There are 534325 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribeWELLES ORSON: (1915-1985) American actor and film director, Academy Award winner. A good vintage signed and inscribed sepia 8 x 10 photograph of Welles seated in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in dark fountain pen ink to the image, the inscription across a darker area and the signature to a light area. Some light, minimal surface and corner creasing and a few minor traces of former mounting to the verso, about VG
COPPEE FRANCOIS: (1842-1908) French poet and novelist. A.N., unsigned, to the recto of his personal printed oblong 12mo Visiting Card, featuring his printed name to the centre and address at Rue Oudinot to the base, n.p. (Paris?), 12th May n.y., to a friend, in French. Coppee writes, in full, ‘Donne donc s'il tu plait my exemplaire de l'Exilee a mon ami Diemer’ (Translation: ‘So please give my copy of L’Exilee to my friend Diemer’). Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VGCoppee’s volume of poetry L’Exilee was published in 1876.
BOWLLY AL: (1898-1941) South African-British vocalist and jazz guitarist. Vintage signed and inscribed 3 x 4 photograph of Bowlly standing in a half-length pose as he sings into a microphone. Signed in bold blue fountain pen ink to a largely light area of the image. Autographs of Bowlly are scarce as a result of his tragic death at the age of 43 when a Luftwaffe parachute mine exploded and killed him at his London flat. Neatly trimmed, otherwise VG
WOOD RONNIE: (1947- ) English rock musician, a member of the Rolling Stones since 1975. Signed colour 8 x 12 photograph of Wood in a head and shoulders pose playing his guitar. Signed in blue ink with his name alone to the image. A couple of light, minor surface and corner creases, otherwise VG
MENUHIN YEHUDI: (1916-1999) American-born violinist and conductor. A printed 4to British Airways first class service menu for a flight from Baghdad to London via Amman, signed and inscribed by Menuhin in blue ink to the title page, ‘To Malcolm, All best wishes and many thanks for our excellent flight, Yehudi Menuhin’, and dated 17th October 1986 in his hand. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
DAGUERRE LOUIS: (1787-1851) French photographer and artist, inventor of the daguerreotype process of photography. A rare A.L.S., Daguerre, one page, 8vo, Paris, 11th February 1828, to a Count, on the printed stationery of the Diorama, in French. Daguerre sends his correspondent a letter confirming the details which he had provided previously and comments 'De votre reponse dependra le succes etant dans l'intention de la presenter a S.A.R. Madame la Dauphine' (Translation: 'Your answer will depend on the success, with the intention of presenting it to H.R.H. Madame la Dauphine'). With blank integral leaf, some light age toning and a few small holes to the lower edge, not affecting the text or signature. About VG
RUSSELL JANE: (1921-2011) American actress and sex symbol. A good vintage signed 8 x 10 photograph of Russell wearing an elegant long black dress as she strikes a full-length dance pose. Signed in bold green fountain pen ink with her name alone to a clear area of the background. A couple of very light, minor surface and corner creases, otherwise VG
TWAIN MARK: (1835-1910) Samuel Langhorne Clemens. American writer and humourist. A fine vintage signed sepia postcard photograph of Twain, the engaging image depicting the writer seated outdoors in a three-quarter length pose in a cane chair and with a white hat upon his head. An open book rests in his lap. Signed (‘Mark Twain’) with his name alone in dark fountain pen ink to a light area of the background. VG
THE TWELVE TASKS OF ASTERIX: An original brown ink concept drawing by animator Harold Whitaker, unsigned, on a 15 x 5 sheet of drawing paper, n.p., n.d. (mid-1970s). The drawings were created for the animated feature film The Twelve Tasks of Asterix (1976), and show a series of images depicting a large strongman going through the process of lifting a barbell. Together with a second, smaller drawing intended as an overlay to the final image in the larger series, being a more accomplished image of the strongman having successfully raised the barbell to his chest. A few light, minor tape stains, otherwise VG Harold Whitaker (1920-2013) British animator whose credits include Animal Farm (1954). The Twelve Tales of Asterix (1976) was the third animated feature film in the Asterix franchise and the only film to be based on an original screenplay. Today it is considered a cult classic.
PASTEUR LOUIS: (1822-1895) French chemist and microbiologist, renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination and pasteurisation. A good A.L.S., L. Pasteur, one page, 4to, Paris, 30th December 1873, to Roger Charles de Larcy, in French. Following the fall of the second Empire, Pasteur writes concerning an award that had been promised to him by Napoleon III, explaining ‘Le 19 juillet 1869, au palais de St Cloud, au conseil des Ministres, l'Empereur proposa qu'une recompense nationale me fit decernee en reconnaissance des services que j'avais rendus a la Science et a l'Industrie. La guerre et ses funestes consequences arreterent l'execution de ce projet’ (Translation: ‘On 19th July 1869, at the Palace of St Cloud, at the Council of Ministers, the Emperor proposed that a national award be awarded to me in recognition of the services I had rendered to Science and Industry. The war and its disastrous consequences stopped the execution of this project’) and continuing to add ‘Toutefois, je dois rappeler que j'etais compris sur la liste des senateurs nommes le 27 juillet 1870. M. Thiers, au moment ou il a quitte le pouvoir, etait a la veille de realiser la pensee de l'Empereur. M de Fourtou, ministre de l'Instruction Publique, a bien voulu m'assurer de l'attention qu'il mettrait a etudier cette affaire. J'ai l'honneur de vous prier, Monsieur le Ministre, de vouloir bien vous y interesser vous-meme’ (Translation: ‘However, I must recall that I was included on the list of senators appointed on 27th July 1870. Monsieur Thiers, when he left power, was on the eve of realising the Emperor’s idea. Monsieur de Fourtou, Minister of Public Education, was kind enough to assure me of the attention he would put into studying this matter. I have the honour to request you, Minister, to kindly take an interest in it yourself’). With blank integral leaf. A letter of interesting content. Some very light, minimal age wear, VGPasteur and Napoleon III held each other in mutual respect, the chemist with a hint of courtesy towards the Emperor, who embraced an undeniable scientific curiosity. In 1869 Pasteur had learned that Napoleon III had appointed him a senator for life in recognition of services rendered to science. Approved on 27th July 1870, the flattering title was not bestowed on Pasteur as the decree planned for 15th August was not published in the official journal. On the fall of the Empire, Pasteur observed ‘I am broken by pain, all my illusions have vanished. Despite the vain and stupid clamours of the street and all the cowardly failures of recent times, the Emperor can confidently await judgement of his posterity. His reign will remain as one of the most glorious in our history’. Pasteur was awarded with numerous honorary distinctions during his lifetime including the Rumford Medal (1856) and the Copley Medal (1874) and was elected to the Academie Nationale de Medicine in 1873. The chemist was also made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1853, promoted to Officer ten years later, to Commander in 1868, to Grand Officer in 1878 and made a Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour in 1881.
