‎English‎

‎Beauchamp Tower (1845-1904), English inventor and railway engineer, discoverer of full-film or hydrodynamic lubrication [Sir Ric‎

‎Beauchamp Tower inventor describes his 'yachting cruises during the past season' in the Gwynfa to Sir Richard Harington. Nineteen-page Autograph Letter Signed to 'Dick' comprising extracts from his diary including a pair of hand-drawn diagrams.‎

‎Warley Mount Brentwood 30 October 1901. 19pp foolscap 8vo. On five bifoliums. Neatly and closely written. In good condition lightly aged and worn. Tower's letter begins: 'My dear Dick I enclose a chart not present which will show you at a glance my yachting cruises during the past season'. The rest of letter consists of extracts from Tower's diary 4 April to 12 September 1901 describing with the care one would expect from an engineer 'one of the best long vacation cruises on record' and ending with a table of 'Distances sailed by me in Gwnfa' from Brightlingsea to Harwich Antwerp 'Abortive attempt from Flushing' Flushing Dover Portsmouth Dieppe Maestrand Copenhagen Kiel Brunsbutell Hamburg Cuxhaven Lowestoft' totalling 2135 miles. Tower adds this to the total steamed in another ship 'Ingani' 'making a grand total for the seaon of 1901 of 3508 miles'. In businesslike fashion Tower notes times position weather and significant incidents. A representative entry reads: 'Tues 13th. Very fine weather Lat 54.40 N Long 6.22 E by obs. At noon Wind dropped at 4.pm. We were amongst a fleet of German steam trawlers. Sent a boat to one of them and got a bucket full of fine Plaice becalmed all night'. See Tower's obituary in Minutes of the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers vol.162 1905 pt 4 which describes his connection with the sea his 'principal work' being 'the gyroscopic “steady platform†for guns and searchlights … The device was submitted to the Admiralty and after being thoroughly tested was fitted to two gunboats on which it answered very well; but ultimately the Admiralty rejected the apparatus on account of the extra weight involved … Mr. Tower nevertheless proceeded to adapt the platform for passenger-seats on cross-channel steamers'. The recipient Sir Richard Harington 12th Baronet 1861-1931 would not succeed to the baronetcy until the death of his father in 1911. Himself a keen yachtsman he was a Puisne Judge in the High Court of Justice at Fort William in Bengal between 1899 and 1913. From the Harington family papers. Warley Mount, Brentwood, 30 October 1901. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 20884

‎The Old Poor Law; English Poor Laws; eighteenth century poor relief:‎

‎The Old Poor Law in the late Nineteenth Century. Anonymous Manuscript Document calling in forthright terms for the amending of 'The Plan of the Poor Laws of England' to weed out 'the loose Profligate and those who do not like work'.‎

‎Without place or date. English late eighteenth century. 2pp foolscap 8vo. On the rectos of the leaves of a bifolium. In fair condition lightly aged and worn. On laid paper with indistinct watermark. The context of the document with the capitalisation and spelling 'mechanick' 'shou'd' 'Publick' 'tyed down' 'lookt' 'Profitt' points to a late eighteenth-century origin certainly before the Speenhamland System and Michael Nolan's 1805 'Treatise of the Laws for the Relief and Settlement of the Poor'. No title or heading. A forthright document whose rhetorical tone suggests that it was intended for public delivery. The author asserts that '3 fourths of the People now upon the poor List are such poor as shou'd not be relieved Namely the loose Profligate and those who do not like work. If this is the Case the public loose sic near another Million by relieving so many who shou'd work'. The cost of poor relief he claims all 'falls upon the Landed Interest'. He does not however 'Wish that our Poor Laws were all abolish'd as amended that ever Man shou'd have a Liberty of living where he please'd which would be always where he could get a living best.' The document begins: 'The Plan of the Poor Laws of England tho Calculated upon the Principles of Humanity and Charity are far from answering the Salutary purposes intended. For tho the Lame the Blind the Impotent and Aged are amply provided for and I might add the Drones and those who do not chose to work. Yet the Poor Labourer the little Farmer and the Mechanick are under great Restraints and Difficulties on Account of their Settlement being tyed down to a particular Parish where they find it very difficult to get their living and yet oftentimes cant get a Certificate to remove to another Parish where there is great Probability they may Have Work enough and live better.' The author expands on his view with reference to 'a poor Man who is not of ability to Rent 10£ P Ann' 'the Industrious who mean to Maintain Themselves by Labour' and 'the Interest of the Landed Man'. He notes the 'hardship' that 'lies upon the Man of Ability to Rent 10£ a Year' who 'removes from the Place of his Settlement and Rents 8 or 9 A Year in another Parish. He is there lookt upon as a sort of a Charge to that Parish as they cant Tax him to the Parish Rates without makeing him a Settlement and therfore oftentimes procure him to be removed'. Elsewhere he asks: 'Do not we now and then see a Shop keeper in a Country Village who is daily pillaging the Poor by selling his Good to them in very small Quantities at 50 P Cent Profitt during the Time of the Execution of that Office turn Advocate for the poor and plead for an Increase of their Allowance and this I don't wonder at as the more he can get Allowed them the more Profitt comes To his Till'. Towards the end he states: 'We all know that the Poor only live from Hand to Mouth that when Corn is at the Dearest they make a Shift to live and when it is Cheapest they save nothing at the Weeks End if it is very low they will perhaps work only 4 Days out of 6. they have no Idea of laying any thing by and I fear what Incourages them in their way of Thinking is the certainty they have of themselves and Family being maintained at the Expence of the Parish when Sickness or old Age comes on'. He states: 'I Believe there is no Nation in the World have got a poor Law but England and I will venture to Assert that there is no Nation where Charity and Benevolence more abound'. He ends with the proposal 'That one publick Workhouse Infirmary and House of Maintainance should be Erected in the Center of Every County where all the Sick Lame and Aged should be sent whenever they can't take Care of themselves to be there maintained taken Care of & set to work as their Particular Circumstances require.' Without place or date. [English, late eighteenth century.] unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 21391

