BOOKSELLERS

[W. & G. Foyle (Foyles), Charing Cross Road booksellers.] Printed prospectus for ‘The Centenary Life of Lewis Carroll ' by Langford Reed, published by the firm as a ‘Trefoile Publication’.

Author: 
Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson], author of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ [Langford Reed; W. & G. Foyle, booksellers (Foyles), Charing Cross Road, London; Trefoile Publications]
Carroll
Publication details: 
[1932.] ‘A Trefoile Publication from the House of - W. & G. FOYLE, Ltd., 119-125, Charing Cross Road, London, W.C.1’.
£120.00
Carroll

This prospectus is a scarce item: no other copy has been traced. A 4to bifolium, with four unnumbered pages printed in red. Somewhat aged and worn, with a horizontal strip of light discoloration at the head of the cover, which has the title and author’s name surrounded by a border made up of Tenniel’s illustrations, beneath this is a quotation from Dodgson’s poetry and the price of ‘7/6 net’. Across the middle two pages is the heading ‘The Centenary “Life of Lewis Carroll”’. The text begins by explaining that Reed has made use of Dodgson’s letters to Ellen Terry.

[Percy Muir, Antiquarian Bookseller; ILAB; Pamphlet] Minutes of the First International Conference of Antiquarian Booksellers held at Amsterdam September 18-20, 1947

Author: 
[Percy Muir, Antiquarian Bookseller; ILAB]
Publication details: 
[1947 or 8]
£400.00

Pamphlet, printed wraps, 24pp., cr. 8vo, some staining and wear but good condition. 1 unnumbered leaf of plates (photograph of the representatives). Printed sticker inside front wrap From the Library of Percy Muir. Muir was the major force in the establishment of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, an organisation that still thrives. Transcription of minutes include comments of, then Conference Chair, P.H. Muir (Great Britain); five countries were represented at the Conference: Denmark, France, Great Britain, Holland, Sweden. The only copy recorded is at the Lilly, inevitably.

[Shirley Brooks; Punch; The London Institution] Two substantial Autograph Letters Signed Shirley Brooks concerning The London Institution (founded 1806), one to Mr Tite M.P., the other to The Secretary | London Institution

Author: 
C. Shirley Brooks [Charles William Shirley Brooks (1816-1874), editor of 'Punch',1870-1874]
Publication details: 
A. 6 Kent Terrace, Regents Park, 7 Dec. 1862; B. 'Punch Office', 85 Fleet St, 6 March [no year given].
£120.00

Two Autograph Letters Signed, bifoliums, good condition. A. Three pages, 12mo, asking the MP, Tite, at length, to intervene with the London Institution on behalf of F.H. Evans (one of the two proprietors of 'Punch') [and] one of the original starters & shareholders of the London Institution). Evans apparently has forfeited his share without being informed of the forfeiture; B. Four pages, 12mo, bifolium. Brooks reveals that his father was the architect of the London Institution. Hence a personal and strong interest.

[Richard Beresford, signed limitation, with second signature inscribing the book to 'Diana'.] Glist'ring Phaeton. [A verse translation of the French source of Shakespeare's Richard II, 'Histoire du Roy d'Angleterre Richard'.]

Author: 
Richard Beresford [William Shakespeare, 'Richard II'; 'Histoire du Roy d'Angleterre Richard']
Publication details: 
'Published by the Morija Printing Works & sold by the Constantia Booksellers Johannesburg: 1945'.
£250.00

[4] + 78 + [1]pp, 8vo. In printed wraps. Internally in fair condition, on lightly discoloured paper, in worn and stained wraps. Verse translation of the French source of Shakespeare's Richard II, 'Histoire du Roy Angleterre Richard'.

[Theatre Royal, Williamson Square, Liverpool: details of benefits.] Autograph Letter from 'Edwd. Murray' to Vernor & Hood, proprietors of ''The Monthly Mirror', giving a 'correct Statement of Benefits at the Liverpool Theatre (this season)'.

