LAFARGE MARIE-FORTUNÉE: (1816-1852) Also known as Marie Capelle. French woman convicted of murdering her husband by arsenic poisoning. First person convicted on forensic toxicological evidence. Rare A.L.S. by Lafarge, four pages, 8vo, n.p., 7th June 1847, written while in prison, to a woman, a close relationship, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner a blind embossed seal. Lafarge refers to a woman and to several members of her family, and to the difficult situation they are experiencing after the huge storms, and for several other different reasons, stating in part `..il faut du temps avant que leurs biens se retrouvent dans l´état ou ils étaient avant ces désastreuses innondations et reprennent leur valeur, que de maux a la fois dans une meme famille…´ (“.. it takes time before their goods are back to the state where they were before these disastrous floods and regain their value, what ailments at the same time in the same family”) Further saying, `Si je commandais aux circonstances, madame, aux évenements, je passerais dix ans près de vous, pour choir dix autres dans un cloitre par nécessité, et puis je mourrais après, mais de tout cela qu´en serait-il? Ce que Dieu voudra, n´est-ce pas?O mon Dieu, si j´étais meilleure, je me contenterais…. Mais je ne vaux pas le Diable, et je suis aussi tentée de me décourager que de me corriger, priez pour moi… moi je ne sais ce que je suis…´ (“If I could control the circumstances, madam, the events, I would spend ten years near you, to fall ten others in a cloister by necessity, and then I would die afterwards, but what will happen about all this? What God wills, right? Oh my God, if I was better, I would be satisfied…. But I am not worth the Devil, and I am as tempted to discourage myself as to correct myself, pray for me… I do not know what I am..”) To a post-scriptum line at the base of the letter Lafarge asks if the correspondence they have is secure.G to VG
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BOLO PASHA: (1867-1918) French Financier and Adventurer. Paul Bolo was a German agent and a traitor who participated in many shady schemes. The French secret police and Scotland Yard failed to convict him of treason, but was finally convicted by the New York Attorney General. He was condemned and executed by firing squad. Rare A.L.S., `Bolo´, two pages, 8vo, written to the first and fourth page, 10th July 1909, on the printed stationery of the Splendid & Nouvel Hotel at Chatel-Guyon, to Henry Lapauze, in French. Bolo thanks his correspondent and confirms his interest in the purchase price, stating in part `..yes, it is of interest to me the price for the Lepine, and you would oblige telling me so..´ Very small creasing to the upper edge, otherwise G to VG Henry Lapauze (1867-1925) Art Critic.
MANSON CHARLES: (1934-2017) American Criminal who led the cult based Manson Family, responsible for multiple deaths (including the murder of Sharon Tate) and the subject of Quentin Tarantino's film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. A.L.S., with his initials CM, one page, 4to, Vacaville, California, n.d. (October 1980), to Nuel Melton Emmons. Manson writes, in part, '14 pictures here - Thinking if we could git Reds [the family name given to Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme] book out first - 1. We would have $ & give us more time & things to make your book the top…..out of envelopes stamps but no big thing - I think Zabs is laying down on her job - she's been good but of late she gets lazy. On Butch I feel with just a little play towards him could return much more in the long run - He got no one to give himself to & could give you good thought for storys books etc. - If there were 10 or 20 of you or you had some one to take care of the little things…..you would & should have your own time to think'. In a postscript Manson writes 'put this 2$ on the race' and draws a self-caricature (?) of his bearded face whilst wearing a hat. Manson's letter is written to the verso of a T.L.S. from Daniel Auclair, a staff reporter for Via Presse Inc. in Montreal, requesting an interview with Manson. Accompanied by the original envelope. VG Nuel Melton Emmons (1927-2002) American photojournalist and biographer of Manson. Emmons first met Manson briefly when he was imprisoned for automobile theft in 1956, and again under similar circumstances in 1960. In 1979, he contacted Manson and began extensive interviews and his correspondence with Manson resulted in the book In His Own Words - The Shocking Confessions of the Most Dangerous Man Alive (1986).
MANSON CHARLES: (1934-2017) American Criminal who led the cult based Manson Family, responsible for multiple deaths (including the murder of Sharon Tate) and the subject of Quentin Tarantino's film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. A.L.S., Charles MacManson, the signature incorporating a swastika, one page, large folio, Corcoran, California, n.d. (1981?), to Nuel Melton Emmons. Manson writes in bold maroon crayon and states, in part, 'MeL…OVE brother cool. Mel you cool brother & pluss that assholes still good. All the demons in hell razed there hands for you but god still wouln't want to go for that shit. You know how we do it home town boy. I gave you a car to fix…..a Blue 1952 cat with a big wheel in the back…..or I'll just take my RR & go home on my silver cloud'. Accompanied by the original envelope. VG Nuel Melton Emmons (1927-2002) American photojournalist and biographer of Manson. Emmons first met Manson briefly when he was imprisoned for automobile theft in 1956, and again under similar circumstances in 1960. In 1979, he contacted Manson and began extensive interviews and his correspondence with Manson resulted in the book In His Own Words - The Shocking Confessions of the Most Dangerous Man Alive (1986).
MANSON CHARLES: (1934-2017) American Criminal who led the cult based Manson Family, responsible for multiple deaths (including the murder of Sharon Tate) and the subject of Quentin Tarantino's film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. A.L., unsigned (although signed C Manson in the return address panel to the verso), on one side of a plain postcard, California, n.d. (January 1988), to Nuel Melton Emmons. Manson writes, in part, 'I wish you had hurd some of what I said. You only hurd the ecos of your own thinking. I did all you wanted & you only seen my weekness - it is on the way & you will see it - It started years ago & I was set on the road to hold some chance - ATWA will get more real personal ego in……all letters I git praze the book. I still think it stinks.' Hand addressed by Manson to the verso. VG Nuel Melton Emmons (1927-2002) American photojournalist and biographer of Manson. Emmons first met Manson briefly when he was imprisoned for automobile theft in 1956, and again under similar circumstances in 1960. In 1979, he contacted Manson and began extensive interviews and his correspondence with Manson resulted in the book In His Own Words - The Shocking Confessions of the Most Dangerous Man Alive (1986).
GOUZENKO IGOR: (1919-1982) Russian cipher clerk for the Soviet embassy to Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, who defected on 5th September 1945, just three days after the end of World War II, with over 100 documents detailing the USSR's espionage activities in the West. Gouzenko also exposed Joseph Stalin's efforts to steal nuclear secrets and the 'Gouzenko Affair' is often credited as a triggering event of the Cold War. Book signed, being a hardback edition of Gouzenko's novel The Fall of a Titan, First Edition published by W. W. Norton & Company Inc., New York, 1954. Special prepublication edition signed by Gouzenko to the limitations page beneath a printed statement, 'This Special Edition, autographed by the author for American Booksellers, is limited to 950 copies, of which this copy is number 369'. Bound in half white cloth over mauve boards and accompanied by the dust jacket. Some light age wear and minor tears to the dust jacket. Together with Oleg Gordievsky (1938- ) Russian Spy, a KGB Colonel who became KGB resident-designate and bureau chief in London, and was a double agent, providing information to MI6 from 1974-85. The USSR subsequently sentenced him to death in absentia. Black ink signature ('Best wishes, Oleg Gordievsky') on a 12mo white card with a collector's neat ink annotations to the upper and lower edges. G to VG, 2
MACLEAN DONALD: (1913-1983) British Diplomat & Spy, a member of the Cambridge Five. A rare printed 4to edition of the Cambridge University literary periodical Contemporaries, edited by John Kaestlin, Summer 1933, featuring various poems and other literary contributions by individuals including Donald Maclean. Signed ('Donald Maclean') by Maclean with his name alone in bold fountain pen ink to the lower margin of an inside page which features his own contribution entitled Puppet. Bound in the original yellow printed paper wrappers. Autographs of Maclean are rare in any form. Front cover neatly detached and with some light overall age wear and minor foxing and with a few small neat tears to the edges and spine. About VG Donald Maclean studied modern languages at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, arriving at the university in 1931. Whilst there he became a member of the Communist Party and was a relatively well-known figure on campus. His literary efforts, as well as his contribution to the present magazine, included a book review in 1933 for Cambridge Left, a journal to which other communists contributed, and in 1934 he became the editor of Silver Crescent, the Trinity Hall students' magazine. In his last year at Cambridge Maclean became an agent of The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD), the interior ministry of the Soviet Union, and graduated with a First in modern languages before entering the Diplomatic Service.
MACLEAN DONALD: (1913-1983) British Diplomat & Spy, a member of the Cambridge Five. An extremely rare original pencil drawing signed by Maclean, one page, 4to, March 1933, on the printed stationery of The Union Society, Cambridge. Maclean has executed an accomplished drawing, most likely a self-portrait, the image showing a young man, seated in a profile head and shoulders pose with a pensive expression on his face. Signed ('Donald Maclean') by Maclean in bold pencil at the foot of the drawing and dated March 1933 in his hand. Above the signature MacLean appears to have written the words 'I am'. A few very light, minor stains. About VG Donald Maclean studied modern languages at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, arriving at the university in 1931. Whilst there he became a member of the Communist Party and was a relatively well-known figure on campus. His literary efforts included a book review in 1933 for Cambridge Left, a journal to which other communists contributed, and in 1934 he became the editor of Silver Crescent, the Trinity Hall students' magazine. In his last year at Cambridge Maclean became an agent of The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD), the interior ministry of the Soviet Union, and graduated with a First in modern languages before entering the Diplomatic Service.