EDWARD VII: (1841-1910) King of the United Kingdom 1901-10. D.S., Edward R, as King, at the head, one page, folio, Sandringham, 22nd June 1901. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is addressed to Major Richard Makdougall Brisbane Francis Kelly and appoints him to ‘be a Member of Our Distinguished Service Order’, further authorising him to ‘Have, Hold and Enjoy the said Dignity as a Member of Our said Order, together with all and singular the Privileges thereunto belonging or appertaining’. Countersigned at the foot by St John Brodrick (1856-1942) 1st Earl of Midleton, Secretary of State for War 1900-03 and Secretary of State for India 1903-05. With blind embossed blue paper seal affixed. Some light age wear and minor creasing and with a couple of small, neat tears to the upper edge. About VGBrigadier General Richard Makdougall Brisbane Francis Kelly (1857-1915) served throughout the South African War 1899-1902, was appointed Chief Instructor at the School of Gunnery (1904-08) and lost his life serving with the Royal Artillery during World War I. The present document was signed by King Edward VII exactly five months to the day after his reign began.
AUGEREAU CHARLES PIERRE FRANÇOIS: (1757-1816) Marshal of France, Duc de Castiglione. L.S., `Augereau – Duc de Castiglione´, a large and bold ink signature, one page, folio, Villefranche headquarters, 18th March 1814, to Chief of Battalion Pinchinat, in French. Augereau, in his capacity as Marshal of the Empire and Chief Commandant of the Lyon army appoints Pinchinat as Commandant of the Villefranche headquarters, stating in part `En vertu des pouvoirs qui nous sont donnés par sa Majesté l´Empereur & Roi, et sur le compte avantageux qui nous a été rendu des talents, de la bonne conduit et de la bravoure de Mr. Pinchinat, Chef de Bataillon, l´avons nommé et le nommons provisoirement et sauf l´approbation definitive de S.E. Le Ministre de la guerre, Commandant du quartier Général de l´armée…´ (Translation: “By virtue of the powers given to us by His Majesty the Emperor & King, and on the advantageous account given to us of the talents, good conduct and bravery of Mr. Pinchinat, Battalion Commander, we have appointed and we appoint him provisionally and subject to the final approval of H.E. The Minister of War, Commander of the General Headquarters of the army…”) Paper with circular watermark. Overall light foxing and minor age wear, with a very small tear to the fold of the left edge. G
ALLEN WOODY: (1935- ) American film director, actor and comedian, Academy Award winner. Signed 7.5 x 9.5 photograph of Allen seated at his desk in a contemplative half-length pose, in costume as Howard Prince, as he re-writes a script on the typewriter before him, in a scene from the drama film The Front (1976). Signed by Allen in black ink with his name alone to a light area of the image. One very slight, minor corner crease, otherwise VG
ANDRUSZKOW TADEUSZ: (1920-1940) Polish fighter pilot of 303 Squadron during World War II who participated in the Battle of Britain. Portion of a D.S., Andruszkow Tadeusz, Sgt., one page, oblong 8vo, n.p. (RAF Northolt), n.d. (August/September 1940). The document was signed by Andruszkow whilst serving with 303 Squadron and originally formed part of a Combat Report, the three lines of typed text stating ‘While returning to Northolt flying as Red 2 with Sgt. Woscieshowski we saw a DO 215 lower and to our right. We both attacked, and watched him fall in flames to the ground’. Autographs of Andruszkow are extremely rare in any form as a result of him being killed in action during the Battle of Britain at the tragically young age of 19. One small tear to the right edge and a couple of light creases, otherwise VG
HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1934-45. An unusual D.S., Adolf Hitler, one page, small 4to, Berlin, 18th October 1935, in German. The document states, ‘I grant the SS-Sturm 1 of the SS-Standarte 1, Munich, the authorisation to be named the “SS-Storm 1 Karl Ostberg” in memory of the SS-Standartenfuhrer Karl Ostberg, who was seriously wounded by Communists in 1930 and died of his injuries on 29th May 1935’. Signed by Hitler at the foot of the document and countersigned (‘HH’) in small letters in green indelible pencil at the conclusion of the text by Heinrich Himmler (1900-1945) Nazi German Politician, Reichsfuhrer of the Schutzstaffel (SS) 1929-45. Some very light, minimal creasing and two neat tears to the left and right edges of the central fold (one repaired with tape to the verso), not affecting the text or signatures, G Karl Ostberg (1890-1935) German SS-Standartenfuhrer and policeman who had first met Adolf Hitler during World War I when both men were deployed as dispatchers, Ostberg with the 1st Company of the Royal Bavarian 16th Reserve Infantry Regiment ‘List’. Ostberg participated in the Beer Hall Putsch in November 1923 and later became a leading figure within the SS in Munich.
CHERNYSHYOV ALEXANDER: (1786-1857) Russian Prince, military leader, diplomat and statesman whose career began in the Napoleonic Wars. A.L.S., A. Czernicheff, two pages, 4to, Vienna, 19th April n.y., to [Paul Ludwig] Baron de Krudener, in French. Chernyshyov states that he was touched by his correspondent’s proof of friendship, and that he remembers with infinite pleasure the intimate relations which exist between them, continuing to write ‘N'ayant ete prevenu du depart de mon aide de camp qu'au moment de son expedition et etant mande par l'Empereur je na'i que le temps de vous remercier pour les interessantes nouvelles que vous n'avez donne. Vous voila place a merveille et pour ainsi dire en vedette pour nous eclairer et nous prevenir de l'etat des choses en France, les journaux Francais ayant en quelque sorte repris leur ancien role….. En attendant que nos Freres d'armes puissent arriver sur le Rhin ce qui ne manquera pas d'arriver sous peu et que les 7 a 9 cents mille hommes qui sout en marche de toutes part…. c'est a sous messieurs a bien faire les eclaireurs. Quant a vous mon cher ami, il n'y qu'une voix c'est un concert d'eloges et de louanges continuez seulement et tout ce qui vous est du ne pourra vous echapper, vous avez trop de merite et etes reste trop longtemps en subalterne pour ne pas en etre recompense vous que l'opinion de l'Empereur sur votre compte vous en est un sur garant’ (Translation: ‘Having only been informed of the departure of my aide-de-camp at the time of his expedition and being summoned by the Emperor, I only have time to thank you for the interesting news you provided. You are in a wonderful place and, so to speak, in the spotlight to enlighten us and warn us of the state of things in France, the French newspapers having in some way resumed their former role……While waiting for our Brothers in Arms to arrive on the Rhine, which will undoubtedly happen shortly, and for the 7 to 9 hundred thousand men marching on all sides……It is up to gentlemen to do well as scouts. As for you, my dear friend, there is only one voice, it is a concert of praise and praise, just continue and all that is owed to you will not be able to escape you, you have too much merit and have stayed too long as a subordinate so as not to be rewarded for it, you know that the opinion of the Emperor on your account is a surety for you’). With integral address leaf bearing a good red wax seal (small area of paper loss where originally broken, repaired to a good standard). Some light age wear, about VG Paul Ludwig von Krudener (1784-1858) Baltic German Russian diplomat, son of the writer and mystic Barbara von Krudener. Paul von Krudener was appointed charge d’affaires and embassy secretary to Paris in 1804 and was arrested by Napoleon in Strasbourg in 1812 on suspicion of conspiracy. He later served as the fourth Russian Ambassador to the United States (1827-37).
