JOHN

[Philadelphia Society of Friends (Quakers) and slavery, 1839.] Printed pamphlet: 'An Address to the [...] Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, By the Committee appointed at the late Yearly Meeting to have charge of the Subject of Slavery.

Author: 
[American slavery; the slave trade] John Jackson, Benjamin Price, Deborah F. Wharton, clerks, Society of Friends (Quakers), Philadelphia
Publication details: 
Philadelphia: Printed by John Richards, No. 130 North Third Street. 1839.
£50.00

The full title is: 'An Address to the Quarterly, Monthly and Preparative Meetings, and the Members thereof, composing the Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, By the Committee appointed at the late Yearly Meeting to have charge of the Subject of Slavery.' 12pp, 12mo. Pamphlet in (original?) plain brown wraps. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Begins with two pages of extracts from the minutes, 17 May 1839, regarding the setting up of the committee on 'the deeply interesting subject of Slavery', with reference to 'Benjamin Price, Jr. Clerk' and 'Deborah F.

[Edmund Gwenn, English actor who won an Oscar for his role as 'Kris Kringle' in the Hollywood film 'Miracle on 34th Street'.] Three Autograph Letters Signed to 'Mr. Stuart', in one describing Henry Irving as the actor who impressed him most.

Author: 
Edmund Gwenn [Edmund John Kellaway] (1877-1959), English actor who worked with Alfred Hitchcock and won an Oscar for his role as Kris Kringle in the 1947 Hollywood film 'Miracle on 34th Street'
Publication details: 
21, 23 and 26 January 1939. The first from the University Arms Hotel, Cambridge; the other two from the Royal Albion Hotel, Brighton.
£250.00

The three letters in good condition, lightly aged, tipped-in onto a leaf removed from an album. The first 1p, 12mo; the other two each 1p, 8vo. All three signed 'Edmund Gwenn'. In the first he thanks him for his 'great courtesy during my visit', and for reproducing 'that old programme'. In the second letter he acknowledges 'a further proof of your kindly interest', received at his hotel after sending his first letter. The article was 'extremely interesting', as was 'the Photograph of Irving in his robes', a copy of which, he asks to purchase.

[J. B. Priestley, popular English novelist.] Typed Letter Signed ('Jack') to 'B. J.', i.e. Maire Lynd, regarding her parents Robert and Sylvia Lynd, and her son.

Author: 
J. B. Priestley [John Boynton Priestley] (1894-1984), novelist, playwright and broadcaster [Maire Lynd ('B. J.'), daughter of Irish essayist Robert Lynd and his wife the poet Sylvia Lynd]
Publication details: 
16 June 1976. On his letterhead, Kissing Tree House, Alveston, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
£45.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded once. The salutation 'Dear B. J.' and valediction 'Yours | Jack' are in Priestley's autograph; the rest is typed. Maire Lynd's letter was 'a delight surprise', Priestley being unaware that her son was 'in the film business'.

[Edmund Stonor, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Trebizond.] Eleven Autograph Letters Signed, in a collection of fifteen items of correspondence to his London lawyers Philip Witham and F. R. Ward. With two letters from Judge Henry James Stonor.

Author: 
Edmund Stonor (1831-1912), Roman Catholic Archbishop of Trebizond and Senior Canon of St John Lateran, Chamberlain to Pope Pius IX [Philip Witham (1843-1921) and F. R. Ward, Irish lawyers in London]
Publication details: 
The fifteen items between 1884 and 1906. Eight of Stonor's letters from 27 Via Sistina, Rome. Other letters from 23 Clarges Street, London; Brighton; Abbey Hill, Winchester; and Imberhorne Manor, East Grinstead, Sussex.
£280.00

Fifteen items of correspondence, including eleven autograph letters from Stonor himself, eight signed 'Edmund Stonor', the other three '+ Edmund Stonor | Abp of Trebizond'. The collection aged and worn, with fraying to edges. The items attached with a brass stud. Regarding the two recipients, prominent solicitors serving the Irish and Roman Catholic interests in London, Philip Witham (1843-1921) - whose firm was Roskell, Witham, Munster and Weld - appears to have succeed F. R. Ward at 1 Gray's Inn Square. The main topic of the correspondence is the drafting in 1888 of Stonor's will.