KEELER CHRISTINE: (1942- 2017) English Model and Showgirl, a central figure in the Profumo Scandal of 1963. Book signed, being a hardback edition of The Truth at Last - My Story, First Edition published by Sidgwick & Jackson, London, 2001. Signed by Keeler with her name alone in blue ink to the title page. Accompanied by the dust jacket. Together with John Profumo (1915-2006) British politician who served as Secretary of State for War 1960-63, during which time he had a sexual relationship with Christine Keeler which subsequently caused a scandal and resulted in his resignation from Harold Macmillan's government. T.L.S., John Profumo, one page, 8vo, n.p. (London?), 3rd June 1955, to P. W. Manzi-Fe, on the printed stationery of the House of Commons. Profumo thanks his correspondent for their letter of congratulations upon the Election result, and comments that he had already heard of Manzi-Fe's sterling work, remarking 'I know Valerie would want to join me in sending you our thanks'. Profumo also refers to his correspondent's visit to the Stratford Alms House and states that he will take the matter up with the Stratford Local Authority personally when he is next in the constituency. Also including Valerie Hobson (1917-1998) English Actress, starred in Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Wife of John Profumo from 1954-98. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Hobson in a half-length pose. Number 1350 from the Picturegoer series. Signed in fountain pen ink with her name alone to the base of the image. Generally VG to EX, 3
LEWINSKY MONICA: (1973- ) American activist and former White House intern with whom American President Bill Clinton admitted to having an affair with in 1995-96, resulting in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. Book signed, being a hardback edition of Monica's Story by Andrew Morton, First Edition published by Michael O'Mara Books Limited, London, 1999. Signed by Lewinsky in blue ink with her name alone to the fly leaf. Accompanied by the dust jacket. About EX
MAXWELL GHISLAINE: (1961- ) British socialite known for her association with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A rare book signed, being a hardback edition of Nineteenth Century Britain 1815-1914 by Anthony Wood, published by Longmans, London, 1969 (eighth impression). Signed ('G. Maxwell') by Ghislaine Maxwell in bold blue ink to the front free endpaper across an official Marlborough College second hand book department stamp indicating that she purchased the book for 75p on 14th July 1978. With two other similar stamps above, each signed by previous owners, 1973 & 1974. Together with seven further books individually bearing the ownership signatures or presentation inscriptions of Ghislaine's mother and six of her siblings, comprising Elisabeth Maxwell (1921-2013, French-born researcher on the Holocaust, husband of publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell; hardback edition of the British Red Cross Society Nursing Manual No.2. by Elisabeth M. Gravelius, ninth edition published by Cassell and Company Ltd., 1951, signed by Maxwell to the front free endpaper with her ownership signature and address below, also including some pencil notes in her hand to the margins of some pages), Christine Maxwell (1950- , British internet content pioneer and educator; paperback edition of An Unknown Woman - A Journey to Self-Discovery by Alice Koller, published by Bantam Books, February 1986, with a presentation inscription to the inside front cover signed by Christine Maxwell with her first name only, to her sister Anne, 'To dearest Annie, in love & admiration of your courage & your quest to reshape your own life, love, Christine' and dated Christmas 1986 in her hand), Isabel Maxwell (1950- , French-born entrepreneur and the co-founder of Magellan with her twin sister Christine; paperback edition of The Growth of the British Party System, Volume I 1640-1923 by Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, second edition published by John Baker, London, 1967, with Isabel Maxwell's ownership signature to the head of the half title page), Kevin Maxwell (1959- , British businessman who was charged with, and acquitted of, financial crimes related to the business practices of his father in the 1990s; paperback edition of Winston Churchill As I Knew Him by Violet Bonham Carter, published by Pan Books Ltd, London, bearing the youthful ownership signature of Kevin Maxwell to the half title page, with a few additional words ('If found please return') in his hand, the signature and additional words lightly struck through in green), Anne Maxwell (1949- , Daughter of Robert Maxwell; hardback edition of Hygiene for Nursing Students by Agnes E. Pavey, eighth edition published by Faber and Faber Ltd., 1961, bearing the ownership signature ('Anne Maxwell, Lower VI') of Maxwell to the front free endpaper), Michael Maxwell (1946-1967, Eldest child of Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell who fell into a coma aged 15 after being injured in a car crash and never regained consciousness; hardback edition of A Higher School Inorganic Chemistry by E. J. Holmyard, revised in collaboration with W. G. Palmer, published by J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd., London, 1958, bearing the ownership signature of Maxwell to the head of the front free endpaper) and Philip Maxwell (1948- , Son of Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell; hardback edition of True Brit by Clive Irving, First Edition published by Jonathan Cape, London, 1974, with a presentation inscription to the half title page signed by Maxwell to his father, 'To Dad on your birthday, 10th June 1974, This would be hilarious if we were Frenchman, Germans or Italians - but we ain't. Love, Philip'). Two of the books are accompanied by their dustjackets. A rare grouping of signed books. Some light overall age wear, generally G, 8 Ghislaine Maxwell attended Marlborough College where she studied modern history with languages before going on to earn a degree from Balliol College, Oxford, in 1985. Provenance: From the library of Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster.
![[MAXWELL ROBERT]: (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster. An unusual selection of books, mainly ha](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/4dd1011c-765c-4d08-9d22-add700dff51e/468x382.jpg)
[MAXWELL ROBERT]: (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster. An unusual selection of books, mainly hardbacks, each with presentation inscriptions to Robert Maxwell or his wife Elisabeth, including a hardback edition of God help America! By Sydney Moseley, First Edition published by the Saint Catherine Press Ltd., London, 1952, inscribed by Moseley to the front free endpaper 'To Capt R. I. Maxwell, with the author's best wishes, Sydney Moseley, Bournemouth, Feb/52', a hardback edition of Herbert Morrison - Portrait of a Politician by Bernard Donoughue and G. W. Jones, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson, London, 1973, with a presentation inscription to the front free endpaper 'To Bob from the author, conveying best wishes for another 40 years and memories of a great Labour Party', dated June 1985, a paperback edition of Sans Peril…et Sans Gloire by J. P. Norre, Limited Edition number 240 of 250 published by La Renaissance du Livre, with a presentation inscription signed by Georges Luc de Wolenski, 'Please accept a piece of “our war” by another witness who was on the spot but did not see anything of the terror we went through. Serene early X'mas reading whilst the lights are burning', dated 8th November 1984, a hardback edition of Dead Man's Chest - Travels after Robert Louis Stevenson by Nicholas Rankin, published by Faber & Faber, London, 1987 (reprint) with a presentation inscription to the title page, 'For Betty Maxwell, who encouraged me to write 15 years ago, with love & best wishes, Nicholas Rankin', a hardback edition of And So to Bath by Cecil Roberts, published by Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1952 (eighteenth impression), with a presentation inscription signed by Cecil Roberts to the title page, and five other works, mainly foreign text and with unidentified signatures, titles include Germany in a Nutshell, The Kaiser on Trial, Prague Seen from Above etc. Some of the books are accompanied by dust jackets. Some light overall age wear, G, 10 Provenance: From the library of Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster.
![[TITANIC]: STEAD WILLIAM T. (1849-1912) British newspaper editor who, as a pioneer of investigative journalism, became a cont](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/ef9f3e4f-03c7-466a-9cff-add700dff8c8/468x382.jpg)
[TITANIC]: STEAD WILLIAM T. (1849-1912) British newspaper editor who, as a pioneer of investigative journalism, became a controversial figure of the Victorian era. Stead died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. An extraordinary A.L.S., W T Stead, two pages, 4to, Kingsway, London, 2nd January 1912, to Mr. Cochrane (sic; Charles B. Cochran), on the attractive printed stationery of The Review of Reviews. Stead announces 'I have just witnessed “The Miracle”' and continues, in part, 'But the miracle that impressed me most was the fact that in this Protestant land you are not mobbed by zealous Orangemen. Just think of what you are doing twice a day this blessed Christmas tide! Remember the threatened riot which alarmed the Cabinet when it was proposed to take a solemn procession through the streets on the consecration of the new Catholic Cathedral. The protestant drum was beaten & the police were seriously asking whether the Guards would have to be called out to prevent a dangerous & possibly a bloody affray. Yet that was only one short procession whereas you….are exhibiting twice everyday in the week a gorgeous spectacle with every adventitious aid of music & costume to make the Roman rite attractive to the multitude. The other day I secured a bulky pamphlet labelled “Rome & Germany” by “Watchman” who proclaimed about the existence of an informal conspiracy got up by Rome & Germany for the destruction of the British Empire. “Watchman's” evidence was of the slightest. But if he were to bring out a new edition of his pamphlet he would find in “The Miracle” a startling confirmation of his worst surmises. “The Miracle” was “made in Germany” and it is a…..powerful presentation of the most anti-Protestant doctrines. Think Sir of the effect of this twice a day representation of Catholic ritual to eight thousand subjects of our Protestant King…..Has the great Protestant heart that throbs responsive to the Orange drum ceased to beat? Have you had no protests…(against)….this daring challenge thrown down to Protestant prejudice? I fear that if you presented “The Miracle” at Belfast few of your performers would escape with broken heads. How much Sir do you secure from the secret service money of the Vatican or from the coffers of the Jesuits for this imposing & magnificent propaganda in favour of the Roman Catholic Church? I wrote this to you as a friend & not as one sharing the prejudices of my Orange fellow citizens. It is a mere matter of intellectual curiosity. I wonder whether they are going to take it lying down'. A letter of remarkable content, written just three months before Stead perished in the Titanic. Some extensive, although light, water staining, causing minor wrinkling, and with a few minor tears to the edges. Despite the faults, the text of the letter remains completely legible. About G Charles B. Cochran (1872-1951) English theatrical manager and impresario who produced some of the most successful musical revues, musicals and plays in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming associated with the works of Noel Coward. In 1911 Cochran had a success with the play The Miracle. The Miracle is a wordless play written by Karl Vollmoller and tells the story of a wayward nun who deserts her convent with a knight, influenced by the music of an evil minstrel. A statue of the Virgin Mary comes to life and takes the physical place of the nun, who makes her way through the world and its many vicissitudes. She is eventually accused of witchcraft, but escapes. Finally the nun returns to the convent with her dying infant, and is forgiven as the statue of the Madonna resumes its place. Cochran worked closely with Max Reinhardt in the creation of the stage production and the play first appeared as a vast spectacle-pantomime at the London Olympia on 21st December 1911. Reinhardt directed the principal actors, cast and musical performers (who numbered around 1,700) and the music was specially composed by Engelbert Humperdinck.
![[TITANIC]: TROUTT MCKENZIE EDWINA (1884-1984) English-born survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster, having boarded the liner at](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e436c509-4a40-43ec-a5ed-add500ceb156/8863a7f2-0e1a-4b4b-8569-add700dffa19/468x382.jpg)
[TITANIC]: TROUTT MCKENZIE EDWINA (1884-1984) English-born survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster, having boarded the liner at Southampton as a second-class passenger. An interesting A.L.S., Edwina, one page, 8vo, Hermosa Beach, California, 26th June n.y. (1974), to Robert Forrest, evidently a collector of Titanic memorabilia. McKenzie thanks her correspondent for their letter, remarking 'You are very descriptive and I feel your house must be equivalent to a museum' and further stating 'Ed Kamuda wired me of the passing of Mrs. O'Niell [sic, i.e. Margaret Devaney] I immediately sent a Mass card to her family…..my short acquaintance with her will always be well remembered. She said I was perky as a kitten. We had many laughs together. She had a knife with her which was used to cut the ropes over the cars, also a piece of wood carved out of the lifeboat….Won't it be nice if you can meet Miss Russell [i.e. Edith Rosenbaum] in London. She is so truthful about the noise at the time of the sinking. Worse than any siren of thunderstorm. Tell her I was in lifeboat 13. You know she saved a pig (stuffed music box) and some of the papers headlines were a Titanic survivor saved a pig…..I have been under the weather for ten days now and I still have to bathe my foot each hour for twenty minutes. What a past time. I am enclosing a card (no longer present) from Walter Lord, also the Queen Mary schedule. I am still feeling sad over the death of Lance Bonnit and Mrs. O'Niell (sic)'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by McKenzie. A letter of good content relating to the ill-fated RMS Titanic. VG Edward S. Kamuda (1939-2014) American historian who specialised in the study of the RMS Titanic and was a co-founder and president of the Titanic Historical Society. Margaret Devaney (1891-1974) Irish-born survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster, having boarded the liner at Queenstown as third-class passenger. Edith Rosenbaum (1879-1975) American society and fashion journalist, a survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster, having boarded the liner at Cherbourg as a first-class passenger. Rosenbaum had a steward retrieve one treasured possession from her stateroom on the Titanic, a small toy pig covered with white fur which, when winding its tail, would play a piece called the Maxixe. In her latter years she lived in a London hotel where she became increasingly eccentric and disagreeable. Walter Lord (1917-2002) American author, lawyer and popular historian best known for A Night to Remember (1955), being his account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic.