Author: 
Theatre Royal, Williamson Square, Liverpool [Edward Murray; Vernor & Hood, London publishers]
Publication details: 
[Theatre Royal, Williamson Square] Liverpool. 20 September 1800.
£120.00

1p, 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, and folded several times. The main text reads: 'Gentn | By inserting the following correct [last word underlined] Statement of Benefits at the Liverpool Theatre (this season) in your next Mirror you'll particularly oblige your most obt. Servt. | Edwd. Murray'. Beneath this is a list of the names of 15 individuals, with the amount of money made by each one's benefit, coming to a total of £2665. The list begins with 'Miss Murray £263' and ends with 'Mr Simmons 101'. The penultimate entry is for 'Mr Wild (Prompter) 103'.

[ Bhikkhu D. Pannasara Thero (Pandit Dehigaspe Pannasara Thero), Sri Lankan Buddhist and Sanskrit authority and publisher.] Autograph Card Signed ('D. Pannasara'), an enquiry to the London oriental publsihers Arthur Probsthain & Co.

Author: 
D. Pannasara Thero [ Pandit Dehigaspe Pannasara Thero ], Sri Lankan Buddhist cleric, authority on Bhuddist and Sanskrit scripture, and publisher [ Arthur Probsthain & Co., London oriental booksellers]
Publication details: 
Galle, Ceylon [Sri Lanka]. 18 May 1939.
£56.00

On the back of a printed 'Ceylon | Post Card | For use to British countries'. With Galle postmark of 18 May 1939. Pannasara signs 'D. Pannasara' and gives his details as: 'Bhikku [sic], D. Pannasara Thero | Jayawardhanarama | Dangedara, Galle | Ceylon'. An enquiry in English regarding the 'Milinda Panha – translated from Pali by J. W. Rhys Davids Vol. I-ii'. Annotations in pencil and ink by the recipients.

[ William Curtis, Tory politician and banker who coined the phrase 'the three Rs'. ] Autograph Letter in the third person to 'his friends Mess Nichols & Son' [ i.e. John Nichols and John Bowyer Nichols ], conveying directions for bookbinding.

Author: 
Sir William Curtis (1752-1829), banker and Tory politician, who coined the phrase 'the three Rs' [ John Nichols (1745-1826), printer and editor of the Gentleman's Magazine; John Bowyer Nichols ]
Publication details: 
Lombard Street [ London ]. 9 April 1823.
£120.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and worn. Frank on reverse of damaged second leaf to 'Mess Nichols & Son | Parliament Street | Printers | W Curtis'. Seventeen lines of directions to ' his friends Mess Nichols & Son', regarding the binding of legislative works, beginning with 'two Statute books of Geo the Fourth'. Regarding 'an odd, abridgment of some of Geo 3d' he writes: 'it is probable there may be more, if so begs Mess N & Son would get them & bind them, if not it will hardly be worth the expense of binding the one'.

[ Edward Bocquet, historical engraver. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('E Bocquet') to the London booksellers Messrs. Lackington & Co.', regarding his engraving for them of a portrait of the Earl of Southampton.

Author: 
Edward Bocquet, historical engraver [ Lackington & Co., London booksellers; Joseph Harding ]
Publication details: 
Without place. 11 January 1816.
£180.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, aged and rather dusty, with small closed tear at head. He begins by explaining that he has been 'prevented by ill health from finishing the plate confided to my care, & of waiting upon you to make you acquainted with the cause of the delay. The engraving is 'in a state of forwardness', and he is willing to let 'Mr Satchwell' give his opinion of it before he sends it to them. 'I shall prove the plate again next week, after which I shall be enabled to state the time of its completion'.

[ Everard Meynell and his 'Serendipity Shop': catalogue by J. & E. Bumpus Ltd. ] Catalogue of the Books of the Late Everard Meynell including the most interesting items from his "Serendipity Shop".