‎Louis N. Parker [ Louis Napoleon Parker ] (1852-1944), English dramatist and composer:‎

‎Louis Napoleon Parker dramatist and composer. Five Autograph Letters Signed all 'Louis N. Parker' to 'Mrs. Whitley' of the Pall Mall Gazette regarding her interviews of him one jokingly giving the opinion of 'Percy- the cat'.‎

‎Four on letterhead of 75 Gunterstone Road West Kensington W. London and the fifth from the same address. Between 15 June 1898 and 4 October 1899. A total of 6pp. 5pp. in 12mo and 1p. in 4to. The five items in fair condition with light signs of age and wear. In the first letter 15 June 1898 he says he is posting 'the MS. untouched: it is excellent to Sir Douglas' i.e. Whitley's editor Sir Douglas Straight. The following day he informs her that 'the interview reads charmingly' and that 'everybody in the theatre is delighted with it' adding that he has 'just posted it to the Poet'. In the third letter written five months later 4 November 1898 he confirms the arrangements for another interview adding that he has 'many pleasant memories of the gentle way you let me off last time'. Five days after that 9 November 1898 following the publication of the interview he indulges in a flight of fancy: 'Percy - the cat - sends his kind love. He is naughtier than ever now we have appeared in the P.M.G. He says he thinks it was an admirable interview and admirably done. He has not done laughing yet. In his opinion for one reader who wades through the usual gas about how the Staff are working 25 hours in the day how Mr. Spiffkins has at last got the chance of his life and how Miss Uppers is going to paralyse all London you have fifty readers for your last effort. Wherein I agree.' In the last letter written a year later 4 October 1899 he writes tongue in cheek: 'I will speak but I fear it's no use. You ought to have interviewed me. last world underlined I'd have shewn you all my clothes and I want to tell you about a wonderful new doctor I've discovered abroad.' In a postscript he suggests that she might do her 'dress article all night by coming to the performance'. Four on letterhead of 75 Gunterstone Road, West Kensington, W. [ London ], and the fifth from the same address. Between 15 June hardcover‎

Bookseller reference : 17997

‎Sir Allen Young Sir Allen William Young 1827 1915 English master mariner and Arctic explorer who searched for Sir John Franklin‎

‎Sir Allen Young Arctic explorer. Autograph Letter Signed 'Allen Young' to society homeopathist Dr Chepmell conveying a message regarding an appointment.‎

‎On letterhead of the Turf Club Piccadilly London. 'Wednesday Evg' no date. In addition to his achievements Young is remembered for holding a dinner party in 1877 at which the Prince of Wales arranged to sit next to Lillie Langtry while her husband was discreetly seated elsewhere thus beginning their affair. 2pp. 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition lightly aged and ruckled with two small pinholes at head of first leaf and traced of mount on blank reverse of second leaf. The letter begins: 'I have just got note from Mrs Langtry saying that she will have to go out of Town tomorrow morning and asking me to write to you to tell you'. He ends in the hope that the news has not put Chepmell 'to any inconvenience about the appointment not being kept'. On letterhead of the Turf Club, Piccadilly [London]. 'Wednesday Evg' [no date]. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 20985

‎Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor (1879-1952), American-born English politician and newspaper proprietor [ Sir Eyre Crowe (1864-‎

‎Waldorf Astor 2nd Viscount Astor. Typed Letter Signed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to Mrs. B. Le Cras defending Sir Eyre Crowe against the charge of being too soft on the Germans.‎

‎On letterhead of the Ministry of Food Palace Chambers Westminster London S.W.1. 23 January 1919. 1p. 4to. In fair condition on lightly aged and worn paper. His reply to her letter has been delayed by his 'absence in Paris on official business'. He is 'satisfied that the attacks upon Sir Eyre Crowe are based upon entire ignorance of the facts'. Crowe 'has always held strongly anti-German views and expressed himself officially in this sense as long ago as 1908'. Astor understands 'that the Kaiser personally requested his removal from the Foreign Office for this reason on more than one occasion'. Nobody has ever questioned Crowe's 'great ability' and Astor does not think she has 'any reason to fear that his appointment is not greatly to the advantage of this Country'. Mrs Le Cras had been one of Nancy Astor's agents during her election campaign of 1919. On letterhead of the Ministry of Food, Palace Chambers, Westminster, London, S.W.1. 23 January 1919. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 19487

