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Click here to subscribeSUKARNO: (1901-1970) Indonesian statesman and revolutionary who served as the first President of Indonesia 1945-67. Dark fountain pen ink signature to the centre of a small oblong 8vo brown mottled card, the signature partially running across an Indonesian postage stamp affixed to the middle of the card and featuring Sukarno's image. A couple of light, minor creases, otherwise VG
BATTEN JEAN: (1909-1982) New Zealand aviatrix who made several record-breaking flights including the first solo flight from England to New Zealand (1936). T.L.S., Jean Batten, one page, 4to, Tenerife, Canary Islands, 28th April 1982, to Mr. Waterson. Batten thanks her correspondent for their letter and continues 'I enclose the cheque, a Spanish one for added interest, and have made it out for the amount you sent for postage; and as it was more than necessary, also enclose a 15p and 20p stamp, which represent the approximate difference in UK currency' and concludes by wishing Waterson success in raising funds for a mini-bus. None of Batten's enclosures are still present. Accompanied by an unsigned cover commemorating Batten. Together with Maryse Bastie (1898-1952) French aviatrix, the holder of several international flying records in the 1930s. Blue ink signature ('Maryse Bastie') and place and date, Paris, 8th March 1932, in her hand to the centre of a plain air mail cover featuring blue and red stripes to two corners. Some light age wear and a few small, minor tears and areas of paper loss to the edges of Batten's letter. Generally VG, 3
STEADMAN RALPH: (1936- ) British illustrator, best known for his collaboration with the American writer Hunter S. Thompson. An extensive correspondence collection of forty-two A.Ls.S. (the majority to the versos of postcards, many featuring images of Steadman's work) and nine T.Ls.S., Ralph, sixty-six pages (total), 4to and smaller, various places (Maidstone, Kent, France and Italy), March 1980 - January 1997, all to Tom Maschler. The substantial, and often amusing, correspondence covers a wide range of subjects, including Steadman's work, in part, 'Many thanks for your letter and your marvellous enthusiasm. I am very happy that Cape & your good self are prepared to take me on with a project that hardly has any bones yet.....I doubt if I will begin Leonardo for 2 or 3 months but that does not prevent me reading about my subject and making notes which is how I set about the book on Freud' (18th March 1980), 'It's fascinating sitting in spots where the old boy [Leonardo da Vinci] might have sat. I was unable to lie on his bed or use the secret tunnel used by Francois I to visit him daily' (25th April 1981), ' "Bloody good!!" he said when he caught sight of the first drawing. "How many more are there?" "How many do you want?" "That depends" "On what?" "How many disciples turn up - can you manage another eleven - No problem' (31st August 1982), 'If he can sell 5000 copies there must be another 50,000 who would buy it if they only knew about it - at least. There is a huge army of committed fans over there [America] but I don't think they know the book exists. All I know is when I did a signing the queue went down the street - New York & West coast. Maybe they were all my fans and there aren't any more but do you believe that. Anyway, one of these days we'll blast through the bullet proof barrier & wonder why we worried' (21st December 1984), 'When Glasgow Art Gallery asked for copies of "I Leonardo" to sell during the course of my exhibition there, they were informed that you are now completely out of the 2nd edition. Surely it is worth a reprint even for this country only' (3rd May 1985), '...[I] have been asked to front a T.V. show on our attitudes to animals (J. G. Ballard, Brian Aldiss etc to be interviewed) I've just been to a bullfight, so I'm on dodgy ground' (28th September 1995). 'I will be researching the ways of cannibals - where they were - who they ate - who tasted best and what their favourite sauces are. Did they have head chefs - table manners - religious symbolism & belief in the powers allotted to various parts of the body......Are we in fact missing a vital part of our diets which no amount of lamb or pig can assuage?.....It's a wide & wonderful subject Tom, and in the metaphysical sense we act like cannibals today in this dog eat dog society of ours' (19th October 1995), 'I have read The Mildenhall Treasure - it is a fine TRUE tale of trust and paranoic avarice. Though, Butcher's wife knew. I love the descriptive atmospherics as much as [Roald] Dahl's grasp of human nature. It could be special, but why, I ask myself am I illustrating Dahl, when I could be hurling myself into Rabelais' (16th June 1996), 'I was thrilled to hear from you again. We have now reorganised the answering machines especially for you so that if you want to sing a song, tell me a story, or recite a piece of concrete poetry, you know I will hear it in future' (n.d., although 1996), 'Two things in defence of the "Snags". Defence one: Children love repetition. Defence two: Childrem don't recognise sophistication; only the inherent spirit of fun, the game itself played out between parent & child. I know. It has been tried out on a nursery school full of children and they ask for more. Defence three even: It is a great way to learn punctuation & a wonderful way to read pictures....' (18th June 1996), 'I am in search of magic - in search of Roald Dahl. What made him tick?' (26th November 1996), 'Over the last few months I have been doing some strange but intriguing, and funny!, pictures in the evenings on my knee (on paper of course) which I call my knee jobs. They seem like the basis for a book though I don't quite know how or why' (6th January 1997), 'Cannibals at the moment are rife in the world of publishing, literart meat-eaters, retail/wholesale packagers, remainderers of books which are in their prime, even 'Animal Farm' which is No. 3 in the best 100 books of the 20th century - trashed because 'its sale has gone down to a trickle' and who, I wonder, is prepared to admit blame?......Unless the book smells like a Body Shop and leaps off the shelf to bite you up the arse, what chance do new books have, except one on cannibals who might like a piece of arse for supper' (19th January 1997), 'I hope that our chat yesterday settled the final touches for our collaboration to reincarnate one of Roald Dahl's wonderful true stories' (29th April 1999), 'Here is something to get your teeth into. The spider's mouth is the hole at the back of Dahl's chair - it needs my cryptic explanation' (n.d.), 'I have avoided planning new booksm but I have not been idle.....I have been involved in a modern dance based on the last years of Picasso....I have done the centenary portrait of T. S. Eliot for The Poetry Society celebration in September. That led to a curiosity to see how I could portray his face in paint & I completed 6 paintings of his visage. He has a strange face......Channel 4 are keen to do a film about my Welsh speech based on the 'BOYO' tapestry and I am making a 10 minute short based on a conversation I invented between Marcel Duchamp & Luis Bunuel......I have always felt that the people who do well out of my book signings are the book shops since I give more of a performance that a mere 'Jeffrey Archer' type signing' (n.d., although 1993). Several of the letters are illustrated with a small caricature alongside the signatures. Some very light, minimal age wear, VG, 51Tom Maschler (1933-2020) British publisher who, from 1960, was head of the publishing company Jonathan Cape for more than three decades. Maschler was also instrumental in establishing the Booker Prize in 1969.
BEE GEES THE: An unusual signed 10 x 8 photograph by all three members of the musical group individually, comprising siblings Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb, and also signed by the English-American guitarist, singer and songwriter Peter Frampton, the image depicting the four musicians standing together in a row in half-length poses from the American jukebox musical comedy film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) which was loosely inspired by the classic 1967 Beatles album of the same name. Signed by Robin and Barry Gibb in bold black inks with their first names only, by Maurice Gibb in blue ink and by Peter Frampton in pink ink, the latter two with their full signatures. VG
VOSTOK 3 & 4: A good vintage signed and inscribed postcard photograph by both Andriyan Nikolayev (Pilot of Vostok 3) and Pavel Popovich (Pilot of Vostok 4) individually, the image depicting the two cosmonauts outdoors together in head and shoulders poses wearing their uniforms and caps as they enjoy a light-hearted moment. Signed to the lower white border by Nikolayev in black fountain pen ink with his name alone (a minor smudge at the conclusion) and signed and inscribed by Popovich in purple fountain pen ink, with a three-line inscription in Cyrillic, further adding the date 1st October 1963 in his hand. VGThe Vostok 3 & 4 missions of August 1962 represented the first occasion that more than one crewed spacecraft was in orbit at the same time. Popovich and Nikolayev commuincated with each other via radio, marking the first ship-to-ship communications in space.
