Results for: Literature


Shelley wrote this payment order made out to "Mssrs. Brookes & Co." for "twenty-one days after date pay Mr. W. Batger on order Thirty Pounds for fixtures in Mr. Tyleck's house." The payment order bears light pen cancelation marks which touch Shelley's full signature, "Percy Bysshe Shelley."
SHELLEY, PERCY BYSSHE. (1792-1822) Romantic British poet, known for his philosophical poem "Queen Mab," (1813), and lyrical drama, "Prometheus Unbound," (1820).
Autograph Document Signed, oblong 8vo, Great Marlow, July 15, 1817.
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To Henry Reeve, the editor of the Edinburgh Review, Mill discusses his proposed review of a new book about trades unions, titled, On Labour, by William Thomas Thornton, who was a friend of Mill's. Mill also raises some questions by a report just issued by the Royal Commission on Trades Unions. In the course of this long letter, Mill provides considerable information about his own views on labor unions. “I shall have much pleasure in writing a notice of Mr. Thornton’s book for the Edinburgh Review, and shall of course put what I have to say in a form somewhat different from that in which I should write for another publication,” Mill remarks. “My own point of view does not exactly coincide either with that of Mr. Thornton or with that of the Edinburgh Reviewer to whom he refers, and of course I must be free to express my own view and that only. Mr. Thornton is certainly a defender of Trades Unions to the extent of thinking that their existence is an important defence and protection to the operatives, and that they often cause a rise of wages when, though right and desirable, it would not otherwise have taken place. On these points I think Mr. Thornton has fully made out his case. On the other hand, he condemns some of the aims and rules of Trades Unions; and is quite alive to their liability to carry their legitimate aims (rise of wages and diminished hours of work) to a length which may injure both themselves and their employers, by driving the trade elsewhere. For the correction of this evil he looks to the lessons of experience, and increased intelligence, and to amicable discussion between the parties. In these various opinions I entirely agree….” Mill declares, “and I should feel bound to express them in anything I write on the subject. It is for you to decide whether they would be unsuitable for publication in the E. Review…With regard to your suggestion for reviewing the Report of the Commission [the Royal Commission on Trades Unions], do you propose that this should be done in the same or in a separate article? If in the same, it would greatly widen the scope of the article; since in that case it would be necessary to express an opinion on the question of prohibiting by law those employments of Trades Union funds which may be decided to be illegitimate; and moreover of giving efficacy to the legal prohibition by the appointment of a public prosecutor expressly for its enforcement… These are very grave questions…and I am not yet prepared to give a final opinion on every part of them; though I am clearly against adopting some of the recommendations of the majority of the Commission, as reported in today’s papers. I think that the systematic enforcement of legal penalties against strikes even for undesirable objects, would be the commencement of a feud between employers and workmen, and between workmen and the Government, more internecine than we have ever yet seen…” Signed, “J. S. Mill.”
MILL. JOHN STUART . (1806-1873). British philosopher, political economist, and Member of Parliament, was an influential liberal thinker of the 19th century.
Autograph Letter Signed, six pages 8vo, on his monogrammed stationery, Blackheath Park, Kent, 18 March 1869.
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A remarkable letter from Nabokov to his literary agent, Doussia Ergaz, (at the Bureau Litteraire Clairouin in Paris), in which he wonders, “if you might not have some news for me” regarding six of his books. DESPAIR (La Meprise)- “There was some talk of a reprint, as I recall. What’’s become of that?”/ SHORT STORIES (Nouvelles)- “Have you tried to get them translated by Karl Priel? Have you managed to get them published—either in a magazine or book form?”/ INVITATION TO A BEHEADING (Invitation au Supplice)- “Where do we stand with this book? Who have you tried since Albin Michel turned it down”/ NIOCOLAI GOGOL- “What’s going on with this one?”/ THE DEFENSE (La Course du Fou)- “Didn’t you write that there was talk of a new edition? I may be wrong about that—it’s been so long since you last wrote me about it” and GLORY (Exploit)- “I don’t know if you’re still handling this book as well. I’d like to put some order in my affairs and I would be extremely grateful to you if you would bring me up to date in regard to the French rights of all these books. Also, tell me if you think it likely that you’ll be able to find French publishers for them.” Signed, “I hope you are well, Vladimir Nabokov”.