USTINOV PETER: (1921-2004) British actor, Academy Award winner. Signed 10 x 8 photograph of Ustinov seated in a full-length pose in costume as Nero, Emperor of Rome, opposite Leo Genn (Petronius) in a scene from the American epic historical drama film Quo Vadis (1951). Signed in blue ink to a clear area of the image. It was for his performance in this film that Ustinov received the first of his Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominations (winning the following two in 1961 & 1965). VG
VISITOR'S BOOK: A 4to hardback bound Livre D'or visitor's book containing over 110 signatures by a variety of famous individuals, many of them French actors and entertainers, and all of them guests at the restaurant of Jean Cassini in Avignon, including Paul Meurisse (1912-1979, French actor), Marie Bell (1900-1985, French tragedian, comic actor), Annie Girardot (1931-2011, French actress), Andre Luguet (1892-1979, French actor), Micheline Dax (1924-2014, French actress and singer), Dany Robin (1927-1995, French actress), Gilbert Becaud (1927-2001, French singer, composer, pianist & actor), Jean-Claude Pascal (1927-1992, French comedian and singer), Yves Vincent (1921-2016, French actor), Jean Desailly (1920-2008, French actor), Jacques Francois (1920-2003, French actor), Luis Mariano (1914-1970, Spanish tenor), Jacqueline Brumaire (1921-2000, French soprano; A.M.Q.S. from Cosi fan tutte, the opera buffa by Mozart in whish she made her debut performance at Teatro alla Scala), Georges Sebastian (1903-1989, French conductor), Georges Moustaki (1934-2013, Egyptian-French singer & songwriter), Raymond Pellegrin (1925-2007, French actor), Gisele Pascal (1921-2007, French actress and the lover of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, before her marriage to Pellegrin), Roger Pierre (1923-2010, French comedian & actor), Gloria Lasso (1922-2005, Spanish singer), Robert Lamoureux (1920-2011, French actor & film director), Evelyne Dandry (1939- , French actress), Lila Kedrova (1909-2000, Russian-born French actress, Academy Award winner), Lucia Bose (1931-2020, Italian actress), Philippe Clay (1927-2007, French mime artist, singer & actor), Max Favalelli (1905-1989, French journalist and game show host; the page also signed by his daughter Agnes), Francoise Arnoul (1931-2021, French actress), Giuseppe Campora (1923-2004, Italian tenor), Tino Rossi (1907-1983, French singer & actor), Sacha Distel (1933-2004, French singer, guitarist & actor; with a sketch of a guitar in his hand beneath his signature), Colette Ripert (1930-1999, French actress), Eddie Constantine (1917-1993, American-born French actor & singer), Maria Pacome (1923-2018, French actress & playwright), Edwige Feuillere (1907-1998, French actress), Pierre Dux (1908-1990, French actor), Louis Jourdan (1921-2015, French actor), Henri Tisot (1937-2011, French actor, writer & humorist), Christian Ferras (1933-1982, French violinist), Petula Clark (1932- , British singer & actress), Sacha Pitoeff (1920-1990, Swiss actor), Romy Schneider (1938-1982, German-French actress), Guy Lux (1919-2003, French game show host), Jean Boutiere (1898-1967, French philologist), Tony Curtis (1925-2010, American actor; two entries, the first stating 'It's been a great pleasure for me to sign your most beautiful book, Tony Curtis, Late Summer 65', and the second, 'Here I am again, thanks, Tony Curtis, 1970'), Trevor Howard (1913-1988, English actor; dated on his birthday, 29th September 1965), Trini Lopez (1937-2020, American singer, guitarist & actor), Rosanna Schiaffino (1939-2009, Italian actress), James Baldwin (1924-1987, American novelist, playwright & poet), Emile Griffith (1938-2013, American boxer, World Champion in the welterweight and middleweight classes), Jean-Louis Trintignant (1930- , French actor), Serge Reggiani (1922-2004, Italian-French actor & singer), Stirling Moss (1929-2020, British Formula One motor racing driver), Jacques Dutronc (1943- , French singer & songwriter), Nino Benvenuti (1938- , Italian Welterweight boxer, Olympic Gold medallist), Michel Jazy (1936- , French middle and long-distance runner, Olympic Silver medallist) and others. Most of the entries date from the 1950s and 1960s. The majority of the pages are multiple signed, have signatures to the recto and verso, and most of the signatories have added inscriptions or sentiments in their hands, some also adding small drawings. Half morocco bound in blue and with marbled paper wrappers (some age wear) and with Cassini's ownership in stamps to the fly leaf. Some pages loose, otherwise generally VG Jean Cassini - renowned French restaurateur in Avignon, both at the Hotel d'Europe and his own establishment, Restaurant Cassini.
REYNOLDS JOSHUA: (1723-1792) English portrait painter, a founder and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts. A.L.S., Sir Joshua Reynolds, in the third person, one page, small 4to, Leicester Fields, London, 14th January 1775, to Captain Baillie. Reynolds states that he is very much flattered by Baillie's approbation of the discourse, however remarking 'There are a great many mistakes in the printing but none of them so unhappy as that which he mentions of Parmegiano as that appears to proceed from the ignorance of the Author and not the carelessness of the Printer'. With integral address leaf bearing a red wax seal. Some light overall age wear and minor staining and a few small tears to the right edge, G Francesco Mazzola Parmegiano (1503-1540) Italian Mannerist painter and printmaker.
CAILLEBOTTE GUSTAVE: (1848-1894) French Painter. Member and patron of the Impressionists. Caillebotte was also noted for his early interest in photography as an art form. An excellent A.L.S., `G. Caillebotte´, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., Wednesday morning, 06h, to Claude Monet, in French. Caillebotte sends a message referring to Monet´s yacht, stating `My dear friend, your yacht will leave with the first carrier available and will leave it at the lock of Port Villez.´ Further explaining that it is the best option, saying `It is the fastest way, the most convenient and the cheapest. If there is a carrier later, you will have it this evening.´ Caillebotte adds an annotation to the left border about what goes with the yacht. A letter of good association. VG Claude Monet (1840-1926) French Impressionist Painter.
‘I will still go and get the vaccine…’ TOULOUSE-LAUTREC HENRI DE: (1864-1901) French Painter, Printmaker and Illustrator. Best remembered for his immersion in the colourful and theatrical life of Paris in the late 19th century, producing elegant and provocative images of the decadent affairs of those times. Rare A.L.S., `H´, three pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to his mother `My dear mum´, in French. Toulouse-Lautrec states in part `I have just spent two days at Grenier´s home, splashing.., under the mill´s tower, which does not lack charm. Add to this.. lunches followed by naps and boating and you will have a faint idea of the stupidity to which one arrives, of which Grenier is a perfect example ´. Toulouse-Lautrec further refers to pox and a portrait painting, saying `What you tell me about pox annoys me because I intended and still intend to travel and make the portrait of my cousin Juliette who I dare hoping that this year will accept to pose. I will still go and get the vaccine…I have no intention to go myself, unless I first come to look for you to go via Malromé. I would like to plan a stay of eight days..´ Paper with a Monksburn watermark. G to VG Toulouse-Lautrec and Grenier were fellow students in the Paris atelier of academic history painter Fernand Cormon during the 1880s and became friends. Lautrec lived briefly with Grenier and his mistress, Lili, an actress and model, and made several portrayals of the couple. Toulouse-Lautrec most probably refers in the present letter to Juliette Pascal, who was the wife of Joseph Pascal, a maternal cousin of the French painter. Toulouse-Lautrec painted Madame Juliette Pascal (1871), also At the Piano Madame Juliette Pascal in the Salon at the Chateau Malromé, post-impressionism oil works. The Chateau Malromé is located in the French department of Gironde. It became the home of Toulouse-Lautrec´s mother.
PICABIA FRANCIS: (1879-1953) French Painter and Poet. An Avant-garde artist associated with Cubism. Picabia was also one of the early main figures of the Dada movement. Rare A.L.S., `F. Picabia´, two pages, 4to, Paris, 32 Av. Charles Floquet, Monday, n.d., to a Colonel, in French. Picabia states in part `I have just learned about your visit to Paris. I very much regret not having met you´ further asking a service `Can you do me a small service regarding my friend Marcel Loridan, aviator who will be appointed Knight of the Legion d´Honneur in the month of July; it would be a question of knowing if his nomination is something more or less sure, as this information would be very useful for him to have it right now…´ Small creasing and minor age wear, mostly to edges, with a very small tear to the folding edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G Marcel Loridan (1883-1971) French pioneer Aviator. Winner of the Michelin Cup, Loridan established in 1911 the world altitude record with his Farman biplane, and further also records for longest flights in time and distance. Loridan was a pilot in the French Army during the First World War, being awarded with the Croix de guerre 1914-1918.
GRIS JUAN: (1887-1927) His real name being Jose Victoriano Gonzalez-Perez. Spanish Cubist Painter. A.L.S., `Juan Gris´, two pages, written to the first and third page, 13 rue Ravignan, Paris, 15th March 1917, in French. Gris states `I am very flattered by your proposal which my friend Dermée has forwarded to me. It is regrettable that for the moment I do not have paintings in my workshop to be able to organize the event.´ Gris further confirms that he will visit his correspondent next Tuesday and will apologize and thank him personally. Paper with Archangel Mill watermark. Few very small traces of former tape, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G to VG Paul Dermée (1886-1951) Belgian Poet, Writer and literary critique. Director of the magazine L´Esprit Nouveau, and a member of the Dada movement.
