] Northumberland Miners' Mutual Confident Association, with lines through and address changed in Burt's hand to 20 Burton Terrace (Newcastle), 17 Nov. 1906.
£56.00

Four pages, 8vo, bifolium, good condition. I rejoice that the N.L. Club is about to give you a complimentary Luncheon. The Committee asked me to propose, so to speak the Toast of the Guests. Most reluctantly I had to decline, mainly owing to the state of my health, but partly too because I am uncertain whether I can be in London in time for the function. | I trust, and feel sure, that there will be a great and appreciative gathering worthy of the guests and of the occasion. | It seems almost an age since I saw you and I have often chided myself for not calling upon you.

[ John Harland; The Guardian newspaper ] Autograph Letter Signed J Harland to Rev W. Thornber, wearing his antiquary's hat.

Author: 
John Harland [ (1806–1868), newspaper (Guardian) reporter and antiquary ]
Publication details: 
[ Printed heading ] Guardian Office, Manchester, 12 May 1852.
£45.00

Two pages, 8vo, battered and two small closed tears and fold marks, but text legible. Your packet was most welcome. What you have sent will suffice for one article. I will send a proof & the MS. when in type. You can then send me the 2nd portn. As to [Diculares?] Abbey Chartulary you are under a mistake.

[Louis Desanges; Artist ] Autograph Note Signed L. Desanges to an unnamed female correspondent, encouraging her to view a picture.

Author: 
Louis W. Desanges [ Louis William Desanges (1822 - 1887), artist ]
Publication details: 
[ Printed heading ] 16 Stratford PLace, W, 21 Feb. 1883.
£45.00

One page, 12mo, one edge rough, good condition. Should you care to see my picture of 'Egypt 1882' I shall be happy to show it to you when you may be pleased to honour my Studio with a visit. Note: Desanges's picture represented an equestrian group of all the commanders in Egypt with Wolseley in the centre. The picture was published by Henry Graves and Co. in 1884 under the title Egypt 1882.

[W.C. Gorgas; Surgeon-General; malaria ] Signature W.C. Gorgas with title on fragment of Notepaper headed Salisbury | Rhodesia.

Author: 
William C. Gorgas [ William Crawford Gorgas KCMG (1854–1920) was a United States Army physician, Surgeon General of the U.S. Army (1914–1918).
Publication details: 
[Headed] Salisbury, Rhodesia, no date
£65.00

Part of headed notepaper, 11 x 8.5cm, good condition, tipped on to slightly larger piece of paper, as is (corner) a small clipping from a newspaper about his activity against yellow fever. Text in his hand: W.C. Gorgas. | Colonel Medical Corps U.S. Army | Panama.

[ Herbert Trench, Irish Poet ] Autograph Letter Signed Herbert Trench to Douglas Jerrold, author and editor., discussing the imminent performance of Apollo and his other favourite works.

Author: 
Herbert Trench [ Frederic Herbert Trench (1865 – 1923), Irish poet ]
Publication details: 
5 Mansfield PLace, Richmond, Surrey with Printed heading Board of Education Library. and its embossed stamp , 12 November 1907.
£90.00

Three pages, 12mo, bifolium, sl. grubby with remnants indicatiing it was formerly tipped in an album, mainly good. He thanks him for his letter and kind expressions. I am sure to profit by your criticism, whatever it is: & I am very glad indeed to hear you approve of the book. | The first piece 'Apollo & the Seaman' is to be done at the Queen's Hall, in the dark, to 100 instruments: & 100-200 mle voices : the words to be cast upon a sheet. It is an experimental development of the Strauss programme music idea: & will be very unusual.

[ General Colin Campbell ] Secretarial Letter Signed C Campbell | L Colonel | 98th Regt to The Quarter Master General | Horse Guards | London, asking for a Route for some of his Men.

