MANUSCRIPT

[ Lucy Soulsby; Headmistress ] Autograph Note Signed Lucy H.M. Soulsby to Mr Cochrane, about someone seeking employment

Author: 
Lucy H.M. Soulsby, Headmistress (Oxford DNB)
Publication details: 
[Headed] The High School, Oxford, 3 May 1895.
£35.00

Two pages, oblong 12mo, creases, foxing but legible. My delay in writing to you has been caused by some change of place on Miss Scrivens part. Just after seeing you, I heard she had found work which suited her; - yesterday she told me that she has finally reg=fused this work & hoped to make an appointmet to see you & Mr William Gardner. I will write again in a few days when I know more. - I spoke to Mr Pascoe Glynn yesterday about finding you someone suitable.

[ Ludwig Straus; violinist ] Autograph Note Signed Ludwig Straus to a Miss White, with thanks.

Author: 
Ludwig Straus (1835 – 1899), Austrian violinist
Publication details: 
[Headed] 7 Cranmer Road, Cambridge BUT handwritten, Folkestone, 26 Sept. 1897.
£25.00

One page, 16mo, bifolium, fod mark, good condition. To Miss White with kind regards and mny thanks for having made me so comfortable inher well appointed house.

[ Philip H. Wicksteed, economist ] Autograph Note Signed, Philip H. Wicksteed to illegible correspondent arranging a visit.

Author: 
Philip H. Wicksteed, economist [ Georgist, Unitarian theologian, classicist, medievalist, and literary critic.]
Publication details: 
[Headed] University Hall, Gordon Square, W.C., 16 April 18[7?]1
£35.00

One page, 12mo, faint staining, good condition. I shall be most happy to dine with you on the 30th and think it probable that I can allow myself the pleasure of spending the night at Oxford. | [...]

[ John B. Gough, Temperance ] Autograph Quotation or Statement (Sentiment) Signed boldly John B. Gough.

Author: 
John B. Gough, American Temperance Lecturer (Orator)(1817-86).
Publication details: 
[Princeton?] | May 28, 1867.
£45.00

Paper, 16 x 17.5cm, laid down on similar sized paper, good condition. He only is a true freeman who renders stedfast obedience to righteous law. If a quotation, not traced. So a statement, sentiment, or word of wisdom perhaps.

[ John Scott Russell, engineer ] Full Signature J.Scott Russell clipped from (secretarial letter), with added fragment showing address and date. Letter addressed to William Bragge, eminent civil engineer.

Author: 
John Scott Russell [ John Scott Russell (1808–1882,), Scottish civil engineer, naval architect and shipbuilder who built Great Eastern with Brunel.
Publication details: 
[Headed] 5 Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, London, S.W., 8 August 1867.
£50.00

Two actually congruent sections clipped from (secretarial) Letter Signed J. Scott Russell, 11 x 5cm (Address as above), and 11 x 6cm (sentiment with signature), considerable loss of text which appears to have been a recommendation of another engineer perhaps for employment. Surviving text (on reverse of the two portions and as it turns out congruent ) as follows: Presidency in India, who has brought me introductions from old friends on whom I can thoroughly rely. | He has been in charge (second fragment follows on) important Engineering Works there, which have been thoroughly successful.

[ Stanley Anderson artist ] Autograph Letter Signed Stanley Anderson to Maurice declining at length social engagement through tiredness.

Author: 
Stanley Anderson [ Alfred Charles Stanley Anderson CBE RA (1884–1966), engraver, etcher and watercolour painter. ]
Publication details: 
[Headed] St. Paul's Studios, 55 Colet Gadens, London, W14, 24 Nov. 1938.
£45.00

One page, cr. 8vo, fold marks, small stain in margin, text clear and attractive (a neat hand). He appreciates the invitation to Dover Street to dine. I[t] gave me great pleasure to have this expression of your friendship and it was great ill-lcuk that the wretched teaching shoulkd have prevented me from enjoying your company - I teach all day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. | On wednesday nights I feel so exhausted mentally and physically that I am glad to crawl back home to bed.