GEMINI IX-A: Vintage signed and inscribed 10 x 8 photograph by both crew members of the 1966 Gemini IX-A spaceflight, comprising Tom Stafford (Command Pilot) and Gene Cernan (Pilot; later the eleventh man to walk on the Moon with the Apollo XVII mission), the image depicting the two astronauts in head and shoulders poses within their spacecraft during a countdown rehearsal at Cape Kennedy. Photograph by United Press International Inc. of New York and bearing their credit stamp to the verso. Signed by Stafford in black ink with his name alone to the image and signed and inscribed by Cernan in black ink, largely across a darker area of the image although reasonably legible. A couple of very light, extremely minor corner creases, VG
LANG FRITZ: (1890-1976) Austrian film director. A good vintage signed sepia postcard photograph of Lang in a head and shoulders pose wearing a monocle and with a lit cigarette in one raised hand. Signed in fountain pen ink with his name alone to a light area of the image. Some slight traces of former mounting to the verso, otherwise VG
SENNETT MACK: (1880-1960) Canadian-American film director, producer, actor and studio head, known as the 'King of Comedy'. Book signed and inscribed, being a hardback edition of Father Goose - The Story of Mack Sennett by Gene Fowler, First Edition published by Covici Friede, New York, 1934. Signed by Sennett to the recto of the frontispiece portrait in bold black ink, 'For Ric Carpenter, Best wishes, Mack Sennett (Keep Laughing)'. Bound in the publisher's original green cloth and with gold title to the cover and spine (faded). Some light overall age wear, about VG
[HUGO VICTOR]: (1802-1885) French novelist, poet and dramatist. DROUET JULIETTE (1806-1883) French actress, the mistress, secretary and travelling companion of Victor Hugo. A.L.S., Juliette, four pages, 8vo, n.p. (Paris), 14th October n.y. (‘dimanche soir minuit’; 1849) to [Victor Hugo], in French. Drouet writes a charming letter to her lover, in part, ‘C'est encore moi et mes petits papiers. D'abord je suis terrible et je ne vous ferai pas grace d'une seule patte de mouche tant que les miennes, de pattes, ne me refuseront pas le service. Mais tranquillise-toi cependant mon cher adore car cela touche a sa fin pour ce soir.......parce qu'il est tard et que je veux absolument aller a St Mande demain ainsi que nous en sommes convenus ce soir. Je serais la plus malheureuse des femmes si je ne pouvais pas porter cet argent a M. le Cure demain. Cette dette pese sur moi presque comme une honte aussi j'ai hate de m'en liberer le plus tot possible, non que M. le Cure ne soit pas le meilleur et le plus discret des hommes mais il y a de certaines dettes qui engagent plus que l'honneur et celle-ci est du nombre. Aussi grace a toi je vais pouvoir l'acquitter demain. Merci mon bien aime, merci de m'avoir assure ce dernier asile. Je te benis et je t'aime du fond de mon coeur reconnaissant’ (Translation: ‘It’s still me and my little papers. First of all, I’m terrible and I won’t spare you a single fly’s paw until my paws refuse me service. But don’t worry, however, my dear love, because it’s coming to an end tonight…….because it’s late and I absolutely want to go to St Mande tomorrow as we agreed to do this evening. I should be the most unhappy of women if I could not take this money to Mr. Le Cure tomorrow. This debt weighs on me almost like a shame, so I can’t wait to get rid of it as soon as possible, not that Mr. Le Cure isn’t the best and most discreet of men, but there are certain debts that commit more than honour and this is one of them. Also thanks to you I will be able to pay it tomorrow. Thank you, my beloved, thank you for having assured me of this last asylum. I bless you and I love you from the bottom of my grateful heart’). Some very light, minor age wear, a few stains and with very slightly irregular edges, otherwise VG
LOUIS XVI: (1754-1793) King of France and Navarre 1774-1791, King of the French 1791-92. The only King of France to have been executed. An 8vo hardback edition of the Defense de Louis, Prononcee a la Barre de la Convention Nationale, Le Mercredi 26 Decembre 1792…..Par le Citoyen Deseze…. ('The Defence of Louis XVI as Delivered at the Bar of the National Convention, Wednesday, 26th December 1792…..by Citizen Deseze….'), L'Imprimerie Nationale, by order of the Convention, Paris, 1792. With several pages of engravings and autograph letters etc. tipped into the binding following the front free endpapers including King Louis XVI fragment of an autograph note, unsigned, one page, 12mo, n.p., n.d., in French, being an order for a number of gold locks to be made for several chests, in part, '2 in the private cabinet, 1 between the black cabinet and the corridor to the dining room, 1 between the black cabinet and the jewellery cabinet, 1 between the jewellery cabinet and the private cabinet, 1 between the jewellery cabinet and the library…..there are only three copies, there still must be some in Paris'; Raymond Deseze (1750-1828) French Advocate who defended King Louis XVI when brought before the Convention for trial. A.L.S., Deseze, three pages, 8vo, Brevannes, n.d. ('Le lundi matin'), thanking his correspondent for the information supplied to him and remarking that he 'was right in thinking that I did not read a consultation….I don't even remember very well the evidence I could have had under my eyes and the way I made use of it', further referring to a lawyer in Brussels and a report which should be sent by courier; Francois Denis Tronchet (1726-1806) French Jurist who, alongside Deseze and Malesherbes, defended King Louis XVI when brought before the Convention for trial. A.L., unsigned, in the third person (his name Le Senateur TRONCHET printed at the beginning of the text), one page, small 8vo, Paris, 19 Vendimiaire year 12 of the Republic, to Monsieur Du Poirier, seeking a meeting with his correspondent regarding an urgent matter and suggesting 6pm and, if possible, dinner with his friend. With integral address leaf in Tronchet's hand (small area of paper loss to one corner caused by the original breaking of the seal); Guillaume-Chretien de Lamoignon de Malesherbes (1721-1794) French Statesman and Minister who, alongside Deseze and Tronchet, defended King Louis XVI when brought before the Convention for trial. A.L., unsigned, one page, 8vo, (place indecipherable), 29th October 1775, to a gentleman, in French, forwarding a response he has received and referring to various individuals and a court case. Attractively bound in half-morocco, with raised bands to spine and small gilt stamped title, mottled boards and marbled pastedowns and endpapers. A rare, unusual grouping and presentation related to one of the most important events in French history. Some light age wear, minor foxing in places and a few light stains to some pages, G
STRAVINSKY IGOR: (1882-1971) Russian composer and conductor. A.L.S., I Stravinsky, in Cyrillic, to the recto of his personal printed small oblong 12mo Visiting Card, featuring his printed name (‘Igor Strawinsky’) to the centre, Voreppe, 18th June 1932, to an unidentified correspondent, in Cyrillic. The composer briefly thanks the recipient of the card very much for their remembrances. Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VG