DIDEROT DENIS: (1713-1784) French philosopher, art critic and writer, a significant figure during the Age of Enlightenment. An extremely rare and important autograph manuscript, unsigned, seven pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d (c.1771), in French. The manuscript, written in Diderot’s small, neat hand, is entitled Satyre contre le luxe a la mainiere de Perse (‘Satire against luxury in the Persian style’) and takes the form of a dialogue between two characters, the first a sceptic of the times, not far removed from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, radical in his rejection of luxury and what it represents, and the second character one who judges that all is not so bad in the world as it is. ‘Vous jetez sur les diverses societes de l'espece humaine un regard si chargin, que je ne connais plus guere qu'un moyen de vous contenter: c'est de ramener l'age d'or’ (Translation: ‘You look at the various societies of the human race with such a distrustful eye that I can think of only one way of satisfying you: that is to bring back the golden age’) begins the second, and with spartan austerity, the former rejects all sweetness of life, ‘Vous vous trompez. Une vie consumee a soupirer aux pieds d'une bergere n'est point de tout mon fait. Je veux que l'homme travaille. Je veux qu'il souffre. Sous en etat de nature qui irait au-devant de tous ses voeux, ou la branche se courberait pour approcher le fruit de sa main, il serait faineant; et n'en deplaise aux poetes, qui dit faineant dit mechant’ (Translation: ‘You're wrong. A life spent sighing at the feet of a shepherdess is not entirely my doing. I want man to work. I want him to suffer. Under a state of nature which would fulfil all his wishes, or the branch would bend to bring the fruit nearer to his hand, he would be a faineant; and, with all due respect to the poets, who says faineant says villain’), and Rousseau’s name is naturally introduced, ‘Depouillez-vous donc; suivez le conseil de Jean-Jacques, et faites-vous sauvage’ (Translation: ‘Take off your clothes; follow Jean-Jacques' advice, and make yourself wild’) before the interlocutor sweeps aside the Voltairean irony and gives the subject a political twist, ‘Ce serait bien le mieux. La, du moins, il n'ya a d'inegalite que celle qu'il a plu a la nature de mettre entre ses enfants; et les forets ne retentissent pas de cette variete de plaintes, que des maux sans nombre arrachent a l'homme dans ce bienheureux etat de la societe’ (Translation: ‘That would be the best. Here, at least, there is no inequality except that which it has pleased nature to place between her children; and the forests do not resound with that variety of complaints, which countless evils wring from man in this blessed state of society’), the other attempts moderation and advocates a form of resignation to the order of things as it is, ‘Mon ami, aimons notre paitre; aimons nos contemporains; soumettons-nous a un ordre de choses qui pourrait par hasard etre meilleur ou plus mauvais; jouissons des avantages de notre condition. Si nous y voyons des defauts, et il y en a sans doute, attendons-en le remede de l'experience et de la sagesse de nos maitres; et restons ici’ (Translation: ‘My friend, let us love our pasture; let us love our contemporaries; let us submit to an order of things which might by chance be better or worse; let us enjoy the advantages of our condition. If we see any faults in it, and there undoubtedly are, let us await the remedy of the experience and wisdom of our masters; and let us remain here’), and then the other launces into a violent diatribe against corrupting money, ‘Rester ici, moi! moi! y reste celui qui peut voir avec patience un peuple qui se pretend civilise, et le plus civilise de la terre, mettre a l'encan l'exercise des fonctions civiles; mon coeur se gonfle, et un jour de ma vie, non, un jour de ma vie, je ne le passe pas sans charger d'imprecations celui qui rendit les charges venales. Car c'est de la, oui. c'est de la et de la situation des grands exacteurs que sont decoules tous nos maux. Au moment ou l'on put arriver a tout avec de l'or, on voulut avoir de l'or; et le merite, qui ne conduisait a rien, ne fut rien. Il n'y eut plus aucune emulation honnete. L'educatin resta sans aucune base solide’ (Translation: ‘To remain here, me! me! to remain here is to be the one who can patiently watch a people who claim to be civilised, and the most civilised on earth, auction off the exercise of civil functions; my heart swells, and one day of my life, no, one day of my life, I will not spend it without charging with imprecations the one who made the offices venal. For it is from this, yes. it is from this and from the situation of the great tax collectors that all our ills have arisen. At the moment when one could achieve everything with gold, one wanted to have gold; and merit, which led to nothing, became nothing. There was no longer any honest emulation. Education remained without any solid foundation’), further describing the deleterious effects of the race for wealth, the desire to possess more and more that leads humanity to its ruin, ‘L'elephant se gonfla pour accroitre sa taille, la boeuf imita l'elephant; la grenouille eut la meme manie, qui remonta d'elle a l'elephant; et, dans ce mouvement reciproque, les trois animaux perirent: triste, mais image reelle d'une nation abandonnee a un luxe, symbole de la richesse des uns, et masque de la misere generale du reste’ (Translation: ‘The elephant inflated itself to increase its size, the ox imitated the elephant; the frog had the same mania, which went up from it to the elephant; and, in this reciprocal movement, the three animals lost: sad, but a real image of a nation abandoned to a luxury, symbol of the wealth of some, and mask of the general misery of the rest’), as well as the corruption of the morals, the contempt for study, the disappearance of all decency being the consequences, ‘On rampa, on s'avilit, on se prostitua dans toutes les conditions. Il n'y eut plus de distinction entre les moyens d'acquerir. Honnetes, malhonnetes, tous furent bons’ (Translation: ‘We crawled, we debased ourselves, we prostituted ourselves in all conditions. There was no longer any distinction between the means of acquisition. Honest, dishonest, all were good’), the other then advances the argument that this luxury engenders the development of art and industry, ‘Mais ne vous rejouissez-vous pas de voir la debauche, la dissipation, le faste, ecrouler ces masses enormes d'or? C'est par ce ,oyen qu'on nous restitue goutte a goutte ce sang dont nous sommes epuises. Il nous revient par une foule de mains occupees. Ce luxe, contre lequel vous vous recriez, n'est-ce pas lui qui soutient le ciseau dans la main du statuaire, la palette au puce du peintre, la navette?’ (Translation: ‘But don't you rejoice to see debauchery, dissipation and splendour crush these huge masses of gold? It is by this means that we are given back drop by drop the blood from which we are exhausted. It comes back to us through a host of busy hands. This luxury, against which you recoil, is it not that which sustains the chisel in the hand of the statuary, the palette on the chip of the painter, the shuttle?’), OWING TO LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY THE SALEROOM THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION FOR THIS LOT CAN NOT BE DISPLAYED. Please contact IAA Europe directly for further information.
MATA HARI: (1876-1917) Margaretha Geertruida Zelle. Dutch exotic dancer, courtesan and spy, executed by a firing squad in France during World War I. A.L.S., Mata Hari, two pages (written to the first and final sides of the bifolium), 8vo, Monte Carlo, n.d. (March 1911), to Monsieur Bormier (?), on the printed stationery of the Hotel Metropole, in French. The dancer writes 'Je viens d'arriver veuiller donc me faire le grand plaisir de m'envoyer une place pour l'opera. Je viendrai vous dire bonjour un de ces matins' (Translation: 'I have just arrived, so please do me the great pleasure of sending me a ticket for the opera. I'll come to say hello one of these mornings'). Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Mata Hari. VG
DIANA: (1961-1997) Princess of Wales, the first wife of King Charles III (when Prince of Wales). Signed and inscribed Christmas greetings card, the stiff white 8vo folding card featuring a colour photograph to the inside of the Princess seated outdoors in a full-length pose on a garden bench alongside her youngest son, Prince Harry, with Prince Charles standing alongside with their eldest son, Prince William. Signed and inscribed by the Princess in bold black fountain pen ink above and below a printed Christmas and New Year greeting. With two gold embossed coats of arms to the front cover. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, about EX
NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS: A good multiple signed First Day of Issue cover commemorating the United Nations and their drive 'towards disarmament' featuring the signatures of five Nobel Peace Prize Laureates comprising Ralph Bunche (1950), Lester Pearson (1957), Philip Noel-Baker (1959), Linus Pauling (1962; also the Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry in 1954) and Rene Cassin (1968). Post marked at the United Nations in New York on 24th October 1967. All have signed with their names alone in blue or black inks to clear areas. VG
HENRY VIII: (1491-1547) King of England 1509-47. A good, rare D.S., Henry R, as King, at the head, one page (vellum), slim oblong 8vo (23.5 x 11 cm), given under the King's signet at Windsor Castle, 2nd January 1514. The manuscript warrant is addressed to Sir Andrew Windsor ('To our trusty and welbeloved Ser Andrew Wyndesore, knight, keper of our great wardrope') and commands him to deliver unto Lord Curson fourteen yards of crimson velvet for a gown and as much black budge as shall suffice for furring the same ('We wooll and commaunde you that unto the lorde Kurson ye deliver xiiij yerdes of Crimson velvett for a gowne and asmoche blacke boogi as schall suffice for furring of the same gowne'). With an early ninteenth century filing annotation ('60') to the upper left corner and the blank lower left corner neatly excised. Some very light, minor age wear, VGAndrew Windsor (1467-1543) 1st Baron Windsor. English peer and politician, Keeper of the Great Wardrobe 1504-43. Windsor played a significant part in King Henry VIII's military expedition to France in 1513 and was present at the Battle of the Spurs (16th August 1513) after which he was among the first to be advanced as Knights Bannerets. In 1514 Windsor attended Mary Tudor, the King's sister, on her journey to France for her marriage to King Louis XII and signed the marriage and peace treaties with France in 1518. Windsor attended the Field of the Cloth of Gold summit meeting between King Henry VIII and King Francis I in June 1520. Sir Robert Curson (c.1460-1535) Lord Curson. English soldier and courtier at the court of King Henry VIII, and also that of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor. Curson was publicly proclaimed a traitor from the pulpit at Paul’s Cross on 21st October 1501, although astonishingly escaped punishment. In 1509 his annual fee was set at £400 and it remained so until 1520, when he (or his son Robert) were present at the Field of Cloth of Gold. Although he never became an English peer, his title Lord Curson appears to have been recognized at court from around 1513.
ABBA: Signed colour 4 x 6 postcard photograph by all four members of the Swedish pop supergroup of the 1970s individually, comprising Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the image depicting the band standing together in full-length poses. The postcard was issued to promote their double compilation album The Singles: The First Ten Years (1982) and has been signed by each with their names alone in blue ink to the image. VG
BOSCO JOHN: (1815-1888) Don Bosco. Italian Roman Catholic Priest, Educator and Writer. He developed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment, a method known as the Salesian Preventive System. Founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Canonized as a saint in 1934. Rare A.L.S., `Obbl.[igatissi]mo Servitore Sac. G. Bosco´, three pages, small 4to, Turin, 15th May 1870, to Countess Callori, in Italian. Bosco thanks his correspondent for her help and charity and refers to his recent trip stating `Benemerita Signora Contessa, la sua lettera mi venne a raggiungere in Mornese che é il Paradiso terrestre della Provincia Acquese - Ella abbonda in bontá e carité ed io la ringrazio. Il mio viaggio fu ottimo. Cessazione dalle ordinarie occupazioni, un po´ piu di riposo, buoni pranzi mi hanno fatto benissimo, al corpo s´intende-…´ (Translation: “Well-deserving Madam Countess, your letter reached me in Mornese which is the earthly paradise of the Acquese Province - You abound in goodness and charity and I thank you. My trip was excellent. Cessation from ordinary occupations, a little more rest, good lunches have done me very well, for the body of course -…”) Saint John Bosco further unusually recommends a relative, saying `Le mando unito un biglietto pel benevolo cav. Giacosa. E´ la prima volta che raccomando un parente; glielo avevo promesso come premio e lo fo perché lo ha guadagnato…´ (Translation: “I am also sending you a note for the kind gentleman Giacosa. It's the first time I've recommended a relative; I promised it to him as a reward and I do it because he deserved it…”) Further again, and before concluding, Bosco explains his near future travelling plan, stating `Se potró andare a Mirabello la preverró e faro certamente una stazione a sua casa – L´altro ieri si tenne seduta a Roma riguardo all chiesa di S. Giovanni della Pigna – il risultato fu per noi: forse dovró fare una corsa a Roma; oggi ho scritto per vedere se posso farne a meno a al meno differire…´ (Translation: “If I can go to Mirabello, I will anticipate it and certainly make a stop at your house - The day before yesterday there was a session in Rome regarding the church of S. Giovanni della Pigna - the result was that perhaps I will have to make a trip to Rome; I wrote today to see if I can cancel it or at least postpone it…”) Overall minor age wear, with a very small hole not affecting the text or signature and few minor foxing stains, otherwise G Countess Carlota Calori di Vignale (1827-1911) one of the most important financial benefactors of Bosco´s projects. Bosco considered Countess Callori as his second-mother.