[ H.E. Armstrong; chemistry ] Autograph Letter Signed to Thorpe about an article being considered for publication in a scientific journal (Nature?].

Author: 
H.E. Armstrong (1848-1937), Chemist
Publication details: 
Lewisham, 19 May 1885.
£100.00

Two pages, 12mo, good condition. Text: I enclose [Muller's?] letter about [Mrs Greens?] paper. I saw him to-day & one or two other members of the Pub. Comm. All are interested, but the opinion seems to be that the paper is not quite 'severe' enough for us & also that it should receive wider notice than it would get if published in our pages. Dr Muller would be glad to [send?] it to Crookes or Lockyer if you & Mrs Green approve; you ought also to send a copy to the Lancet or Medical Times.

[ Robert Long, auditor of the lower exchequer ] Conclusion of printed document only, holograph instruction Signed Rob Long.

Author: 
Robert Long [ Sir Robert Long, 1st Baronet (c. 1600–1673) of Westminster was a courtier and administrator.]
Publication details: 
No place or date surviving.
£45.00

Conclusion of document, clipped, 12 x 5 cm, tipped on to larger piece of paper, foxed but clear. Text as follows: your discharge herein [printed] | Mr Squibb I pray you pay this order out[?] hearth money | RobLong [manuscript]. Lawrence Squibb was a Teller of the Receipt of the Exchequer.

[ Arthur Mee ] Autograph Note Signed A M [Arthur Mee] to George.

Author: 
Arthur Mee, editor of The Children's Newspaper
Publication details: 
[Printed] 'The Children's Newspaper | and Companion publications | Edited by Arthur Mee, John Carpenter House,Whitefriars, London, E.C. 4'. Date added, but obscurely (1942 clear). With list of other publications inc. the Children's Encyclopedia.
£50.00

One page, 8vo, good condition. Thak you dear George for the loan of this book for which I wanted a few notes for my Northants Volume. | So sorry to hear of your illness but pray it may not be serious. I am getting a deaf old crock, but I think we shall both pull through till the Better World is here. I believe it is coming fast.

[ British Members of Parliament ] Thirteen (13) Signatures of British M.P.'s, Thomas Burt, Samuel Smith, etc (full list below)

Author: 
[ British Members of Parliament ]
Publication details: 
No place date, or obvious purpose.
£50.00

One page, 12mo, fold mark, sl. crumpled, mainly good condition. Signatures of Liberal MPs; James Cropper, Peter McLagan, Theodore Fry, Thomas Burt, Samuel Smith, Arthur Pease, J[ames]. Bryce, John Roberts, E Stafford Howard, Thomas X. Thompson, J.F. Christian, James Stuart, Stewart Clark, S[tephen] Williamson.

[ Caroline Norton; social reform ] Autograph Letter Signed CNorton to [Mrs] O'Brien, wife of a Henry O'Brien (mentioned in another Norton letter).

Author: 
Caroline Norton [Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan;1808–1877), social reformer and author.
Publication details: 
[docketed April 1847]
£200.00

Three pages, 8vo, fold marks, small closed tear on fold, sl. dingy, but clear and complete. She couldn't reply quickly to her correspondent's clever & interesting letter because she was ill and indeed doubted whether I should write any more to anybody. I have since read it to many members of Parl[iamen]t and you , who are so humble, should have heard how reespectful & attentive the were to my 'Jamaica correspondent' - THere have been debates on West Indian subjects, which made your letter really (even to strangers) extremely interesting: - to me it was a great treat.

[Sybil Thorndike, celebrated actress for whom Bernard Shaw wrote 'Saint Joan'.] Autograph Letter Signed to Secretary, Royal Literary Fund, explaining that 'pressure of work' will prevent her from acting as steward at Guildhall anniversary banquet.

