Literature

English essayist and biographer of Charles Lamb (1868-1938). One page, quarto. Good only, on discoloured and creased paper. Lucas finds Ross's 'Heads and tales, etc.' (London: Rich & Cowan, 1934), a collection of interviews with the famous, 'incorrigibly lively'. 'I do not share all your sympathies but you have made a very entertaining thing out of question and answer. While I was reading, it occurred to me that a new kind of interview might be based on the "Questions I should not put to So-and-so". To G[eorge]. B[ernard].

One page, quarto. Poor, on creased, discoloured paper, with two punch holes in left-hand margin and short closed tears along the central fold. 'It is as well that you underlined your name in print, for I cannot detect the faintest resemblance between it and your signature. Is this the fault of my imperfect eyes or your powerful hand? | As to your humorist - I think the Forceps Saga is funny, but Punch has a number of people who do things rather like it. Still, he should certainly let the Editor see this specimen together with something new.

English novelist (1900-96). One page, octavo. Good, but with slight marking from staple in top left-hand corner. He is glad his correspondent is 'having therapy for your bad back for, hard work though it is, and must be in your case, I'm sure you will find it helpful. | About author's proofs, they of course usually go back to publishers; but what I am glad to be able to send you is the jacket of my latest book which at least has a picture and my signature, and I hope it will, at least, be decorative in your study.' Signed 'Victor S Pritchett'.

Journalist (1802-79). Three pages, 12mo. Good, but on slightly discoloured grey paper, with some staining from previous mounting to one edge. 'Dear Sirs, | You will see some of your publications noticed in the Morning Advertiser of to-day. As we mean to make literary notices a feature in our paper, any publications you may send us will meet with every attention. Mrs Hall's "Pilgrimages" [published by Arthur Hall, Virtue & Co] has not reached me, otherwise, being a Christmas book it would have met with an immediate notice.' Asks to be sent 'all the advertisements you can.

Irish novelist (1863-1951). One page, 12mo. Good, but with some rust stains from staple. Reads 'Dear Sir | I enclose autograph with much pleasure | Believe me | yours truly | H De Vere Stacpoole.'

Learned ecclesiastic (1721-1807), who opposed Hume and edited Clarendon. One page, quarto. Good, though on discoloured paper and heavily creased with a few small holes (not affecting text) caused by wear. Second leaf of bifoliate, damaged, discoloured and with some loss through breaking of wafer; bears address ('To / Major General Rooke | Member of Parliament | Woodstock | Oxfordshire') and postmark 'WINDSOR'. As Douglas was travelling to Salisbury, Rooke's covering letter did not arrive with 'Dr.

English novelist (1836-1901). Two pages, octavo. Some discoloration in margin from previous mounting. His silence is due to the fact that he has been 'out of town for Easter'. He is grateful to his correspondent for thinking of him 'in connection with the Garrick. But I am afraid I must not consider it. You see by the address that I live out of the way of clubs - This is for the sake of certain small children <?> to be considered'. He is already a member of three clubs: the Athenaeum, the Old University and the Savile ('wh: I do frequent').

Etcher. Four pages, 8vo, good condition, sending his warm appreciation of her ‘Reminiscences’,mentioning Kate Greenaway ("artistic merit and sweet disposition") whose Christmas cards Lady Dorothy has kept, and also mentioning that he had sent a Card [copy enclosed] to the King which the King had admired greatly. Enclosed: a print of the original etching by Lawson after the cartoon by Tenniel which had featured in the Punch Almanack of 1874 and was commended by the King, INSCRIBED "Lady Dorothy Nevill, / a token of / the Etcher's great appreciation / of her 'Reminiscences'.

Dramatic author, critic, and translator (see DNB). On epage, 8vo, vestiges of the laying down process, mainly good condition. "My "Virginie" [underlined] is from the Virginie [underlined] of M. Latour de St Ybais - and is the peice in which Rachel played during her first engagement at the St James' - Are you sure there is a Virginie by Ronsard. - He wrote a lucrece [underlined]."

English writer, humorist and divine (1837-1904). Four pages, 12mo. Very good, though a tad grubby, and with traces of previous mounting on verso of second leaf of bifoliate. He is late in replying because he has been bringing his invalid niece back from Derbyshire to Hampstead. Touches on her illness and on the the disposal of furniture. '[...] but I am now "what is more, a householder" (Dogberry), & monarch of all I survey [...] I should have liked to visit you at Roseleigh. Well, well, it must stand over, like many another pleasant scheme. But do come again to London soon.

Maiden name was Margaret Harries 1797-1846, author (DNB). One page, minor defects, text clear and complete. "After due consideration, tho' I think the enclosed Poem very good, I fear it may offend some of my readers - and I therefoe, return it you - The rest shall be made use of - I believe one has already appeared. . ." Note: In 1834 she was editing "The New Monthly Belle Assemblée".

Novelist (see DNB). Page trimmed with loss of correspondent's name etc., laid down on stiff paper. "Lady Charlotte Bury earnestly requests to have proof sheets sent ot her." Note: Perhaps proofs of ‘‘The Three Great Sanctuaries . . ." published in 1833.