ORDER OF MALTA - PERELLOS RAMON: (1637-1720) Spanish Knight of Aragon, who served as Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta for more than twenty years, from 1697 until 1720. Perellos established foreign relations between Malta and Russia for the first time, and fought against corruption within the Order. The Grand Master also improved and strengthened the coastal fortifications of Malta which was suffering multiple attacks from the Ottoman fleet, organizing himself and building a new war fleet to fight the Turks. Rare l.S. `Perellos´, one page, folio, Malta, 18th April 1703, to the Grand Prior of Aquitaine, in French. The document bears to the heading an Order of Malta ink stamp to the upper right corner, and in large bold letters, in Latin, "Mag[ist]er Hosptis et S[anc]ti sepulchri hiertem" ("The Master of the Hospital and the Holy Sepulchre"). Perellos refers to a process of accpetance of nobility, and states in part `Venerable tres cher et bien aimé Religieux; Nous aiant esté fait instance, qu´il nous plût recevoir au nombre des pages qui sont destinés pour Notre Service Noble, René Vincent de Messenie, fils de noble Louis du même nom et de Dame Caterine de Coué de Lusignan, nous avons volontiers octroié cette grace qui nous oblige a vous advertir de ne faire aucune difficulté de tenir une assemblée Extraordinaire touttes et quantes fois que vous en serez requis, tant pour lui délivrer la Commission nécessaire pour pouvoir faire les preuves de sa Noblesse et légitimation....´ (Translation: "Very dear and beloved Venerable Religious; Having been requested, that we we were glad to receive among the pages which are intended for Our Noble Service, René Vincent de Messenie, son of noble Louis of the same name and Lady Caterine de Coué de Lusignan, we have gladly granted this grace which obliges us to warn you not to make any difficulty in holding an Extraordinary assembly whenever and as many times you are required to do so, both to deliver the Commission necessary to be able to demonstrate the Nobility and legitimation...") With blank address leaf. Small overall age wear, otherwise G Perello´s funerary monument is found at St. John´s Co-Cathedral in Valletta and is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque art in Malta.
TOUR DE FRANCE WINNERS: An excellent selection of signed postcard photographs, few slightly larger (3), and two 8 x 12 colour ones, by 10 Tour de France winners, comprising Lance Armstrong (1971- ) American racing cyclist. Seven consecutive times winner of the Tour 1999-2005. Infamous for starring the biggest doping scandal in cycling history. Armstrong was stripped of all his awards. Signed colour 8 x 12 photograph; Alberto Contador (1982- ) Spanish racing Cyclist. Twice winner of the Tour, in 2007 & 2009. Signed colour 8 x 12 photograph; Laurent Fignon (1960-2010) French racing Cyclist. Winner of the Tour in 1983 & 1984; Eddy Merckx (1945- ) Belgian racing Cyclist. A five times winner of the Tour 1969-72 & 1974; Jan Jansen (1940- ) Dutch racing Cyclist. Winner in 1968; Charly Gaul (1932-2005) Luxembourgian winner in 1958; Louis Bobet (1925-1983) French three times winner 1953-55; Ferdinand Kubler (1919-2016) Swiss Cyclist. Winner of the Tour in 1950. Two signed postcard photographs; Jean Robic (1921-1980) French winner in 1947, on the first Tour after WWII, and Gino Bartali (1914-2000) Italian racing Cyclist. Winner in 1938 & 1948. Together with three signed photographs by racing Cyclists Fabian Cancellara, Santiago Botero and Roger Riviere. G to VG in general, 14
RAIMU: (1883-1946) His real name was Jules Auguste Muraire. French Actor. Well remembered for playing César in the Marseilles Trilogy. Signed and inscribed attractive original set of seven 4 x 6 photographs, all of them showing a young Raimu in different close portrait poses. The seven images have been individually carefully affixed to slightly larger cards, framed in wood and glazed to an overall of 32.5 x 8. Raimu writes the inscription over six of the photographs `To Rip - Thanking - for my first great success - The more it changes.. - Cordially - Raimu´, starting on the second image to the left and concluding with his signature `Raimu´ to the seventh and last to the right. Together with Andrée Spinelly (1887-1966) French Actress who played the main role in the premiere of Plus ça Change in 1915. Signed postcard photograph; also including a bold ink signature to a grid 5 x 3 page. G, 3
[PRIZE OF WAR] : An interesting manuscript document, six pages, folio, Burgos, Spain, 11th August 1808, addressed to Marshal Bessieres, in French. The document comprises four pages listing the silverware units taken from the belongings of the chiefs of the insurgents as prize of war. The introductory letter signed states `J´ai l´honneur de rendre compte à Votre Excellence par les états ci-joints, de l´opération relative aux prises faites à Palencia sur les chefs des insurgés…´ (Translation: `I have the honor to report to Your Excellency through the attached statements, the operation relating to the captures made in Palencia of the leaders of the insurgents´) The pages describing the silverware are divided in three groups, `Argenterie d´Eglise – Argenterie de tables – Argenterie à l´usage de la chambre´ (Translation `Church silverware – Table silverware – Room silverware´), the lists including multiple items such as `Un calice doré – un tableau représentant la vierge – un bénitier…. Deux soupières, elles sont à double fond et ont des couvercles, 25 plats d´argent, 148 couteaux à manche d´argent… une montre d´argent, 11 paires de boucles d´oreilles, 2 crachoirs…´ (Translation: `A golden chalice – a painting representing the virgin – a holy water font…. Two soup tureens, they have double base and have lids, 25 silver dishes, 148 silver-handled knives... a silver watch, 11 pairs of earrings, 2 spittoons…´) An interesting and cleanly written document showing the reported prize of war during the Peninsular wars. Signed by Martial Daru (1774-1827) Quartermaster of the Imperial Guards in Spain. Very small minor age wear with uneven left edge as a result of its former light binding. G to VG Jean-Baptiste Bessieres (1768-1813) Marshal of France, Duc d´Istria. Killed in the battle field in Rippach, the day before the battle of Lutzen.With the outbreak of the Peninsular War in 1808, the year of the present document, Bessières had his first opportunity at independent command. He did well against the Spanish, scoring a crushing victory in the Battle of Medina del Rio Seco, but apparently proved slow and hesitant in command of a large force. Bessieres was thus soon recalled to lead the Guard Cavalry during Napoleon's invasion of Spain.
BUCKLAND WILLIAM: (1784-1856) English geologist, palaeontologist and theologian who wrote the first full account of a fossil dinosaur. Ink signature ('W Buckland') and five lines of text in his hand ('as there shall be divers orders of men in the church.......') on a 12mo piece evidently clipped from the conclusion of a letter. Dated 1845 in an unidentified hand to the lower left corner. Neatly laid down and subsequently mounted to a portion of a page removed from a contemporary album. About VG
WILSON EDITH: (1872-1961) First Lady of the United States 1915-21, the second wife of American President Woodrow Wilson. A.N.S., Mrs. Wilson, in the third person, to the recto of her personal printed oblong 12mo Visiting Card, featuring her printed name ('Mrs. Woodrow Wilson') to the centre, n.p., 2nd January 1925, in full, 'Mrs. Wilson warmly appreciates your kind thought of her'. VG
ALDRIN BUZZ: (1930- ) American astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo XI (1969). The second man to walk on the Moon. Book signed, being a hardback edition of Return to Earth, First Edition published by Random House, New York, 1973. Signed ('Buzz Aldrin') by Aldrin in bold black ink with his name alone to the title page. Accompanied by the dust jacket (price clipped). VG
BONAPARTE JOSEPH: (1768-1844) King of Naples and Sicily (1806-08) and later King of Spain 1808-13, as Jose I. Elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. A good A.L.S., `Joseph´, with an holograph salutation in his hand `Agréez Général, mon attachement...´, one page, 4to, Grenade, 20th March 1810, to General Count Loison, in French. Joseph refers to his correspondent´s letter that he has received and explains what are his immediate plans related to the matters commented, and states `Général, J´ai reçu la lettre que m´a remise l´officier de votre état-Major que vous me recommandez. Je me rappelerai volontiers de lui lorsqu´il sera question de la distribution de l´ordre d´Espagne aux militaires français. J´ai renvoyé au Ministre des finances les papiers qui regardent son Ministère´ (Translation: "General, I received the letter given to me by the officer of your Head Quarters whom you recommended to me. I will surely remember him when the question of the distribution of the order in Spain to French soldiers will arise. I sent back to the Minister of Finance the papers which concern his Ministry") Small overall age wear and creasing, otherwise about G Louis-Henri Loison (1771-1816) French General of the Révolution and First Empire who played an important role during the Spanish war of Independence.
WISEMAN JOSEPH: (1918-2009) Canadian-born American actor, remembered for his role as the villain Dr. Julius No in the first James Bond film Dr. No (1962). A scarce signed 4 x 5 photograph of Wiseman in a close-up head and shoulders pose. Signed by the actor in blue ink with his name alone, largely to a clear area of the image. EX
RHEE SYNGMAN: (1875-1965) South Korean politician who served as the first President of South Korea 1948-60. D.S., Syngman Ree, one page, folio, Seoul, 26th March 1956. The typed document (marked Translation) appoints the Honorable You Chan Yang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, to be a Special Envoy of the Republic of Korea 'to meet and confer with any persons duly authorized by the Government of the Republic of Chile with the purpose of cultivating and fostering the cordial friendship and mutual understanding between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Chile'. Signed by Rhee at the foot alongside a red stamped chop and countersigned by Cho Chung-whan (1892-1967) Minister of Foreign Affairs 1955-59. VG
EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor. An early A.L.S., Edward, three pages, 8vo, York Cottage, Sandringham, 19th November 1911, to [Alfred Donald] Mackintosh. The Prince apologises for the long delay in writing to thank his correspondent for three charming books, explaining 'I was in London for a week....& went to Windsor for shooting after that. I only arrived here last night & found your kind present. The stupid people had not forwarded the parcel to me. I shall certainly read them in the order you say. Conan Doyle's books are always so good', and further sending news of his shooting activities 'we were only shooting cocks, & though there were not many to shoot each bird was high & took some killing. I hope to get a good deal of shooting here this winter' before concluding by referring to King George V and Queen Mary, 'I am afraid my parents had a very bad passage in the Bay. I heard from my father this morning who said that everyone had been ill; even the men. And the cruisers of the escort had seas right over them & had their boats damaged'. Some light staining to the centre of the first page, only slightly affecting one line of text, otherwise VGAlfred Donald Mackintosh (1851-1938) Chief of the Clan Mackintosh, a Highland Scottish clan who have resided at Moy Hall since the beginning of the 18th century.