Inscribed by Picasso to the life-long friend who saved him from drowning PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish painter, a co-founder of the Cubist movement. A good signed and inscribed 6 x 4 postcard photograph by Picasso `Para mis amigos Pallarés, 1917 Picasso´ in Spanish (“To mi friends Pallarés, 1917 Picasso”) Signed and inscribed in bold brown ink to the verso of a postcard showing to the front Picasso´s early work Verre et Bouteille de Rhum (1914) (“Glass and Bottle of Rhum”). Attractively framed and glazed beneath a 6 x 4 image of Picasso´s painting Verre et Bouteille de Rhum, identical to the image shown to the front of the postcard, to an overall of 14.5 x 17.5 (37 cm x 17.5 cm). With very slightly light ink, otherwise G to VG The present autograph provenance is from the Pallarés family collection.Manuel Pallares i Grau (1876-1974) met for the first time Pablo Picasso, five years younger, the first day they assisted to the School of Arts in Barcelona in 1895. Since that day and until Picasso´s death, they remained friends, a friendship which last 78 years. Pallarés worked as assistant to Picasso´s father, teacher at Llotja, and replaced him when he retired. From 1896 to 1899 they spent long periods together, studying and on holidays. Pablo would spend over eight consecutive months at Horta del Ebro, village where Pallarés´ family home was located, to recover from scarlet fever. Later in his life, and during few days journey of Pallarés visiting his friend Picasso, Pablo recalled how Pallarés saved him from falling and dying drowned in a mighty river, mentioning that he didn´t know how to swim at that time, and recalling that he said `I will never forget that you have saved my life”
Picasso’s Christmas dinner PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish Painter. An exceptional illustrated A.L.S., Olga et Picasso (also signing on behalf of his first wife), to one side of a picture postcard depicting a Christmas winter scene to the recto, Paris, 2nd January 1919, to Mr & Mrs [Henri] Defossé, at the Coliseum Theatre in London, in French. At the head of the letter Picasso has executed a wonderful, charming original pen and ink drawing of a Christmas dinner, apparently for four people with a turkey, two bottles of wine accompanied by four glasses and several bunches of grapes and other fruits laid out on a table. A decorative, dark flowing line adorns the upper part of the exquisite drawing with the year 1919 at the head. Beneath his drawing Picasso writes a brief message to his friends, presenting them with the Christmas dinner, 'Dear friends, here you have, with this well-served table, our best wishes', also adding the address of his Parisian home and workshop at Rue la Boetie in his hand beneath his signature. Such detailed original ink drawings by Picasso, particularly from this earlier stage of his career, rarely appear at auction and the present example is enhanced by an interesting association. Some very minor, light age wear, otherwise VG Henri Defossé (1883-1956) French Conductor, Pianist & Composer. Sergei Diaghilev's favourite conductor, Defossé was chosen to lead the Ballets Russe at London's Coliseum Theatre in 1918 & 1919. Olga Khokhlova (1891-1955) Russian Ballet Dancer, the first wife of Pablo Picasso and one of his early artistic muses. Khokhlova first met Picasso whilst dancing in Diaghilev's Parade in 1917 for which the artist had designed the set and costumes. They married in July 1918 and in July the following year they travelled to London together for the performance of Diaghilev's Le Tricorne for which Picasso had again designed the costumes and stage.
DALI SALVADOR: (1904-1989) Spanish Surrealist Painter. An excellent vintage signed 7 x 5 photograph of Dali in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Philippe Halsman. Signed ('Dali') by Dali in blue ink with his surname only to a clear area of the background. A couple of very light, extremely minor surface creases, otherwise VG Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) American portrait photographer. The present image of Dali was captured by Halsman in 1964 and appears on the front cover of the dustjacket to the American first edition of Dali's Diary of a Genius (1965).
LARSSON CARL: (1853-1919) Swedish Painter. Best known for his watercolors of idyllic family life. An excellent A.L.S., `Carl Larsson´, a bold and large good signature example, three pages, 8vo, Goteborg, 11th October 1892, to Coquelin, in French. Larsson thanks his correspondent for his generosity and states in part `.."The good God will return it to you" says a refrain of a French ditty that I remember… we must first measure your ceiling.. And the price? Do I know it? A thousand francs? Such money which you mention referring to a watercolor will not wait for long. Will be soon in my pockets, or in the ones of my suppliers unfortunately. I do not want to keep on mistreating your nice French language.´ Extremely small overall minor age wear, otherwise VG The present letter is most probably addressed to Benoit-Constant Coquelin (1841-1909) known as Coquelin the Elder, a French Actor, a main contemporary theatrical figure.
HIRST DAMIEN: (1965- ) English artist. Book signed, a hardback edition of Boogie-Woogie by Danny Moynihan, First Edition published by Duck Editions, London, 2000. One of a limited edition (number 245 of 500) the novel features a dust jacket which was designed by Hirst. Signed by the artist in black ink to a clear area of the back of the dust jacket and also signed by Moynihan in black ink to the title page above the official limitations stamp. About EX
Carpeaux lists his best works CARPEAUX JEAN-BAPTISTE: (1827-1875) French Sculptor and Painter. An unusual and interesting A.L.S., `J.Bte Carpeaux´, signed twice, also with his full name to the beginning of the letter `Jean Baptiste Carpeaux´, four pages, 8vo, Auteuil, 29th August 1869, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner an attractive blind embossed crowned monogramme with his initials J.B.C. Carpeaux sends to his correspondent what we would call today a Curriculum Vitae, including his full name, birth date, address, schools and academies where he studied, and the most important a lengthy list of what he considers his main and works and where some of them are located or who acquired them. Carpeaux states in part `Jean Baptiste Carpeaux born 14th May 1827 in Valenciennes - Student at the small school of Arts. 14 medals - Award of Rome in 1854 - Second class medal in 1859 - Medal of first class 1863 - Knight of the Legion d´Honneur in 1866 - Medal of 1st class in 1867 at the Universal Exhibition - Medal of Honour at the Exhibition of Brussels´ To the second and third page, Carpeaux lists his main works, adding interesting comments `The Groupe d´Ugolin with one of the bronze samples at the garden of the Tuileries - The Pecheur Napolitain and the Jeune Fille a la Coquille, which originals are owned by Mr. the Baron of Rothschild and the duke of Mouchy - The busts of the laughing Napolitans - The statue of the Imperial Prince which original is at the dining room of the Palace of the Tuileries - Another statue of the prince with his hat in hand and a bust of the Prince, bare chest, executed for H.M. the Empress who received it at Compiegne delivered by the author, to which it was a huge success…. The group of the Dance at the Opera, a work mutilated during the night of the 26th to 27th August 1869 because of malevolence or jealousy…´ A letter of very interesting content for biographical purposes. G to VG To be noted that Carpeaux states that his birth date is the 14th of May, while many or most biographers indicate the 11th of May.Nathaniel Mayer Rothschild (1840-1915) 1st Baron Rothschild. British Banker and politician.Antoine Just Leon Marie de Noailles (1841-1909) French nobleman. 5th Duke of Mouchy. He married Princess Anne Murat, daughter of prince Napoleon Lucien Murat.
FRINK ELISABETH: (1930-1993) English sculptor and printmaker. A good A.L.S., Eisabeth Frink, three pages, 4to, Buckingham Gate, London, n.d. (c.1976), to Lady Ramsbotham. Frink thanks her correspondent for their letter and expresses pleasure that the sculpture is liked so much, further remarking 'I have done a series of reclining horses, another bigger one before this and many small ones. Mainly inspired by seeing my own horse lying down when I was living in France. The stable was under the studio - And I suppose that nearly all animals look so beautiful lying down they take up a wonderful shape and look so reposed and calm. I think I like the idea because when they are in repose like that they are such a contrast to what I normally find in animals and in figures generally, which is a good deal of movement and tension. Although I think recently my work has become really very calm and more simple'. Frink adds 'I don't know whether this answers your question. It is very difficult to translate my sculpture ideas into words. I have a great love of animals and human beings and I find that I seem to prefer working away from the distressfull (sic) conditions we live in today, more and more - I think that the Arts should have a civilizing influence on events, they always have done, but less so now. I am hopeful that they still will again'. Together with Franta Belsky (1921-2000) Czech sculptor. T.L.S., with his initials F.B., one page, 4to, n.p., 14th June 1976, to Elisabeth Frink. The letter, most likely a retained copy, states, in part, 'I had a chance to see your lying Horse in the Washington Embassy garden and Ramsbothams were very anxious that I should tell you, as soon as I can, how much I liked the site they chose for it. They considered most carefully all you had in mind as you expressed it in the letter to them and they, themselves, just love having it there. It looks so unselfconscious and natural, yet it provides the unexpected punctuation which stops you, startled, in mid motion'. With an additional note signed by Belsky at the foot of the page, 'For your info. Love, Franta'. Two letters of excellent content relating to Frink's work. Belsky's letter with extensive neat vertical splits to the central folds, crudely repaired with sellotape and lightly affecting the text. Frink's letter with a few minor stains. P to VG, 2 Frances Blomfield (d.1982) Lady Ramsbotham, first wife of Peter Ramsbotham (1919-2010) 3rd Viscount Soulbury, British diplomat and colonial administrator who served as British Ambassador to the United States 1974-77.