[John Colbatch: anonymous pamphlet on Trinity College, Cambridge.] A Vindication of the Lord Bishop of Ely's Visitatorial Jurisdiction over Trinity-College In General and over the Master thereof in Particular.

Author: 
[John Colbatch (1664-1748)] Trinity College, Cambridge; Thomas Green (1658-1738), Bishop of Ely
Publication details: 
London: Printed for T. Cooper, the Corner of Ivy-Lane, next Pater-Noster-Row. MDCCXXXII. [1732]
£120.00

44pp, 4to. In poor condition, worn and stained, in damaged remains of vellum-paper wraps. Library stamp carelessly cut away from blank part of title, causing closed cut to second leaf. Six copies on JISC LHD (COPAC); now uncommon. The date of publication is mistakenly given in Colbatch's entry in the Oxford DNB as 1729.

[John Dormer [Huddleston]: Georgian reprint of tract by him.] Usury Explained; or Conscience Quieted in the Case of Putting Out Mony [sic] at Interest. By Philopenes.

Author: 
'Philopenes' [John Dormer [Huddleston] (1636-1700)]
Publication details: 
'London: Printed by D. E. in Fetter-Lane, 1695/6. Reprinted London, 1817.'
£150.00

[47]pp, 8vo, paginated [165]-211. Disbound and without covers. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with overstitching to spine. Blind stamp to the title of the Free Public Library, Wigan. In manuscript at head of title-page: 'Cat. Bought Feb. 1914. H. T. F.' Nicely printed. Extracted from a Regency collection reprinting English tracts. Now uncommon.

[Royal Navy Ophthalmic Department, Second World War.] Letterbook of Surgeon-Commander Edward John Littledale, Ophthalmic Specialist, of HMHS [Hospital Ship] Maine, containing two hundred AFOs [Admiralty Fleet Orders], circulars, correspondence.

Author: 
[Royal Navy Ophthalmic Department, Second World War] Surgeon-Commander Edward John Littledale (1906-2001), Ophthalmic Specialist, of HMHS [Hospital Ship] Maine
Publication details: 
[Admiralty, Whitehall, London.] Dating from between 1924 and 1946, with the greater number issued during the Second World War.
£450.00

Laid down on 138pp of a quarto volume. The contents are in good overall condition, lightly aged and worn, but the binding of the volume is in poor condition, heavily worn, with the leather spine split and damaged and the front board becoming detached. Meticulously arranged, with autograph thumb-index and list of AFOs at front, and autograph emendations in red ink to various orders, many of which are marked 'Cancelled'. Ownership signature and title on flyleaf: 'E. J. Littledale. | A. F. Os etc dealing with Ophthalmic Department'.

[Poem on 'Captain Gardiner's Patagonian Mission'.] Printed brochure with poem titled 'The Last Hour: A Scene in Patagonia.'

Author: 
'[delta]', pseudonym [Allen Francis Gardiner (1794-1851), Royal Navy officer and missionary to Patagonia; the Christian Times, London]
Publication details: 
'(From the Christian Times.)' [London] Dated 10 May 1852.
£120.00

For the context see Gardiner's entry in the Oxford DNB. Gardiner's disastrous last mission to Patagonia ended with his death on 6 September 1851, as the last of the seven missionaries to starve to death on Picton Island. No other copy of the present item has been traced, either on OCLC WorldCat or on COPAC. 4pp, 16mo. Bifolium. Well printed. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, and folded several times.

[Samuel Goodenough, Bishop of Carlisle, botanist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Saml. Carlisle') to Rev. Gilbert Ford of Ormskirk, regarding the 'Grey Pill' of his father, the Chester physician John Ford.