DAUDET ALPHONSE: (1840-1897) French novelist. A.L.S., Alphonse Daudet, two pages (written to the first and third sides of the bifolium), small 8vo, n.p., n.d., to a friend, in French. Daudet writes to explain to his friend exactly what happened concerning Chennevieres, in part, ‘Quand j'ai appris que ce parfait gentilhomme age de quelque quatre vingt trois ans avait ete peine du peu d'egards qu'on lui montrait apres tant de salamaleco que nous lui avions faits, moi surtout, j'ai tenu a l'avertir que j'etais etranger a la chose et M. Delzant s'est tres obligeamment charge de la communication. Nous etions bien convenus de n'en pas souffler mot, si le Marquis de Chennevieres n'en avait parle le premier……. J'aurais ete heureux que cette affaire fut morte aussitot que nee, trouvant ces potins indignes de nous; et si je vous ai parle du propos de Fasquelle c'est que j'en ai ete tres touche. Merci de votre amicale intervention….’ (Translation: ‘When I learned that this perfect gentleman, aged some eighty-three years old, had been saddened by the lack of consideration shown to him after so much salamaleco that we had given him, I especially wanted to warn him that I was a stranger to the matter and Mr. Delzant very obligingly took care of the communication. We had agreed not to say a word about it unless the Marquis de Chennevieres had spoken about it first……I would have been happy if this affair had died as soon as it was born, finding this gossip unworthy of us; and if I told you about Fasquelle’s words it is because I was very touched by it. Thank you for your friendly intervention…..’). VG
BECQUEREL HENRI: (1852-1908) French physicist and engineer, the first person to discover radioactivity. Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1903. A good autograph manuscript, unsigned, incorporating several explanatory drawings, two pages (written to the first and fourth sides of the bifolium), n.p., n.d. (circa 1895), in French. Becquerel's manuscript is entitled Historique des machines, and particularly concerns direct current dynamo-electric machines, and was most likely prepared as an aide-memoire for one of his first physics courses at the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris. Becquerel has listed the names of various famous inventors alongside the dates of their discoveries and summary notes, several with explanatory scientific drawings alongside, including Faraday ('1831 Anneaux de fer......d'une bobine'; Translation: '1831 Iron rings......a coil'), Pixii ('En 1832......aimants dans un disque bois mobile devant des bobines'; Translation: 'In 1832......magnets in a moveable wooden disk in front of coils'), Ritchie ('bobines mobiles'; Translation: 'moving coils'), Clarke, Nollet, Siemens, Wilde ('aimants et electro aimants'; Translation: 'magnets and electro magnets'), Ladd, Pacinotti, Gramme, Varley, Wheatstone, Alteneck and Edison. To the foot of the first page appear various scientific equations and drawings in pencil, most crossed through. A good manuscript featuring the names of many inventors and physicists who inspired and influenced Becquerel. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VGMichael Faraday (1791-1867) English scientist who contributed to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry.Hippolyte Pixii (1808-1835) French instrument maker who built an early form of alternating current electrical generator based on the principle of electromagnetic induction discovered by Faraday.Edward Samuel Ritchie (1814-1895) American inventor and physicist who made important contributions to science and navigation.Hyde Clarke (1815-1895) English engineer, philologist and author.Floris Nollet (1794-1853) Belgian physicist, engineer and inventor who designed plans for large-scale generators.Werner von Siemens (1816-1892) German electrical engineer, inventor and industrialist.Henry Wilde (1833-1919) English electrical engineer who invented the dynamo-electric machine.William Ladd (1815-1885) English manufacturer of microscopes and other scientific instruments including the Dynamo-Magneto-Electric machine (1867).Antonio Pacinotti (1841-1912) Italian physicist, best known for inventing an improved form of direct-current electrical generator (1860).Zenobe Gramme (1826-1901) Belgian electrical engineer, inventor of the Gramme machine, a type of direct current dynamo capable of generating smoother and much higher voltages than the dynamos known to that point (1871).C. F. Varley (1828-1883) English engineer particularly associated with the development of the electric telegraph and the transatlantic telegraph cable.Charles Wheatstone (1802-1875) English scientist and inventor who made many scientific breakthroughs during the Victorian era.Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck (1845-1904) German electrical engineer, one of the closest aides of Werner von Siemens.Thomas Edison (1847-1931) American inventor of the electric light bulb among many other items.
EIFFEL GUSTAVE: (1832-1923) French civil engineer, best known for the Eiffel Tower which was designed by his company and built for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris. T.L.S., G. Eiffel, one page, 4to, Rue Rabelais, Paris, 7th June 1913, to Monsieur Le Briere, in French. Eiffel thanks his correspondent for their communication regarding 'les variations thermometriques dues aux abris' (Translation 'thermometric variations due to shelters') and remarks that he is sending them to Mr. Goutereau 'pour qu'il en fasse une analyse pour la Societe' (Translation: 'so that he can analyse it for the Society'). Some light creasing and a few small tears to the lower edge, otherwise VGIn his later career Eiffel carried out important work in meteorology and aerodynamics, building a laboratory on the Champ de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in 1905 which was followed by his first wind tunnel in 1909. It was within the framework of these research projects that Eiffel wrote the present letter.
DODGSON CHARLES LUTWIDGE: (1832-1898) Lewis Carroll. English author, poet and mathematician whose works include Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865). A good A.L.S., C L Dodgson, two pages, 8vo, The Chestnuts, Guildford (Surrey), 5th January 1874, to 'My dear Jebb', father of one of the author's 'child-friends'. Dodgson, writing in his characteristic violet ink, explains that he delayed from writing until knowing something of his plans, continuing 'Would it suit you to take me in for 2 or 3 days about the 17th?' and further stating 'I should much like to see you all again - though I can't help fearing that at last Edith has ceased to be a child, & that I shall find her with her hair done up 'a la grown-up' - Is it so? It will be a great shock to my feelings! But if it is so, I must bear it'. Dodgson also remarks 'I used to have a paper of your children's ages & birthdays, but have lost it. Could you tell me them again? I have lost count & can't make out Edith's age', before concluding by sending his regards to Mrs. Jebb and his 'Love to any daughters not too old'. With only a small, thin portion of the integral leaf of the bifolium remaining. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VGDodgson had first encountered Edith Jebb (b.1858) in 1866 whilst staying in the coastal town of Whitby, North Yorkshire. The author sought an introduction to Edith and her sister, describing them as 'remarkably pretty', and succeeded in making their acquaintance. He took a photograph of Edith, her sister Florence, and their brother Alvery, at Braithwaite's in Whitby on 25th September 1866. Edith would also sit again for Dodgson in 1874, presumably soon after the present letter was written.
KENNEDY JACQUELINE: (1929-1994) First Lady of the United States 1961-63, the wife of American President John F. Kennedy. Black ink signature and seasonal greeting, 'Merry Christmas, Love, Jackie', to the recto of her personal printed oblong 12mo Visiting Card, featuring her printed name ('Mrs. John Fitzgerald Kennedy') to the centre, lightly struck through in ink, and address at Fifth Avenue (New York) to the base. A scarce and appealing example. About EX
ANDRESS URSULA: (1936- ) Swiss-German actress, famous for her role as Honey Ryder in the first James Bond film, Dr. No (1962). Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Andress standing in a three-quarter length pose wearing her iconic bikini as Bond girl Honey Ryder from the spy film Dr. No. Signed by the actress in bold black ink with her name alone to a light area of the image. EX
LYELL CHARLES: (1797-1875) Scottish geologist, a close friend of Charles Darwin who significantly contributed to Darwin's thinking on the processes involved in evolution. A.L.S., Cha Lyell, two pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to William Buckland. Lyell states that he has not had the adavantage of consulting his correspondent 'upon the best man or woman to whom we may give the Woolaston (sic) fund or medal' and therefore invites him to attend the next council meeting 'or send a note to say who you think might have it in or out of England'. Lyell further asks if Buckland is aware of 'the newly arrived box of elephant's mastadons......[and]......other fossil beasts, not to mention a new big genus of mammific which has reached England.....' With integral address leaf also featuring a brief postscript, 'Sedgwick lecturing to 400 at Norwich!'. Some areas of paper loss to the integral leaf and a few heavy traces of former mounting. A thin, light band of discoloration appears to the first page. GWilliam Buckland (1784-1856) English geologist, palaeontologist and theologian who wrote the first full account of a fossil dinosaur. Adam Sedgiwck (1785-1873) British geologist, one of the founders of modern geology. Lyell, Buckland and Sedgwick were responsible for preparing the report which led to the establishment of the Geological Survey of Great Britain. The Wollaston Medal, a scientific award for geology, was first presented in 1831 and Lyell was the recipient in 1866. Buckland had been awarded it in 1848 and Sedgwick in 1851. It would not be awarded to a woman until 2014.
CROWE RUSSELL: (1964- ) New Zealand-born Australian Actor, Academy Award winner. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph by Crowe, the image showing him running in a full-length pose in costume as Maximus Decimus Meridius from Ridley Scott´s epic historical drama film Gladiator (2000). It was for his performance in this movie that he won the Oscar for Best Leading Actor. Signed in bold black ink to a clear area of the image with his first name only. EX.
WAGNER COSIMA: (1837-1930) German co-founder of the Bayreuth Festival with her second husband, composer Richard Wagner. Cosima Wagner was the daughter of Franz Liszt and Marie d'Agoult, and her first husband was the conductor Hans von Bulow. The personal printed oblong 12mo Visiting Card of Cosima Wagner, unsigned, featuring her printed name ('Frau Wagner') to the centre, with three lines of text in her hand, in German, sending a book to Baroness Sophie von Schonau. Some very light, minor age toning and with a diagonal crease running vertically through the card and with some traces of former mounting to the verso, GBaroness Sophie von Schonau (1826-1896) wife of the Chamberlain to the Court of Baden.
OSWALD LEE HARVEY: (1939-1963) American private with the United States Marine Corps, the assassin of John F. Kennedy. A rare A.L.S., Lee, two pages (written to the first and third sides of the feint ruled bifolium), 8vo, n.p. (Russia), 30th November 1961, to his brother Robert. Oswald informs his brother that a package 'with a few little Christmas presents' has been send that day although it 'may be a little late you may not get it until about New Years', further writing 'We still haven't recived (sic) any word about our visas. Marina says that she cannot wait untill (sic) she gets to the U.S. and sees little Robert Jr. If you like, you can send me a football (they only have round one's here) just deflate it & send it to me like a letter. Also you can pick up a few diagrams of plays at any filling station and send them along also, these Russians seem interested in learning how to play, so I thought maybe you could help me out and together we'll show them a little bit of American sport. Our deal about the visas is not getting any better, and I think about New Years, I'll fly into Moscow, and go to the Embassy about it. As time goes on, our complaints, and their inactivity, will bring things to a head, and one side or the other will break' and concluding 'We sent you a can of a kind of Russian candy, called "KHAIIVA", it's made from grain and sugar, so when you'll open the package you'll know its candy. I eat alot (sic) of it, if you all like it, will send some more'. VGProvenance: The present letter was included in the Warren Commission as Exhibit No. 308 (see pages 849-850 of Volume XVI of the Warren Commission Hearings). Lee Harvey Oswald had travelled to the Soviet Union in October 1959 and almost immediately after arriving expressed his desire to become a Soviet citizen, claiming that he was a communist. His application for citizenship was refused on 21st October, the day his visa was due to expire, and he was informed that he had to leave the Soviet Union that evening. Oswald's departure was delayed due to a self-inflicted injury and the Soviets kept him under psychiatric observation in a Moscow hospital for a week. In January 1960 Oswald was sent to Minsk where he was given employment as a lathe operator. A year later Oswald was beginning to reconsider his decision (although he had never formally renounced his U.S. citizenship) and wrote to the Embassy of the United States in Moscow requesting the return of his American passport. In March 1961 Oswald met Marina Prusakova, a pharmacology student, and they married six weeks later. On 24th May 1962 the Oswalds applied at the US Embassy in Moscow for documents that enabled Marina to immigrate to the United States. The couple and their infant daughter left for the United States on 1st June and soon settled in the Dallas area.