Author: 
[ Field Marshal Colin Campbell, 1st Baron Clyde(1792 – 1863), British Army officer (Napoleonic, Opium War, Crimea, Indian Mutiny).]
Publication details: 
Weedon Barracks, 11th May 1838.
£100.00

One page, folio, edges dusted and sl. stained, text clear and complete. Sir | The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the Men of the 98th Regiment named in the margin, being sent to Chatham for the purpose of appearing before the Chelsea Board, I have the honor to request you will be pleased to furnish me with a Route for those men to proceed accordingly under charge of a Serjeant. Nine Privates' names are written in the left margin.

[ William Trumbull, Statesman ] Autograph (Clipped) Signature Will. Trumbull only.

Author: 
Sir William Trumbull [ (1639–1716), statesman ].
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£20.00

Clipped signature, 6 x 3.5cm, tipped onto sl. larger piece of paper, good condition

[ George Thomson, friend of Burns ] Autograph Letter Signed G. Thomson to W.F. Watson, bookseller of Prince's Street, with a sportive invitation to dinner. (also invited David Scott(

Author: 
[George Thomson [(1757–1851), noted collector of the music of Scotland, music publisher, and a friend of Robert Burns.]
Publication details: 
Leith Links, 3 John's Place, Tuesday 4 Jany (docketed, adding 1848).
£180.00

Two pages, 12mo, bifolium, formerly in an album, tipped onto strip of album page, as is the addressed envelope (no postal marks), good condition. My dear Sir | If as I hope you are disengaged on Friday [underlined] next come and partake of a quiet family dinner with us at 5 o'clock, you will confer much pleasure on us, and will I trust meet honest David Scott with whom we will discuss high & important matters. As an inducement to him to do me that favour I have ventured to tell him that I hope he will meet you. | Prytheee then let us not be disappointed. Postscript, asking What of Mr Black?

[ Ursula Torday; pseud. Charity Blackstock ] Three Typed Notes Signed Charity Blackstock to Miss [Eileen] Cond, inveterate collector of novelists' signatures.

Author: 
Ursula Torday (1912 – 1997), writer of c. 60 gothic, romance and mystery novels 1935 - 1982. Pseudonyms include Charity Blackstock.
Publication details: 
Flat 4, 6/8 Blandford Street, W1, 1965-1967
£35.00

Total 3pp, 12mo, very good condition, [1965] thanking her for reading her and sending the requested signed bookplate; [1966] sending another signed bookplate, pleased that she reads her books, and anticiapting the publication of her next (with a different publisher); [1967] another signed bokplate is being sent, with thanks for faithful readership.

[ Stephen Fox; Court of Charles II ] Signature only Ste. ffox.

Author: 
Stephen Fox [ Sir Stephen Fox (1627–1716), royal administrator and courtier to Charles II, and politican, richest commoner in the three kingdoms ]
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£45.00

C.5 x 2cm, laid down on larger piece of paper, docketed Sir Stephen Fox a Lord of the treasury in the Reign Chas II 1679. Grandfather of C.J. Fox.

[ Marie Carolina Duchesse de Berry ] Autograph Signature Marie Caroline Dsse de Berry with date.

Author: 
Marie-Caroline de Bourbon-Sicile, duchesse de Berry (Maria Carolina Ferdinanda Luise,1798 – 1870), Italian princess (Bourbon) .
Bourbon Princess
Publication details: 
Senise, 27bre 1857
£80.00
Bourbon Princess

Paper, 10 x 12cm, topped by small head in bas relief, below which a seal and text: Senise 27bre 1857 | Marie Caroline Dsse de Berry. See image.~80~AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT CNorton DUCHESSE DE BERRY HOUSE OF BOURBON~ ~0~OL59~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[ Caroline Norton, social reformer ] Autograph Address label (or subscription to letter?) with brief Note.