Thirty-two pages. Octavo. In original light-blue illustrated printed wraps. A scarce item, in frail condition, with the wraps worn, spotted and frayed, particularly at the spine. Closed tears to reverse of wraps, which is stamped 'MAY BE HAD OF J.S. CROPLEY, WINDSOR'. Rust staining from staples. Internally sound, tight and generally clean, with bottom outside corner dogeared. Ownership inscription of Tom Rowland Kent.

Novelist (see DNB). Two pages, 8vo, minor defects, text clear and complete. She asks them to republish some of her periodical work in book form. "The first story wd be a volume in itself (it is called 'At the Seaside'). The others wd be short ones from 'London Society', 'Tinsley', 'Belgravia', 'The Argosy', 'St. James' . . ." She will await a proposal and leave the terms to them.

Novelist and dramatist. One page, 8vo, good condition. "I was away yesterday - unwell, & today your Bombshell frightens me. Do spare me if possible [all from "Do" underlined] (& certainly if J.M. v. [John Murray V] is there, for he's the one to speak . ..); but Ican't refuse your request if you really want me. There is nothing new to say on the subject of Scott & Q.R."

Art critic. Two pages, 8vo, good condition. He informs his correspondent of his belief that S.H. Sime, illustrator and artist, is still alive [in fact died 1941 re. George Locke]. H e runs obver the main events of Sime's life getting a small fortune, starting life as a coal miner, "fantastic imagination", "Pick-me-up", art editor of "The Idler", collaboration with Arthur Lawrence, Dunsany books, blossome as a painter, retirement from "life and publicity, rappeared at the St George's Gallery. Konody then lost sight of him.

American literary and dramatic critic. On page, 8vo, good condition, mounted with the envelope and a small printed biography on a piece of card. He says: Always give a good deed the credit of a good motive; - and always give an evil deed the benefit of the doubt."

Author and dramatist. One page, 8vo, good condition, some corrections in Hamilton's hand. "This story is so good & rings so true a note that the title jars a little. May I ask you to be so kind as to give it another one & to call your characters by more ordinary names?"

See DNB: novelist, poet, and essayist. One page, some marking, mainly good condition. "I and glad that you like my books, but you mustn't expect my handwriting to be good because what it does pleases you. Those [things?] ought to go together, and once they did; but they seldom do it now. The moment printing was invented people began to write badly."

Novelist. Piece of paper c.4 x 3" laid down on larger card with biographical detail written on it. Text clear, as follows: "93 Cadogan Gardens S.W. / With kind regards / from / Philip Gibbs."

Novelist. Piece of paper, c.5 x 3", prob. torn from larger page, attractive sentiment and signature dated: ""With best wishes - / Sheila Kaye-Smith. / Aug. 11. 1931."

One page, 4to, arsing from his choice of items for his edition of Thackeray's works which Spielmann considers "indiscreet" because of their anti-Catholic posture, "but I believe not one in a hundred will read the minor items. The 'Jew' passages touch nearer home. But these are not in 'Punch' but embedded in stories."

Total three pages, 8vo. He is sorry to have missed him, congratulates him on his baby and anticipates his contributions. Two items,

Man of letters (see DNB) One page, 8vo, good condition. Text as follows: "You may use my translation of 'The Last String' for your book of recitations. / Messrs W. Blackwood & Sons of Edinburgh & London are the publishers of 'The Bon Gaultier Ballads.' The copyright is mine."

Novelist and dramatist (see DNB). One page, c.3 x 4", trimmed and laid down on stiffer paper, good condition. Text: I shall be passing your door today between 3 & 4 & propose calling to speak with you if you are likely to be at home then". He suggets he send a reply with the bearer.

Poet and editor (see DNB). One page, 4to, traces of blue paper on which item formerly laid down, condition mainly good, text clear and complete as follows: "Motto for the Bible/ Behold the Book, whose leaves display / Jesus the life, the truth, the way; / Read it with diligence [in the prayer?]; / Search it.- and You shall find Him there."

Poet and critic, author of the poem "Australia" (1824). One page, c. 6 x 5", probably trimmed at top (removing place, date, etc.), the rest black-edged, laid down on similar sized stiffer paper. Text clear as follows: "I have not, yet, received any communication from you on the subject of my note and enclosure; although you would see from the note that I am anxious to do so. Let me hear from you as early as convenient." Letters by Hervey are scarce (none on NRA, one on BL MSS).

Colnaghi was a member of the notable family of English printsellers. Hall (1800-89) was an author and editor. Paper dimensions roughly five inches by three inches. Good. From a collection of material relating to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund. Reads '<...> Paul Dominic Colnaghi Esq | | S. C. Hall. | '.

One page, 8vo. French rights of "The Brass Bottle" already settled. With: Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 8vo, F.W. Pemberton, on Anstey's behalf, to Mrs Fisher on the same matter. Two items,

Irish novelist and editor, see DNB. She is not allowed to leave the house but cxan have visitors. Her husband, Samuel Carter Hall, has been very ill as has his nephew Sanford Rochat. She thanks God that Rochat "is able to get back in a quiet way to the War Office - and Mr Hall is working not so quietly at "the Art Journal again" - but it has been a dangerous season. She looks forward to seeing him and reports on the health of friends.