LOUIS VII: (1120-1180) Louis the Younger. King of the Franks 1137-80. A fine D.S., within his monogram (a bold and attractive example) at the foot, as King, one page (vellum), 8vo (approx. 17 x 15.5 cm), Sens ('Senonis'), 1146 ('Anno ab incarnatione domini m c xl vi Regni vero nostri x'; in the tenth year of Louis VII's reign), in Latin. The manuscript document, in the hand of a scribe, with thin and elongated letters to the first line (a mistake appears between the words franc. and dux, with the scribe originally omitting the word Rex, and afterwards adding it in small letters above), is a Royal Charter confirming to the monks of 'Roseio' (i.e. the Benedictine abbey of Rozoi-le-Jeune, arrondissement of Sens, in the departement of Yonne, founded in 1106) all grants made to them by his predecessors or his feudatories, although without specifying any donors or locations of property, in part, 'In nomine sanctte et individuae et individuae trinitatis ludovic dei grat. franc. Rex dux Aquitano.Hubis quidem pro regie dignitatis officio principalte incumbre. ecclarum possessiones ac iura benigne protegere et predecellorum ntos. elemosinas Ctabiles conservare Prope. nocum facimus um versis et presentibus parte et sicuris ancillis xpi. de Rosero ad opanendum possidendiuns per [ill] nos [ill] de dono precellorum lesatoriung (?) nros. um ules ad hordiernum diem in elemosinam sulcepunc’. concluding with the subscriptions (not actual) of several Royal officers, namely Raoul, 1st Comte de Vermandois (Seneschal), Guillaume de Senlis (Grand Butler), Mathieu, 1st Comte de Beaumont-sur-Oise (Grand Chamberlain) and Mathieu de Montmorency (Constable), all of whom served as witnesses, and given by the hand of the Chancellor of France, Cadurc. Lacking the seal although with the original tags still inserted to the plica. Some light staining and minor age wear, and with a few very small holes to parts of the vellum, only very slightly affecting a few letters of text, and not the signature. Loosely housed within a handsome crimson quarter bound morocco presentation folder with gilt stamped title to the front cover. VGRaoul I (1085-1152) Comte de Vermandois, known as Raoul I the Brave, and a first cousin of King Louis VI of France. Raoul was appointed as a seneschal within the Royal household in 1131 and continued in the service of the King (with gaps in 1138 and 1139) until his death in 1152. In 1142 he married his second wife, Peronella of Aquitaine, the sister of King Louis VII’s consort, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Guillaume de Senlis served as Grand Butler of France from 1129-47 and accompanied King Louis VII on his crusade. Mathieu II de Beaumont-sur-Oise (1110-1174) Grand Chamberlain of France.Mathieu I de Montmorency (d.1160) Constable of France 1138-60. Cadurc was appointed as Chancellor of France in 1140 and remained so until 8th June 1147.The Royal Charter is typically signed within Louis VII's monogram, following the form adopted by predecessors with the name Louis, including King Louis VI, and is composed of the letters which make up the Carolingian word ‘Hludovicus’ or ‘Hludovuicus’. The Charter gives the year as 1146, in the tenth year of King Louis VII’s reign. The King succeeded on 1st August 1137, therefore the tenth year began on 1st August 1146. The calendar year began at Easter, which was 20th April in 1147. The document therefore dates from between 1st August 1146 and 19th April 1147, although to narrow it down any further would appear unfeasible. Documents bearing the Royal sign manual of King Louis VII are of the utmost rarity and very seldom appear at auction, most being held in public collections. The present document is recorded in Etudes sur les actes de Louis VII (1885) by Luchaire (as no. 181) but only from a 15th century copy, and also in Bibliographie generale des cartulaires francais (1907) by Stein (as no. 3277), although Stein attributes it to a 16th century copy. Neither author makes any mention of the original grant and presumably were unaware of its existence.
[MONET CLAUDE]: (1840-1926) French Impressionist painter. MIRBEAU OCTAVE (1848-1917) French novelist and art critic. A good A.L.S., Octave Mirbeau, two pages (written to the first and third sides of the bifolium, the third only featuring half a line of text and the signature), 8vo, n.p., n.d., to Claude Monet ('Mon cher Monet'), in French. Mirbeau writes in his typically small and neat hand and commences his letter stating 'Que dites-vous donc la? Fâché! Fâché pour la si charmante reception, pour le si affectueux accueil que vous et Mme. Hoschede nous avez faite a ma femme et a moi! Non seulement je ne suis pas fache, mon ami, ce qui serait la pire demence; mais je vous suis infiniment reconnaissant' (Translation: 'So what are you saying here? Angry! Angry for the charming reception, for the affectionate welcome that you and Mrs. Hoschede have given my wife and me! Not only am I not angry, my friend, which would be the worst dementia, but I am infinitely grateful to you') and explains that he has been waiting for a letter from Monet, further writing of the difficulties he has been experiencing with his work, 'Je me suis remis aussi avec acharnement au travail; et la reprise a ete dure: Je n'y etait pas, je ne vivais plus mes bons hommes: J'ai du noircir du papier en masse, et le dechirer, avant de me remettre au courant. Et voila que maintenant, je suis accable par les decouragements, et la honte de ce que je fais. Cela me semble si enfantin, si bete, si inutile! Je trouve a tout le monde un talent enorme. Il me semble que moi seul n'en ai pas' (Translation: 'I also got back to work with a vengeance; and the resumption was hard: I wasn't there, I wasn't living, my good men: I had to blacken a lot of paper, and tear it up, before getting back up to speed. And now I'm overwhelmed by discouragement, and the shame of what I do. It all seems so childish, so stupid, so pointless! I find everyone has an enormous talent. It seems to me that I alone have none') also adding that he and his wife are disappointed that Monet and his family can't come and spend a day with them, although suggesting that perhaps Alice Hoschede and the children could come on their own, and concluding by making a reference to Gustave Geffroy, 'Je vais ecrire a cet animal de Geffroy. Ce sera la quartrieme lettre qu'il aura de moi et a laquelle il n'aura pas repondu. Mais je lui pardonne a cause de son bon coeur et de son talent' (Translation: 'I am going to write to that animal Geffroy. It will be the fourth letter he has had from me and to which he has not replied. But I forgive him because of his good heart and his talent'). A letter of excellent association from Mirbeau to Monet, the artist whom he sang the praises of. VG
SUCRE ANTONIO JOSE DE: (1795-1830) Venezuelan independence Leader and Hero. Statesman and General, also known as the ''Grand Marshal of Ayacucho''. One of Simon Bolivar's closest friends. President of Bolivia 1825-28 and President of Peru 1823. Assassinated. An excellent and rare L.S., `A.J de Sucre´, two pages, 4to, Quito, 13th August 1822, to the Minister of the Superior Court of Justice, in Spanish. The letter bears to the heading the printed text ''Republica de Colombia – Departamento de Quito” (“Republic of Colombia – Quito department”). By the present document Sucre, on behalf of H.E. Simon Bolivar, and the Colombian government, provisionally expel and put on trial a court clerk, Manuel Calixto, accused of suspicious political behaviour, stating in part `Son terminantes los decretos del Gobierno para que ningún empleo público sea desempeñado por los notoriamente desafectos a nuestro Sistema, en cumplimiento del cual, y de las repetidas ordines que me ha comunicado S.E. el Libertador… se servirá disponer con los demás Ministros de la Corte Superior si el escribano Manuel Calixto ha tenido una conducta política sospechosa… sea excluido del oficio que ejerce, procediendo en este punto con arreglo a la ley…´ (Translation: “The Government's decrees are strict so that no public employment is carried out by those notoriously disaffected to our System, in compliance with which, and with the repeated orders that H.E. the Liberator has communicated to me.... It will be necessary to decide with the other Ministers of the Superior Court if the notary Manuel Calixto has had suspicious political behaviour... be excluded from the office that he exercises, proceeding on this point in accordance with the law...”) Sucre before concluding reminds that those who act against the interest of the republic can be sentenced to expulsion from the territory. The letter bears to the left border of the two pages, two hand written annotations by court clerks, the first referring to Calixto´s refusal to recognize and accept the Court that judges him. Overall age wear and staining, with partial repair to edges, none affecting the signature. About G After Colombia had been liberated from the Spanish, Simon Bolivar sent Sucre to the Quito region (at today´s date Ecuador) where he would won on 24th May 1822 the brilliant and key victory of Pichincha near Quito. At Pichincha, patriot forces under Antonio Jose Sucre routed the Spanish royalists and freed the territory that was to become Ecuador.The present letter is dated less than three months after the famous battle of Pichincha.
BERLIOZ HECTOR: (1803-1869) French Composer. A good letter with good association, A.L.S., H. Berlioz, one page, 8vo, London, 13th Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, Sunday 23rd of June, n.y., to Monsieur Levi, in French. Berlioz urges his correspondent to send immediately and on his behalf two copies of his published written work Les Soirées de l´Orchestre, and explains that one of the recipients is Richard Wagner, stating `Veuillez expédier tout de suite deux exemplaires de mes soirées de l´orchestre, dont je vous tiendrai compte en arrivant, aux adresses suivantes: 1º à Monsieur George Osborne, 31 ou 32 Devonshire street, Portland place (London) - 2º à Monsieur Richard Wagner à Zurich (Suisse)...´ Extremely small minor creasing, otherwise VGLes Soirées de l´Orchestre ("The Evenings of the Orchestra") is a collection of short stories by Hector Berlioz published in 1852, after partial pre-publication in the Revue and Gazette Musicale de Paris. Spread over 25 evenings, these short stories end with the evocation of a utopia of a musical city, Euphonia. Behind the satire of the failings of the musical environment in which the composer evolves, we also find in this collection a precious testimony of the musical society of the first half of the 19th century.
