LITERATURE

W.H. AUDEN, THE GOLDFISH, AND SWARTHMORE

AUDEN, W[YSTAN]. H[UGH]. (1907-1973) Anglo-American poet.  Fine, rather early, Autograph Letter Signed,  “Wystan Auden.”  One very full page, quarto. 

RAYMOND CHANDLER DISCUSSES CHANGING PUBLISHERS  —  “MYSTERY WRITES OF AMERICA… IS FUSSING ABOUT STORIES AGAIN”… “I DON’T LIKE THE CURTIS BROWN ORGANIZATION VERY WELL…NO ONE IN IT KNOWS ABOUT BOOKS OR WRITING, SO I AM THINKING ABOUT MAKING A CHANGE”

CHANDLER, RAYMOND. (1888-1959). Writer of crime fiction, and creator of the hardboiled detective Phillip Marlowe; best known for his: The Big Sleep (1939), The High Window (1942), and The Lady in The Lake (1943).  Uncommon Typed Letter Signed, “Ray,” On his name imprinted 49 Carlton Hill, London, N.W. 8, Mai 4407 letterhead. One full page, quarto. February 21, 1956.

HILAIRE BELLOC TO A.P. HERBERT ON SOCIAL REFORM OF PRIVATELY HELD ENTERPRISES

BELLOC, HILAIRE. (1870-1953). Franco-English writer, historian, orator, poet, sailor, satirist, and political activist.   Uncommon Autograph Letter Signed, “HB,” on his imprinted Kings Land, Shipley, Horsham black-bordered mourning stationery. Two pages, quarto. No place. [Horsham], October 10, 1933. To “My dear [Alan P.] Herbert.” Herbert (1890-1971) was an English humorist, novelist, playwright, and law reformist.  

RARE SIGNATURE OF THE NOTED ENGLISH JURIST SIR WILLIAM BLACKSTONE

BLACKSTONE, SIR WILLIAM. (1723-1780) English jurist, judge, and professor; Blackstone produced Commentaries on the Laws of England, a highly successful treatise on common law that remains an important source on classical views of the common law.  His rare Signature, and sentiment: “Your most obedt. Servt. W. Blackstone,” as cut from a larger letter / document.  Approximately 2 ¼ x 1 inch.

LAURENCE BINYON  —  A FINE, REVEALING ARCHIVE OF 6 LETTERS   —

‘I AM ABOUT TO BRING OUT A TRANSLATION OF DANTE’S PURGATORIES IN TRIPLE RHYME; AND I WONDER IF A PAPER ON THIS AND ON THE PROBLEM OF TRANSLATING DANTE WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE? ‘

‘AS I CAN’T SELL MY OWN POEMS, I DON’T SUPPOSE ANY RECOMMENDATION OF MINE IS LIKELY TO SELL ANYBODY ELSE’S’

BINYON, LAURENCE.  (1869-1943).  British poet and art critic;   best known for his poem “For the Fallen,” written at the onset of World War I; Binyon also wrote and translated verse drama and worked as an art historian. Fine group of six Autograph Letters Signed, “Laurence Binyon”, on his imprinted Westridge Farm House, Streatley, Berks. Telephone: Goring 100 stationery.  Eight total pages, octavo.  Berkshire, England, May 27, 1938 to March 30, 1939.  Very fine condition.

MARK TWAIN AND HIS FELLOW HARTFORD, CONNETICUT CITIZENS SEEK TO ARRANGE A LECTURE ON MADAGASCAR!

CLEMENS, SAMUEL L. [MARK TWAIN].  (1835-1910.)  American humorist, lecturer and writer.  Manuscript Letter Signed, “Mark Twain”,  in committee and by other prominent Connecticut residents. Two pages, quarto. Hartford, October 9, 1884.

“THESE LONDON TRADES EXERCISE NO SORT OF INFLUENCE OVER THE OPINIONS AND CONDUCT OF THE GREAT BODY OF THE WORKING WORLD.”

DISRAELI, BENJAMIN.  1ST EARL OF BEACONSFIELD. (1804-1881).  British statesman and conservative politician; Prime Minister (1868 and 1874-1880); only Prime Minster to have been of Jewish origin.  Good Autograph Letter Signed, “D.”  Four full pages, octavo.  Grosvenor Gate, [London] April 23, 1850.  Very fine condition.