WALLER THOMAS ‘FATS’: (1904-1943) American jazz pianist. D.S., Thomas Waller, in pencil, one page, oblong 12mo, Washington D.C., 2nd September 1934. The partially printed document, completed entirely in Waller’s hand, is an I.O.U. issued by the Lincoln Theatre for $10 in which Waller agrees that ‘the above-mentioned amount is owed to the Lincoln Theatre and that the same may be deducted from my week’s salary’. Some minor age wear and one light stain to the base, only just affecting a few letters of the signature, G
PUCCINI GIACOMO: (1858-1924) Italian composer. A highly unusual, large vintage signed and inscribed 13 x 11.5 photograph, the image depicting the maestro lying on a bed, the upper part of his face just visible above the covers, as he returns aboard a motor boat to Torre del Lago the day after his near fatal automobile crash on 25th February 1903. At his side his future wife, Elvira, can be seen seated in a full-length pose and they are accompanied by five other men including Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica. Signed to a light area at the base of the image, ‘quasi sesse mensi dopo e ancora invalido, G Puccini’ (Translation: ‘almost six months later and still disabled, G Puccini’) and with an inscription, place and date, Torre del Lago, 16th September 1903, in his hand to the lower photographer’s mount. A rare signed image of the composer. Some scuffing and staining to the image, affecting the signature (which remains legible) and with extensive small chips to the edges. About GGiuseppe Giacosa (1847-1906) Italian poet, playwright and librettist who wrote the librettos used by Puccini for La boheme, Tosca and Madama Butterfly in conjunction with Luigi Illica.Luigi Illica (1857-1919) Italian librettist who wrote for Puccini and a number of other composers including Pietro Mascagni and Umberto Giordano. On the night of 23rd February 1903 Puccini, his future wife Elvira and their son Antonio, were being driven from Lucca by their chauffeur after having dined at the home of his friend Alfredo Casselli. It was a wintery, foggy night and about four miles into the journey, in the vicinity of the village of Vignola, the DeDion-Bouton car skidded on a sharp bend, rolled over the embankment, crashed into a field some fifteen yards below and overturned. Elvira and Antonio escaped with minor injuries, whilst the chauffeur, who was flung from the car, sustained a fractured thigh. Puccini could not be found at first, until he was discovered lying under the overturned car, unconscious and nearly asphyxiated by the escaping petrol fumes. Fortunately, a doctor, Dr. Sbragia, who lived close to the scene of the accident, and had heard the crash, hastened to the scene and had Puccini carried to his house. There he diagnosed a fracture of the right shin. The next morning the composer was transported back to Torre del Lago by motorboat, where the fracture was immediately set, yet so badly that after a time it was necessary to break the bone again and reset it, which left Puccini with a permanent limp. All of this occurred at the time Puccini was composing Madama Butterfly and, with his convalescence lasting eight months, the completion of the opera was greatly delayed.
GEORGE IV: (1762-1830) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover 1820-30. Autograph address panel signed (with his initials ‘G.R.’), one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., n.d., addressed in his hand to the Lord Chancellor and marked ‘Private’ at the head. With a similar panel to the verso signed by John Scott (1751-1838) 1st Earl of Eldon, British barrister and politician who served as Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain 1801-06, 1807-27. Eldon has addressed the panel to the King and further added an annotation in respect to the original contents, ‘Commission for passing Bills on Wednesday’. Some light staining and a few minor traces of former mounting, otherwise about VG
THOMSON GEORGE: (1757-1851) Scottish music publisher and a noted collector of the music of Scotland. A folio bound volume of A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice, edited by George Thomson, Volume I only, published by Preston, London, 1817, as a ‘new and improved edition’ featuring ‘Introductory & Concluding Symphonies & Accompaniments for the Piano Forte, Violin & Violoncello by Pleyel, Kozeluch & Haydn, with Select & Characteristic Verses both Scottish and English adapted to the Airs including upwards of One Hundred New Songs by Burns’, pages 1-50 of paralleled text and music, and also including a preface, index to the poetry, and index to the airs, as well as an engraved frontispiece entitled The Birks of Invermay. Signed (‘Go. Thomson’) by Thomson in dark ink to the foot of the title page. Bound in the original stiff paper covers (strengthened with thick tape to the edges and spine). Some overall age wear and light foxing throughout. About G
VICTORIA: (1819-1901) Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 1837-1901. Autograph envelope signed, with a truncated form of her signature (‘The Q[ueen]’), the black bordered mourning envelope addressed in the Queen’s hand to Sir Henry Ponsonby G. C. B. With a black VRI monogram and crown to the verso. Together with Henry Ponsonby (1825-1895) British Major-General and court official who served as Queen Victoria’s private secretary 1870-95. A.L.S., Henry F. Ponsonby, one page, 8vo, Windsor Castle, 26th June 1894, to Rev. W. Graves. Ponsonby writes, in full, ‘I have given your address to the Secretary of State who will lay it before the Queen’. Some light staining and age wear to the letter, G to VG, 2
MOORE ROGER: (1927-2017) English actor, famous for his portrayal of the fictional British secret agent James Bond in seven films from 1973-85. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of the suave Moore in a head and shoulders pose in costume as James Bond. Signed in bold black ink with his name alone to a light area of the image. About EX
PORTMAN NATALIE: (1981- ) Israeli-born American actress. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph of Portman in a head and shoulders pose in costume as Anne Ayres/Jane Jones form the romantic drama film Closer (2004). Signed by the actress in bold black ink with her name alone, largely to a clearer area. It was for her performance in this film that Portman was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. A couple of very light, extremely minor corner creases, otherwise VG
SANTOS-DUMONT ALBERTO: (1873-1932) Brazilian pioneer aviator. An excellent, bold dark fountain pen ink signature ('A. Santos=Dumont') and date, 3rd February 1911, in his hand on a small 4to page removed from an autograph album. Neatly affixed immediately above the signature is a fine original 5 x 3.5 photograph of the Santos-Dumont Demoiselle aircraft in flight over a tree-lined field. A few very light, minor stains, not affecting the signature or photograph. About VG The Santos-Dumont Demoiselle, which consolidated the Brazilian's role in the birth of aviation in the 20th century, was a light-weight monoplane with a wire-braced wing mounted above an open-framework fuselage built from bamboo. The pilot's seat was below the wing and between the main wheels of the undercarriage. The Demoiselle was the last aircraft built by Santos-Dumont and the French pioneer aviator Roland Garros learned to fly in the Demoiselle, later flying one at Belmont Park, New York, in 1910.