Author: 
Sybil Thorndike [Dame Agnes Sybil Thorndike] (1882-1976), celebrated actress for whom Bernard Shaw wrote 'Saint Joan', noted for her Shakespearian roles
Publication details: 
23 June 1921. 'Little Theatre | Adelphi | W.C. [London]'
£35.00

1p, 8vo. Fifteen lines of text, in green ink. In fair condition, lightly aged, folded twice, with short closed tear to edge of one crease. Signed 'Sybil Thorndike'. Although 'deeply gratified', her 'present duties' will detain her 'at the Theatre every evening until 11 o/c', so that she will not be able to 'act as a Steward at the Anniversary of the Royal Literary Fund at the Guildhall, next Wednesday'.

[Mary Somerville, Scottish scientist after whom Somerville College, Oxford, is named.] Autograph Signature ('Yours truly | Mary Somerville') cut from letter.

Author: 
Mary Somerville [née Fairfax, sometime Greig] (1780-1872), Scottish scientist and author after whom Somerville College, Oxford, is named
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£35.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. Since 2017 she has been depicted on the Scottish ten pound note. On 2.5 x 8.5 cm slip of paper, cut from letter. In good condition, lightly aged. Laid down on 4 x 9.5 cm piece of paper. Reads 'Yours truly | Mary Somerville'.

[Sir Edward Marsh [Sir Edward Howard Marsh], author, editor and classical scholar, friend and secretary to Winston Churchill.] Autograph Note Signed ('E Marsh') to the Secretary, Royal Literary Fund, declining to become a steward at a dinner.

Author: 
Sir Edward Marsh [Sir Edward Howard Marsh] (1872-1953), civil servant, promoter of Georgian poetry, classical scholar, friend and secretary to Winston Churchill [Royal Literary Fund, London]
Publication details: 
3 June 1921. On letterhead of 5 Raymond Buildings, Gray's Inn [London].
£30.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'Dear Sir | I regret that I am an [sic] unable to become a Steward at the Royal Literary Fund dinner, but I have pleasure in sending a small donation to the fund.'

[ Arthur Murphy, Irish writer ] Autograph Instruction Signed to Cadell Esq [publishers].

Author: 
Arthur Murphy, Barrister and Author [(1727–1805), Irish writer.
Murphy
Publication details: 
Lincoln's Inn, 21 July 1788.
£500.00
Murphy

Paper, 15 x 9cm, trimmed with minimal loss of text, some staining, text clear and legible. Pay to Lady Montfort's Bearer the sum of Eighy seven Shillings & charge the same to | Your Humble Servt. | Arthur Murphy. A bold and impressive signature. Note: A, He studied at Jesuit run Saint-Omer, France, and was a gifted student of the Latin and Greek classics. He worked as an actor in the theatre, became a barrister, a journalist and finally a (not very original) playwright. He edited Gray's Inn Journal between 1752 and 1754.

[Marie Belloc Lowndes, novelist, sister of Hilaire Belloc.] Autograph Letter in the third person, declining a dinner invitation on account of ill health.

Author: 
Marie Belloc Lowndes [Marie Adelaide Elizabeth Rayner Lowndes; Mrs Belloc Lowndes] (1868-1947), novelist, sister of Hilaire Belloc, author of Jack the Ripper novel 'The Lodger', filmed by Hitchcock
Publication details: 
30 May [no year]. On letterhead of 9 Barton Street, Westminster, S.W.
£30.00

1p, landscape 12mo In good condition, with glue stain to one corner. Folded once. 'Mrs Belloc Lowndes regrets, on the score of ill health, that she cannot have the pleasure of accepting Lord [Treghre?]'s kind invitation.'

[L. A. G. Strong, novelist and critic.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Leonard.') to 'Terence' [BBC Producer Terence Dudley?], discussing a proposed broadcast lecture.