NABOKOV, VLADIMIR . (1898-1977). Multilingual Russian-American novelist and short story writer. Nabokov wrote his first nine novels in Russian, then rose to international prominence as a master English prose stylist. Nabokov’s “Lolita” (1955) is frequently cited as his most important novel and is his most widely known, exhibiting the love of intricate wordplay and descriptive detail that characterized all his works.
Rare Typed Letter Signed, in French, regarding six of his books. One page, on integral address leaf stationery. 4to, Cambridge, Mass. May 15, 1948.
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To the publisher Henry Oscar Houghton (1823 –1895). "I can't remember about this. Of course I am not denying or repudiating the subscription; I merely have no memorandum of it, & there may be some error. I can forget things; once forgot to die, when four doctors said I was going to...." He signs, "S.L. Clemens." Letter bears publishing house stamp indicating day letter was received. With bust length photograph, unsigned. A fine showing the acclaimed writer's humor.
TWAIN, MARK pseudonym of SAMUEL L. CLEMENS. (1835-1910) American author and humorist. Twain is most noted for his novels Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which has since been called the Great American Novel and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Autograph Letter Signed, 8vo, Hartford, Dec. 8, 1890.
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The photograph taken on a hunting expedition in Africa shows a lion standing. Hemingway has signed on verso, “Photograph Ernest Hemingway copyrighted.”
HEMINGWAY, ERNEST M. (1899-1961). American writer, awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1954. He is best remembered for novels include, “The Sun Also Rises,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Important original photograph, signed on verso, 4to.
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Byron acknowledges receipt of fifty pounds sterling from Pellegrino Ghigi, in exchange for a note for the same amount issued by Byron's London bankers, Morland Ransom & Co. A beautiful and rare document from Byron’s Italian years. Signed “Byron.” This document is preserved in a blue buckram flap-case.
BYRON, GEORGE GORDON NOEL, Lord Byron . (1788-1824). British poet and a leading figure in Romanticism. Amongst Byron's best-known works are the brief poems She Walks in Beauty, When We Two Parted, and So, We'll Go No More A Roving, in addition to the narrative poems Childe Harold's Pilgrimage and Don Juan. He is regarded as one of the greatest European poets and remains widely read and influential, both in the English-speaking world and beyond. LR books
Manuscript Document Signed in Italian, 8vo. Ravenna, February 4, 1821.
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He writes to Charles Ashton Smith (1893-19061), the American writer recognized for his science fiction and fantasy or "weird" stories. Both were most prolific from 1930 to 1936. In the upper right corner, Lovecraft begins, "Vortex of Slth-Kgnr on the liquid planet Nrun in the central galaxy of the sixth dimension beyond the City of Singing Flame. Moment of the up-surge to meet the rising of the black satellite." He formally begins the letter but addresses the letter to, "Klarkash-ton, Still trying fountain pens...Thanks again for the nameless heads - which I shall see in many a malign dream. Your opinion of Wandrei's tale is more intelligent and analytical than the one I expressed & I agree that a single haunting horror, repeatedly coming up in different lives & finally confronted through retracting, would give the tale more...dramatic interest than it now has. No-I shan't let your gargoyle tale cut mine off any more that I shall let Whitehead's 'Cassius' suppress my future tale of the amputated Siamese twin...I have now read 'Beyond the Singing flame' with the most poignant admiration...which reminds me that I re-read the original 'Singing Flame'...with undiminished pleasure...." He continues discussing stories and then writes about Dashiell Hammett. "I think I mentioned...that the forthcoming Dashiell Hammett anthology is going to use my 'Eric Zann.' Belknap now infamous...that his 'Visitor from Egypt' is likewise to appear...." He lists other stories he wishes would be included and continues about being "swamped with revision...." He signs, "Yrs. Ffr the infra-red rite of Nephren-Ka- - E'ch-Pi-El." He signs in full with his address on the return address leaf of the envelope, "HP Lovecraft." He add in a postscript at the top left of the first side, "Saw an interesting black snake in the woods today...." His reference to Dashiell Hammett, (1894-1961), American novelist and screenwriter best known for his detective stories which include, The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man stories, makes this letter especially desirable and significant.