VARGAS GETULIO: (1882-1954) Brazilian politician who served as President of Brazil 1930-45, 1951-54. L.S., Getulio Vargas, two pages, folio, Presidential Palace, Rio de Janeiro, 31st May 1938, to German Busch (‘Grande e Bom Amigo’), in Portuguese. The official diplomatic letter is elegantly penned on official stationery featuring the gold printed coat of arms of Brazil at the head, and advises Busch that the ambassador Gastao Paranhos do Rio Branco is needed on another mission and will no longer be the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Bolivia, further remarking ‘I am convinced that Mr. Gastao Paranhos do Rio Branco, during his stay in your country, will have done everything possible to deserve the esteem and benevolence of Your Excellency, striving to maintain and strengthen the bonds of cordial friendship that fortunately exist between our countries’. Countersigned at the conclusion by Oswaldo Aranha (1894-1960) Brazilian politician, diplomat and statesman who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs 1938-44 and is remembered for lobbying for the creation of the State of Israel whilst President of the United Nations General Assembly in 1947 (for his efforts on Palestine, Aranha was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1948). A couple of light marks to the upper left corner of the first page, otherwise about EX German Busch (1903-1939) Bolivian statesman who served as President of Bolivia 1937-39. Gastao Paranhos do Rio Branco (1888-1961) Brazilian diplomat who was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to La Paz (1937-38), Copenhagen (1939-42), Santo Domingo (1943-46), Nanking (1946-52) and New Delhi (1947-48).
[PASTEUR LOUIS]: (1822-1895) French chemist and microbiologist, renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination and pasteurisation. A highly attractive tri-folding slim 4to (when closed) printed Menu and Concert programme for a Banquet organised as part of the great celebrations for the centenary of Pasteur’s birth by the city of Besancon, in the presence of the President of the Republic, on 27th May 1923, featuring decorative borders incorporating a medallion upon which appears a head and shoulders profile image of Pasteur. With the name of Monsieur Barbier, director of the Havas Agency, the world’s first news agency, inscribed to the cover. Together with a second folding 8vo printed menu for a banquet in honour of the centenary of Pasteur’s birth, held in Arbois on 27th May 1923 in the presence of the President of France, Alexandre Millerand. Some light creasing, a few minor stains and minimal age wear, about VG, 2
STRAVINSKY IGOR: (1882-1971) Russian composer, conductor and pianist. A good vintage signed and inscribed 5 x 7 photograph of Stravinsky standing in a half-length pose, with the poet W. H. Auden standing in the immediate background, his face partially obscured. Photograph by Erio Piccagliani for Teatro Alla Scala of Milan and bearing his credit stamp to the verso. Signed by Stravinsky in bold dark fountain pen ink to the lower white border and dated 1951 in his hand. One crease to the lower left corner and a few very light, minor surface creases, VGThe present photograph was captured at the time of the rehearsals for The Rake's Progress at La Scala in 1951. The composer is accompanied by W. H. Auden (1907-1973) who, along with Chester Kallman (1921-1975), collaborated with Stravinsky and wrote the libretto for the opera.The Rake's Progress (1951) is an opera in three acts and an epilogue and was loosely based on William Hogarth's eight paintings and engravings of the same title, created between 1733-35. The opera marks the final work of Stravinsky's neoclassical period.
MALRAUX ANDRE: (1901-1976) French novelist, the first French Minister for Cultural Affairs 1959-69. The personal printed oblong 12mo Visiting Card of Malraux, unsigned, featuring his printed name and with three lines of text in his hand beneath, in French, in the third person, ‘v[ou]s est reconnaissant de votre amicale attention, et de prie de croire a son meilleur souvenirs’ (Translation: ‘is grateful to you for your kind attention, and please believe in his best memories’). Annotated in ink in another hand to one corner and with some very light, minor age wear, VG
MANZONI ALESSANDRO: (1785-1873) Italian poet, novelist and philosopher. A fine A.L.S., Alessandro Manzoni, one page, large 4to, n.p. (Milan), 25th June 1845, to [Count Camillo Laderchi] (‘Pregiatissimo Signore’), in Italian. Manzoni writes a humble letter to his correspondent, returning the proofs of a translation of an article by Sainte-Beuve, ‘che chiamerei bellissimo, se l'indulgenza con cui ci son trattato non potesse dare a ogni mia lode l'apparenza d'un vanto’ (Translation: ‘which I would call beautiful, if the indulgence with which I treated it could not give the appearance of boasting to all my praise’) and further writing ‘Non occorre ch'io Le dica quanto questa ragion medesima renda per me imbarazzante l'esprimere un sentimento intorno alla ristampa dell'articolo. Dovro io cooperare, non in apparenza, ma col fatto, alla diffusione d'elogi che so di non meritare? O dovro essere a Lei un ostacolo, e sottrarre insieme alla cognizione di molti lettori le lodi giustissime d'un amico sempre caro e sempre pianto? Non trovo altra uscita, che di chiederle il permesso di non acconsentire, dichiarando, nello stesso tempo, che non ho alcuna intenzione d'oppormi. Che se questo puo parere un sotterfugio, non so dir altro, se non che e l'unico mezzo ch'io veda d'avvicinarmi, per quanto e possibile, al non far niente, che e l'unico buon partito’ (Translation: ‘I don’t need to tell you how embarrassing this very reason makes it for me to express a feeling about the reprinting of the article. Should I cooperate, not in appearance, but in fact, in spreading praise that I know I don’t deserve? Or should I be an obstacle to you, and at the same time remove from the knowledge of many readers the very just praises of a friend who is always dear and always mourned? I find no other way out than to ask your permission not to consent, declaring, at the same time, that I have no intention of opposing. And if this may seem like a subterfuge, I can’t say anything other than that it is the only way I can see to get as close as possible to doing nothing, which is the only good option’). With blank integral leaf. A beautifully crafted letter. Some very light, minor staining, a few spots of foxing, and with a couple of small, neat splits to the edges of folds, otherwise VGCount Camillo Laderchi (1800-1867) Italian biographer.Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve (1804-1869) French literary critic. Sainte-Beuve’s article referred to in the present letter was published under the title Alessandro Manzoni: Biographical fragment of Mr. Sainte-Beuve, translation with preface and notes by Count Camillo Laderchi in 1846.