Author: 
Samuel Goodenough (1743-1827), Bishop of Carlisle, botanist [Rev. Gilbert Ford of Ormskirk; Dr John Ford of Chester]
Publication details: 
22 April 1808. Berners Street [London].
£56.00

See Goodenough's entry in the Oxford DNB. At the time of writing he had not been long in place: he had been consecrated in the Chapel Royal, Whitehall on 13 February 1808, having been nominated by the Prime Minister the Duke of Portland. The recipient is Rev. Gilbert Ford (1768-1835) of Ormskirk, son of the eminent Chester physician and botanist John Ford (1731-1807). (Ford was possibly related to Goodenough by marriage: the latter's wife was a daughter of Dr James Ford, sometime physician to Middlesex Hospital and to Queen Charlotte.) 2pp, 4to. On bifolium.

[Admiral Jellicoe, commander of the Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J R Jellicoe') congratulating 'Cecil', i.e. future Admiral Sir Stanley Colville, on the birth of a son, discussing his 'joining' the ship as guest.

Author: 
Admiral Jellicoe [Admiral of the Fleet John Rushworth Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe] (1859-1935), commander of Grand Fleet at Battle of Jutland [Admiral Sir Stanley Cecil James Colville (1861-1939)]
Publication details: 
30 September 1907. On letterhead of HMS Albemarle, Atlantic Fleet.
£150.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with a few light stains from mount. Folded once. Having seen the Times announcement of the birth of Cecil's son the previous Saturday, Jellicoe sends his 'Most hearty congratulations' on the birth of Cecil's son, and is 'so delighted that all is going so satisfactorily & that you can come to see us on the 14th.

[Stanley J. Weyman, novelist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Stanley J. Weyman') to 'Mr. Balfour', regarding an article he is writing for him, with relation to 'the Church' and 'Seaman'.

Author: 
Stanley J. Weyman [Stanley John Weyman] (1855-1928), popular novelist of historical romance
Publication details: 
22 November 1923. On letterhead of Plâs Llanrhydd, Ruthin, N. Wales.
£45.00

Weyman is largely forgotten now, but he was admired by Robert Louis Stevenson and Oscar Wilde, and Graham Greene singled him out for regular re-reading among the authors of 'the key books in my life'. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged, with pin holes to one corner. Folded twice. He is 'relieved' that Balfour thinks 'it will do. Yes, if you will kindly send it me I will look it over again & get it typed.' He has 'not seen the Church for some years', and will be grateful if Balfour will note any inaccuracy. He supposes that if the work is received within a fortnight 'it will do'.

[Sir John Mills, Oscar-winning actor.] Typed Letter Signed ('John Mills') to Mrs Richard Eyre, daughter of Charles Royds, First Lieutenant to Scott of the Antarctic, regarding research on the film, in which Mills starred as Scott.

Author: 
Sir John Mills [born Lewis Ernest Watts Mills] (1908-2005), Oscar-winning English film actor [Richard Eyre; Scott of the Antarctic]
Publication details: 
24 November 1947; Fernacres, Fulmer, Bucks.
£120.00

2pp, 12mo. On grey paper with letterhead of his name. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight staining tape staining to two corners from mount. Addressed to 'Mrs Richard Eyre, | Bullsmead, | Maiden Newton, | Dorset.' The subject of the letter is the preparation for the 1948 British film 'Scott of the Antarctic', in which Mills starred in the title role. The recipient is the mother of the noted English director Sir Richard Eyre (b. 1943), whose father Charles Royds was Scott’s First Lieutenant.

[John Keble, Anglican cleric and poet.] Autograph Letter in the third person, recommending that 'Mr. T. Sneyd Kinnersley' apply to 'Mr. Parker, or Mr. Harrison the Architect' regarding an engraving.

Author: 
John Keble (1792-1866), Anglican cleric and poet, a leader of the Oxford Movement, after whom was named Keble College, Oxford [Thomas Clement Sneyd Kinnersley; James Park Harrison; John Henry Parker]
Publication details: 
Hursley Vicarage [Hampshire]. 21 December 1849.
£80.00

2pp, 12mo. On the first leaf of a bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded twice. 'Mr. Keble presents his compliments to Mr. T. Sneyd Kinnersley, & is much concerned to have received his note so late, that it was impossible for him to return an answer in time for the 20th. He has no spare copies of the Engraving, or he would gladly forwarded [sic] one. Neither does he know whom to apply to about it, unless it be Mr. Parker, or Mr. Harrison the Architect, [i.e. James Park Harrison (1817-1901)] whose address is | 11 Chancery Lane | London. | Mr.