LOVECRAFT, H. P. H(OWARD) P(HILLIPS) . (1890-1937). American writer, known for fantasy, science fiction and horror stories.
Autograph Letter Signed, two pages on one 8vo sheet, included is a signed holograph envelope postmarked Providence, Rhode Island, Aug. 23, 1931.
Price: $4,500.00
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LOVECRAFT, H.P. H(OWARD) P(HILLIPS) (1890-1937). American writer, known for fantasy, science fiction and horror stories.
Autograph Letter Signed, 4to, two pages, Providence, Rhode Island, Feb. 2, 1933.
Price: $4,500.00
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To Charles Lee Lewes , "Dearest Boy", mentioning her work. "Have you seen any article on The Psychology….” She complains of her health, discusses financial affairs, and suggests plans for the summer. "I am writing in bed, where I have been almost constantly since Sunday, owing to a troublesome pain…Thank you for sending me the poetic address and the extract from the Standard. A rather bulky fruit of 'Merman' [Proteus Merman, the unhappy hero of 'How We Encourage Research, Theophrastus Such] has come to me in a letter of I don't know how many pages from one who feels himself wronged by critics. It is a curiosity worth preserving. Last week I received a letter from Mr. Warren [Eliot’s solicitor] saying that the next court of Manor is to be held on the 26th and sending me Beddoes' account of the Fines and Fees to be paid on the Copyhol…Mr. Cross has managed the matter for me, as he is constantly at the Bank…I am ruminating over the possibility of having Eliza and the 2 children along with you and Gertrude etc. in July…I was glad to know Mr. [Frederic] Harrison's opinion, for naturally though he has written to me about other things he, no more than other friends, writes about…And now I am alone I need the more assurance that I have not published superfluously…." Signed, "Mutter.”
ELIOT, GEORGE [Marian Evans Lewes] . (1819-1880), better known by her pen name George Eliot. She was one of the leading writers of the Victorian era. Her novels, largely set in provincial England, are well known for their realism and psychological insight.
Autograph Letter Signed in purple ink, on mourning stationery, 4 pages on one 12mo sheet, The Heights, Witley, Nr. Godalming, June 18, 1879.
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He writes to his sister-in-law, Else, about Beethoven, republication of his own works and comments on life in Florence. "Many thanks for the Beethoven letters - arrived today - not a literary man - & always in love with somebody - or thought he was - & in the flesh wasn't. But how German! - I mean the way he really wasn't...they want to publish one of my books next year & asks which I would suggest. I think I shall suggest Woman Who Rode Away, & The Princess (from the English St. Mawr) & a third story you haven't yet seen, 'None of That'...Or would you suggest one of the novels - The Lost Girl or Aaron's Rod...Only we'll keep back The Plumed Serpent & offer it translated to another firm for 1929....It has rained a bit here, but is sunny again...the country is full of colour, vines yellow, olives blue, pine very green. It is Monday, so the fusillade...shooting little birds is quieter - it makes me so mad...." He mentions that he is coughing less and will probably go to Florence Thursday. "There's a queer sort of unease in the air - as if the wrong sort of spirits were flying abroad in the unseen ether - but it may be my imagination...." He mentions his wife Freida and then his own writing. "I am dabbling at my poems, getting them ready for the 'Collected Poems'...I feel sort of uncertain & unstuck...." He signs with initials, "D.H.L." The literary references to Lawrence's own works including his work on his collected poems are exceptional, as is the comment, at the outset, about Beethoven's love life. A fine letter rich in literary reference.
LAWRENCE, D . H . (1885-1930) British author, critic and poet.
Autograph Letter Signed, 2 pp on one 4to sheet of stationery, Florence, Italy, Nov. 14, 1927.