[RODRIGO JOAQUIN]: (1901-1999) Spanish composer and pianist. T.L.S., J. Rodrigo, on the blind composer's behalf by his wife, Victoria Kamhi, one page, oblong 8vo, Madrid, 26th July 1958, to Pietro Argento, in Spanish. Rodrigo thanks his correspondent for their execution of the two Berceuses, commenting 'Precisamente ahora acabo de saber que ha sido una ejecucion magnifica y esto aumenta mi satisfaccion por haberme visto interpretado por Vd' (Translation: 'Precisely now I have just learned that it has been a magnificent performance and this increases my satisfaction for having seen myself interpreted by you') and further writing 'Recientemente he completado estas Berceuses con una de invierno y otra de verano con un breve preludio, lo que compone una pequena suite que accompana las imagenes de un film sobre las cuatro estaciones del ano' (Translation: 'I have recently completed these Berceuses with one for winter and another for summer with a brief prelude, making up a small suite that accompanies images from a film about the four seasons of the year'). A letter of good content and association. Several file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, and with some light creasing, about VGVictoria Kamhi de Rodrigo (1905-1997) Turkish pianist, the wife and assistant of Joaquin Rodrigo.Pietro Argento (1909-1994) Italian conductor.Joaquin Rodrigo composed the piano work Berceuse d'automne in 1923 and Berceuse de printemps in 1928, and both were orchestrated for Musica para un Jardin in 1957.
KHAN ALI-REZA: (1847-1910) Azod-ol-Molk. Iranian politician who acted as regent for Ahmad Shah, the last ruling member of the Qajar (Kadjar) dynasty. A rare, large vintage signed 10.5 x 14.5 photograph, the image depicting Ali-Reza Khan seated in a full-length pose wearing dark clothing and holding a cane in one hand. Photograph by Roussie-Khan and bearing his imprint to the lower mount and verso. Signed by Ali-Reza Khan in black ink to a clear area of the background. Some light overall age wear, minor staining and bumped corners of the photographer’s mount, GPhotographer Mehdi Ivanov (1875-1967) ran a portrait studio in Tehran which operated under the name Roussie-Khan. Ivanov played a significant role in promoting cinema in Iran.
SHAHIDULLAH MUHAMMAD: (1885-1969) Bengali linguist, philologist, educationist and writer. Autograph Quotation ‘Signed’, Muhammad SHAHIDULLAH, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., June 1929. The head of the page is titled Maxims of Life of the Authors of the whole world in the hand of a researcher and immediately beneath Shahidullah has penned a two-line quotation, ‘And whoever is granted wisdom, he indeed is given a great good’, which he identifies as being from chapter II, verse 269 of the Qur’an. Some very light, extremely minimal age wear to the edges, VG
SALISBURY MARQUESS OF: (1830-1903) British Prime Minister 1885-86, 1886-92 & 1895-1902 whose period in office oversaw the entire Second Boer War. A.L.S., Salisbury, two pages, 8vo, n.p., 2nd June 1867, to [George] Goschen, informing him that he has telegraphed Baring to attend a meeting. In a postscript Salisbury further adds 'Please influence the Treasury to continue to Col. Evans Smith the allowance made to Kirk while he was at Zanzibar. I cannot get a sufficiently good man for less money'. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, minor age wear, about VG George Goschen (1831-1907) 1st Viscount Goschen. British statesman who served as First Lord of the Admiralty 1871-74, 1895-1900 and as Chancellor of the Exchequer 1887-92. Sir John Kirk (1832-1922) Scottish physician, naturalist and a companion to David Livingstone who served as a British administrator in Zanzibar where he was instrumental in ending the slave trade in that country.