‎Sigismund Goetze [Sigismund Christian Hubert Goetze] (1866-1939), English artist and art patron at Grove House, who painted the‎

‎Sigismund Goetze English artist. Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mrs. Poole' regarding a portrait of King Charles II as prince and in Oxford robes in his Grove House collection.‎

‎20 October 1932; on letterhead of Grove House Park Road Regent's Park N.W.8 London. 4pp 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition lightly aged with two smudges on second page. Folded once. With reference to her letter 'to Mr. Somerset of March 11th. re the portrait of Charles II as Prince in academic robes' he has had the picture by William Dobson photographed and encloses a copy not present. He discusses Charles's dress in the picture in some detail adding that 'The portrait 27 x 28 1/2 inches has been in my possession since 1918 when it was bought at Christie's Nov. 29 lot. 112 by order of the Executors of the late Judge Evans catalogued as "Dobson Charles II in Oxford robes holding a book." He reproduces inscriptions present on the back of the frame and concludes: 'I should so very much like to know what these robes represent. Can you help me to find out.' 20 October 1932; on letterhead of Grove House, Park Road, Regent's Park, N.W.8 [London]. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 22800

‎Chauncey Brewster Tinker (1876-1963), Professor of English Literature at Yale University, and authority on James Boswell and Doc‎

‎Autograph Letter Signed 'Chauncey B. Tinker' from the Boswell scholar Chauncey Brewster Tinker Professor of English Literature at Yale University concerning the proposed presentation of a manuscript by Charles McCamie of West Virginia.‎

‎On letterhead of the Yale College Department of English. 8 October 1924. 2pp. 12mo. With stamped and postmarked envelope addressed by Tinker to 'Chas. Mc.Carnie Esqr. Natl. Bank of W. V. Bldg Wheeling W. V.' Tinker considers that 'The MSS. certainly ought to go to the Yale Library rather than to the Elizabethan Club - and the librarian will be delighted to receive it and to acknowledge your goodness in presenting it.' He asks McCamie for 'an account of it in a letter from yourself to accompany the MS.' Concerning Aleyn Lyell Reade's book on Samuel Johnson's servant Francis Barber he thanks McCamie for having remembered his 'need of the volume on Barber'. He had 'tried to get one from Reade and failed. Did you actually see him' On letterhead of the Yale College Department of English. 8 October 1924. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 12216

‎Sidney Morgan (1874-1946), English film director, who acted for Alfred Hitchcock [ [ Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-19‎

‎Sidney Morgan English film director Autograph Letter Signed to fellow film-director Percy Nash regarding the British Association of Film Directors and the 'great fight to obtain The Quota'.‎

‎On letterhead of the British Association of Film Directors The Players Club Denman Street London. 30 May 1927. 1p. 4to. In good condition lightly aged. Nash is named on the letterhead as the Association's president and Morgan as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. The letter begins: Dear Percy / For various reasons we did not get a largely attended meeting on Friday but the better feeling between members seems still to grow.' Nash's 'protracted illness' has clearly necessitated his stepping down as president and 'after considerable discussion it was decided to ask Pearson & Elvey i.e. George Pearson 1875-1973 and Maurice Elvey 1887-1967 to be President & Vice with myself to continue'. He has been asked to convey the Association's sympathy to Nash for his illness '& a resolution was enthusiastically passed expressing the associations appreciation of your long continued & unselfish work particularly in connection with the great fight to obtain The Quota'. He ends by saying that he thinks that 'for your patience & endurance there would today be neither The Association or The Quota'. 'The Quota' is the Cinematograph Films Act of 1927 which required British cinemas to show a quota of British films. On letterhead of the British Association of Film Directors, The Players Club, Denman Street, London. 30 May 1927. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 17742

‎Sir Edwin Landseer 1802 1873 English painter and sculptor noted for his treatment of animals such as 'The Monarch of the Glen'‎

‎Sir Edwin Landseer painter and sculptor of animals. Autograph Letter Signed 'E Landseer.' regarding 'the Lions Heads' - presumably the bronze statues of lions at the base of Nelson's Column Trafalgar Square London.‎

‎Undated. On his letterhead St John's Wood Road N.W. London before 1867. 1p 12mo. On bifolium. Printed on grey-blue paper with letterhead printed in orange-red without Landseer's name but with his stag's head motif. In fair condition lightly aged and worn with thin strip from stub mount adhering to blank second leaf. Folded twice. The recipient is not named. Apparently referring to his bronze sculptures of the four lions at the base of Nelson's column installed in 1867 the letter reads: 'My Dear Sir Many thanks for your obliging Note and kind attention to the Lions Heads – I can't leave home Tomorrow before 4. oc when I shall go to B. House Can you make it convenient to meet me there at half past 4 Sincerely yours E Landseer.' 'B. House' is presumably Burlington House. From the distinguished autograph collection of Richard Hunter son of Ida Macalpine whose collection of 7000 books relating to psychiatry is in Cambridge University Library. Macalpine and Hunter had a particular interest in the illness of King George III and their book 'George III and the Mad Business' 1969 suggested the diagnosis of porphyria popularised by Alan Bennett in his play 'The Madness of George III'. Undated. On his letterhead, St John's Wood Road, N.W. [London] [before 1867?] unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 21429