Price: $3,850.00
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A good business letter of the well liked romantic poet. "Having the command of a Frank, I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of thanking you for the ready and obliging answer you have made to my inquiries requesting the Book. I shall be guided by your suggestions, and as I have no occasion at present for the money. I shall not sell out but wait for the chance of a rise in the price. If such rise should take place or any thing occur of moment connecting with the offer, it will add to the obligations you have conferred upon me, would be so kind as to inform me thereof." Signed, "Wm. Wordsworth." In a postscript he continues, "Mr. [George] Canning is upon a visit at this place recreating from his late... he looks as yet rather homely." As Canning died in 1827, this letter was penned before this year.
WORDSWORTH, WILLIAM. (1770-1850) English romantic poet. Wrote "Lyrical Ballads" with Coleridge, the book that is considered the first and greatest of the romantic movement.
Autograph Letter Signed, 4to, Storrs Hall near Bownest, N.Y.
Price: $3,750.00
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LAWRENCE, D.H. (DAVID HERBERT). (1885-1930) Greatly influential and prolific English author.
A.L.S., 2 pp 4to, Florence, October 18, 1926.
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This letter contract made out for Raymond Chandler states, "Please take notice that your employment agreement with the undersigned corporation dated November 16, 1943, will terminate on February 26, 1944, at the end of said day." Signed by two executives at Paramount Pictures Inc. and accepted: "Raymond Chandler."
CHANDLER, RAYMOND THORTON. (1888-1959) Author of crime stories and novels of immense stylistic influence upon modern crime fiction, especially in the style of the writing and the attitudes now characteristic of the genre. His protagonist Philip Marlowe, is synonymous with "private detective", along with Dashell Hammett's "Sam Spade".
Typed Document Signed, 4to, on watermarked "Paramount Pictures" onionskin paper, Hollywood, California, February 14, 1944.
Price: $3,500.00
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This is the complete fair copy of his 12-stanza poem, "In the Old South Church". It begins, "She came and stood in the Old South Church a wonder and a sign, With a look the old time sibyls wore, half-crazed and half divine." In conclusion the final stanza is, "So long as Boston shall Boston be, and her bay-tides rise and fall, Shall freedom stand in the Old South Church And plead for the rights of all!" It is signed and dated, "John G. Whittier". This Church was founded in 1678, and is still in operation. Between 1872 and 1875 it was rebuilt on Boylston St. This poem was used as a dedication some 22 years later. It is boldly penned On four vellum pages. This first page is soiled but readable while the remainder is bold and beautiful. Quite scarce and interesting.
WHITTIER, JOHN GREENLEAF. (1807-92) American poet, vigorous abolitionist, and religious Quaker.
Excellent and scarce Autograph Manuscript Signed, 4 pages 4to, n.p., Sept. 1877.
Price: $3,250.00
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To "Dear Sir" [William Morris], thanking him for "your handsome present" and remarking, "I like a great margin to a good book -- a great margin, when there is such a rivulet flowing down by it as that of the Earthly Paradise." Boldly signed, "M.E. Lewes."
ELIOT, GEORGE (Mary Ann [Marian] Evans) . (1819-80). English novelist. She was one of the leading writers of the Victorian era. Her novels, largely set in provincial England, are well known for their realism and psychological perspective
Autograph Letter Signed, on 8vo mourning paper, The Priory, 21 North Bank, 17 February 1870.
Price: $2,750.00
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This questionnaire discusses “Human Intelligence”, In an unknown hand three rhetorical questions are written and below these questions, Wright answers them one by one. The answers are typed, and he has signed his name in full at the bottom. “1 – Is Human Intelligence a unity, i.e./a complete whole in itself? 2 – Is it possible for a man of genius to be as prominent in one discipline as in another? 3 – Could a famous scientist who concentrates in a definite kind of research (or a famous writer who specializes in a certain type of literature), apply his intelligence to any field he would choose, successfully?” Wright responds, 1. If by the phrase, “human intelligence,” is meant the capacity to absorb facts, the ability to generalize, to think abstractedly, to make deductions, etc., then I regard human intelligence as a complete whole in itself and that each human being participates in that whole. Hence the sum total of human intelligence is the sum total of all men’s participation in and their contribution to that intelligence. 2. “Disciplines” are fairly recent achievements in the history of man. In the early days of human history, when the human environment was much simpler than it is now, wise men, priests, government leaders, etc., had to know more than one discipline. Hence I feel that it is distinctly possible for men today to attain proficiency in more than one discipline, though I would seriously question the efficiency of such attainments. Human knowledge today is so vast and complex that it might be more efficient for men to work in harmony, pooling their knowledge when necessary. 3. In general, I’d say yes. But I do not see the point in a man who is a master of one discipline turning to waste time in mastering another discipline. “ Boldly signed, “Richard Wright”.