ZANUCK DARRYL F.: (1902-1979) American film producer and studio executive. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Zanuck standing outdoors in a three-quarter length pose, smoking a cigar, with a barren landscape in the immediate background. Signed in black ink with his name alone to the image, his surname running across a darker area. A few very light, extremely minor surface and corner creases, otherwise VG
SINATRA FRANK: (1915-1998) American actor and singer, Academy Award winner. Blue ink signature (‘Frank Sinatra’) to the verso of a 12mo printed ticket associated with multi-trips on a Monaco network on 25th September 1982. Four punch holes as issued. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
JOHNSON BYRON M.: (1920-2005) American Ensign with the United States Navy during World War II, pilot of the F6F-3 Hellcat aircraft which crashed onto the deck of the USS Enterprise on 10th November 1943 whilst enroute to attack Makin Island. The crash, from which Johnson escaped without significant injury, resulted in one of the most famous images of World War II. Signed printed A4 magazine article by Johnson, the four page (separate leaves) illustrated article published in an April 2004 edition of Flypast and entitled Behind the Photograph, recounting Johnson’s famous crash, signed by Johnson in blue ink to a light area of the famous image, and a second page also signed by the article’s author, David G. Powers. Together with two smaller (4 x 4.5 and 7 x 5) printed images removed from a book or magazine individually signed by Johnson, one depicting the Hellcat crash and the other showing Johnson seated in the cockpit of his aircraft. Both are signed in blue inks to clear areas. Generally VG, 3
COOK PETER: (1937-1995) English comedian, actor and satirist. A good signed 10 x 8 photograph of Cook standing outdoors in a half-length pose swinging a golf club. Signed in bold blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to a light area of the image. Scarce. One very slight, minor corner crease, otherwise about EX
[PEARL HARBOR]: BELLINGER PATRICK N.L.: (1885-1962) American Vice Admiral of World War II who, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, was responsible for sending the message ‘Air raid, Pearl Harbor. This is no drill’ which was the first notice to the outside world of the attack. Signed commemorative cover featuring an attractive colour image and design of a lit torch with the caption beneath ‘Keep that light burning!’. Post marked at Washington DC, 10th October 1946. Signed (‘P N L Bellinger, Vice Admiral, US Navy’) by Bellinger in dark fountain pen ink to the upper left corner. Some light, minimal age wear, VG
HEPBURN AUDREY: (1929-1993) Belgian-born British actress, Academy Award winner. A good signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of Hepburn standing in a three-quarter length pose in costume as Holly Golightly in a scene from the American romantic comedy film Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). Signed in bold black ink to a light area at the base of the image, ‘For Tim, thank you, Audrey Hepburn’. One very light, minor smudge only very slightly affects a few letters at the conclusion of her signature. One light, minimal horizontal surface crease, otherwise about VG
DELACROIX EUGENE: (1798-1863) French artist of the Romantic school. A.L.S., Eug. Delacroix, one page, 8vo, n.p., 2nd January 1859, to a friend, in French. Delacroix announces 'J'apprends que vous decorez la croix qui decore tout d'imbeciles' (Translation: 'I hear that you decorate the cross which decorates everything with imbeciles') and continues 'C'est a moi meme comme vous pensez bien que j'ai fais compliment en attendant le plaisir de vous embrasser por vous dire que je vous desire aussi heureux que vous meritez de l'etre' (Translation: 'It is to myself, as you can imagine, that I paid my compliment while waiting for the pleasure of embracing you to tell you that I want you to be as happy as you deserve to be'), and concludes by remarking that after they had dined together 'j'ai ete repris d'une espece de grippe foudroyant qui m'est tombe de je ne sais ou, mais qui s'est passee comme elle est venue' (Translation: 'I was seized by a kind of lightning flu which fell on me from I don't know where, but which happened as it came'). With blank integral leaf. Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VG
BRUCE NIGEL: (1895-1953) British character actor, remembered for his portrayal of Dr. Watson opposite Basil Rathbone in a series of Sherlock Holmes films. Vintage signed and inscribed postcard photograph, the image being a reproduction of a caricature of Bruce standing in a three-quarter length pose smoking a pipe and with his hands in his trouser pockets. Signed in blue fountain pen ink to a light area of the background and dated 1946 in his hand. Laid down to a page removed from an autograph album and with some light surface creasing, G
GALSWORTHY JOHN: (1867-1933) English novelist and playwright, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1932. A.L.S., John Galsworthy, two pages, 4to, Wingstone, Manaton, Devon, September 1911, to Clare. Galsworthy thanks his correspondent for having sent him a postcard 'from the place we like so much' and adds 'Its very exciting to hear that you have left Katharine to the tender mercies of the Germans', further remarking that he had been in Ireland for most of August and enquiring as to when he is going to see his correspondent again, stating that they should arrange something for when he returns to London, and also asking 'Are you very tall?' Galsworthy concludes by writing 'Please give our kindest remembrances to your father, & our love to yourself; and send greetings to Katharine when you write'. A few very light, extremely minor creases, otherwise VG
PICASSO & COCTEAU: PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish painter, a co-founder of the Cubist movement & COCTEAU JEAN: (1889-1963) French poet, playwright, novelist, artist, filmmaker and critic. An excellent vintage signed 4 x 6 photograph by both Picasso and Cocteau individually, the image depicting the two hugely influential figures of 20th century art engaged in conversation with Pierre Bertrand, a specialist supplier of paper for printmaking and engravings, who can be seen standing in the immediate background. Signed (‘Picasso’) by Picasso in blue ink and signed (‘Jean Cocteau’) by Cocteau in fountain pen ink, adding a small star beneath his signature, both to the lower white border. Dated 20th May 1956 to the verso. The signature of Cocteau is a touch light although remains perfectly legible. A highly desirable signed image of the two artists. VG The present photograph was signed by Cocteau and Picasso just a few months before the Spanish artist celebrated his 75th birthday with a party at Vallauris on 25th October 1956. Cocteau was amongst the close friends with whom Picasso celebrated.
DE HAVILLAND OLIVIA: (1916-2020) British actress, Academy Award winner. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of De Havilland in a head and shoulders pose in costume as Melanie Hamilton from the epic historical romance film Gone with the Wind (1939). Signed by the actress in black ink to a light area of the image, also adding her character name (‘Melanie’) beneath her signature. It was for her performance in this role that De Havilland was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. A few very light, minor surface and corner creases, VG
SCHWEITZER ALBERT: (1875-1965) Alsatian theologian, musician, philosopher & physician, Nobel Peace Prize winner 1952. Blue fountain pen ink signature (‘Albert Schweitzer’) on a 12mo piece evidently neatly excised from an envelope, with a Gabonese Republic postage stamp neatly affixed above and featuring a colour image of Schweitzer, and with a light postal cancellation dated at Lambarene, 1960. Very slightly irregularly trimmed to the edges, otherwise VG
RUTHERFORD MARGARET: (1892-1972) English character actress, Academy Award winner. A.L.S., Margaret Rutherford, two pages, 8vo, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, 26th August 1963, to Miss. Briggs. Rutherford thanks her correspondent for their letter and poem, adding that she has ‘really fallen for’ the latter and further remarking ‘I shall certainly hope to read [it] in a programme when the right moment comes. It has a most particular appeal & poignancy & I congratulate you’, also stating that she does not know Lord Wavell’s book and will try to let her correspondent know when she has made use of the poem. Some very light, extremely minor surface creasing, otherwise VG
FRENCH REVOLUTION: Manuscript D.S. by Jean-Marie Forest (1752-1799; French General during the French Revolution), Pierre Garnier de Laboissiere (1755-1809; French General during the French Revolution, appointed a Comte de l’empire by Napoleon in 1808) and three other individuals, each in their capacity as chief board members of the council of administration of the 2nd Regiment de Chasseurs a Cheval, one page, oblong 8vo, Lauterbach, 19th September 1793, in French. The document is a Campaign Certificate in which the council members attest to Louis Francois Roux having completed forty-nine years of effective service, including six campaigns in Hanover and two with the army of the Rhine during 1792 and 1793. Signed by each of the five council members at the foot and with a good red wax seal affixed to the upper left margin. A few minor stains and light age wear, otherwise VG
HOFFMANN KURT-CAESAR: (1895-1988) German Vice Admiral of World War II, Knight’s Cross winner and commander of the battleship Scharnhorst. A.L.S., Kurt Hoffmann, one page, 4to, Reinbek, 8th May 1967, to Mr. Dunbow. Hoffmann replies to his correspondent’s kind letter and forwards a photograph (no longer present) ‘taken when I was active in the German Navy’, further apologising for the delay due to illness and remarking ‘I like to complete your naval collection’. A few very light, minor creases, VG
BREAKSTON GEORGE: (1920-1973) French-American child actor, later a film producer and director. A rare vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of the young actor standing in a full-length pose in costume as the boy Pip from the first sound version of the film Great Expectations (1934) adapted from the Charles Dickens novel of the same title. Photograph by Roy D. MacLean for Universal Pictures and bearing his credit stamp to the verso. Signed, as a juvenile, by Breakston in black fountain pen ink to a light area at the base of the image. A few light, minor corner creases and one small, insignificant crack to the image, close to, but not affecting the signature. About VG
HAYDEN STERLING: (1916-1986) American actor. Vintage signed and inscribed 10 x 8 photograph of Hayden in costume as Dix Handley, crouched in a full-length pose, opposite actor Anthony Caruso, in costume as Louis Ciavelli, emerging from a manhole, in a scene from the film noir heist film The Asphalt Jungle (1950). Signed by Hayden in blue fountain pen ink to a light area of the image. A few very small, extremely minor pinholes to the white borders, otherwise EX Provenance: The present photograph originates from the collection of Pierre Goulliard, a French gentleman who, for over 50 years, dedicated himself to obtaining in person autographs of British, American and European movie stars, always obtaining the signatures in fountain pen ink.