Author: 
Hon. Caroline Norton [Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan; 1808 – 1877), social reformer and author.
Caroline Norton
Publication details: 
No date, 36 Russell Square.
£90.00
Caroline Norton

Paper 14 x 5cm, tipped on to slightly larger piece of paper, some staining but clear. Text: 36 Russell Square || Editor of the 'Field' | 346 Strand || corrected proof for press | with Honble Mrs Norton's Compliments. Possibly the subscription clipped from a letter. See image.

[Frederick Yeates Hurlstone] Autograph Statement-cum-Letter headed Private and signed F.W. Hurlstone, to unkonown correspondent (perhaps an agent?)discussing his current work and activities.

Author: 
F. W. Hurlstone [ Frederick Yeates Hurlstone (1800–1869), portrait and historical painter ]
Publication details: 
No place or date [1842?]
£180.00

One page, cr. 8vo, fold marks, small tear with no loss, faint staining, text clear and complete. Text: Private | I am afraid the melancholy circumstances at Manchester will operate unfavorably on the Exhibition [of 1842?] both as to the number of pictures sent and the visitors and sale.

[ Trafford Smith, Lieutenant-Governor, Malta [ Typed Letter Signed Trafford Smith to Miss Felicity Ashbee, apparently giving her influential contacts for her travels.

Author: 
Trafford Smith, Lieutenant-Governor, Malta
Publication details: 
The Palace, Valletta, 14 August 1958.
£40.00

One page, 8vo, fold marks, very good condition. Text: I enclose two letters from Maitland, the Malta Area Manager of Shell, whose sway extends over the Shelkl Company in Tripoli, one addressed to yoy and the other to the Tripoli Manager. | I have probably done you wrong in saying that this is the first time you are visiting an Arab country, but anyway your presumed naivete will, I hope, only make them the more helpful. | I hope it all works out, and that you find Libya as rewarding as I did.

[ Henry B. Tristram; Darwin interest ] Autograph Message Signed Hy B. Tristram to a Dr Almond.

Author: 
Henry B. Tristram [Henry Baker Tristram FRS (1822–1906) clergyman, Bible scholar, traveller and ornithologist, early supporter of Darwin (later opposed)
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£45.00

Piece of paper, 15 x 11cm, somewhat foxed without obscuring text, laid down on a slightly larger card. Text: Or (if preferred) | Dr. Almond | With the respectful compliments | of the author || Hy B. Tristram |

[Mary Martin, Broadway star.] Two Typed Letters Signed (both 'Mary') to 'Popie', i.e. the English theatre historian MacQueen-Pope, discussing her family's plans and the projected production of 'South Pacific' at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Author: 
Mary Martin [Mary Virginia Martin[ (1913-1990), American actress, singer, and Broadway star associated with Rodgers and Hammerstein [W. J. MacQueen-Pope; Larry Hagman]
Publication details: 
One 28 May [1950], the other undated, but from 1951. Both on her letterhead.
£120.00

Each letter 1p, 8vo. Both in fair condition, lightly aged and creased. On signing one of the letters she has slightly smudged it. ONE: 28 May [1950]. She thanks him for his 'fascinating-looking book, THE MELODIES LINGER ON', and for his 'most generous inscription'. She and her husband 'Richard' (the drama critic Richard Halliday) have 'read bits and pieces and have looked at every photograph, and can't wait to really sit down and read the book from cover to cover!' She continues: 'And that will be soon.

[Squadron Leader Nigel Rose, Spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Nigel') to Martin Corden, expressing amazement at the 'cult' of the Spitfire, and discussing the sale of Bentley Priory.

Author: 
Squadron Leader Nigel Rose (1918-2017), Spitfire Pilot with No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Royal Air Force Squadron during the Second World War Battle of Britain [Bentley Priory, Stanmore]
Publication details: 
22 October 2007. With label carrying his Essex address.
£250.00

2pp, folio. In envelope with stamp and postmark, addressed to Corden's Mill Hill address. Letter folded twice, and letter and envelope in good condition. He begins by thanking him for sending 'the inscribed copy of Ken Delve's Story of the Spitfire - a truly excellent book just jam-packed with detail, - he must have done a prodigious amount of research to put it all together'. He is 'bowled over by the extent of [Corden's] munificence'.