COSTA LUCIO: (1902-1998) Brazilian Architect. A renowned urban Planner, best known for his plan of Brasilia. An exceptional A.L.S., `Lucio Costa´, four pages, folio, Rio de Janeiro, 23rd May 1966, on the “Ministerio da Educaçao e Cultura” printed heading, to Anthony Krafft, in French. A very interesting letter, fully related to architecture, with Costa´s thoughts, and with multiple references to history, works and architects. Costa states in part `Indépendamment de la fonction, il y a “in abstrato” et sous-jacente, une intention que commande la création architecturale - soit-elle un objet, un batiment, une ville -, de sorte que l´adaptation de la forme a la fonction peut conduire a des résultats singulierement différenciés. Je vous donne un exemple historique Brésilien. Au XVIII siecle…´ (“Independently of the function, there is “in abstrato” and underlying, an intention that the architectural creation commands - be it an object, a building, a city - so that the adaptation of form to function can lead to singularly differentiated results. I will give you a Brazilian historical example. In the 18th century…”) Costa continues with historical references and examples, saying `Dans la premiere moitié du siècle dominait encore l´esprit d´ostentation et d´opulence a la Louis XIV, - courbes et contre-courbes lourdes, de l´or, du bleu foncé, du rouge et du noir; dans la seconde période c´était déja l´élégance et la grace de l´esprit Louis XV qui prévalait: courbes et contre-courbes acquirent de la souplesse, l´emploi de l´or se fit moins ostensif, le bleu devint clair, le rouge rose, le blanc et le gris remplacerent le noir. Cela montre que la relation forme-fonction doit etre envisagée en tenant compte de l´intention qui commande le processus d´intégration formelle´ (“In the first half of the century, the spirit of ostentation and opulence in the Louis XIV style still dominated - heavy curves and counter-curves, gold, dark blue, red and black; in the second period it was already the elegance and the grace of the Louis XV spirit which prevailed: curves and counter-curves acquired suppleness, the use of gold became less ostensive, the blue became clear, pink instead of red, white and grey replaced black. This shows that the form-function relationship must be considered taking into account the intention that drives the process of formal integration”) Lucio Costa further refers to today´s date concepts and to Le Corbusier, stating in part `L´idéal de clareté et de pureté formelle géométrique de la Renaissance a refoulé en Europe la conception formelle dynamique (gothique). Aujourd´hui, grace a la technologie moderne qui permet des structures où la tension prédomine, on observe, un peu partout, le retour au dynamisme formel. Il y a meme les prétentieux de l´art dit prospectif qui prétendent ensevelir, des maintenant, avec son corps, l´oeuvre de Le Corbusier. Ils oublient sa belle structure (gothique) du toit suspendu de la grande salle du Palais des Soviets, le Pavillon improvisé de “L´Esprit Nouveau” (1937) et le Pavillon Philips de Bruxelles. Le Corbusier avait l´esprit ouvert a tous les vents. Dans sa premiere phase de conception statique prévalait, avec le contrepoint dynamique de sa peinture; apres Ronchamp l´intégration des deux concepts s´établit. L´intégration qui est le fondement meme de l´art des temps nouveaux´ (“The Renaissance ideal of clarity and geometric formal purity drove dynamic formal design (Gothic) back to Europe. Today, thanks to modern technology which allows structures where tension predominates, we can observe, almost everywhere, a return to formal dynamism. There are even the pretentious of the so-called prospective art who claim to bury, from now on, with his body, the work of Le Corbusier. They forget his beautiful structure (Gothic) of the suspended roof of the great hall of the Palace of the Soviets, the improvised Pavilion of “L´Esprit Nouveau” (1937) and the Philips Pavilion in Brussels. Le Corbusier was open to all new visions. In his first phase of static design prevailed, the dynamic counterpoint of his painting; after Ronchamp the integration of the two concepts was established. Integration which is the foundation itself of the art of the new times”) Further again Costa adds his conclusions on his function and form theory. VG Anthony Kraft (1928-1991) Swiss journalist and editor of architecture works.
BOURKE-WHITE MARGARET: (1904-1971) American photographer, the first American female war photojournalist, remembered for her work for Life magazine. A.L.S., Margeret Bourke-White, three pages, 4to, Darien, 24th October 1954, to Edna Robb Webster. Bourke-White informs her correspondent that she is sending her two photographs under separate cover, explaining 'In one I am sitting in the Kennebec River in Maine taking pictures in a bathing suit; in the other I am in tropical helmet and rain cape riding on a mule thru the mountains of Honduras (working with priests on the Jesuit story - riding to very remote villiages (sic) thru the jungle', further apologising that there has been so much red tape regarding the Life pictures, 'All I can say about that is that it used to be much worse. There was a time when almost nothing that was taken for Life could be reproduced outside, but they've loosened up on that policy a great deal. Since I couldn't tell them for what magazine the pix were intended (note blank spaces in stamps on the backs) - just let me know soon as you can' and continuing 'I fully understand the reasons given in your letter. Only please stay away from the Ladies Home Journal, and from the McCalls-Good Housekeeping group, as my book publishers may do something in these directions - later - when my own book is finished…..I'm glad to have you do it, on the basis of your excellent article, and am only sorry there has been such delay at this end. Good luck on it.' In concluding Bourke-White adds that she will not be in California until next spring, 'it is for a good reason. The aero-color shots of Food & Harvest regions went so well that Life has already put the story to bed & no room for more. It was laid out just this week - and will be the lead story in the magazine - 10 pages in color - I'm very proud & dazzled by it as you can imagine for it's unusual to give such space to a piece like this. It will be called The Look of the Land, and will be in the special food issue of Jan. 1. '55'. A letter of good content for its references to Bourke-White's photography, and in particular with Life. Some light age wear, otherwise VG Edna Robb Webster (1896-1978) American author, poet, explorer and historian of Mayan culture.
BEARD PETER: (1938-2020) American Artist, Photographer and Writer. Beard lived in Kenya, his photographs of Africa, and of animals together with his journals have been widely shown and published. He collaborated with artists such as Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Truman Capote and Salvador Dali. An excellent and unique customized exhibition poster, 20 x 28 (50cm x 72 cm), being for The End of the Game, which is also the title of his first book (1965), held at the Greenberg Gallery at St Louis, 1988. The artist has worked on the original poster exhibition, adding collages, writings and drawings, using many different elements such as inks, blood, dried snake skins, birds feathers, paper, finger prints, etc…. Signed and inscribed `For “L.L.” With all the best wishes & heartfelt Salaams from Hog Ranch (Karen-Langata), St. Louis, mzuri and pointa beyond, on your birthday XXX Most sincerely, Peter Beard´, to a clear area of the poster. Beard also adds above `Many happy returns of the day´ and beneath draws an amusing and attractive sketch being about thirty very small persons in different poses. Framed in wood to an overall size of 22.5 x 31 (57,5 cm x 79 cm). The poster has been affixed to a cardboard. VG
ANNENKOV YURI: (1889-1974) Also known as Georges Annenkov. Russian Artist, mostly known for his book illustrations and portraits. He also worked for theatre and cinema. Maxim Gorky´s book, Samovar (1917) was his first work as a book designer. An excellent A.L.S., `G. Annenkov´, one page, 4to, Paris, n.d., [1961], to the editor Faltrinelli, in French. A cleanly written letter with very interesting artistic content, including amendments, arrows and corrections by Annenkov. The Russian artist refers to his illustrations work for the edition of a work by Russian poet Nekrassov. Annenkov states in part `Till today, I have not yet received anything from the editor, but your last letter has been a great disappointment for me. Before starting my work, I meditated a lot about the drawings style. The poetry of Nekrassov, called "the great father of the socialist realism" and no doubt one of the masters of the "realist" poetry, but according to me do not match with the today´s date "modernism" - cubism, futurism, dadaism, the abstract, etc.. ´ Annenkov refers to his effort trying to approach his work to the realism in order not to upset Nekrassov´s style, further saying `Nekrassov is not a Blok, nor a Maiakovsky´, requesting his drawings to be sent back in order to modify them. To a post-scriptum Annenkov states `I have phoned Mr. Antonini to ask him how do we write in Italian language the word "PyCG". He has told me RUS. Do you agree? Very small minor creasing, otherwise G Nikolay Nekrasov (1821-1877) Russian Poet, writer and Publisher. He deeply compassionate poems about peasant Russia. He became a hero of the liberal and the radical circles of Russian intelligentsia. A singularly successful and influential artist of his time in Russia.
PEAKE MERVYN: (1911-1968) English writer, artist, poet & illustrator. A fine A.L.S., Merve, two pages, 8vo, Sark, Channel Islands, 14th May 1934 ('May 14th? 1934 (Monday anyway)'), to his friend Helene Bruce ('Lanie dear'). Peake writes a social letter, commenting on his recent activities and mentioning mutual friends, in part, 'I wonder where this letter will find you. Maybe still in Ebury Street…..The island is magical now. The flowers are like living cataracts of pure colour. Yesterday I spent the whole day painting in a warm valley. The sunlight was terrific, making the grass, trees and flowers and especially the gorse almost dizzily brilliant. Oh Lord, the sunlight on the gorse is almost cruel in its unrelenting intensity. I took easel & paints, canvasses, lunch and everything down in a wheelbarrow. It was wonderful. The trees, at least some of them, are only just coming into leaf and make a faint pink blurr (sic) against the sky - like a cloud at sunset, and their boles ivory white in the glare. I cannot help constantly remembering about picking the flowers in the garden with you - not our garden. It was all so incredibly lovely. Oh, I do want to see you again. Sark would be heaven, if we could wander about the cliff tops and among the trees and discuss things. The people I know here are all swell in their way but I perhaps feel a trifle apart and could never get on with them as I do with you. Next Saturday the Gallery is opening for the first of the summer shows they are holding here. It is going to be good I think - better than the London one anyway for our work has changed a lot since last summer and autumn. Is there any chance of you coming over here and then returning with me for Leslie's wedding…….Please forgive the last disintegrated letter I sent you. God, it was lovely having you to see me off at Waterloo. If you find you can come almost immediately give me a wire if you like…..Well Lanie - au revoir pour le moment. Write soon and send good news if you can…..I'd love you to see this place in the spring - besides of course the rather absurd and wholly unaccountable wish to see you myself. Lots of love Lanie…'. A scarce letter of good content. Some extremely minor, light creasing and a couple of small tears to the edges of some folds, otherwise VG Peake's early career in the 1930s was as a painter in London, although he lived on Sark for a time, first moving there in 1932. Eric Drake, his former teacher, was setting up an artists' colony on the island and in 1934 Peake exhibited with the Sark artists both in the Sark Gallery built by Drake and at the Cooling Galleries in London, and in 1935 he exhibited at the Royal Academy and at the Leger Galleries in London.