Author: 
[ Everard Meynell (1885-1956), author, and his 'Serendipity Shop' ] J. & E. Bumpus Ltd., London booksellers [ J. G. Wilson (John Gideon Wilson); Coventry Patmore ]
Publication details: 
Now offered for sale at the instruction of the Executors by Messrs J. & E. Bumpus Ltd. 350 Oxford Street, London, W.1. [ Circa 1956. ]
£220.00

120 pages (unpaginated), 12mo. Stitched without covers. In fair condition: worn (particularly the first two leaves) and aged. A marvellous collection, described in a carefully printed and compiled catalogue of 901 lots. A two-page 'Prefatory Note' has a long quotation from one of Meynell's catalogues, beginning: 'My books must at my death be turned to account.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Thomas Harwood') to Messrs Cadell & Davies, London publishers of his 'History and Antiquities of Lichfield', regarding the price and sending of a presentation copy.

Author: 
Thomas Harwood (1767-1842), clergyman, author and antiquary, perpetual curate of Hammerwich, near Lichfield, Staffordshire
Publication details: 
Lichfield, Staffordshire. 2 April 1816.
£80.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly-agedl, with slip of paper from a Victorian book catalogue laid down beneath the signature. Addressed by Harwood on reverse of second leaf, with two postmarks, one of them from Lichfield, 2 August 1806, to 'Mess: Cadell & Davies | Strand | London'. The text reads: 'Gentlemen | I have just been informed, but have not my self seen it, that the History of Lichfield is advertised to be sold at thirty Shillings; lest there should be any mistake, it might be right to remind you, that the price of it is thirty five Shillings.

[ Sale catalogue by Maggs Brothers of London. ] Original Drawings by Kate Greenaway and Hugh Thomson | Chiefly in watercolour.

Author: 
[ Maggs Brothers, London booksellers; Kate Greenaway; Hugh Thomson ]
Publication details: 
Maggs Bros. Ltd. London. [ Printed in Great Britian by The Courier Press, Leamington Spa and London. ] No date. [ 1930s?]
£50.00

13 + [1]pp., 8vo. Stapled and unbound. Staining to inner margin of front cover, otherwise in fair condition, on lightly aged paper. Thirteen items, eleven by Greenaway (with three illustrations) and two by Thomson (both illustrated). The most expensive item, at £100, is the first, Greenaway's 'Apples' (illustrated): 'A large water-colour drawing of a little girl standing in front of a whitewashed wall holding a few apples in the lid of a hamper.

[British Book Trade.] Manuscript list of material, made by collector 'Mr Abrahams', with an Autograph Letter Signed from W. H. Peet, who made use of Abraham's collection in compiling the bibliographical index to Mumby's 'Romance of Book Selling'.

Author: 
Abrahams; William Henry Peet [F. A. Mumby [Frank Arthur Mumby] (1872-1954), author of 'The Romance of Book Selling' (1910), later 'Publishing and Bookselling' (sixth edition, 1982)]
Publication details: 
Without place or date [circa 1910].
£500.00

The manuscript is closely-written over 80pp., 4to, in green cloth, and is interleaved with the twenty leaves of Peet's printed bibliography from the 1910 edition of Mumby's book (paginated 431-470), to which it does not correspond, with only a small amount of the information in the manuscript also in Peet's bibliography. It contains a mass of material not present in Peet's bibliography, and has the main list followed by entries under the following headings: 'Booksellers' Portraits', 'Tokens', 'Petitions & Memorials', 'Charities', 'Magazine Articles', 'Book Labels' and 'Copyright'.

[ Grafton & Co. (Frank Hamel), London publishers and booksellers. ] Archive of material relating to the firm's dealings with V. M. Arnold, including invoices, quotations, and autograph copies of his letters and orders.

Author: 
Grafton and Co., London publishers and booksellers, owned by Frank Hamel (1869-1957), also proprietor of 'The Library World' [ V. M. Arnold, chemist ]
Publication details: 
Grafton & Co. (Frank Hamel), Publishers and Booksellers, Coptic House, 51 Great Russell Street, London, W.C.1. Between 1942 and 1945. V. M. Arnold, from Worcester (International Chemical Co.) and Ilford.
£200.00

This small archive provides an interesting insight into the world of mid-twentieth century antiquarian bookselling. In excess of one hundred items, the collection being in good condition, lightly aged and worn, including 61 typed letters, invoices and quotations by the firm, all on its letterhead, and around 30 drafts of the letters to the firm from a somewhat difficult customer, with an interesting range of interests, his purchases dating between the seventeenth and the twentieth century, on such subjects as Russian antiquities, bookplates, the classics, Rossica and Oscar Wilde.