‎John Edwin Cussans (1837-1899), English antiquary and historian of Hertfordshire [ Edward Walford (1823-1907), magazine editor ]‎

‎John Edwin Cussans antiquary. Autograph Letter Signed 'J. E. Cussans' to Edward Walford regarding his 'new Magazine' the Antiquarian Magazine and Bibliographer and the sending of a New Year's card.‎

‎On embossed letterhead of 4 Wyndham Crescent Junction Road London . 28 December 1881. See both men's entries in the Oxford DNB. 2pp. 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition lightly aged and worn. The present letter was written as Walford – having resigned the editorship of the Antiquary in acrimonious circumstances – was preparing to launch the Antiquarian Magazine and Bibliographer renamed Walford's Antiquarian Magazine and Bibliographical Review in 1885. It would cease publication in 1886. In the letter after thanking Walford for his 'very kindly review' Cussans writes: 'If the first number of your new Magazine be a fair specimen of those to follow its success is certain. Every one of the contributors whose names you announce is a good man and in future I shall look forward to the first of the ensuing month with anticipation of pleasure.' As it is 'too late to send you a Xmas card' he is enclosing one for the new year: 'It is somewhat antiquated but that is no dismerit. It may perhaps find a place among the other “Crosby Papers†I sent you. This playbill is the one I looked for in my desk in the City but could not find.' On embossed letterhead of 4 Wyndham Crescent, Junction Road [ London ]. 28 December 1881. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 20174

‎Nathaniel Lindley (1828-1921), Baron Lindley [ Lord Lindley ], English judge, Master of the Rolls 1897-1900:‎

‎Lord Lindley Master of the Rolls. Autograph Letter Signed 'Nathl Lindley' to Sir Richard Harington with regard to his application for an Indian judgeship.‎

‎On letterhead of 19 Craven Hill Gardens Hyde Park W. London 2 June 1899. 2pp. 12mo. In fair condition on lightly-aged paper. A cordial and businesslike missive reading: 'My dear Harington Judges at least old ones like myself do not give testimonials to men at the Bar seeking appointments But you may with pleasure say that you have my permission to refer to me & that may be of use to you; or it may not for the indian Secretary does not know me personally & he may not therefore refer to me at all'. Sir Richard Harington 1861-1931 of Ridlington 12th Baronet was appointed a Puisne Judge in the High Court of Justice at Fort William in Bengal in 1899 and served in that capacity until returning to England in 1913. From the Harington papers. On letterhead of 19 Craven Hill Gardens, Hyde Park, W. [ London ] 2 June 1899. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 19263

‎Mark Hambourg (1879-1960), Russian-born English pianist [ Cyril Maude [ Cyril Francis Maude ] (1862-1951), English actor-manager‎

‎Mark Hambourg classical pianist. Autograph Card Signed to 'Cyril' English actor Cyril Maude regarding arrangements for his performance at Maude's 'grand benefit'.‎

‎Card with letterhead 5 Langford Close Langford Place NW8 London . 24 February 1942 . In good condition lightly aged with one vertical crease. Stamped and postmarked and addressed to 'Cyril Maude Esqre. Redlap Dartmouth. Devon'. For more about Hambourg see his entry in the Oxford DNB. He writes: 'My dear Cyril I'm afraid the Chappell Piano is necessary for me as however good a theatre piano it would not be good enough for a performance at your "Grand Benefit." Yours with best wishes Mark Hambourg'. Maude's 'Birthday Benefit Matinée' took place for charity at the Haymarket Theatre 24 April 1942. Hambourg performed three pieces: one by Chopin one by Tchaikowsky and one of his own compositions. A great success the matinee also saw Maude's last performance as Sir Peter Teazle opposite Vivien Leigh. Card with letterhead 5 Langford Close, Langford Place, NW8 [ London ]. 24 February [ 1942 ]. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 17972

‎G. D. Leslie [ George Dunlop Leslie ] (1835-1921). RA, English genre painter:‎

‎G. D. Leslie artist. Two Autograph Letters Signed both 'G. D. Leslie' to 'Grant'‎

‎Both on letterheads of Riverside Wallingford Berkshire .16 and 23 December 1883. Both items in fair condition bifoliums on lightly aged paper. ONE: 16 December 1883. 3pp. 12mo. Telling the story of the 'Wallingford Belles' beginning with the family of 'Thomas Clark . landlord of the Lamb Hotel formerly called the Bell' When Grant visits him the following summer he will give him 'lessons in painting & as much Lawn Tennis as you like and there is no end to the Archaeology of the neighbourhood'. TWO: 23 December 1883. 4pp. 12mo. He begins by offering to aid Grant's researchehs by search the parish registers. He states that he is 'very fond of birds & natural history generally' and was interested in the 'account of your dear father & the moor hen'. He describes the birds he sees when he looks out of the window and that when he is gardening 'they follow me about like little dogs - & all very pleased to be spoken to'. Both on letterheads of Riverside, Wallingford [ Berkshire ].16 and 23 December 1883. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 17860