[John Philip Kemble, actor and manager of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden.] Autograph Memorandum, signed 'J. Kemble.', regarding the 'Caducean Trident' of Albion, with an ink drawing of the same (a dragon with intertwining serpents).

Author: 
John Philip Kemble (1757-1823), distinguished actor and manager of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, brother of Sarah Siddons and Charles Kemble
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£180.00

The text is on one side of a 13 x 16 cm piece of laid watermarked paper. The signature 'J. Kemble' is at bottom left, in slightly-darker ink than the fifteen lines of text. Lightly aged and with short closed tears at edges of two folds. Slight traces of brown-paper mount at top corners on reverse, which carries a capable ink drawing of 'the Caducean Trident' mentioned in the text: a dragon with two sets of wings, body stiff as a rod, encircled by two snakes.

[Sir J. B. Lawes and Sir J. H. Gilbert, agricultural scientists.] Three printed works: 'Report of Experiments on the Growth of Wheat', presentation copy; 'The Effect of Different Manures'; 'On the Chemistry of the Feeding of Animals', by Lawes alone.

Author: 
J. B. Lawes and J. H. Gilbert [Sir John Bennet Lawes (1814-1900) and Sir Joseph Henry Gilbert (1817-1901), agricultural scientists] [Royal Agricultural Society of England; Royal Dublin Society]
Publication details: 
First two: [Royal Agricultural Society of England.] London: Printed by W. Clowes and Sons, Stamford Street, and Charing Cross. 1863 and 1864. Third: [Royal Dublin Society.]: Dublin: Printed at the University Press, by M. H. Gill. 1864.
£350.00

See the entries on the two men in the Oxford DNB. In an impressive description of their joint achievements, the entry on Gilbert describes his association with Lawes as 'one of the longest and most productive scientific partnerships on record [...] In agricultural circles their names are for ever linked'. The first two items are in uniform light-blue printed card covers; the last is of similar appearance, in printed card covers of the same colour. In good condition, lightly aged.

[John George Jackson, Leamington architect.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J G Jackson') to William Hookham Carpenter, regarding payment to his father the bookseller James Carpenter, the building of a villa for 'Mr Woolryche', and a bust of Shakespeare.

Author: 
John George Jackson, Leamington architect [William Hookham Carpenter, Keeper of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum, son of London bookseller James Carpenter]
Publication details: 
3 May 1834; Newbold Lodge [Leamington].
£56.00

For John George Jackson (c.1798-c.1851), architect of Leamington Priors, pupil of P. F. Robinson, see Lyndon F. Cave's 'Royal Leamington Spa' (1988). He erected Newbold Lodge on the site of Strawberry Cottage in the early 1830s. See the entry for the recipient William Hookham Carpenter (1792-1866), later Keeper of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum, in the Oxford DNB. At the time of the present letter Carpenter was working for his father the Old Bond Street bookseller James Carpenter (c.1768-1852). 2pp, 8vo. Bifolium.

[George Canning, Prime Minister; John Richardson of Oxford University.] Manuscript copies of poems which won Chancellor's Medal for Latin verse: Canning's 'Iter ad Meccam [Journey to Mecca]'; Richardson's 'Maria Scotorum Regina [Mary Queen of Scots]'

Author: 
George Canning, British Prime Minister; John Richardson, Student of the University of Oxford [Chancellor's Medal for Latin verse]
Publication details: 
[University of Oxford, post 1789 and 1792.]
£450.00

Manuscripts in a contemporary hand of two poems which won the University of Oxford Chancellor's Prize for Latin Verse, neither of them published. In 1789, Canning, as a Christ Church undergraduate, won the prize for the second of the two, 'Iter ad Meccam Religionis causa susceptum'; and in 1792 John Richardson, 'Scholar of University', won it for the first of the two, 'Maria Scotorum Regina'. The manuscript of the two poems totals 29pp, 8vo. The pages are written lengthwise on fifteen of the twenty leaves of a stitched booklet of laid paper with Britannia watermark.