[ Bookseller's catalogue. ] First Editions of Jack London, Thorne Smith, Erskine Caldwell, William Saroyan, John Steinbeck, Illustrated.

Author: 
The El Dorado Bookstore, San Francisco, California [ props Roskie & Wallace of Oakland; Philip M. Roskie (1921-93) ] [ Jack London, Thorne Smith, Erskine Caldwell, William Saroyan, John Steinbeck ]
Publication details: 
Catalogue No. 1, 1948. The El Dorado Bookstore, 309 Kearny Street, San Francisco 8, California.
£120.00

32pp., 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged. A previous owner has thought well enough of this item to have it put in a sturdy binding of black cloth, with title in gilt on spine. The binding is in very good condition, but a bookplate has been removed from the front pastedown. An interesting catalogue (especially when compared with the staid British book catalogues of the period), with each of the 108 items presented, four to a page, each with accompanying photograph of the covers of the book. The most expensive item, at $100, is a 1902 first edition of 'The Cruise of the Dazzler'.

[ Presentation copy. ] Tokens of the Eighteenth Century connected with Booksellers & Bookmakers (Authors, Printers, Publishers, Engravers and Paper Makers)

Author: 
W. Longman [ William Longman (1882-1967) ]
Publication details: 
Longmans, Green and Co. 39 Paternoster Row, London. 1916.
£56.00

90pp., 8vo. Eleven plates and one full-page illustration in text. In good condition internally, on lightly-aged paper, in worn blue cloth gilt. Inscribed on front free endpaper: 'With the Author's compliments | March 5 1917'. Beneath the inscription in another hand: 'Presented to The Library of The Bookseller's Retreat. Abbots Langley.'

[ E. V. Lucas and Methuen & Co Ltd, publishers. ] Typed Letter Signed ('E V Lucas') from E. V. Lucas to 'Mr. Wilber', regarding portrait tablets of Sir Algernon Methuen, with copy of the printed booklet 'Sir Algernon Methuen Baronet. A Memoir.'

Author: 
E. V. Lucas [ Edward Verrall Lucas (1868-1938), author ] [ Sir Algernon Methuen, publisher; Methuen & Co Ltd, publishers ]
Publication details: 
Booklet: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 36 Essex Street, W.C., London. Printed at the University Press, Aberdeen. 1925. Lucas's letter dated 21 September 1925, on Methuen & Co letterhead.
£80.00

Lucas's letter is 1p., 4to. In fair condition, lightly spotted. He informs Wilber that when he arrives at the office the following morning, he will find that 'the two portrait tablets of the late Sir Algernon Methuen, the founder of our firm, have been unveiled'. He explains that the tablets are 'a gift to the firm from Lady Methuen, whose wish is that each member of the staff should possess a copy of the accompanying Memoir'. The booklet is 13pp., 4to. With three plates including collotype frontispiece portrait of tablet of author.

[ Printed item. ] Catalogue of Choice Books including a Collection of First & Rare Editions of the Works of Oscar Wilde. [ Including reproduction of caricature of Wilde by George Finch Mason. ]

Author: 
H. Gray & Co., London booksellers [ Oscar Wilde; George Finch Mason (1850-1915), English illustrator ]
Publication details: 
[Number Sixteen, New Series, 1930. ] H. Gray & Co. 188 Lewisham Road, London, S.E.13, and 8 Royal Parade, Blackheath, S.E.3.
£60.00

24pp., 8vo. Pagination includes the wraps, which carry the last two pages. With frontispiece plate: 'Oscar Wilde | Unpublished Caricature | By Finch Mason | [item 31]'. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, in worn and chipped wraps. Wilde's name has been underlined in red pencil on cover.