‎Shelford Bidwell (1848-1909, English physicist and inventor whose 'telephotography' was a precursor to the modern fax:‎

‎Shelford Bidwell physicist and inventor whose 'telephotography' was a precursor to the modern fax. Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr. Henslow' requesting a 'distant room' for a demonstration of 'an experimental telephone'.‎

‎On letterhead of Riverside Lodge Wandsworth. 27 November 1883. 2pp. 12mo. In fair condition lightly aged. He thanks him for his note adding: 'I think perhaps it will be better to clear the platform as the apparatus will then be more easily seen. I should be glad if possible to have the use of a distant room in the building to which I could run an experimental telephone wire. The room may of course be a very small one.' On letterhead of Riverside Lodge, Wandsworth. 27 November 1883. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 19794

‎Allan Aynesworth [ Edward Abbot-Anderson] (1864-1959), English actor who had a leading role in the first production of 'The Impo‎

‎Allan Aynesworth Edward Abbot-Anderson actor. Autograph Letter Signed 'Allan Aynesworth' a letter of condolence to Lady Hall on the death of Sir Edward Marshall Hall.‎

‎On letterhead of 78 Portland Place W.1. London 24 February 1927. 1p. 4to. In good condition lightly aged and worn. Addressed to 'Dear Lady Hall' and sending his 'sincere condolences on the death of Dear Ted' from whom he 'had received . so many acts of true friendship & kindness'. The loss is great to him and many of Hall's friends. The letter concludes: 'May it be of some solace to you & your Daughter to know how beloved he was!' On letterhead of 78 Portland Place, W.1. [ London ] 24 February 1927. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 19025

‎Vicat Cole [ George Vicat Cole ] (1833-1893) ], English painter:‎

‎George Vicat Cole English artist. Autograph Letter Signed 'Vicat Cole' requesting tickets to Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Procession.‎

‎On letterhead of Little Campden House Kensington W. London 9 June 1887. 2pp. 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition lightly aged. The recipient is an unnamed man and the subject is Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Procession London 21 June 1887. Asking for tickets if there are 'any good places left' 'to view the procession of the 21st.' On letterhead of Little Campden House, Kensington, W. [ London ] 9 June 1887. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 20432

‎Frank Pettingell Frank Edmund George Pettingell 1891 1966 English film actor Barry Duncan theatrical bookseller :‎

‎Frank Pettingell English film actor. Four Autograph Letters Signed one unsigned Autograph Note and nine Christmas Cards to theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan with carbon copies of three of Duncan's letters.‎

‎Two from Highfield Lodge Wise Lane NW7 London and two from Broadstairs Kent. Dated items from between 1946 and 1954. The collection of seventeen items in fair condition with light signs of age and wear. Two of the letters are signed 'Frank Pettingell' the others signed 'Frank P.' and 'Frank'. Two of the letters are in their original envelopes. They total 5pp. 12mo. On 22 August 1947 he writes regarding his collection of playscripts mostly acquired from the son of the comedian Arthur Williams and now at the Templeman Library University of Kent: 'We are on holiday here in Broadstairs since "Fifty-Fifty" finished . When I get back next month I would like to sort the old M.S. 26 feet high of which we spoke so if you are still desirous of assembling the plays to match your assignment book from Arthur Williams I will be glad to help'. The letter of 13 August 1954 finds Pettingell doing a some book business himself: 'I am expecting to return soon to do a television show . I must very certainly pull my "Eras" - Sketches - and other items out for disposal - and have to make out a list of items to get out and submit eventually to Alec Clunes !! and another prospective purchaser.' He asks for the return of 'the 4 vols of "Era" I loaned you' as it is 'essential I should have these to include in the run I possess. I am charging 2 : 10 : 0 per volume for these and 5/- to 7/6 for the Sketch. This I fear will be too dear for you to contemplate purchasing - please forgive the remark - . I will be busy with the television play at rehearsals and studying until transmission so will not be able to sort things until I'm through with this.' An undated letter and the unsigned note both concern Duncan's gift of a necklace with the note asking Duncan to bring it 'to stage door'. The nine undated Christmas cards are variously signed 'Frank' 'Frank and Family' 'The Pettingells' and 'Frank Ethel and the Family'. The carbon copies of Duncan's three letters to Pettingell each 1p. 4to date from between 1945 and 1954. The first discusses Gladys Colthorp as well as 'the Arthur Williams scripts': 'I do hope that when you have time to look them and any of the other items over that you will decide you can spare some of them if not all for me to purchase. For that matter if for sentimental reasons you really want to keep some of the scripts which you very well might I could tempt you in the matter with the offer of the Assignments of the ones you would like to keep couldn't I' And replying to Pettingell's letter of 13 August 1954: 'Twenty-six feet high eh What a job you're going to have with the MSS. I'd love to be able to do something in the matter of them and the assignment book .'. Previously on 4 August 1954 he writes regarding a legal action against Clunes: 'I had so much trouble on top of me just at the time that I lost that case that Clunes brought against me - the man I got to take the shop over instead turned out to be a dreadful person too and I can't get rid of him! . C. at the moment is threatening to put the bailiffs in or make me bankrupt! for the £50 and costs of £39 my own were £27 or so. Did you hear that he was in Minorca or somewhere like that before the case and he flew here and back for it at a cost of over £70 to try to get £50! If I had emphhasized that "feeding the cats" was automatically included in "looking after them" the Judge would have decided in my favour! .' Two from Highfield Lodge, Wise Lane, NW7 [ London ], and two from Broadstairs, Kent. Dated items from between 1946 and 1954. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 17994