[Francis Wharton, American educationalist and professor of criminal law.] Autograph Letter Signed to John N. Purviance, Auditor General, Harrisburg,

Author: 
Francis Wharton (1820-1889) of Philadelphia, American legal writer, historian, educationalist and professor of criminal law [General John Nelson Purviance (1810-1885), Auditor General, Harrisburg]
Publication details: 
[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.] 11 July 1850.
£120.00

1p, 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with fold lines and small hole made by breaking of the wafer. Addressed by Wharton on reverse to 'Hon. Jno. N. Purviance | Auditor Gen. | Harrisburg.' Endorsed: 'Francis Whatron, Esq. | Phila. | Ansd. 12 July 1850.' Wharton writes in a neat hand: 'Dear Sir | I enclose a note I have just received from Messrs Thomas and Rumsey - which please return. | Truly yrs | Francis Wharton'. Postscript reads: 'Let us know from you at your early convenience, as we are unable to advance a step till we know your views'.

[John Stuart Mill, philospher and economist.] Autograph Signature ('J. S. Mill') with valediction to letter.

Author: 
John Stuart Mill [J. S. Mill] (1806-1873), philosopher, political economist, and civil servant, a leading figure in the history of classical liberalism
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£125.00

On 2 x 11 cm slip of paper cut from the end of a letter. In fair condition, lightly aged, with small tape stain from mount at the edge to the left of the signature. Reads: 'very truly yours | J. S. Mill'. On the reverse, in Mill's autograph, are the words: 'the Government for a pecuniary'. Mill is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of classical liberalism, and one of the leading English-speaking philosophers of the nineteenth century.

[John Mitford, editor of the Gentleman's Magazine.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J Mitford') to a family member, regarding Sir Thomas Gery Cullum, his gardening activities at Hardwick House, and the preparation of his Gentleman's Magazine obituary.

Author: 
John Mitford (1781-1859), cleric and editor of the Gentleman's Magazine [Lady Ann Cullum (1807-1875), wife of Sir Thomas Gery Cullum (1777-1855), 8th Baronet of Hardwick House]
Publication details: 
22 February 1855. Benhall [Benhall Vicarage, near Saxmundham, Suffolk.].
£250.00

See Mitford's entry in the Oxford DNB. At the time of writing he had been retired for five years from the editorship of the Gentleman's Magazine, a post he had held for seventeen years. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with minor traces of mount adhering to the blank reverse of the second leaf. Folded twice. Forty-four lines in a close hand.

[John Anderson, 1st Viscount Waverley, Churchill's 'Home Front Prime Minister' after whom Anderson Shelters are named.] Typed Letter Signed as Home Secretary to Sir James Marchant on 'the Government's plans for a war time regional organisation'.

Author: 
John Anderson, 1st Viscount Waverley (1882-1958), civil servant and politician, 'Home Front Prime Minister' in Churchill's war cabinet [Sir James Marchant (1867-1956), eugenicist and social reformer]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Home Office, Whitehall, S.W.1. [London] 14 February 1939.
£150.00

Anderson served as Home Secretary, Lord President of the Council and Chancellor of the Exchequer. Marchant headed the National Vigilance Association and the National Council of Public Morals. 2pp, 4to. On two leaves stapled together. In fair condition, lightly aged, with some staining from rusted staples. Folded three times. A good letter, giving an indication of civil defence preparations on the eve of the Second World War.

[A late-Victorian mock-heroic poem set in Staines, Middlesex.] Printed pamphlet: 'The Battle of Black Boy Lane. A Panegyrical, Satirical, Serio-Comical, Dramatical Poem. By John Hall'.