GREENE GRAHAM: (1904-1991) English novelist. A good correspondence collection of six T.Ls.S., Graham (and one signed in full), each one page, 8vo, all on the printed stationery of La Residence des Fleurs, Antibes (although accompanied by five original envelopes, most of which have English postmarks from Tonbridge, Kent), March 1985 to November 1988, all to Tadeusz Murek, Greene's Polish translator and close friend. Greene writes on a variety of subjects, in part, 'How amusing about that number of Paris Match. I wish you would send me a photocopy. I knew Mauriac very well, Julian Green rather less well and I have little or no memory of Schlumerger. I can't remember the occasion of the photo but it was probably in the early 50's. I don't remember ever meeting Julian Green in his home. I am surprised that you never received a copy of The General, but I am asking my sister to have one sent to you at once and also a copy of The Tenth Man which contains a good many errors so that I would rather you read it in a corrected edition' (28th March 1985), 'Many thanks for your letter which I am only replying to now because I have been away in Spain for the shooting of Monsignor Quixote. Many thanks for the cuttings and for the information about Punch. I wont be able to listen to that thank God.....La Dottoressa was more or less written by myself although I pretended only to have written the Preface. Ronald Matthews was a friend of mine now dead and his book was very bad, and I made it a condition of talking to him that it should not be published in England. It was more or less an act of charity as he was short of money' (3rd May 1985), 'I wasn't at all offended by your letter, but having just come back from Panama and Nicaragua I was faced with more than 70 letters to answer and I thought yours perhaps didn't need a reply. Now I am off again for I hope two quiet weeks in the Caribbean.....Of course you can use that interview in Poland' (8th January 1986), 'I am afraid that I have been rather dilatory over your plans. I didn't realise that it was a book you were proposing. I was exhausted by the dialogue with Mlle. Allain which went on over several years and I don't fancy doing the same job again. You can't imagine how exhausting the answering of questions can be......A few questions I could face but not a whole book of them.......I have had a happy but exhausting two weeks of travelling in Russia. This you won't approve of' (28th October 1986), 'I am sorry to disappoint you but your list of questions are completely impossible to answer even to myself. Any contribution I made would be silly and superficial' (22nd November 1988). The sixth letter is a testimonial letter for Murek addressed to la Confederation Suisse and stating, in part, 'I have known Mr Tadeusz Murek since 1948 when he became my translator in Poland. I met him first in 1955 in Katowice and since then we have met frequently and become close friends. I would heartily recommend the Conseil d'Etat to grant him permission to spend another year or more in Switzerland where he is studying French language and literature. This is essential for him in his work as a very able translator of literature......' (March 1985). Also including a T.L.S. by Elizabeth Dennys, Greene's sister and secretary, and three retained carbon typed copies of Murek's letters to Greene. VG to EX, 10
WILMOT-HORTON ROBERT: (1784-1841) British politician and colonial administrator. A.L.S., R Wilmot, three pages, 8vo, Wherstead, Ipswich, 23rd September 1822, to [John Wilson] Croker. Wilmot-Horton commeces his letter stating 'I have received the enclosed (no longer present) from Sir Hudson [Lowe] & the series of entrances in the New Times, which will save you the trouble of answering my last. You will be furnished now with ample matter' and continues to ask if Croker has any objections to Lord Guilford being sent 'your answer to my proposition or rather enquiry respecting establishment for the naval education of your gentlemen', remarking 'I enclose it to you, lest you should have forgotten your precise phrases, which I should be glad to indulge him with'. Annotated by Croker to the head of the first page 'Read. To be answered verbally. Done'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VGJohn Wilson Croker (1780-1857) Anglo-Irish statesman and author who served as First Secretary to the Admiralty 1809-27. Croker's interest in the French Revolution led to him amassing a large number of valuable documents on the subject which are now housed in the British Museum.Hudson Lowe (1769-1844) Anglo-Irish soldier and colonial administrator who served as Governor of Saint Helena 1816-21 where he was the 'gaoler' of Emperor Napoleon.Frederick North (1766-1827) 5th Earl of Guilford. British politician and colonial administrator, the first Governor of British Ceylon 1798-1805.
MEYERBEER GIACOMO: (1791-1864) German Composer. A very fine A.L.S., `Meyerbeer´, one page, 8vo, n.p., Monday, n.d., in French. Meyerbeer refers to few special lodge seats that he agreed to get for his correspondent, stating in part `Vous avez eu l´extrême bonté de me permettre à vous renvoyer deux loges de face de première gallerie et une loge de première gallerie de côté, valable pour demain, et à me permettre de transporter à jeudi la loge…´ (Translation: “You have had the extreme kindness to allow me to send you two front boxes of the first gallery and one box of the first gallery on the side, valid for tomorrow, and to allow me to exchange the box to Thursday…”) With blank integral leaf. Very small overall minor age tone, otherwise G to VG
DE FUNES LOUIS: (1914-1983) French actor and comedian. An unusual set of eight folio pages (two bifolium) neatly removed from a scrapbook dedicated to De Funes and featuring numerous magazine and newspaper portraits of the actor, many in costume or scenes from his films, signed and inscribed by De Funes to the centre of the first page, in French, sending his good wishes for 1960, further annotated in French by De Funes to two other pages, in one stating that he did not appear in a certain film and in another remarking that his film debut was in La Tentation de Barbizon and that he opened a door. Also featuring various annotations in the hand of the compiler. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
FALK PETER: (1927-2011) American Actor, best known for his role as Lieutenant Colombo in the television series Columbo (1971-78 & 1989-2003). Falk was the first actor to be nominated for an Academy Award and an Emmy Award in the same year, achieving the feat twice in consecutive years, 1961 & 62. Signed 8 x 10 colour photograph, the image depicting Falk in a head and shoulders pose, in costume as Columbo and holding a cigar. Signed in bold blue ink "P.Falk´, to a clear area of the image. VG
AUBRUN EMILE: (1881-1967) French pioneer aviator. Blue ink signature ('Tres amicalement, E Aubrun') to the verso of a postcard issued as a souvenir on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of 'des grandes journees mondiales d'aviation' in Champagne, 1960, the image to the recto depicting an early aircraft, also hand addressed by Aubrun and with three large circular stamps, one of the President of the Aero-Club de Champagne. Together with two original telegrams (received copies), both sent to Aubrun, being official folding oblong 8vo printed French telegramme messages, the first sent on 7th August 1910 by a correspondent of Le Matin, in French, 'Erreur materielle a fair arriver Leblanc avant vous sur aerodrole vous etes arrive premier la rectification sera faite dans notre edition demain matin votre admirable exploit vous classe tous premiers ons l'admiration de la France' (Translation: 'Serious error put Leblanc as arriving at the airfield first. You got there first. The correction will be made in our issue tomorrow morning. Your splendid achievement puts you right at the top in French esteem') and the second sent a few days later, on 11th August 1910, by a correspondent for the Daily Mail, in French, 'Vous etes actuellement en tete pour prix 25,000£ offert par Daily Mail pour plus grande distance parcouru a travers campagne entre 14 Aout 1909 & 14 Aout 1910. Vous avez fait 610 kilometres, Paulhan a 526, Leblanc 508. Felicitations et bonne chance' (Translation: 'You are currently in the lead for the prize of £25,000 put up by the Daily Mail for the longest distance flown cross-country between 14th August 1909 and 14th August 1910. You have done 610 kms, Paulhan 520, Leblanc 508. Congratulations and good luck'). Also including an 8vo page of manuscript notes, unsigned, in the hand of Aubrun, in French, relating to the two telegrams etc., and further including an A.L.S. by Aubrun's wife, two pages, 8vo, Marcillac Lanville, 7th September 1960, to Mr. Malfanti, in French, and stating, in part, 'I should personally be keen to get hold of the magazine of the 'Broken Wings', for which you sent us a draft article, full of praise for my husband, and by which he was very touched. Would you be kind enough to let me know where I should apply, in order to obtain a copy. My husband apologises for not writing to you himself, but he is suffering from an attack of rheumatism, particularly in both wrists', as well as one other piece of printed ephemera ('Bulletin Officiel de L'Ae-C.F.') in French, September 1960. Some age wear and minor tears to the two telegrams, G to generally VG, 6The telegrams relate to Aubrun's participation in the Circuit de l'Est, a six-stage air race organised by Le Matin which took place in August 1910. Alfred Leblanc (1869-1921) won the race, and the prize money of 100,000 Francs, and Aubrun finished second. Both aviators piloted Bleriot XI monoplanes in the race, and were the only two to complete the six-stages.
TRUMP DONALD: (1946- ) American President 2017-21. Book signed, being a hardback edition of Trump: Surviving at the Top, First Edition published by Random House, New York, 1990. Signed ('Best Wishes, Donald Trump') in blue ink to the half title page. Accompanied by the dust jacket (some light age wear and a couple of minor creases to the upper edges). VG
BERGSON HENRI: (1859-1941) French Philosopher. A major influential Thinker. Awarded Nobel Prize in Literature, 1927. A very good with interesting content A.L.S. H. Bergson, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 15th May 1938, on his personal printed stationery, 47 Boulevard Beauséjour, to Abel Hermant, in French. Bergson thanks his correspondent and friend for his kind article published referring to his essay Le Rire ("Laughter"), stating in part `Cher ami, ous avez fait un grand honneur à mon petit livre en le citant dans votre joli article. Il aura d´ailleurs servi la cause des bonnes lettres en vous fournissant l´occasion d´expliquer comment vous ne faites que votre devoir en donnant le signal du rire quand votre adversaire est risible. Il me semble surtout que c´est surtout par son obstination que l´erreur devient sottise´ (Translation: "Dear friend, you have done great honour to my little book by citing it in your lovely article. It will also have served the cause of the good letters by providing you with the opportunity to explain how you are only doing your duty by giving the signal to laugh when your opponent is laughable. Above all, it seems to me that it is mainly through obstinacy that error becomes stupidity") Bergson concludes his first paragraph with a Latin quote, saying `Perseverare diabolicum!´ ("Persevere diabolically") Bergson further again refers to the second part of his correspondent´s article, stating `La seconde partie de l´article traite d´un sujet important, sur lequel je souhaite que vous ayez éveillé l´attention des éducateurs. Il s´agit des professeurs qui font de l´esprit aux dépens de leurs élèves. Ce sont souvent des professeurs "chahutés", soit que les élèves se vengent ainsi de ce qui leur fait l´effet (comme vous le montrez si bien) d´une petite lâcheté, soit que leur professeur leur apparaisse comme un homme qui cherche à se tailler un succès personnel, à briller. Or rien ne déplaît d´avantage à des élèves assemblés. Ils estiment, non sans raison, qu´il doit penser à eux, et non pas à lui´ (Translation: "The second part of the article deals with an important subject, to which I hope you have alerted educators. These are teachers who are witty at the expense of their students. They are often "heckled" teachers, either because the students take revenge on what appears to them (as you show so well) as a little cowardice, or because their teacher appears to them as a man who seeks to carve out personal success, to shine. But nothing displeases assembled students more than this. They believe, not without reason, that he must think of them, and not of himself") Small tape repair to the folded edge small tear. With blank integral leaf. About VG Le Rire: Essai sur la signification du comique ("Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic") is a collection of three essays by French philosopher Henri Bergson first published in 1900.