‎Frank Eyton (1894-1962), English popular music lyricist [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch compos‎

‎Frank Eyton lyricist. Autograph Note Signed 'Frank Eyton' accompanying his typed original humorous poem about road works 'A Finchley Road Cameo'; together with a Typed Letter Signed 'Frank' of reminiscences and family news.‎

‎Typed Letter Signed on letterhead of The Montecito Hollywood California 20 September 1937. Autograph Note with Typed Poem on his letterhead 12 Lowther Mansions Barnes S.W.13 London . 24 December 1937. Both items in fair condition lightly aged and worn. ONE: Typed Poem followed by Autograph Note Signed. 24 December 1937. 2pp. 8vo. The poem consists of eleven four-line stanzas with the title typed in red. An apparently unpublished humorous poem quite charming and well worthy of publication. Begins: 'For months we've had electric road-drills Right outside our door And two gentlemen who play them Called in yesterday at four. "Forgive us for intruding" Said the spokesman rather shy "But we're leaving here on Friday So we've come to say good-bye.' The workmen are 'off to Brixton Hlll' 'You won't find a finer surface In the whole of London Town.' and 'must leave your road by Friday 'Cause they're taking up the drains.' They have found the neighbourhood 'charming' 'the local “pubs†are good'. The errand boys have watched their work without paying Entertainment Tax. Concludes: 'We've rattled all your windows And the knick-knacks on your shelves; And we've played hell with the traffic - Oh! we have enjoyed ourselves. But all good things come to an end And so good-bye we'll say Although it's really "au revoir" - WE'RE COMING BACK IN MAY!' At the end of the poem Eyton has written in manuscript: 'With every good wish for Christmas and the New Year to all at "135" from Frank Eyton 24.12.37. The above words may be sung if desired to the tune of "The Wearing of the Green" F.E.' TWO: Typed Letter Signed. 20 September 1937. He has not seen or spoken to Finck for some time but the previous day 'went over a lot of old ground and had many a laugh with Stanley Logan' English actor writer and director 1885-1953. The next paragraph concerns 'Basil' who has 'disappeared from sight' since sending a card from the Savage Club. On their last meeting 'I told him I was more or less on my way to Hollywood. He said that he would come through here on his way to Seattle but then of course you know Basil. He would like a copy of Finck's 'recent book' and is 'inclosing with this my draft for a quid'. He would like one of Finck's 'very welcome letters' to let him know 'what is going on in the old village. It is seven years since I was home and I confess that I am getting a bit homesick for a visit to Hedge's and Butler's or any other of the equally inviting spots'. His wife Helen is still in Great Neck with 'the kids' who are 'definitely past the pom-pom hat stage'. From the Herman Finck papers. Typed Letter Signed on letterhead of The Montecito, Hollywood, California, 20 September 1937. Autograph Note with Typed Poem on unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 19321

‎Cyril Maude Cyril Francis Maude 1862 1951 English actor manager of the London theatres the Haymarket and Playhouse:‎

‎Cyril Maude actor-manager. Typed Letter Signed naming 'the finest part I ever played' with copy of his printed Funeral Servivce.‎

‎Letter on letterhead of 60 South Audley Street W. London . 19 October no year . Funeral Service by Vacher & Sons Westminster for 28 February 1951 at.St Margarets Westminster. Letter: 1p. 8vo. With mourning border. In fair condition lightly aged and creased with small pin-hole to one corner. Reads: 'Dear Sir I suppose the finest part I ever played and one I am always hoping to play again someday sic was Sir Peter Teazle. Grumpy was a fine part too though. Yours truly Cyril Maude'. Funeral Service: 4pp. 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition lightly aged and with one vertical fold. Slug: 'Vacher - 32959'. Cover reads: 'St. Margaret Westminster In Memoriam crucifix Cyril Maude Born 24th April 1862 Died 20th February 1951 Wednesday 28th February 1951 at 12 noon'. There were two lessons - the first read by Nicholas Hannen and the second by Sir Kenneth Barnes - and an address by Charles Morgan. Letter on letterhead of 60 South Audley Street, W. [ London ]. 19 October [ no year ]. Funeral Service [ by Vacher & Sons, Westm unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 18205