[Angna Enters, American dancer, painter, author.] Sketch of dance costume in pencil and watercolour, captioned 'Fleur du Mal (Proust Sequence)', signed 'Angna Enters '56'. In envelope addressed by her to theatre historian W. J. MacQueen-Pope.

Author: 
Angna Enters [Anita Enters] (1907-1989), American painter, writer, dancer and mime, partner of Michio Ito, wife of Louis Kalonyme [Louis Kantor] [W. J. MacQueen-Pope, theatre historian]
Angr
Publication details: 
Signed and dated to 1957. Envelope with London postmark dated 18 January 1957 and her embossed address: 35 West 57th Street, New York.
£200.00
Angr

Enters exhibited her artistic work - including many sketches of her own costume designs - widely in the United States and Europe, and her work is held by several museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The present item is an attractive impressionistic sketch, in grey and black pencil, with watercolour wash in pink, light red and grey, showing a dancer with arms outstretched and heavy costume with full sleeves and train. Captioned by Enters at bottom left: 'Fleur du Mal (Proust Sequence)'. Signed at bottom left: 'Angna Enters '56'. On 23 x 15.5 cm laid paper.

[John Van Druten, playwright.] Typed Letter Signed to theatre historian W. J. Macqueen-Pope, with personal reminiscence and touching 'many points' including British 'old theatre' in Hollywood, Dodie Smith, J. T. Grein, his theatre library.

Author: 
John Van Druten [John William Van Druten] (1901-1957), English playwright and theatre director [Walter James Macqueen-Pope (1888-1960), theatre historian]
Publication details: 
5 October 1949. A. J. C. Ranch, Thermal, California.
£120.00

It is puzzling that Van Druten, one of the most successful British playwrights of the early 1930s, should not have an entry in the Oxford DNB. The present entertaining and informative letter is written from the A. J. C. Ranch in Coachella Valley, which Van Druten purchased with his then-lover Carter Lodge and the British actress Auriol Lee (it was named after the initals of their first names).

[Christopher Fry's ownership inscription to his copy of a first edition by W. H. Auden.] Nones.

Author: 
W. H. Auden [Christopher Fry]
Publication details: 
London: Faber and Faber, 1952.
£25.00

72pp, 8vo. Tight copy on lightly-aged paper, in original blue cloth binding with dulled gilt on spine, panels of sunning to front board, and slight wear at head of spine. Ownership inscription on front free endpaper: 'Christopher Fry'. Auden, along with Eliot, was an inspiration to Fry, one of the foremost twentieth-century English practitioners of verse drama.

[Christopher Fry annotates a book about his work, inscribed to him by the author.] Christopher Fry | By Glenda Leeming.

Author: 
Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright, with Auden and Eliot a leading exponent of twentieth-century English verse drama; Glenda Leeming
Publication details: 
Twayne Publishers, A Division of G. K. Hall & Co., Boston. 1990.
£450.00

xv + 179pp, 8vo. Good tight copy in brown cloth, in worn printed dustwrapper. Frontispiece portrait of Fry. Inscribed on front free endpaper: 'To Christopher Fry | from | Glenda Leeming | with love'. In her preface Leeming notes Fry's 'patience and tolerance, as well as his helpful explanations of his plays, his intentions, and their realization'. The volume contains pencil annotations between pp.43 and 73, mostly relating to 'The Lady's not for Burning'. All are marginal indications of passages with vertical lines, apart from two annotations suggesting a degree of impatience with the text.

[Christopher Fry makes autograph corrections to a book about him.] Christopher Fry and his Verse Drama. [Insribed to the subject by the author, and with a Typed Letter Signed ('S. n. Ray').]