GRATON JEAN: (1923-2021) French Cartoonist. Best known as author of the comic book Michel Vaillant and its famous character. An excellent signed and inscribed comic book `Jean Graton´, with a very attractive sketch of his character Michel Vaillant in his hand. The comic book being a 9 x 11.5 hardback edition of `Michel Vaillant - Dans l´Enfer du Safari´, 48 colour pages, edited by "Les Editions du Lombard", Brussels. Signed and inscribed to the blank first page verso, opposite to title page, beneath a profile portrait sketch of Michel Vaillant. Very small overall minor age wear, otherwise VG
A rare opportunity to acquire the autograph of Moliere’s wife, the autograph of the playwright himself being virtually unobtainable. [MOLIERE]: (1622-1673) Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. Known by his stage name Moliere. French playwright, Actor and Poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and universal literature. His plays have been translated into every major living language. His influence is such that the French language itself is often referred to as the "language of Molière". Very rare document signed by Moliere´s wife ARMANDE BÉJART (1640-1700) French Actress, one of the most famous French stage actors of the 17th century. Her mother co-founded with Moliere the theatre company Illustre Theatre. D.S., `Armande Gresinde Claire Eslisabet Bejart´, one page, oblong small 4to, vellum, Paris, 1st of March 1681, in French. The partially printed document being an annuity receipt issued by the Town Hall of Paris, stating that in presence of the Secretary Counselor of the King, House of the Crown of France, and collector of the Paris Chancellery, they acknowledge the payment of "Twenty eight pounds and fifteen sols" corresponding to the first quarter of the year paid by `Damoiselle Armande Gresinde Claire Elizabeth Bejart, widow of Jean Baptiste Pocquelin S. de Moliere´. Countersigned by a Town Hall official. Overall age wear and toning. Creasing and staining. The signature remains in fine and bold ink condition. F
Breton on the ‘Manifesto du Surréalisme’ and ‘Poisson soluble’ BRETON ANDRE: (1896-1966) French Writer and Poet. One of the main figures and co-founder of Surrealism. An excellent A.L.S., `André Breton´, two pages, 4to, Paris, 30th October 1928, to an unidentified `Mademoiselle´, in French. The letter is written on the attractive surrealist journal “La Révolution Surréaliste” printed stationery, with attractive printed red and black monogramme to the upper left corner, also bearing the printed text “42, Rue Fontaine, Paris - 9º, Téléphone - Trudaine 38-18. Directeur - André Breton”. Breton states in part `Je ne trouve pas a joindre au “Manifesto du Surréalisme” proprement dit, d´autre texte que “Poisson soluble” et je tenais essentiellement à ce que cette partie de l´ouvrage fut réimprimé. Je serais dispose a y joindre une preface ou une postface assez importante dont le texte vous serait soumis au courant de novembre, au cas ou cette adjonction vous paraitrait possible et ou vous me diriez quelle longueur elle ne peut excéder.´ (“I cannot find to attach to the “Manifesto du Surréalisme” itself, any other text than “Soluble Fish” and I mainly wanted that this part of the work was reprinted. I would be ready to attach a preface or a rather important postface whose text would be submitted to you during the month of November, in case that this addition would appear possible to you and you would tell me how long it could be´) Breton further refers to the re-opening of his gallery, saying `Elle me parait d´autant plus opportune que j´espere qu´elle pourra coincider avec la réouverture de la Galery Surréaliste, dont Aragon et moi prenons la direction´(“It seems to me all the more opportune as I hope that it would coincide with the reopening of the Surrealist Gallery which Aragon and I are taking in charge”) Extremely small tear to the bottom edge, otherwise VG to EX La Révolution Surréaliste was a Surrealist Parisian publication issued between 1924 and 1929. Shortly after releasing the first Surrealist Manifesto which re-edition André Breton refers to in the present letter, Breton published the inaugural issue. A scandalous and revolutionary journal, which included reproductions of art works by De Chirico, Ernst, Masson, Man Ray, etc… Poisson Soluble was a work written by André Breton in 1924. Its first edition had as preface the Surrealist Manifesto. Louis Aragon (1897-1982) French Poet and a leading member of the Surrealist movement in France. He co-founded with André Breton the surrealist review “Litterature”. Louis Aragon was several times a Nobel Prize in Literature nominee.
MOLNAR FERENC: (1878-1952) Hungarian-born author, stage director, dramatist & poet. An entertaining A.L.S., Ferenc Molnar, two pages, 4to, n.p. (New York), 29th May 1950, to Mr. Raeburn. Molnar sends his correspondent a story (no longer present) entitled Question Period for the book Adventure in Paris, remarking 'Its stilted, pompous language is the result of the mutual efforts of Mr. Mussey and myself. We wanted to create a slightly ridiculous, professorial, pseudo-scientific mood for this satirical piece' and further explaining that he will send 'the positively last' story this week, also commenting on a design for the dust jacket, 'In my modest opinion this design is only good if you print it without any changes, i.e. without polishing, prettifying, correcting the half-crazy, semi-idiotic, primitive, not to say pre-Raphaelitic, would-be-Chagall-Dali-Picasso-imitating surrealistic madhouse quality of it'. Molnar proceeds to write of a mutual friend ('the Actor') who he believes is still in Florida, and whom he misses for two reasons, '1. For having to do without his kind personality, his erudition, his good taste, his flawless English and mainly his good judgement unfortunately very often influenced by his good heart. 2. For not being able to meet you either telephonically or in person, both opportunities being seemingly dependent on the Actors presence in town', concluding 'Please forgive me for my English but I learned it from two Russian-born Broadway producers and from native Brooklyn waiters of some Sixth Avenue Delicatessen, not yet famed for their proficiency nay command of the King's modern American English'. In a postscript Molnar declares 'Just before licking the glue on the envelope the telephone rings and who phones but the Actor, and from New York! So please disregard the first sentence of paragraph 4 of the present letter, and be informed that the Actor just promised me to read and correct said manuscript with me today, Monday, 29 May, at Macario's, at noon sharp, while eating spaghetti without meat sauce'. The letter is written on brittle paper with age toning and some tears and small areas of paper loss at the edges. At one time the letter has also been split in two at the central horizontal fold and since re-joined to a good standard, the repairs only very slightly affecting the text. About G Ben Raeburn (1911-1997) American publisher who owned Horizon Press from 1953-84. Raeburn was known for both his editing skills and his fine eye for design. June Barrows Mussey (1910-1985) American journalist and translator who wrote under the pen name Henry Hay.
‘I'll see you get your copy of Lady C.’ LAWRENCE D.H.: (1885-1930) English Writer. A good A.L.S., D. H. Lawrence, one page, Hotel Beau Rivage, Bandol, France, 28th November 1928, to Miss. Watson. Lawrence forwards his correspondent the Swedish agreement (no longer present) and enquires 'Have you made up a new agreement with Kippenberg, or aren't we signing one?'. The author further states 'Now Orioli is ill, and I hope it hasn't developed seriously - if it has I shall have to go to Florence' and concludes 'But don't worry, I'll see you get your copy of Lady C. - even if there is a bit of delay'. Autograph letters by Lawrence referring to one of his most famous, and controversial, works, Lady Chatterley's Lover, are rare and desirable. Very slightly irregularly cut to the upper edge and with some light, extremely minor age wear, VG Giuseppe 'Pino' Orioli (1884-1942) Florentine bookseller, best known for privately publishing the unexpurgated first edition of Lady Chatterley's Lover, of which around 1000 copies were released in July 1928. The Swedish agreement to which Lawrence refers is in connection with The Woman who Rode Away and Other Stories which was published by Martin Secker in 1928.
STEVENSON ROBERT LOUIS: (1850-1894) Scottish novelist of Treasure Island (1883), Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886) and Kidnapped (1886). A.L.S., Robert Louis Stevenson, two pages, small 8vo, Wensleydale, Bournemouth, n.d. (c. October 1884), to Walter Scott, evidently a bookseller. Stevenson requests several works from his correspondent, '1. Wellington's Despatches: if possible the 15/- copy. 2. Sidney Castle. 5 vols. 3. The Delicate Distress….the Gordian Knot. 4 vols., and Colquhoun on the Police', which he states totals 25/- and for which he encloses an order (no longer present) and further remarking 'The carriage and the other half crown should the first copy of the Despatches be gone, you will kindly let me hear about'. A letter of interesting content for its list of reading matter that Stevenson sought during his time in Bournemouth (July 1884 - August 1887), a period which marked the publication of some of his most famous works. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
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[STOKER BRAM]: (1847-1912) Irish Author of the horror novel Dracula (1897). IRVING HENRY (1838-1905) English stage actor, the first actor to be awarded a knighthood (1895). L.S., Henry Irving, with holograph subscription, the text of the letter in the hand of Bram Stoker, one page, 8vo, Liverpool, 29th November 1904, to Edward Rimbault Dibdin, on the printed stationery of the Adelphi Hotel. The letter states, in full, 'Let me thank you heartily for your kind courtesy in sending me the cards for the Walker Art Gallery'. With blank integral leaf. VG Edward Rimbault Dibdin (1853-1941) English art critic and curator of the Walker Art Gallery 1904-20.Henry Irving is widely acknowledged to be one of the inspirations for Count Dracula, the title character of the 1897 novel Dracula, whose author, Bram Stoker, was employed by Irving as his personal assistant and business manager of the Lyceum Theatre, which Irving owned.
VERNE JULES: (1828-1905) French Novelist. Best known for his science fiction and adventures novels. A fine A.L.S., Jules Verne, one page, 12mo, Amiens, 14th April 1896, in French. Verne, on this very cleanly written letter, states `Je regardais cette réponse sous forme de reçu comme plus humoristique. Elle ne vous semble pas belle, soit. Je la remplace par la ci-jointe, en en conservant le sens.´ (“I looked at this answer in the form of a receipt as more humourous. It doesn't look good to you, fine. I replace it with the attached one, still keeping the meaning.´ Verne further says `Je n´ai point de portrait recent don't je puisse disposer et il faudra vous contenter de celui que vous avez.´ (“I do not have a recent portrait that I could dispose and you will have to be satisfied with the one you have”) Verne further reconsiders his response and to a postscriptum beneath his signature promises a portrait `Toute réflexion faite, je me procurerai un portrait que je vous enverrai….´ (“All thinking about it, I'll get myself a portrait which I will send to you..”) With blank integral leaf. VG to EX The present letter was addressed to Angelo Mariani (1838-1914) French chemist from the island of Corsica. Between 1863 and 1868 Mariani started marketing a coca wine called Vin Tonique Mariani (with Peruvian coca) which was made from Bordeaux wine and coca leaves. The Vin Mariani was a coca wine and patent medicine created in the 1860s. Advertisements for Vin Mariani claimed that it would restore health, strength, energy and vitality. Popes Leo XIII and Pius X were both Vin Mariani drinkers, the first appearing on a poster endorsing the wine and awarding a Vatican gold medal to Mariani for creating it. Edison claimed it helped him stay awake longer. Ulysses S. Grant drank Vin Mariani while writing his memoirs, and other notables who endorsed Vin Mariani include Emile Zola, Charles Gounod, Sarah Bernhardt, etc..
