linguist

One could not find a better assessment by Brown of his qualities as a writer on language than the letter offered here. As his entry in the Oxford DNB notes: ‘As well as using the English language expertly, he was one of those logophiles, such as F. G. Fowler, H. W. Fowler, and Eric Partridge, who are fascinated by language itself. He became famous for his books about words, agreeable rambles around correct usage and philology, enlivened by literary allusion, quotation, wit, and personal anecdote.

2pp, 12mo. On first leaf of bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with several folds. Twenty-two lines written in a close, crabbed hand. Begins: 'My dear Sir | I looked for you at the last meeting of the Antiquarian Society [i.e. the Cambridge Antiquarian Society] – in vain.' He is forwarding a letter he has received from 'Mr S. Jackson of Keswick, Cumberland – concerning some coins & medals for sale', He does not 'wish to be a purchaser', but Akerman may wish to give notice to 'some one who would wish to possess some of the collection'.

1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and with central vertical crease. Consisting of a page bearing eleven lines of corrected manuscript, laid down onto an 8vo leaf, with the following presentation inscription at the foot: 'Vogliate sempre bene | al divotisso. vostro | Graziado Ascoli'. The manuscript begins: '[...] essi mettono in opera per chiarire diversamente il loro nazionalismo, [...]' and ends '[...] consequenti presenzoni delle cancellerie europee.' Ascoli was the first linguist to first to classify systematically the Italian dialects.

Two pages, 8vo, fold mark (stained), mainly good, text clear and complete. "My dear Mr. Adams, | Once more I hoped to be able to present to you as my Christmas present my forthcoming book (The Illuminated Book [underlined]). Unfortunately, its pubication has been postponed till Febr. 1958. | Hence, I cannot but send to you my warmest greeetings & my best wishes of A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY 1958. | I do hope to be able to meet you somewhere in London. I am aware that you have given up active studio-work, but I do not know whether you still have connections with your fromer studio in London.

3 pp, 12mo. 41 lines. Text clear and complete. Fair, on lightly-aged paper with a couple of closed tears. He is sending 'the trans. of the Baghobahan together with the Original', and trusts that Robinson will keep his promise 'and not detain it long'. Considers it fair that Robinson's friend 'should pay the carriage thereof from & to London'. 'The younger Stewart is to send me up a book of mine in about a week - the best way will be to send the Bagh along with it as it will be the same expence'. Suggest sending another book with 'the Bagh to Haileybury', rather than to Portman Square.