MENGS ANTON RAPHAEL: (1728-1779) German Painter. In 1754, at the early age of 26, he was appointed Director of the Vatican painting school. Mengs became one of the precursors to Neoclassical painting which replaced Rococo as the dominant painting style in Europe in the second half of the 18th century. Rare A.L.S., `Antonio Rafaele Mengs´, one page, small 4to, Madrid, 19th August 1776, to a Roman correspondent, in Italian. A cleanly written letter by Mengs, stating in part `Le ringrazio infinitamente della memoria che ha di me, solamente mi dispiace non poterle mostrare la mia gratitudine con inpiegarmi in cosa che le fosse di alcuna utilita, non ostante le assicuro che non perdero di vista ogni favorevole occasione di poterle servire a V. S.´ (Translation: "I thank you infinitely for the memory you have of me, I only regret not being able to show my gratitude by engaging in something that would be of any use to you, nevertheless I assure you that I will not lose sight of every favorable opportunity to be able to serve Your Excellency") Further, Mengs refers to his prompt return to Rome and to the King´s aproval of this trip which he is waiting for, saying `Spero fra poche mesi torniare a Roma, ben che ancora non ho la licenza per dispacio, ma spero che S.M. non retirera la Sua Real Parola...´ (Translation: "I hope to return to Rome in a few months, although I still don't have the license due to dispatch, but I hope that His Majesty will not withdraw His Royal Word...") Before concluding Mengs sends his regards to several personalities as well as to his Roman benefactor and relatives, stating in part `Se acaso havesse occasione di vedere S. E. il Sign Cardinale Archinto la prego porgerle li miei Osequiosi Complimenti, come ancora al Sign. Marquese Coligola...´ (Translation: "If by chance you have the opportunity to see His Excellency Cardinal Archinto, I beg you to extend my obsequious compliments, as also to Marquis Coligola...") Small overall creasing, otherwiseabout VGCharles III of Spain (1716-1788) King of Spain 1759-88 as King Charles III, previously King Charles VII of Naples and Sicily 1734-59. Charles resided in Naples for nineteen years and gained valuable experience as Ruler before becoming King of the Spanish Empire. Charles III is widely regarded as the most successful European ruler of his generation.Giovanni Archinto (1736-1779) Italian Cardinal, nephew of Cardinal Alberico Archinto (1698-1758). Although Mengs spent most of his life in Rome, on two occasions he accepted invitations from Charles III, King of Spain, to go to Madird. First in 1761 when he produced some of his best work, most notably the ceiling of the banqueting hall of the Royal Palace of Madrid. After the completion of this work in 1777, Mengs returned to Rome, where he died two years later, in poor circumstances, leaving twenty children, seven of whom were pensioned by the King of Spain
NEMIROVSKY IRENE: (1903-1942) Russian-born novelist in the French language. A rare A.L.S., Irene Nemirovsky, to two sides of a printed correspondence card, Avenue Daniel-Lesueur, Paris, 6th February 1930, to a gentleman, in French. Nemirovsky thanks her correspondent for their charming letter and the accompanying books, adding that she was very touched by their thought of her, and further remarking 'Malheureusement, pour l'adaption theatrale de mon roman, je ne peux pas vous donner la reponse favorable que je souhaiterais. En effet, cette adaptation est cedee depuis quelque temps deja et la piece sera vraisemblement jouee a Paris la saison prochaine' (Translation: 'Unfortunately, as far as the stage adaptation of my novel is concerned, I am unable to give you the favourable response I would like. In fact, this adaptation has been sold for some time now and the play will probably be performed in Paris next season'). Autograph letters of Nemirovsky are rare owing to her appalling murder in Auschwitz concentration camp at the age of 39. VGNemirovsky may refer to an adaptation of her first novel, David Golder, which had been published in 1929 and had won instant acclaim for the twenty-six year old author. In 1930 the novel was made into a film of the same title, directed by Julien Duvivier and starring Harry Baur in the title role. Nemirovsky's novella Le Bal was also published at around the same date and made into a film in 1931.
DOLLINGER IGNAZ: (1770-1841) German doctor, anatomist and physiologist who was one of the first professors to understand and treat medicine as a natural science. A.L.S., I. Doellinger, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to William Palmer. Dollinger writes, in full, 'It is only just now (Monday 4 1/2 afternoon I have got your letter. You'll find me at home this whole evening and tomorrow (Tuesday) from 9 1/2 morning till 2. In all haste'. With integral address leaf (slight traces of former mounting to the upper corners). Some light age wear, about VG
GOTTLIEB ROBERT: (1931-2023) American editor and writer. An interesting, small correspondence collection of eight T.Ls.S., Bob, ten pages (total), 4to and 8vo, New York, January 1968 - September 1983, all to Tom Maschler, most on the printed stationery of Alfred A. Knopf Inc. The earlier letters concern Gottlieb's departure from Simon and Schuster for Knopf, and there are also various references to writers including John Updike and Edna O'Brien, in part, 'No way to describe the horrors and glories of the past week. But all is more or less serene again, and has worked out better than could be expected. Feelings are calm again, expectations high. Authors okay, since S & S will release almost all who want to (and ought to) come along. The problem is convincing the ones who should stay to stay' (10th January 1968), 'Edna's [O'Brien] "dissatisfaction" with you, if that's the word, hasn't to do with you as a friend or with you as a publisher. What she misses in you according to her, is an ediorial empathy that can help her towards the proper writing for her. And she has been approaching panic because she doesn't have a book. That, in infer, is the heart of it - her hope, or belief, or fantasy, that someone else......will be able to lead her into the right writing again......I did of course tell her what I believe to be true: that you have been wonderful to her; and that Cape was likely to do better by her books than W&N. But she doesn't care about that....now......You know how strong Edna is (why one loves her, apart from the charm). She is using that strength to force her into a position she thinks will rescue her as a writer' (4th January 1968), 'Knopf has begun, all quiet and charm and everyone treating me like royalty. What a different world. All editors and no publishing - none at all!....The last weeks at S&S were hard, but not horrible......let me shout at you not to let Charley Portis' new book TRUE GRIT get away from you on any account (have you read it yet)? It is a glory; and already a fantastic success. months before pub date......$300,000 movie sale.....If you have an impulse to turn it down, call me before doing it and I'll talk you out of it.......The big Knopf news is the [John] Updike, which will be a tremendous best-seller. But you can't get it unfortunately. I have my eyes upon other things for you' (25th February 1968), 'This is simply to put in writing what Knopf would pay for Kit Williams' new book, should it come free from whatever option situation it's under: An advance of $100,000 against royalties of 10% on the first 25,000; 12 1/4% thereafter' (26th September 1983). Together with related carbon typed copies of letters from Maschler to Gottlieb, and a few photocopies of other letters. Some very light, minor age wear, generally VG, 8Tom Maschler (1933-2020) British publisher who, from 1960, was head of the publishing company Jonathan Cape for more than three decades. Maschler was also instrumental in establishing the Booker Prize in 1969.
TUTU DESMOND: (1931-2021) South-African Anglican Cleric, Theologian. Former Bishop of Johannesburg and Archbishop of Cape Town, the first black African to hold such position. Best-known as Activist for his anti-apartheid and human rights works. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph, the image showing Tutu in a head and shoulders pose wearing his religious habits. Signed in bold black ink `God bless you - Desmond - May 2011´, to a clear area of the image. VG
CZECHOSLOVKIA-SOVIET FRIENDSHIP TREATY: An historically important set of four World War II date Ds.S. by both Zdenek Fierlinger (1891-1976) Czechoslovak diplomat and politician who served as Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia 1945-46 and Vyacheslav Molotov (1890-1986) Russian politician and diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs 1939-49 & 1953-56, being the Treaty on Friendship, Mutual Aid and Post-War Cooperation between the Czechoslovak Republic and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the first of the typescript documents being in Czech, four pages, folio, Moscow, 12th December 1943, issued as a supplement to the Treaty of Mutual Assistance signed between the two countries in Prague on 16th May 1935, and the agreement made on the joint progress in the war against Germany that was signed in London on 18th July 1941, agreeing to post-war cooperation to maintain peace and prevent a new attack by Germany, and ensuring permanent friendship between the two countries, the treaty comprising six articles in which the Czechoslovak Republic and USSR agree to provide each other with military assistance in the 'current war against Germany and all those states that are associated with him in offensive actions in Europe', undertaking that they will not 'enter into any negotiations with Hitler's government or any other government in Germany for the duration of the present war', further agreeing 'on close and friendly cooperation after the restoration of peace, and that they will act in accordance with the intentions of mutual respect for their independence and sovereignty, as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of another state....[and].....that they will develop economic relations on the widest possible scale and provide each other with all kinds of economic assistance after the war' and also undertaking not to enter into any alliance or participate in any coalition directed against each other, and concluding by agreeing that the treaty shall come into force immediately and remain in place for a period of twenty years. Signed by both Fierlinger and Molotov at the conclusion above two official wax seals tied by a red cord. The second typescript document being an identical version in Cyrillic, also four pages, folio, Moscow, 12th December 1943, and again signed at the conclusion by both Fierlinger and Molotov above their official wax seals. The third typescript document represents an addendum to the treaty, one page, folio, Moscow, 12th December 1943, in Czech and states, in part, 'When concluding the Treaty of Friendship.....between the Czechoslovak Republic and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the contracting parties agreed that in the event of any third country wishing to accede to this Treaty, bordering the Czechoslovak Republic or the USSR and resisting the object of German agression in this war, the latter will be given the opportunity, by mutual agreement......to sign this Treaty, which will thus acquire the status of a trpartite treaty'. Signed by both Fierlinger and Molotov at the conclusion. The fourth document is an identical version of the addendum in Cyrillic, also one page, folio, Moscow, 12th December 1943 and again signed by Fierlinger and Molotov at the conclusion. The four documents are tied together with red cord and housed within the original folder with plain maroon coloured boards. Some minor scuffing and age wear, a few very light water stains to the upper borders of most pages and the final document with a small area of paper loss to the upper right corner, not affecting the text or signatures. About VG
CHURCHILL WINSTON S.: (1874-1965) British Prime Minister 1940-45, 1951-55. Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1953. T.L.S., Winston S. Churchill, with holograph salutation and subscription, one page, 4to, Whitehall Gardens, London, n.d. (1908-10), to [Stanley Mordaunt] Leathes, on the printed stationery of the Board of Trade. Churchill states that he has been able to give careful consideration to the report of the Selection Committee over which Leathes presided and continues to thank him for his valuable assistance, remarking 'The manner in which the Committee have performed their difficult duties will enable me to proceed with confidence to the task of final appointment'. Churchill concludes by stating 'I would also add my thanks to you for consenting to undertake the examination into the applications made by women'. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VGSir Stanley Mordaunt Leathes (1861-1938) British poet, economist, historian and senior Civil Service administrator who served as the First Civil Service Commissioner from 1910-27. Churchill served as President of the Board of Trade from 1908-10.