Author: 
John Hall, author of a mock-heroic poem set in Staines, Middlesex [C. Oswald, Staines printer]
Publication details: 
No date [late Victorian]. 'Oswald, Typ., Staines.'
£120.00

This unusual item is scarce: no copy has been located on OCLC WorldCat, and no reference to the poem has been discovered. Not dated, but the printer was active at the end of the nineteenth century: two other items at least were printed by 'C. Oswald' in Staines, one in 1887 and the other in 1898. Its subject is now obscure, but perhaps may be illuminated by the local historian. 8pp, 12mo. Stapled. Aged, worn and creased, with closed tear at foot of fold to outer bifolium.

[John William Donaldson, philologist, classicist, and biblical scholar.] Autograph Memorandum, signed 'J. W. Donaldson', giving four 'reasons' why 'Hercules was the husband & not the purchased slave of Omphale'.

Author: 
J. W. Donaldson [John William Donaldson] (1811-1861), philologist., classicist and biblical scholar [Sir Thomas Gery Cullum (1777-1855) of Hardwick House and his wife Lady Ann Cullum (1807-1875)]
Publication details: 
No place [King Edward's School, Bury St Edmunds]. 2 April 1844.
£56.00

See Donaldson's entry in the Oxford DNB, which states that he was 'greatly beloved by his friends, who included N. C. Thirlwall and W. H. Thompson. The diarist Henry Crabb Robinson spoke enthusiastically of the charm of his conversation.' 3pp, 16mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with minor traces of mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. No salutation or valediction, and the recipient is not named, but the item derives from the papers of Sir Thomas Gery Cullum and his wife Lady Anne Cullum, of Hardwick House.

[Frederic Yates, English artist active in America.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Fredc Yates') to Mrs Oldham, describing in moving terms the funeral of Anne Oldham.

Author: 
Frederic Yates [born Frederic Keeping] (1854-1919), English artist active in America before returning to England and settling in the Lake District [Anne Oldham]
Publication details: 
17 May 1895, on letterhead of 3a Portman Mansions, W. [London]
£180.00

Yates studied in Paris before setting up a successful practice in San Francisco, also teaching there at the Art Student League. His portraits include the educator John Haden Badley and the only president of Hawaii, Sanford Ballard Dole. He returned to England in 1900, but was invited back to America to attend the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson and to paint his portrait. Wilson presented Yates with the flag that his hand rested on whilst he took his oath of office. The Oldham family moved in artistic circles, and Constance Oldham was John Ruskin's god-daughter and corresponded with him.

[Frederic Yates, English artist active in America.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Fred Yates') to Mrs Oldham, describing his examination of the wreck of HMS Foudroyant, for a painting she has commissioned. With sketches of the ship in ink and pencil.

Author: 
Frederic Yates [born Frederic Keeping] (1854-1919), English artist who found fame in America before settling in the Lake District [Oldham family; HMS Foudroyant; Royal Navy; Plymouth; Devonport]
Publication details: 
Letter: 'Sunday noon' [no date]. On letterhead of the Royal Hotel, Devonport. Pencil sketches without date or place.
£450.00

Yates studied in Paris before setting up a successful practice in San Francisco, also teaching there at the Art Student League. His portraits include the educator John Haden Badley and the only president of Hawaii, Sanford Ballard Dole. He returned to England in 1900, but was invited back to America to attend the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson and to paint his portrait. Wilson presented Yates with the flag that his hand rested on whilst he took his oath of office. The Oldham family moved in artistic circles, and Constance Oldham was John Ruskin's god-daughter and corresponded with him.

[John Burton Rondeau of Salford, Manchester book collector.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J B Rondeau') to a bookseller, explaining how he made purchases from the Bindon Blood and Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe collections.