Author: 
L. A. G. Strong [Leonard Alfred George Strong] (1896-1958), novelist, critic, and poet, a director of the publishers Methuen Ltd [Terence Dudley, BBC producer]
Publication details: 
10 May 1958. On letterhead of Dromore, Old Frensham Road, Farnham, Surrey.
£50.00

2pp, 12mo. On aged and creased paper, with two torn spike holes resulting in loss of a few letters of text. Date stamp on reverse. The recipient is not named, but is presumably the BBC producer Terence Dudley (1919-1988). Writing three months before his death, Strong begins the letter: 'My dear Terence, | How very kind of you! I [d]on't have any dignity in such matters! and I'd love to have a go, whether live or recorded.

[Lord Derby [Edward Henry Stanley, 15th Earl of Derby], Tory politician.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Derby') to 'G. Norbury. Esq.' (i.e. artist Richard Norbury), explaining his reluctance to be patron to the proposed Liverpool Watercolour Society.

Author: 
Lord Derby [Edward Henry Stanley, 15th Earl of Derby] (1826-1893), Tory politician, Foreign Secretary and Colonial Secretary [Richard Norbury (1815-1886), artist; Liverpool Watercolour Society]
Publication details: 
5 December 1871. On letterhead of Galloway House, Garliestown, N. B. [i.e. Scotland].
£35.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. A daughter from Lady Derby's first marriage was married to the Earl of Galloway, from whose seat Derby writes. Addressed to 'G. [sic] Norbury. Esq.' Having received the letter of the unnamed male recipient, he feels he 'must decline to give my name as patron of the now proposed society of water colour painters in Liverpool: not because I do not approve of the formation of such a society, but because your invitation to join it is the first intimation I have received of any such project being in contemplation'.

[Lyn Harding, Welsh stage and screen actor.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Lyn') to 'Popie' [theatre historian W. J. Macqueen-Pope], complaining of a coach party of '50 arrived from Scotland', who have 'robbed God of several hours of daylight'.

Author: 
Lyn Harding [David Llewellyn Harding] (1867-1952), Welsh stage and screen actor [W. J. Macqueen-Pope]
Publication details: 
34 Valkyrie Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. 'after April 14th. [1951]'
£40.00

2pp, 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with crease lines from having been folded into a packet. The letter is from a batch of letters written following Ivor Novello's death in 1951, in Macqueen-Pope's personal papers. He writes to send his new address ('after April 14th.'), having been forced after eight weeks to move from the Holmwood Hotel, 'to seek a little relaxation at a guest house where there will be less noise and Jubilation'.

[Henry George Bohn, bookseller and publisher.] Autograph Note in the third person, from 'Mr & Mrs. Bohn', accepting an invitation from [Joseph Hubback], the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.

Author: 
Henry George Bohn (1796-1884), bookseller, publisher and translator [Joseph Hubback, Lord Mayor of Liverpool]
Publication details: 
25 August 1870. On letterhead of North End House, Twickenham.
£45.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with traces of yellow paper mount adhering to the blank reverse. Reads: 'Mr & Mrs. Bohn present their compliments to the Mayor of Liverpool and Mrs. Hubback, and have much pleasure in accepting their polite invitation for the 15th. proxo.'

[Ivor Novello, composer, playwright and actor.] Autograph Signature on front cover of the 'Magazine Programme' of his comedy 'I Lived With You'.

Author: 
Ivor Novello [born David Ivor Davies] (1893-1951), Welsh composer, playwright and actor [W. J. Macqueen-Pope]
Publication details: 
The Magazine Programme [London: Prince of Wales' Theatre], No. 893. 4 April 1932.
£45.00

[24]pp, 12mo. Stapled programme, in shiny covers. Strip torn away from back cover, and with staples slightly rusted, otherwise in fair condition. Large signature 'Ivor Novello' diagonally across title on front cover: 'Richard D. Rose | presents | Ivor Novello | in | I Lived With You | A comedy in three acts | by | Ivor Novello'. An illustrated 'magazine' programme, containing articles and advertisements. No copy on OCLC WorldCat. From the papers of Novello's friend and biographer, the theatre historian W. J.

[John Harris Backhouse, classical scholar and antiquary, educated at the Manchester School.] Long Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Backhouse'), on matters relating to Richard Montagu, Bishop of Norwich, with reference to Sir Thomas Browne and others.