CHAVEZ HUGO: (1954-2013) President of Venezuela 1999-2013. Signed manuscript diary, seven pages, folio, Fuerte Guaicaipuro, from 11th to 16th September 1974, in Spanish. Chavez writes his own training camp diary, in Charavalle, state of Miranda. Chavez starts his short period diary on Wednesday 11th stating in part `I was appointed squad commandant, with all the responsabilities attached to the post...Today I learned a lot about engineering military campaign...I have decided to start this short diary during the training camp, it will be a week and a new experience in my life.´ Thursday 12th `With the sound of the rain falling on the tent, breathing the smoke of my cigar, I can´t stop remembering intensively a woman. I take my thoughts back to the last time I saw her, last saturday, in Barinas...´. Friday 13th Chavez refers to his role as Che Guevara `I went later to a camp training activity where I had the role of the commandant Ernesto "Che" Guevara. We were having a guerrilla camp, ambushing the new soldiers, and we were singing protest songs. I enjoyed it a lot, I´m hoarse so much I screamed.... I can´t stop thinking in the same woman. What would she be doing now? I shouldn´t act as I do. She might be happy, and I really hope she is, but I feel "something" inside which put me in fire.´ Saturday 14th, interesting thoughts of Chavez who says knowing very well what he wants and refers once more to Ché `..The new soldiers will be scared tonight, swalling tear gas, creeping underneath the barbed wires, feeling the machine gun bullets close over their heads. "They will feel dying tonight"....I feel the shock of the rain against the ground and the cold in my feet, and I think in how is this life. Today is Saturday and I wonder what would the young people, same age as me, be doing somewhere else, those who live free, without sacrifices. For sure they will be having fun, in a disco with their girlfriends, at the cinema or anywhere else. If they would know what we are doing they would say we are crazy. But I am not crazy. I know very well what I want and what I do, and why I make this sacrifice. I remember now a thought of "Ché": "The present is of fight, the future belongs to us". Sunday 15th `...he suffered an ugly wound in his hand, he falled on the barbed wires full of despair due to the tear gas.... I don´t want to keep on writing, I am tired, I am going to think in my family and in the same woman. She might be thinking in me...´ Monday 16th, on his last training camp day Chavez states `I was the whole day shooting the Afag machine gun with war ammunition, when the new soldiers were crossing the area. It was really good shooting. The feeling and sound of the bursts of gunfire excites you and you don´t want to remove your finger from the shutter.´ Further ending with a predicting statement `It was a good week. It was a further step on the present fight which will transform in a victorious future.´ An excellent content diary on which Chavez expresses his thoughts and his future expectations. Boldly written in blue ink, with multiple corrections and side annotations. Small creasing and left border irregularly trimmed as a result of taken them out of the diary book. Also including Herma Marksman´s transcription. VGWith provenance from the private collection of Herma Marksman and with her own transcription. Herma Marksman: (1949- ) Born of a peasant woman and a German immigrant she was in her 30s when she met the future Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, who was then married and in his twenties. She became his mistress. They both were students of socialism and idealistic and she helped him in his academic studies. After the failed 1992 coup attempt Chavez left both his first wife and mistress. Marksman will later repudiate Chavez, and described his government as imposing a "fascist dictatorship". She has written several essays and a book titled El Otro Chávez, "The other Chavez", describing her relationship with him.
PERON EVA: (1919-1952) First Lady of Argentina 1946-52 as second wife of President Juan Peron. Scarce T.L.S., Eva Peron, one page, small 4to, Buenos Aires, 15th October 1950, on the printed stationery of her foundation "Fundacion Eva Peron", to Gustavo Martinez Zuviria, in Spanish. Eva Peron, in the third person, sends her regards to her correspondent and states `Saluda con su mayor consideración al Señor Director de la Biblioteca Nacional, Dr. Gustavo Martinez Zuviria y le hace llegar sus mejores deseos junto a su familia´ (Translation: "Greet with her greatest consideration the Director of the National Library, Dr. Gustavo Martinez Zuviria and let him convey her best wishes to your family") EX
JOHN ELTON: (1947- ) British singer and pianist, Academy Award winner. A signed Limited Edition United Kingdom box set for Two Rooms (1991), issued to celebrate the songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin and including a 16-track CD album (with picture sleeve insert) featuring songs performed by the Beach Boys, Jon Bon Jovi, The Who, Eric Clapton, Kate Bush, Sting, Rod Stewart and George Michael, a VHS video featuring Phil Collins, Roger Daltrey, Sinead O’Connor, Tina Turner, Neil Young and others, as well as rare Elton John performance footage, and a hardback edition of Two Rooms by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, First Edition published by Boxtree Ltd., London, 1991, with many illustrations and accompanied by the dust jacket. All are contained in the original illustrated card box signed to the front lid by Elton John with his name alone in black ink to a clear area. Some age wear and minor scuffing to the exterior and with the small original price label affixed to one corner. About VG
CHARLIE'S ANGELS: Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009) American actress, famous for her starring role as Jill Munroe in the first series of the American crime drama television series Charlie's Angels (1976-77). Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Fawcett in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold dark fountain pen ink with her name alone to the image; Kate Jackson (1948- ) American actress, famous for her portrayal of Sabrina Duncan in Charlie's Angels (1976-79). Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph of Jackson in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold blue ink with her name alone to the image; Jaclyn Smith (1945- ) American actress, famous for her portrayal of Kelly Garrett in Charlie's Angels (1976-81). Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Smyth in a half-length pose. Signed in bold blue ink with her name alone to a light area at the centre of the image; Cheryl Ladd (1951- ) American actress, famous for her portrayal of Kris Munroe in Charlie's Angels (1977-81; replacing Farrah Fawcett in the second season). Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Ladd in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in dark fountain pen ink with her name alone to the image. VG to EX, 4
SONDERGAARD GALE: (1899-1985) American actress, the first Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress in 1936 for her role as Faith Paleologus in Anthony Adverse. A good vintage signed sepia 8 x 10 photograph of Sondergaard in a profile head and shoulders pose. Signed in dark fountain pen ink to a light area at the base of the image. A few small pinholes and minor creases to the corners of the borders, otherwise VG
GOMES ANTONIO CARLOS: (1836-1896) Brazilian Composer. Largely considered the first New World composer having his work accepted in Europe. An excellent A.L.S., `A. Carlos Gomes´, four pages, 8vo, Milan, 20th September 1876, to Giovannina Lucca, in Italian. The letter bears to the upper left border an attractive red embossed seal with his intials "C.G". Gomes is furious after reading his correspondent´s letter referring to the copyright of his opera Fosca and responds forcefully, stating in part `Stimatissima Signora G. Lucca, vi prego di leggere ancora la vostra lettera del 12 Aprile 75 a me diretta, e vi convincerete dei miei diritti d´autore sul primo nolo. Quella fu una condizione proposta da me ed acorttata da voi, su cui ora, non credo, porrete alcun dubbio. Nella vostra lettera d´oggi voi dite di non capire nulla delle nie laguanze! Ahime!´ (Translation: "Most esteemed Mrs. G. Lucca, I ask you to read again your letter dated 12th April 1975 addressed to me, and you will be convinced of my right on the copyright on the first rental. That was a condition proposed by me and implemented by you, about which, now, I don't think, you will have any doubt. In your letter today you say you don't understand anything about my complaints! Alas!") Gomes uses bold exclamations and underlines, showing his anger and making it clear that he is not going to give up, saying `Per l´amor di dio, oppuredel Diavolo, signora Giovannina; volete che io prenda parte nei contratti da voi fatti cogli impresarii, ai quali voi accordate delle facilitazioni tutto a modo vostro? Il Guarany e roba vostra, e di quell´opera potete disporre (per l´Italia) a modo vostro, ma della Fosca, no!...´ (Translation: "For the love of God, or the Devil, Signora Giovannina; you want me to take part in the contracts you make with the entrepreneurs, to whom you grant facilities and all in your own way? The Guarany is your stuff, and you can dispose of that work (for Italy) in your own way, but not Fosca!...") Further and before conculding, Gomes states `Io intendo, in conclusione che, la Fosca non vale meno delle altre opera, e esigo i miei 30% sul valore di 6000, di nolo, e cosi deve essere...Credo ora di averoi parlato ben chiaro su questo affare, dal quale non transigo...´ (Translation: "I mean, in conclusion, that the Fosca is not worth less than the other works, and I demand my 30% on the value of 6000, and so it must be... I believe that I have now spoken very clearly about this deal, which I am not willing to accept any change...") VG to EX Giovannina Lucca (1810-1894) Italian Musical EditorFosca (1872) is an Opera in four acts by Gomes, with libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni, based on Luigi Capranica´s novel La Festa delle Marie (1869). The Opera premier took place at La Scala in Milan, on 16th February 1873.
DUMAS ALEXANDRE: Fils (1824-1895) French author and playwright. A.L.S., A Dumas f, four pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to [Adolphe Desbarolles] (‘Mon bien cher ami’), in French. Dumas writes a warm, charming letter to his friend, stating that he had been happy to hear from Desbarolles and that he didn’t consider himself forgotten, ‘Je pensais seulement que vous etiez un peu devore par la poussiere des routes et que vous attendiez en effet un moment de repos pour nous renseigner sur votre sort’ (Translation: ‘I only thought that you were a little devoured by the dust of the roads and that you were indeed waiting for a moment of rest to inform us of your fate’) and continuing ‘Je commence par vous dire que si vous n'avez pas d'autre souci que de me devoir de l'argent, vous pouvez dormir tranquille. Je n'ai pas besoin de cette petite somme et si je puis vous etre encore bon de la meme maniere, disposez de moi: les amis comme vous sont de la famille. J'aurais mieux aime vous voir ici a Puys avec votre fille, dans deux bonnes chambres du village, puisque vous n'en avez pas dans la maison, vous travaillant avec calme et sans sujetion aucune, aupres d'Olga et de mes enfants, tous deux prenant vos repas avec nous. A mon avis, c'eut ete plus simple et plus utile. Vous en avez decide autrement; je le regrette, mais je vous approuve du moment que vous vous estimez satisfait. En tout cas, pour vous et pour votre fille, comptez absolument sur moi: vous etes robuste et vous avez encore de longues annees a vivre, dans ce temps ou les viellards son plus necessaires que les jeunes gens, mais si cela doit vous tranquilliser, sachez qu'apres vous, la jeune et belle Clementine trouverait une maison honorable et amie, la meme ou elle serait la bienvenue et la bien aimee’ (Translation: ‘I’ll start by telling you that if you have no other worries than owing me money, you can sleep peacefully. I don’t need this small sum and if I can still be good to you in the same way, have me at your disposal; friends like you are family. I would have preferred to see you here in Puys with your daughter, in two good rooms in the village, since you don’t have any in the house, working calmly and without any subjection, alongside Olga and my children, both of you taking your meals with us. In my opinion, it would have been simpler and more useful. You have decided otherwise; I regret it, but I approve of you as long as you consider yourself satisfied. In any casem for you and your daughter, count on me absolutely: you are robust and you still have many years to live, in this time when old people are more necessary than young people, but if this should reassure you, know that after you, the young and beautiful Clementine would find an honourable and friendly home, the same where she would be welcome and well loved’). A letter of beautiful content and with an interesting association. With a two line ink annotation in an unidentified hand to the upper edge of the first page. VG Adolphe Desbarolles (1801-1886) French artist and writer considered the father of modern chiromancy (palm reading). Desbarolles was not only a friend of Dumas fils, but of his father too. Indeed, Desbarolles concluded after reading the palm of Dumas pere that the writer would die at 104 years of age following a duel.
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