Author: 
J. B. Rondeau [John Burton Rondeau] (1825-1862) of Salford, book collector [James Crossley; Cheetham's Library, Manchester; Bindon Blood; Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe; Bernard Quaritch, bookseller]
Publication details: 
17 July 1858. No place. [Salford or Manchester?]
£45.00

2pp, 16mo. Bifolium with mourning border. Heavily aged, worn and creased, with traces of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. There is no salutation. The letter begins: 'It is impossible to make the best selection, out of 11 vols which I gave Quaritch, £8. for, from the Bindon Blood Collection, and 3 thick vols, collected by the very well known Collector Chas. Kirkpatrick Sharpe of Edinbro'. I bought from Upham & Beet for £4. nett so many curious amongst the above vols.' He hopes some of these volumes will be useful to the recipient, 'now, and already before sent'.

[John Cowper Powys to his 'Jewish Book-Pedlar'.] Nine envelopes, all addressed in autograph by Powys to 'G. L. Lewin Esq' of 41 Great Russell Street, London, eight with Powys's signature and address on reverse.NO LETTERS PRESENT.

Author: 
John Cowper Powys (1872-1963), novelist and poet [George Lionel Lewin (1890-1970), 'Jewish Book-Pedlar' of Great Russell Street, London]
Publication details: 
Between 1945 and 1959. All from Merioneth, North Wales (the first four from Corwen and the last five from Blaenau Ffestiniog).
£220.00

Evocative artefacts of the interesting connection between Powys and the man who supplied him with the books for his translation of Rabelais. On 24 September 1940, in 'Letters to Sea-Eagle', Powys gives a lengthy account of 'Our Jew Book-Pedlar' and the bombing by the Germans of his Russell Street address.

[Lord Palmerston, Prime Minister at the height of Britain's imperial power.] Autograph Note in French in the third person to 'Monsr le Harivel', suggesting a time for his reception at the Foreign Office.

Author: 
Lord Palmerston [Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston] (1784-1865), statesman, twice Liberal Party Prime Minister
Publication details: 
'F. O. [Foreign Office] July 20 [1835]'.
£45.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, margins cropped, laid down on leaf removed from album. Annotated in ink with year. Reads 'Lord Palmerston presente ses Complimens a Monsr de Harivel et se fera l'honneur de le recevoir au “Foreign Office” Vendredi prochain a trois heures'.

['M. de Wagner' [Jean-Emile de Wagner?], London Chargé d'Affaires of Kingdom of Württemberg.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Wagner'), in English, to Sir John Coxe Hippisley, announcing his transfer to Berlin, and reporting on court news of King William I

Author: 
'M. de Wagner' [Jean-Emile de Wagner?], London Chargé d'Affaires of the Kingdom of Württemberg [Wurtemberg] [Sir John Coxe Hippisley (c.1747-1825), diplomat and politician; William I (1781-1864)]
Publication details: 
Berlin; 4 September 1820.
£180.00

The letter announces the transfer to Berlin of 'Monsieur de Wagner', London Chargé d'Affaires of the the Kingdom of Württemberg, resident at 42 Alpha Place, Regent's Park. The recipient Sir John Coxe Hippisley, whom George III had described as a 'busy man' and 'grand intriguer', had retired from public life two years previously, but was clearly still involved in diplomatic affairs. 2pp, 4to. Bifolium. Forty-one lines of neatly-written text, addressed to 'Sir J C Hippisley Bart. | Lower Grosvenor Street.' On aged and worn paper, with short closed tears at edges of folds.

[Sir John Betjeman, Poet Laureate.] Printed 'Service of Thanksgiving for the Life and Work of Sir John Betjeman CBE'.]

Author: 
Sir John Betjeman (1906-1984), Poet Laureate and popular broadcaster and public figure
Publication details: 
Printed by Barnard & Westwood Ltd, London. Service at Westminster Abbey, 'St Peter's Day | Friday 29 June 1984 | 11.30 a.m.'
£100.00

14 + [1]pp, 8vo. Stapled eight-leaf pamphlet. Publishers' slug on reverse of final leaf. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Scarce: no copy at the British Library, and the only copy located on OCLC WorldCat at Princeton. A pleasing memento of a grand affair, attended by a host of dignitaries, including Princess Margaret, the Prince of Wales (who read the first lesson) and Betjeman's publisher John Murray (who read the second lesson).

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