Author: 
John Harris Backhouse (1826-1882), Rector of Laverton, Somerset, classical scholar, editor and antiquary, educated at the Manchester School [Richard Montagu, Bishop of Norwich; Sir Thomas Browne]
Publication details: 
27 September 1881. Laverton Rectory, Bath.
£45.00

See his entry in J. F. Smith, 'The Admission Register of the Manchester School'. 6pp, 12mo. Written in a neat, close hand. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded three times. A vivid example of the methodology of the nineteenth-century English clerical antiquary. The main subject is the controversialist Richard Montagu (1577-1641), Bishop of Norwich, about whom, in January of the following year (that of his death), Backhouse would publish a letter in 'The Academy' under the title 'The Abbreviations in Bishop Mountagu's [sic] Dedication'. The recipient is not identified.

[Captain George Richards, Royal Marines.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo. Richards'), sending his likeness and describing his service: '23 Actions' including 'the death of Nelson and Abercrombie', serving under Wellington in Peninsular War.

Author: 
Captain George Richards (d.1866), Royal Marines, meritorious British Army officer [Solihull, Warwickshire]
Publication details: 
16 September 1863. Solihull [Warwickshire].
£150.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, aged and creased. Folded twice. Written in a shaky hand, as explained by the text: 'My dear Sir / | Agreeable to promise I send my Likeness, I wish it was something worthy of your acceptance - suffice it to say the original saw the death of Nelson and Abercrombie. Served under Wellington in the Spanish peninsular War, attended his funeral, and from 1797 to 1814 was by Sea and Land in 23 Actions[.] I am well in health but cannot see what I write - My sincere love to Mrs. Macwey - God bless you'.

[Eric Coates, composer of 'The Dam Busters March'.] Autograph Signed Inscription to May Hirst, on reverse of a 'Photograph of Original Full Score of The Three Bears.

Author: 
Eric Coates [Eric Francis Harrison Coates] (1886-1957), English composer of light music, best-known for 'The Dam Busters March'
Publication details: 
No date (but 1926 or after) or place.
£80.00

On reverse of 11.25 x 8.25 cm card carrying a black and white print of the autograph score of Coates's second 'phantasy', 'The Three Bears' (1926). In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'To May Hirst | with best wishes | from | Eric Coates | Photograph of | Original Full Score of | The Three Bears'.

[Frank Benson [Sir Francis Robert Benson; F. R. Benson], actor-manager who specialised in Shakespeare productions.] Autograph Note in third person, stating that 'his departure for South Africa' prevents him from attending a Literary Society banquet.

Author: 
Frank Benson [Sir Francis Robert Benson; F. R. Benson] (1858-1939), actor-manager who specialised in Shakespeare productions [Royal Literary Society, London]
Publication details: 
4 July 1921. No place.
£35.00

1p, 4to. In fair condition, on lightly aged and creased paper, folded twice. Reads: 'Sir Frank Benson regrets that his departure for South Africa will prevent his having the pleasure of availing himself of the Literary Society's kind invitation to assist at the banquet, on Wednesday, July 16th. -'

[Alexander Hamilton Bullock, Republican politician and abolitionist.] Autograph Signature ('Alexander H Bullock') to printed card of 'The Governor of Massachusetts', inscribed on reverse as a gift 'For Master Walter G. Webster'.

Author: 
Alexander Hamilton Bullock (1816-1882), Republican politician and abolitionist, who served three terms as 26th Governor of Massachusetts
Publication details: 
[Massachusetts.] Dated by Bullock '1867'.
£56.00

6.5 x 11 cm calling card, with the words 'The Governor of Massachusetts' printed at centred of one side. Above this Bullock signs 'Alexander H Bullock', and below it '1867'. On the reverse Bullock writes: 'For | Master | Walter G. Webster'. In good condition, lightly aged, with the reverse carrying traces of grey paper mount at the four corners.

[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'.

[ 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

Syndicate content