[ Printed item. ] The Directory of Second-hand Booksellers and List of Public Libraries, British and Foreign. Edited by James Clegg.

Author: 
James Clegg [ (b.1843) publisher, proprietor of the Aldine Press, Rochdale ]
Publication details: 
'Second Edition'.Rochdale: Printed and Published by James Clegg, Wet Rake. London:Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C. [ also New York, Paris and Leipzig ] 1888.
£120.00

[3] + viii + 112 + 51pp., 4to. Internally fair, on lightly-aged paper, in binding with heavily-damaged leather spine and worn green cloth covers. The author states that the volume is the second edition in his preface, 'the First having been published by the late Arthur Gyles, in 1886'. The object 'is primarily to supply a work of convenient size for the use of Second-hand Booksellers, which may facilitate intercourse with their confreres in our own and other countries'. Three pages of advertisements at front, and a further fifty-one at rear.

[ Sir Ambrose Heal, furniture designer. ] Autograph volume listing 'Booksellers in Paternoster Row', with his bookplate. With pamphlet by Robert Bagster: 'The Centenary of the First Pocket Reference Bible, Issued by Samuel Bagster 1812'

Author: 
Sir Ambrose Heal (1872-1939), furniture designer and proprietor of Heal's in Tottenham Court Road [ Samuel Bagster & Sons, Paternoster Row, London ]
Publication details: 
Sir Ambrose Heal's autograph list is without date and place. Robert Bagster's pamphlet published by Samuel Bagster and Sons Limited, 15, Paternoster Row, London [ 1912 ].
£300.00

Neatly bound in 12mo red cloth volume with 'BOOKSELLERS IN PATERNOSTER ROW' in gilt on spine. In good condition, lightly aged. Heal's slight list, in alphabetical order, is neatly written out on 13pp. Underlining his interest in the area to which the volume relates, Heal's elegant and restrained bookplate ('A H | LONDON') features the dome of St Paul's. Bound in at the rear of the volume is Robert Bagster's sixteen-page pamphlet, titled 'The Centenary of the First Pocket Reference Bible | Issued by Samuel Bagster 1812', with drophead title 'An Account of the Publishing House of Bagster'.

[ Selwyn Jepson, British author. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Selwyn') to 'Sewell', giving an assessment of the career of H. A. Feisenberger, to whom he has sent 'the Van Gogh material'.

Author: 
Selwyn Jepson (1899-1989), British author [ Hellmut Albert Feisenberger (1909-1999), bookseller ]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead. Liss, 14 December 1976.
£38.00

2pp., 4to. In fair condition, lightly-aged and somewhat creased at extremities. He explains that he has sent 'the Van Gogh material' to Feisenberger, whose address he gives.

[ Cadell & Davies, London booksellers. ] Autograph Note Signed from 'S. Cadell' to 'Mr Lawless' [ the firm's assistant Robert Lawless ], instructing him to deliver copies of Pope's Homer to 'Mr Nichols' [ John Bowyer Nichols ].

Author: 
S. Cadell [ John Bowyer Nichols (1779-1863), printer and publisher; Robin Lawless (1724-1806), Irish-born assistant to the London booksellers Cadell & Davies [ Thomas Cadell & William Davies ] ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date. [ London, pre-1806. ]
£56.00

On one side of a small rectangle of laid paper, with one corner snipped off. In fair condition, aged and worn, with spike hole not affecting text. Reads: 'Mr Lawless | Deliver Mr Nichols Ninety Popes omer 4 Vol. | S. Cadell'. Although clearly a member of the firm, the identity of the writer is unclear, the descriptions of Cadell & Davies material at the Huntingdon and Yale not yielding any information.

[ Maggs Brothers, London booksellers. ] Typed Letter with cyclostyled signature 'Maggs Bros.', to Messrs. R. Riviere & Son of Regent Street, giving instructions for the binding of a plate.