DICK PHILIP K.: (1928-1982) American Writer of Science Fiction, considered a master of dystopian fiction. A lengthy, interesting T.L.S., love, Phil (with a love heart and arrow drawn in his hand alongside his signature), three pages (separate leaves), 4to, n.p. (Santa Ana, California), 13th January 1981, to Professor Patricia Warrick. Dick commences his letter 'Another insight, an important one, and it is one that will seem very important to you, in view of your knowledge and interest regarding quantum mechanics. I not only experienced thinking matter (the two attributes of the one substance, mind and spatial extension) but I experienced this monistic reality as a single continuum. Will Durant says that rather crudely put, “Mind is substania perceived externally, from outside.” Normally, the only part of reality that we experience both ways is our own self; we experience ourself as a body occupying space, and as a mind within that body governing the body. Now, I quoted Spinoza in a previous letter as saying: “It is mere folly or insanity to suppose that extended substance is made up of parts or bodies really distinct from each other”, which my Encyclopedia (sic) of Philosophy rightly says indicates that Spinoza's view of the world amazingly collates with that of quantum mechanics. Okay; I saw both attributes of world rather than just physical extension in space; I have discussed this; but the other aspect of this - - which is what I called Valis - - was the multiplicity reverted (as I tend to say) into unity; plural objects and their causal processes became a single unified field or continuum…and, I relaize, this continuum included me; so I was privy to the inward attribute of the not-me because it was no longer the not-me; since a single continuum existed, I had of necessity to be part of that continuum; otherwise there would have been no single continuum: by logic it had to include me. Thus the me and the not-me were no longer divided', and continues to further explain 'This sense of unity, according to Charles Tart, is the underlying premise - - basis - - of the mystical experience; he analyzed many, many mystical experiences, drug-induced and not drug-induced, and it was his opinion that this sense of unity was the primary element that earned the term “mystical experience” for what he was being told about. Well, we need not concern ourselves with mysticism, here, because philosophically we have Spinoza and his conception of extension being everywhere at once, not divided into distinct discrete separate bodies, and we also have modern-day theoretical physics. Moreover, when the AI voice recently commented to me on what I had seen that I have called Valis, it said, “A perturbation in the reality field”; i.e. the voice used the term “field”, and this is another word for what Spinoza is talking about and it is another word for “single continuum”. So, as I am sure will please you, this use of Spinoza's metaphysics to explain my perception of Valis, the macrometasomakosmos, dovetails with quantum mechanics, with field-theory.' Dick also recounts his personal experiences, 'That the mind-attribute of the reality field was available to me is indubitable, inasmuch as it transferred vast concepts to me, and, in addition, the information about little Christopher's birth defect (until then unnoticed). But what struck me always as strange - - as if the whole experience were not strange! - - is that this mind acted through the interface of ordinary physical reality; but this is precisely why I claim that Spinoza's monism with its twin attributes is the explanation! This was not a mind without a body, a mind without a brain; the physical world was its brain, and, in addition, its interface or transducer. It was so eerie; I was listening to a Beatles' tune on the stereo, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, and all at once the lyrics became scrambled up and, so-to-speak enhanced and rearranged; and then the light struck me and blinded me, and through this transduction of what I saw (light) and what I heard (the lyrics of the Beatles' tune) I thereby and thereupon knew all about Christopher's birth defect, knew it completely and with absolute certitude, and went instantly to tell Tessa about it. So there was no division between physical reality, normal reality, and this mind; the two could not be distinguished. This is why the key that opened up everything for me a few days ago was to realize that I had seen physical thoughts. And I suddenly perceived the implications of this, that Valis' thoughts were physical and only physical, and that this had titanic significance for our understanding and interpreting of the universe, because it meant that - - as I say in VALIS, say without grasping the significance of what I am saying, but, merely, reporting what I saw - - what we call matter although this is correct insofar as it goes - - well, this matter is a language, it is information; yet somehow we are unable to discern it as information. Not only do we not know what it says, we do not know that it says anything'. Dick summarises his experiences and writes of their relationship to quantum mechanics and field theory, referring to Brahmanism, Taoism, Wittgenstein and the first philosophers, the Greek naturalists, 'This is the basis of man's attempt to understand the universe based on his own reason and his own experience and his own observations. There is no appeal to revelation, doctrine or dogma…..I believe Valis exists because I experienced Valis, and starting with that experience I am trying to reason - - with the aid of the accumulated knowledge of the species - - what it was, this that I term “Valis”. The word “Valis”, after all, is only a description, a way by which I can refer to it handily; the term tells me very little. But I have to call it something.', also briefly discussing the 'odious' historical bigotry of Christianity, before returning to Valis and concluding his letter with an anecdote, 'My belief in Valis, being based on experience, has passed through almost seven years of analysis and scrutiny and out of this there arises in me, based on the enormous exegesis that I have brought into existence, a conviction that ultimately I will be able to find a rational, rather than supernatural, explanation for March 1974. My experience was unusual and perplexing, but that does not make it ad hoc incomprehensible. It may have been incomprehensible to me at that time, but so were the results of the Michelson-Morley experiment. An inexplicable experience - - encounter - - with reality, that is, reality behaving inexplicably in affront to all known laws, is a challenge to the reasoning human, the human who is dignified by an innate curiosity; he wants to know what the hell caused it, what the hell happened. I remember one time when my cat Sasha ran across the living room and got caught in the strap of Tessa's mail pouch purse, whereupon Sasha found herself swinging up into the air, suddenly airborne. A moment later she returned to the purse and,....... OWING TO RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY THE SALEROOM WE ARE UNABLE TO PUBLISH THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THIS LOT. PLEASE REFER TO IAA EUROPE S.L. FOR MORE INFORMATION
PACINO AL: (1940- ) American actor, Academy Award winner. Signed 7 x 9.5 photograph of Pacino in a half-length pose, in costume as Frank Serpico, as he rides on a bike accompanied by Cornelia Sharpe (Leslie). Signed by Pacino in blue ink with a typically hurried signature to a clear area at the base of the image. It was for his performance in this film that Pacino received the first of his five Best Actor Oscar nominations (winning one). A couple of very small, minor surface creases, otherwise VG
'Collecting things is a great bond, isn't it?!' CHRISTIE AGATHA: (1890-1976) English Crime Novelist. An interesting T.L.S., Agatha Christie Mallowan, (the latter part of her signature repeated, seemingly in the interests of clarity as the initial Mallowan became somewhat cramped and illegible owing to available space on the page), two pages, 8vo, Churston Ferrers, South Devon, 18th September 1967, to Mrs. Benjamin Franklin in Kansas. Christie states 'I am much flattered that I am the only mystery writer you will read!', and continues, 'I am amused to hear that you bought a copy of “They came to Baghdad” in Baghdad, as I rather imagined it was the only place they did not stock it, because of references to beggars and someone spitting in the street!', further discussing their mutual interest in collecting Stevengraphs, 'I don't collect the book-markers, but am particularly interested in the sports and historical ones. I think they have only become popular in the last 10 or 12 years. I too am keeping a sharp lookout for 'Leda' which is very hard to find. The other ones I am very keen to get are :- The First Innings (Baseball game). The Home Stretch (Trotting race). Columbus leaving Spain. Landing of Columbus. Signing of the Declaration of Independence. These are the American ones which are difficult to obtain in this country. If you ever come across any of these (which I expect you already have in your own collection) do let me know. One or two of the English racing ones I have duplicates of, and they quite frequently come on the market here', adding 'I was in the United States last Autumn when my husband was giving a lecture tour, but we never seemed to have time anywhere to go hunting for Stevengraphs, though I did find two in a shop in New Orleans, but unfortunately they were racing ones which I already had' and concluding her letter 'Collecting things is a great bond, isn't it?!'. A letter of fine content. VG Stevengraphs are pictures woven from silk, often mounted on cardboard, and were originally created in the 19th century by Thomas Stevens. They became popular collector's items, particularly with ladies, in the 1930s and again became popular during the revival of interest in Victoriana in the 1960s and 1970s.
TAVARES-BASTOS ANTONIO DIAS: (1900-1960) Brazilian poet. Manuscript D.S., A. D. Tavares Bastos, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d., in French. Tavares-Bastos responds to a researcher's questionnaire entitled Enquete Mondiale ('World Enquiry') with their questions at the head of the page, '1. Were your literary beginnings happy or difficult? 2. Did a means of existence (a second profession or personal wealth) allow you to exist as a Man of Letters, or was it just income from your pen? 3. What book made you most famous? Which do you consider your masterpiece?' Tavares-Bastos provides his answers to the first two questions immediately beneath, explaining that his literary beginnings were difficult due to bad teachers and that he owes everything to his self-education, and further adding that unfortunately he had no personal fortune and that more than ever now literature does not generate enough income to feed a man. About EX
SUTTNER BERTHA VON: (1843-1914) Austrian-Bohemian Pacifist and Novelist, the first female Nobel Prize winner, 1905. Ink signature ('Bertha v. Suttner') on a 12mo card, with three additional words in her hand, in German, dated Vienna, December 1911 in her hand. Accompanied by the original envelope, addressed in another hand, although signed by Suttner in the return address to the verso. Stamp crudely torn away. About VG
ROLLAND ROMAIN: (1866-1944) French Dramatist & Novelist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1915. A.L.S., Romain Rolland, two pages, written to first and third page, 8vo, [Paris], 25th March 1901, to Florian Parmentier, in French. Rolland states in part `I have lost the sheet with you sent to me related to the Friends of Han Ryner. Would you please send me another. It is obvious that I will be happy to get involved and take part in your project.´, further adding `I do not know if the work is translated into Italian. I spoke about this to my friend Count Guglielmo Lucidi, who directs in Rome the Rassegna Internazionale…´ A cleanly written letter in bold purple ink. VG Florian-Parmentier (1879-1951) Also known by his pen name Serge Gastein. French Novelist, Poet and art Critic. Han Ryner (1861-1938) his real name being Jacques Ner. French Anarchist, Philosopher and Activist, whose thoughts were mainly influenced by stoicism.
SHAW GEORGE BERNARD: (1856-1950) Irish Playwright, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1925. A good A.N., unsigned, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. (c.1929/30?). At the head of the page appears a series of typed questions submitted to Shaw, in full, 'Would you say that Remarque's book “All Quiet on the Western Front” has helped to discourage future wars? Why or why not? Can you think of any other war book or war play to which your remarks might apply?' Shaw has responded beneath, stating, in full, 'I have not read All Quiet. If books could stop war we should not have had one for the last thousand years.' About EX Erich Maria Remarque's novel All Quiet on the Western Front, describing the German soldiers' extreme physical and mental stress during World War I, and the detachment from civilian life felt by many of these soldiers upon returning home from the front was first published in a German newspaper in November & December 1928 and in book form in January 1929.
MANN THOMAS: (1875-1955) German Novelist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1929. A.L.S., Thomas Mann, to the verso of a picture postcard of a lake and town, Zurich, 23rd September 1952, to Fritz Bondy, in German. Mann writes, in full, 'On this picture postcard of Lake Wolfgang I am sending you very many thanks for your most amusing book of anecdotes'. A letter of good association. One light, minor stain, just affecting the first word of text, otherwise VG Fritz Bondy (1888-1980) Austrian-Swiss Translator, Columnist and Anecdotal Collector who wrote under the pseudonym N. O. Scarpi.
SARTRE JEAN-PAUL: (1905-1980) French Philosopher, Playwright & Novelist, awarded (but refused) the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964. A.N.S., J Sartre, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. (1976/77), in French. Sartre writes, in full, 'Lotta Continua is going to be banned: it is the freedom of the revolutionary press which is once more at stake. I extend a call to Italian writers to gain control of the newspaper individually or jointly'. VG Lotta Continua ('Continuous Struggle') was a far left extra-parliamentary organisation founded in Italy in 1969. The first issue of Lotta Continua's eponymous newspaper was published in the November of that year. In 1977 Sartre gave an interview to the paper on the occasion of a far left rally in Bologna in which he declared 'Je ne suis plus Marxiste'. It was around this time that the newspaper disbanded. Jean-Paul Sartre was one of the key figures in the philosophy of existentialism and phenomenology and a leading figure in 20th century French philosophy and Marxism.