‎'Wee Georgie Wood', ie. George Wood (1894-1979), popular English music hall performer: i. e.‎

‎'Wee Georgie Wood' i.e. George Wood music hall performer. Autograph Letter Signed 'George.' to 'C. B.' impressario C. B. Cochran regarding two photographs and a 'cutting from the NY Daily Mirror'.‎

‎On letterhead of the Savage Club 1 Carlton House Terrace London SW1. 25 September 1947. 1p. 12mo. In fair condition lightly aged with slight rust staining at head from paperclip. Reads: 'Dear C. B/ Choice of two photographs with pleasure that you so flatter me as to want one. Thought the enclosed cuttings from the NY Daily Mirror would interest you. Dont trouble to retain them. Yours George.' Wood was a screen and stage actor and comedian. A dwarf he usually performed as a child. He wrote a weekly column in The Stage and was a stalwart of the Savage Club. He is mentioned by John Lennon in the Beatles song 'Dig It'. On letterhead of the Savage Club, 1 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1. 25 September 1947. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 21111

‎George Lillie Craik (1798-1866), Scottish author and literary critic, Professor of English Literature and History at the Queen's‎

‎George Lillie Craik Scottish literary critic. Four Autograph Letters Signed all 'Geo. L. Craik' to 'the forgotten tenant of Craigcrook' John Hunter‎

‎The first letter addressed from Holywood Belfast; the other two in envelopes with Belfast postmarks. Three letters dated 25 July 1861 and 13 and 23 January 1862. The other letter undated. Totalling 16pp. 12mo. In very good condition on lightly-aged paper. With two envelopes both initaled 'G. L. C.' with Penny Red postage stamps and Belfast postmarks 13 and 25 January 1862 both addressed by Craik to 'John Hunter Esq: Craigcrook by Edinburgh' also a similar envelope with Belfast postmark dated 27 August 1861 addressed to Hunter at 'Robertson's Lodgings 24 St. Stephen's Green North Dublin'. Chatty friendly letters in a crabbed difficult hand. On 13 January 1862 Craik writes: 'I am very glad you have spoken to Dr. John Brown. I have rather a curious story to tell you about the getting up of the last edition of the Encyc. Brit. if there were time. I am so delighted thhat you agree with me about <> Price's article. I find it <> most people - but it will work its way.' The letter of 23 January 1862 begins: 'My dear Hunter Here is Dodd's most characteristic and interesting letter which I ought perhaps to have returned before. I hope the copy of my book has reached the N. B. North British Review by this time. To my surprise upon receiving a list of the copies sent out I found none for any of the quarterly Reviews. I have recommended strongly that copies should be sent at least to the Edinburgh the Quarterly and the Westminster.' The letter of 25 July 1861 largely concerns 'the Cardross Case'. One letter 'Friday p.m.' makes suggestions for a planned trip to Dublin by Hunter. Hunter was the son of Professor James Hunter 1745-1837 and nephew by marriage of the editor of the Edinburgh Review Francis Jeffrey 1773-1850. See Helen Watt 'John Hunter the Forgotten Tenant of Craigcrook' Edinburgh 1977. The first letter addressed from Holywood, Belfast; the other two in envelopes with Belfast postmarks. Three letters dated 25 Jul unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 15542

‎Violet Loraine [ Violet Loraine Joicey, born Violet Mary Tipton ] (1886-1956), English music hall artist [ Herman Finck [ born‎

‎Violet Loraine music hall artiste who duetted with George Robey on 'If I were the only Girl in the World'. Autograph Letter Signed 'Violet Loraine Joicey' a letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck.‎

‎On letterhead of Blenkinsopp Castle Greenhead Carlisle. 22 April 1939 . 2pp. 12mo. In good condition lightly aged. She expresses 'heartfelt sympathy' at 'the loss of our darling old Herman. How we all loved him & what a dear & true friend he always was to me. I am terribly sorry at his going'. The word 'Answered' is written at the head. Violet Loraine's signature song was her duet with George Robey 'If I were the only Girl in the World'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last pieces played by the orchestra on the Titanic. On letterhead of Blenkinsopp Castle, Greenhead, Carlisle. 22 April [ 1939 ]. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 19612

‎[Nineteenth-century English or American agricultural poetry; Victorian rural verse; provincial literature; working class writing‎

‎Nineteenth-century agricultural poetry. Fair copy manuscript of anonymous American poem titled 'Elegy on the death of a Farm Laborer.' With emendations and additions in pencil.‎

‎Without place or date. 1840s. 10pp. 8vo. On five leaves torn from a notebook. In fair condition on aged and lightly-worn paper. A creditable effort showing the influence of Gray's 'Elegy' and Goldsmith's 'Deserted Village' describing the unnamed farm hand's funeral and reflecting on the virtues and hardships of the poor. Begins: 'From yonder peaceful and secluded dell Snug in the bosom of th'encircling hills The perfumed Zephyr bears a passing knell And melancholy o'er the Soul distils. It tells us hoary Time's unswerving flight Has snapped the thread of Life's uncertain span; And that grim Death with his relentless might Has swung his sickle through th'abode of man.' Care has been taken in the revision of the text with emendations including several passages deleted and replaced. The poem ends abruptly on the tenth page suggesting that it is not complete: 'Then comes the happy and eventful day When scarce-used clothes once more are brought to view'. Without place or date. [1840s?] hardcover‎