Author: 
Maggs Brothers, London booksellers [ Messrs. R. Riviere & Son of Regent Street, bookbinders ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Maggs Brothers, 109 Strand, London WC. 2 February 1918.
£35.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. The letterhead styles the firm: 'Maggs Bros., | Rare Books, Prints & Autographs. | Catalogues issued. | Publishers, Exporters & Shippers.' gives thhe address of the firm's warehouse, telegraphic and cable address, 'Code in Use', and telephone number. With reference to an order, the firm is sending 'a large plate of the "Mistaken Marriage" and another of "The Whiskers" of these latter kindly use the larger of the two but do not inlay'.

[ Messrs. Harrisons & Sons of Pall Mall, Booksellers and Stationers to His Majesty The King. ] Printed catalogue: 'A List of Messrs. Harrision & Sons' Publications.'

Author: 
Messrs. Harrison & Sons, 'Booksellers and Stationers to His Majesty The King', 45 Pall Mall, London SW
Publication details: 
Messrs. Harrison & Sons, 45 Pall Mall, London. [ Circa 1903. ]
£56.00

16pp., 4to. Stitched pamphlet. Aged and worn. The lay-out is staid and old-fashioned, reminsicent of the 1880s. Very much geared to the St James's Palace market, with such titles as 'Bicycle Gymkhana and Musical Rides' by Major Walter Wingfield, 'No Army, No Empire' by the Earl of Dunraven, and 'Roulette: The Winning Rules' by 'Sperienza'. Includes various of Sir Bernard Burke's publications, and Hertslet's Treaties, as well as 'Dress Worn by Gentlemen at His Majesty's Court. The latest date within the catalogue is 1903. No other copy traced, either on OCLC WorldCat or on COPAC.

[ Longmans, London publishers. ] Prospectus for Clarke Abel's 'Personal Observations, made during the Progress of the British Embassy through China', and list of Longmans books 'Published in the Course of August and September [1817]'.

Author: 
Clarke Abel, Physician and Naturalist to the Embassy [ Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, of Paternoster-row, London Booksellers; Longmans; East India Company ]
Publication details: 
Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, Paternoster-row. The prospectus is undated; the list of publications is dated 'Oct. 1817.'
£60.00

The two items are disbound, but attached to one another. On aged and worn paper. PROSPECTUS: 1p., 12mo. Reads: 'Mr. Abel's Account of the Embassy to China. | In the press, and immediately will be published, | In One Volume, Quarto, illustrated by Maps and other Engravings, of Landscape, Natural History, Geology, &c.

[Jane Austen's family: library section of printed auction catalogue, annotated by London booksellers Maggs Brothers.] A Catalogue of the Contents of the Masion, Capel Manor, Horsmonden, Kent.

Author: 
'By Order of the Trustees of John Francis Austen, Decd.' [ John-Francis Austen (1817-1893); Maggs Brothers, London booksellers]
Publication details: 
To be sold by Auction by Messrs. Knight, Frank & Rutley [...] in conjunction with Messrs. Richardson & Pierce, Ltd. on the premises [...] 17 August 1931 and three following days.
£180.00

J. F. Austen was the son of John Austen VII. For his relation to the novelist see 'Jane Austen's Letters', ed. Le Faye (OUP, 2011). The present item is excessively scarce, with no copies traced on either COPAC or OCLC WorldCat. 4to, 18pp. on ten leaves, paginated [1-2], 17-24, 57-63, 79. In original brown printed wraps. Aged and worn, with rusted staples.

Two Aquatint engravings by William Henry Pyne, both engraved by 'Smart & Hunt', titled 'Cheap Meat', showing an angry man bursting into an eighteenth-century bookshop, and 'A Thief in the Kirk', showing a man in tartan running through a congregation.

Author: 
William Henry Pyne (1769-1843), author and artist; S. & J. Fuller, 34 Rathbone Place, London printsellers
Publication details: 
Both 'London, Published July 1, 1822, by S. & J. Fuller, 34, Rathbone Place.'
£220.00

Both in the same style. ONE: 'Cheap Meat.' Dimensions: paper 25 x 29.5 cm; plate 22.5 x 27.5 cm; image 18.5 x 23.5 cm. In good condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight discoloration to corners from previous mounting. Beneath plate: 'W. H. Pyne delt.