BECKETT SAMUEL: (1906-1989) Irish Dramatist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1969. A.L.S., with his initials S. B., on one side of a correspondence card, Paris, 20th July 1967, to Jean Demelier, in French. Beckett writes in his typically hurried script, at times illegible, and discusses various upcoming travel arrangements and makes a proposal to Demelier of the purchase of a return Air France plane ticket from Paris to London as well as a cheque for £100 drawn on a London bank. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Beckett. About EX Jean Demelier (1940- ) French poet, writer & artist whose first novel, Le Reve de Job, was published by Gallimard in 1971.
PAMUK ORHAN & ECO UMBERTO: Ferit Orhan Pamuk (1952- ) Turkish Novelist. Nobel Prize in Literature, 2006, being the first Turkish Nobel laureate. His works have been translated into 63 languages. A fine colour signed 8 x 10 photograph, the image showing Pamuk standing in a three-quarter length pose, & Umberto Eco (1932-2016) Italian Novelist. Signed colour 5 x 7 photograph of Eco in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in bold blue ink with his name alone to the upper right clear border. EX, 2
ROOSEVELT THEODORE: (1858-1919) American President 1901-09. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1906. A good L.S., Theodore Roosevelt, as President, two pages, folio, Washington, 6th December 1905, to [Tomas Estrada Palma] the President of the Republic of Cuba. Roosevelt announces 'I have made choice of Edwin V. Morgan, one of our distinguished citizens, to reside near the Government of Your Excellency in the quality of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America' and continues 'He is well informed of the relative interests of the two countries and of our sincere desire to cultivate to the fullest extent the friendship which has so long subsisted between us. My knowledge of his high character and ability gives me entire confidence that he will constantly endeavour to advance the interest and prosperity of both Governments and so render himself acceptable to Your Excellency. I therefore request Your Excellency to receive him favorably and to give full credence to what he shall say on the part of the United States and to the assurances which I have charged him to convey to you of the best wishes of this Government for the prosperity of Cuba'. Countersigned by Elihu Root (1845-1937) American Lawyer & Statesman, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1912. Very slightly irregularly trimmed to the upper edge, one neat tear to the right edge of the central fold, several large reddish stains to the blank lower half of the second page, and with some other light overall staining and age wear, about G Tomas Estrada Palma (1832-1908) Cuban politician who served as the first President of Cuba 1902-06. Edwin Vernon Morgan (1865-1934) American diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to Brazil 1912-33 and also as Minister to Portugal (1911-12), Paraguay (1910-11), Uruguay (1910-11), Cuba (1906-10) and Korea (1905).Theodore Roosevelt had led the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War of 1898 and gained fame for his role in the capture of Kettle Hill in Cuba in July 1898. In 1906, following a disputed election, an insurrection ensued in Cuba. The first President, Palma, faced an armed revolt by independence war veterans who defeated the meagre government forces. The United States intervened by occupying Cuba and named Charles Edward Magoon as Governor for three years.
TERESA MOTHER: (1910-1997) Albanian Roman Catholic Nun, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1979. Signed First Day Cover by Mother Teresa featuring four different images of the nun as well as a postage stamp and cancellation with her image. Post marked at Bombay, 27th August 1980. Signed ('God bless you, M Teresa MC') in blue ink to a clear area of the cover. About EX
Becquerel’s notes and scientific diagrams on Radioactivity BECQUEREL HENRI: (1852-1908) French physicist, the first person to discover evidence of radioactivity. Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1903. A good set of manuscript notes, scientific calculations and diagrams prepared by Becquerel, unsigned, two pages, oblong 4to, n.p., n.d., in French. The notes, presumably prepared by the physicist for a lecture, are headed Radioactivity, and form an extensive list of prompts, in part, 'Historical. 1st Observation 1896. 1st proof. Medal. Discharge of electrified bodies. Experiment on phosphorescent sulphides. General for uranium salts. Atomic property. Role of the air. Laws of loss. Exp. by Kelvin, Beattie and de Smolan, 1897. Rutherford 1899. Ionization. Saturation current, 1898. Thorium. M. Schmidt and M. Curie. Work of M. and Mme. Curie. Polonium. Radium. Debierne. Actinium. Radium spectrum. Magnetic deviation experiences. Giesel, Meyer and Schveider. H. B. Cliches. Concentration. Deviable and non-deviable rays'. To the foot of the first page appear various scientific calculations and in the left column of each page Becquerel has added eleven small pen sketches illustrating the deviations of Polonium. An interesting and rare scientific manuscript on the subject for which Becquerel is most famous, and in which he acknowledges the contributions made by his colleagues including Pierre and Marie Curie, Ernest Rutherford etc. VG
LAUE MAX VON: (1879-1960) German Physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1914. T.L.S., M. v. Laue, one page, 4to (folding air mail stationery), Berlin, 30th December 1952, to Helene Hertz, in German. Laue states that his correspondent's letter has just arrived and remarks 'I will write to the New York consulate as soon as possible, today I first asked the Gottingen facility about some data, i.e. that of the habitation, the appointment as an extra-curricular professor etc. As soon as I have an answer, I'll take care of it.' Some light creasing and very minor age wear, VG Helene Hertz (1891-1971) German-born American wife of Paul Hertz (1881-1940) German physicist, a professor at Gottingen and an important representative of the philosophy of science.
EINSTEIN ALBERT: (1879-1955) German-born Theoretical Physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1921. A fine A.L.S., `Papa´, one page, 4to, 22nd December 1929, to his son Eduard, in German. Einstein sends a warm letter to his son, stating `Dear Tetel! I hear that you feel sick. Anyway, come to me and we will talk about this. We will find the right solution. It might be that the manifoldness of the medicinal diet isn't as [good] for your stomach as it is for mine. Anyhow, do not take this so seriously, as one can easily do so as long as he is young. Answer to me promptly and receive the warm hug of your Papa´ Beneath the signature Einstein adds a post-scriptum stating `I write short because I hope to see you soon. Greetings to Mom.´ VG Eduard Einstein (1910-1965) Known as "Tete" ("little one"), was Albert Einstein´s third and last child and his second son. Eduard was a good student and started to study medicine to become a psychiatrist, as a Sigmund Freud enthusiast he was, but by the age of twenty he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was institutionalized two years later for the first of several times. Biographers have speculated that the drugs and "cures" of the time, including electroconvulsive therapy damaged rather than aided the young Einstein. Albert Einstein emigrated to the United States from Germany in 1933 after the rise of the Nazi German government and never saw his son again. Eduard died Eduard lived most of his last twenty years life at a psychiatric clinic in Zurich, where he died.
CHADWICK JAMES: (1891-1974) English Physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1935, in recognition of his discovery of the neutron. Chadwick was head of the British team who worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II. A good and lengthy A.L.S., James Chadwick, four pages, 4to, Cambridge, 13th November 1969, on is printed stationery, to Leslie R. Groves Jr. Chadwick informs Groves on Mrs Gowing visit, stating in part `We had a visit from Mrs Gowing a few days ago. She came to collect a draft of her account of the first few years after the war - an enormous volume of material…It depressed me to read about it. Mrs Gowing hopes to have a draft of her second volume completed by Easter. This will then have to be submitted to some high authorities who may, and probably will, demand that some references to political discussions should be cut out…Provided that she has sufficient time and energy to digest all the material she has collected, I believe that the second volume will be quite interesting.´ Chadwick further refers to a Canadian nuclear work, saying `I read about half of "Canada´s Nuclear Story" and then gave up. I found two quotations from notes by John Cockcroft, one is quite untrue, the second gives a false implication. And now recently, in reading Mrs. Gowing´s draft…I found references to at least two complaints of the Canadian team about which I never heard. If these complaints were valid they should have been made to me and to you.´ And referring to the Canadian nuclear team, Chadwick concludes `They do not seem to have realized how fortunate they were.´ Folded, with very small, minor creasing, otherwise VG Leslie Groves (1896-1970) United States Army Corps of Engineers Lieutenant General. Groves oversaw the construction of the Pentagon and directed the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb during WWII.Margaret Gowing (1921-1998) English Historian who helped to produce several volumes of the officially sponsored history of WWII. Known for her books commissioned by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, about the early history of Britain´s atomic weapons program. When she asked Chadwick what he intended to do with the wooden filing cabinets in his attic, and he replied "Burn them", she helped to establish the Centre for Scientific archives in 1972 to house such resources.Wilfrid Eggleston published in 1965 "Canada´s Nuclear Story".John Cockcroft (1897-1967) British Physicist. Director of the first Canadian nuclear laboratory in 1944. Cockcroft won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1951 for splitting the atomic nucleus in 1932 at Cambridge.
PRELOG VLADIMIR: (1906-1998) Croatian-Swiss Organic Chemist, Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, 1975. Autograph Manuscript Signed, V. Prelog, two pages (feint squared graph paper), Copenhagen, 15th March 1972. Evidently originally part of a larger working scientific manuscript (with various corrections), perhaps for an essay or lecture, the text states, in part, 'Enantiomers differ only by the sign of their optical activity, whereas diastereoisomers, which can be optically active or inactive, differ also in other scalar properties…..All practically encountered cases of stereoisomerism could be interpreted by stereomodels, but the world of stereomodels itself has never been analyzed adequately. One of the reasons for that was the terrifying multiplicity of isomers and stereoisomers. Several times in the history of chemistry attempts have been made to find general algorithms…..The most famous contributions to mathematics are: the development of the theory of graphs called trees by Cayley, general enumeration theory by Polya, and recently the application of a neglected concept of group theory…..' Signed and dated by Prelog at the head of the first page. VG
HILL A. V.: (1886-1977) British physiologist, one of the founders of the diverse disciplines of biophysics and operations research. Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine, 1922. T.L.S., A. V. Hill, one page, 4to, Burlington House, London, 15th May 1942, to the Organising Secretary of the British Soviet Alliance Anniversary, on the printed stationery of The Royal Society. Hill thanks his correspondent for their letter and remarks 'I regard sound Anglo-Soviet relations as of very great importance both now and for the future and I welcome the fact that the first anniversary of the military alliance between Britain and the Soviet Union is to be celebrated appropriately' although continues 'I gather, however, from the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, that the word 'sponsor' means either one who answers for an infant at its baptism or one who enters into an engagement on behalf of another. It would be misleading to allow my name to appear in a list of names in either of these capacities'. A letter of good content dating from World War II. With a received rubber stamp (dated 16th May 1942) to the lower right corner and a few small pinholes to the upper left corner, none affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG
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