Author: 
Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright, with Auden and Eliot a leading exponent of twentieth-century English verse drama; Professor Sambhu Nath Roy, Principal of Raiganj University College
Publication details: 
Biswas Book Stall, 88, M. G. Road, Calcutta-9; Ghosh & Company, 12, Ramanath Majumder Street, Calcutta-9 [Calcutta, India]. 1996.
£200.00

[6] + viii + 266pp, 8vo. With four-page 'Select Bibliography' and three two-page lists of errata tipped-in at the rear. In plain brown cloth, with green printed dustwrapper glued-down (by publisher) onto the endpapers by the flaps. In good condition, lightly-aged, in lightly-worn dustrapper with closed tear at rear. Inscribed on the front free endpaper: 'To | Mr. Christopher Fry, | With best compliments | from the Author, | S. n. Ray | 7.4.98'. Fry makes around fifty autograph corrections to the text, giving a list of them over the rear endpapers.

[Charles Williams inscribes a book to his wife Michal.] Divorce. [With copy of Autograph Letter from Neil Tyler to playwright Christopher Fry, regarding the circumstances of his acquisition of the book.]

Author: 
Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright, with Auden and Eliot a leading exponent of twentieth-century English verse drama; Sambhu Nath Roy
Publication details: 
Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press, London, 1920. [Letter from Sycamore Farm, Alphamstone, Bures, Suffolk, 1982.]
£150.00

120pp, 12mo. No dustwrapper. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, tight in lightly-worn green cloth with dulled gilt. Inscribed by Williams in pencil on front free endpaper: 'For Michal'. A collection of around fifty poems, including five addressed to the author's wife: 'To Michal: After a Vigil'. 'To Michal: On Forgiveness', 'To Michal: On Brushing her Hair', 'To Michal meditating a new Costume', 'To Michal: On Disputing outside Church'. Accompanying the volume is an Autograph Letter Signed from 'Neil' to 'Dear Christopher and Dear Phyl', i.e. Christopher Fry and his wife Phyllis.

[Charles Wadsworth inscribes Rampant Lions Press book with his illustrations to poems on Robert Frost to Christopher Fry, also signed by author.] Seed Leaves | Homage to R. F. | Poetry by Richard Wilbur | Prints by Charles Wadsworth.

Author: 
Richard Wilbur; Charles Wadsworth; Richard R. Godine, Publisher, Boston; Will Carter, Rampant Lions Press, Cambridge [Christopher Fry; Robert Frost]
Publication details: 
David R. Godine, Publisher, Boston. [No 44 of '160 copies only designed and printed by Will Carter at the Rampant Lions Press, Cambridge, England'] 1974.
£150.00

Beautiful stitched pamphlet, with three gorgeous colour natural history prints by Wadsworth, comprising frontispiece and one other full-page print, and double-page print incorporating the words of the title. Near fine. Text unpaginated, printed on eleven pages, over eight leaves of green laid paper. Numbered 44 on the colophon, which carries the device of the Rampant Lions Press, and is signed 'Richard Wilbur' and 'Charles E.

[Martin Bell, RA, painter.] Colourful juvenile painting on paper, depicting Eve, the apple, and Pythagoras, with text: 'The Serpent on the fatal tree | Was l'esprit de géometrie'.

Author: 
Martin Bell [Norman Martin Bell] (1907-1970), RA, Cheshire painter, trained at Liverpool College of Art, 1925-30, and at the Royal College of Art, 1931-33
Publication details: 
Without date or place. In pencil on reverse: 'Juvenile painting By Martin Bell'.
£120.00

On 20 x 15 cm piece of paper torn from an exercise book. Aged and worn, with fraying to left-hand edge where the item has been torn away from the exercise book, but in fair overall condition. A faux-naive effort, crude but full of energy, painted in orange, yellow, red, blue, grey, purple, green. On reverse in pencil: 'Juvenile | painting | By Martin Bell'.

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