[Printed item.] A Catalogue of Books by or relating to Dr Johnson & Members of his Circle offered for Sale by Elkin Mathews, Ltd. With an Introduction by John Drinkwater.

Author: 
John Drinkwater; Elkin Mathews, Ltd., London booksellers [A. W. Evans; Edward Gathorne-Hardy (1901-1978); Dr Samuel Johnson; Johnsoniana]
Publication details: 
London: Elkin Mathews, Ltd. 4a Cork Street, W.1. 1925. [Cambridge: Printed in Great Britain by Walter Lewis at the University Press.]
£180.00

vi + 110 + [1]pp., 8vo. Frontispiece. In grey printed wraps. Nicely printed. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with minor damp staining to corners. The firm's fifth catalogue, compiled by partners Evans and Gathorne-Hardy.

[The Coronation, 1953.] Plans, sections and elevations, with letters and memoranda, by the Scottish architect Joseph Wilson, ARIBA, for the 'Proposed Coronation Stand' and 'Accommodation' at London booksellers J. & E. Bumpus Ltd., 477 Oxford Street.

Author: 
[The Coronation, 1953.] [Joseph Wilson (b.c.1888), Glasgow architect; J. & E. Bumpus Ltd., 477 Oxford Street, prestigious London bookshop owned by J. G. Wilson [John Gideon Wilson] (1876-1963)]
Publication details: 
Joseph Wilson, 200 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, C2. [J. & E. Bumpus Ltd., 477 Oxford Street, London.] Eleven items, all dating from 1952.
£450.00

For more about Joseph Wilson, ARIBA, FRIAS, see his entry in the Dictionary of Scottish Architects. From the familiar tone of his letters (Items Seven, Ten and Eleven below), there is every indication that he was closely related to his client, J. G. Wilson, proprietor of the prestigious firm of J. & E. Bumpus Ltd, and a man described by Sir Basil Blackwell (in his DNB entry on Wilson) as 'the most famous English [sic] bookseller of his time'. Eleven items, in good condition, lightly aged and worn.

[Manuscript] Memorandum of an agreement [...] between Adam Boobyer, Bookseller,[of 6 Seymour Row, Little Chelsea] and William Boobyer Bookseller of Pomona Place Eelbrook [Fulham]

Author: 
Adam Boobyer, William Boobyer, booksellers in West London
Publication details: 
25 December 1839.
£150.00

Three pages, cr.8vo, bifolium, fold marks, small closed tear on fold, some staining, but text clear and complete. Text in William Boobyer's hand, by comparison with signatures. There are twelve numbered clauses in the Agreement. 1. That Adam Boobyer should conduct the business at 6 Seymour Row for them both. 2. All "monies" "be accounted for to Adam Boobyer". 3. William Boobyer shall receive 30s from the profits. 4. Independently of clause 3, William to receive a "fair share of the increase of profits" and "five percent upon all cash above eighty pounds per month which is taken". 5.

[Mathew Varenne, bookseller, near Somerset House in the Strand.] Engraved bookplate ('H: Hulsbergh Sc.') with inscription 'This Book and all sorts are to be had at Math: Varrenne's at the Senecas head near Sommerset house in ye Strand.'

Author: 
[Mathew Varenne [Matthew de Varenne; Varens] (d.1726), bookseller at the sign of Seneca's Head, near Somerset House in the Strand, London; Hendrik Hulsbergh (d.1729), London-based Dutch engraver]
Publication details: 
[Mathew Varenne, bookseller at the sign of Seneca's Head, near Somerset House in the Strand, London. Before 1726.]
£250.00

Note that Varenne's Christian name is spelled with one 't' on the bookplate, and generally with two 't's by later sources. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, tipped in onto a grey paper mount. Engraved on a 12 x 8 cm piece of wove paper, with no margin.

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