Bookseller reference : 15218

‎George Denholm Armour (1864-1949), English artist associated with Phil May and Joseph Crawhall, and horse breeder [ Herman Finck‎

‎George Denholm Armour English artist. Autograph Letter Signed 'G Denholm Armour' a letter of condolemce to the widow of composer Herman Finck.‎

‎On letterhead of The Old Court House Tetminster Dorset. 22 April 1939. 1p. 12mo. In good condition. He is writing 'as an old brother savage' i.e. a member like Finck of the Savage Club and asks her to accept his 'most sincere sympathy in the loss' of her husband and his regret that he cannot be present at his funeral. Headed by Mrs Finck 'Answered'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down. On letterhead of The Old Court House, Tetminster, Dorset. 22 April 1939. unknown‎

Bookseller reference : 19641

‎J. G. Wilson [John Gideon Wilson] (1876-1963), 'the most famous English bookseller of his time' and proprietor of the prestigiou‎

‎J. G. Wilson proprietor of London booksellers J. & E. Bumpus Ltd. Autograph notebook containing draft of talk to trainee booksellers on 'Modern Fine & First Editions' proposals for 'Anecdotal History of Bookselling' and for trade 'social club'.‎

‎Without date or place. J. & E. Bumpus Ltd. 477 Oxford Street. It is Sir Basil Blackwell in his DNB entry on Wilson who described him as 'the most famous English sic bookseller of his time'. The freshness and enthusiasm conveyed by this small volume supports Blackwell's view that Wilson viewed 'bookselling not so much as a matter of retail trade as a service in which bookseller and customer met and shared the experience of contact with the precious manifestations of the spirit of man' as well as casting light on the methods and practices which made Wilson so successful. 23pp. 12mo with a further nine pages of pencil notes on early printing and two small leaves of memoranda loosely inserted. In Wilson's neat hand with occasional corrections. Ryman 'Strand Reporters Book'. In fair condition on lightly aged and worn paper. The notebook's first item is the draft of the talk titled 'Modern Fine & First Editions' on three numbered pages. It begins: 'The first year's course presented several talks relating to Stock and how it should be displayed & kept. In the main we considered the regular level stock & what are usually called bread & butter lines. We didn't touch with much detail on remainders as a regular departmental matter although as we all know many of the remainder items are most attractive books & when stocks are small the selling is quick & easy. It is perhaps a topic that deserves an evening to itself.' This section is followed by another three pages of untitled notes on the nature of bookselling which is described as 'more than mere handling of books as commodities selling what is asked for going with the stream. It is having a knowledge & control of the material passing it on with a touch of personal flavour. Swank you say. Yes indeed I agree. But not altogether swank because the exercise of control the keeping of a feeling of detachment is the proper attitude of all good salesmanship.' This section contains a praise for the 'zest & enthusiasm' of the 'old-fashioned bookseller': 'He was not ashamed to voice his love for authors & books. He was no trimmer. Is not a part of the new style a joy in belittling what has been the popular & accepted literary forms Isn't this another kind of swank' After a few pages of miscellaneous notes comes a proposal for a book on the 'story of bookselling in the City of London' 'a most deserving study which might be attempted as a thesis arranged by the Stationers' Company or by a combined effort on the part of the Publishers' Assocn. & the Associated Booksellers.' Another page headed 'Anecdotal History of Bookselling' proposes 'a social club which could meet once a month or say six times a year. At the meetings those who know the history of the booktrade in some of its aspects would be asked to speak & members would add their memories or views.' Two pages one detached concern 'Stocktaking' beginning: 'Art of valuing our possessions: To know what we are worth in relation to sale prices. To look at everything frankly and rearrange sales. This presupposes a knowledge of what we paid for the goods = Cost a. Purchases during financial year. b. Books taken in last stock sheets. c. Detail all valuable books.' Another note discusses the 'reconditioning of bookshops in line with modern shopfitting' with reference to <> exteriors given to WHSmith establishments'. The memoranda on the two small leaves contain some interesting thoughts for example: 'Typography is not enough. The real maker is the author. Would your designer refuse to clothe with beautiful design inferior writing. Overalls - & a little more music!' and 'Steep yourself in words well spoken Surround yourself with beautiful phrases Dont be ashamed to be found reading a classic'. Wilson's view of the bookseller's high calling is also conveyed in another note: 'Impossible to maintain freshness of reception all the time. Gradually we become set. Is there any cure for this shutting down The only preservative is a habit of holding our own opinions very personally while keeping an open mind to new ideas; and to avoid infatuation by maintaining a lively detachment in our work.' Without date or place. [J. & E. Bumpus Ltd., 477 Oxford Street.] hardcover‎

Bookseller reference : 15660