WRIGHT, RICHARD. (1908-60) American author of powerful, sometimes controversial novels, short stories, and non-fiction.
Typed Questionaire Signed, 4to, n.p., n.d.
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ELIOT, GEORGE (MARY ANN (MARION) EVANS). (1819-80) English novelist. She was one of the leading writers of the Victorian era. Her novels, largely set in provincial England, are well known for their realism and psychological perspective.
Third person ALS one page, 8vo on printed letterhead of The Priory, 21 North Bank, Regents Park (letterhead crossed through by Eliot and replaced in her holograph with "The Heights / Witley / Godalming"), 25 July 1877.
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He writes to Dudley Buck, an organist and composer. "I'm sorry you didn't find the poems available: I myself thought them to inning [sic] for any but a sort of musical rendition which would probably not be too popular. I heard the Cantata last night at the Academy of Music in Ph [Philadelphia] under [Theodore] Thomas, with chorus for a hundred . my wife and my father . were both greatly delighted with your translation of my words . the 'Hugenots' passage is noble . I would have tried my hand on an evening-song, but continual illness has almost deprived me of the power to work. I'll endeavor yet to send you something . " He signs, "Sidney Lanier."
LANIER, SIDNEY. (1842-81) American musician and poet. Late in his life, he became a student, lecturer, and, finally, a faculty member at the Johns Hopkiins University in Baltimore, specializing in the works of the English novelists.
A.L.S., two pages on one 8vo sheet, West Chester, PA, September 21, 1876.
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He refers to his short-lived magazine, 'The Signature', which he began in 1915, the year of this letter, with John Middleton Murry and his wife. "Thank you for your .. wish to subscribe for .. three copies of 'The Signature' .." He gives the address for the magazine explaining that the publication appears, "fortnightly, hence until Christmas. If there is anything else you would like to know, will you please ask me in detail .." He signs, "D.H. Lawrence." Also included is a head and shoulders portrait photograph of the author in black and white. It is a beautiful diagonal side view, where Lawrence dressed in formal black suit and white shirt collar showing, and wearing a hat, is slightly turned toward the front and is looking out over the camera into the distance. A very ethereal, dreamlike kind of look in his eyes. Unsigned. Excellent for framing
LAWRENCE, D.H. (DAVID HERBERT). (1885-1930) Greatly influential and prolific English author.
Autograph Letter Signed on printed address stationery, 2 pp on one folded 8vo sheet., London, Oct. 6, 1915. Included is 8vo unsigned portrait photograph of the author, ready for framing.
Price: $2,350.00
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This manuscript is titled: "SHOULD THE NEGRO BE ENCOURAGED TO CULTURAL EQUALITY?" It is corrected and unedited with Pound's idiosyncratic prose. "No! And nobody else should either. This 'encouraging' people to cultural equality has made the U.S. hell on earth; it has made possibly Bryan, Wilson, Volstead, Harding, and all the other vermin that have clouded the native scene. If a man black, white, pink, orange or any other damn colour can't get his equality, or equality plus, then to hell with him. Roland Hayes has already obtained cultural superiority to 90 percent of American people. Why not deal with what is?". Pencil emendations, Signed, "Ezra Pound".
POUND, EZRA . 1885-1972) American poet, editor and critic and a major influence on Joyce, Eliot, Hemingway and Frost.
Original Typed Manuscript Signed, 4to., "Via Marsalla" stationery, [Rapallo, Italy, n.d.].
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