LUDWIG I: (1786-1868) King of Bavaria 1825-48. L.S., Louis, one page, 4to, Munich, 10th August 1837, to the King of the Two Sicilies, in French. King Ludwig writes a diplomatic letter, stating that he has received his correspondent’s letter ‘par laquelle Votre Majeste a bien voulu m'informer de l'union conclue entre son altesse Royale le Comte de Syracuse son tres-aime frere & son altesse Royale Madame la Princesse Marie Philiberte de Savoir Carignan’ (Translation: ‘by which Your Majesty kindly informed me of the union concluded between His Royal Highness the Count of Syracuse, His beloved brother, and Her Royal Highness Madame Princess Marie Philiberte de Savoir Carignan’) and continuing ‘Votre Majeste connait trop bien les sentiments d'attachement que j'ai pour elle et l'interet vif & sincere que je prends a tout ce qui regarde sa famille Royale pour ne pas etre convaincu de l'extreme satisfaction que me fait eprouver cet heureux evenement’ (Translation: ‘Your Majesty knows too well the feelings of attachment that I have for Him and the lively and sincere interest that I take in everything that concerns His Royal family not to be convinced of the extreme satisfaction that this happy event makes me feel’). Countersigned at the foot by Baron Friedrich August von Gise (1783-1860) Bavarian diplomat and politician who served as Minister of the Royal Household and Foreign Affairs 1832-46. With blank integral leaf (small circular stain caused by the original seal). Accompanied by the original envelope wrapper (area of paper loss to the lower edge) bearing a black wax seal. A couple of light stains, not affecting the text or signature, VG Ferdinand II (1810-1859) King of the Two Sicilies 1830-59. The King’s brother, Prince Leopold, Count of Syracuse (1813-1860) had married Princess Maria Vittoria of Savoy (1814-1874) on 16th June 1837 in Naples. It was an ill-matched union, and their marriage was an unhappy one which produced just one child who died in infancy.
FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French novelist. A.L.S., Gte. Flaubert, two pages, (written to the first and third sides of the bifolium), 8vo, n.p., n.d. ('Lundi, 3 heures'), to 'Ma Chere Caroline' [Commanville], in French. Flaubert laments the fact that since his correspondent returned to Paris he has wanted to see her, but not been able to, explaining'Mais je suis surcharge ou plutot surmene de travail. Je me suis jure d'avoir fini mon livre a la fin de la semaine prochaine - et je ne bouge!' (Translation: 'But I am overloaded or rather overworked with work. I swore I'd finish my book by the end of next week - and I'm not moving!'), further adding that Caroline's aunt is alone and bored at Croisset and has asked that Caroline pay her a visit as she had promised to, remarking 'Je n'aime pas a la savoir longtemps dans la solitude et comme je ne peux m'en retourner a Croisset avant un mois, j'aimerais bien a ce que tu passes un peu pres d'elle d'ici-la' (Translation: 'I don't like to know her for long in solitude and since I can't go back to Croisset for a month, I would really like you to pass a little near her by then'). A few light creases and small pinholes and with a neat, small split to the base of the central vertical fold, otherwise VG Caroline Commanville (1846-1931) French painter, niece of Flaubert as the daughter of Flaubert's sister, Caroline (1824-1846) and her husband Emile Hamard (1821-1877). The aunt which Flaubert refers to in the present letter is likely to have been Julie Lormier (1818-1883) who had married Flaubert's elder brother, Achille (1813-1882) in 1839.
MAUPERTUIS PIERRE LOUIS: (1698-1759) French mathematician, philosopher and man of letters, the first President of the Prussian Academy of Science at the invitation of Frederick the Great. An excellent L.S., Maupertuis, two pages, 8vo, Berlin, 30th December 1752, to Francois-Augustin de Paradis de Moncrif, in French. Maupertuis states that he had no doubt of the part his correspondent would take in the letter which he sent him a few days ago, and continues ‘Vous n'en prendrez pas moins a tout ce qui s'est passe depuis cette lettre ayant mis Voltaire au desespoir, il a pousse ses horreurs contremoi au point de donner a ce pays-ci un spectacle qui…… n'y avait point ete vu depuis le reigne de Frederic I. Dimanche passe son libelle fut brule par la main du bourreau sous la potence et dans toutes les places publiques. Cette execution beaucoup plus infamante encore ici qu'elle n'est en France, a ete faitte par ordre expres du Roy, au grand applaudissement de tous les honnetes gens, et meme de la populace, on vit arriver de toutes parts des gens en fiacre pour se chauffer a ce feu’ (Translation: ‘You will take nothing less from everything that has happened since this letter, having driven Voltaire to despair, he pushed his horrors against me to the point of giving this country a spectacle which……had not been seen there since the reign of Frederick I. Last Sunday his libel was burned by the hand of the executioner under the gallows and in all the public places. This execution, much more infamous here than it is in France, was carried out by express order of the King, to the great applause of all honest people, and even of the populace, people were seen arriving from all parts in cabs to warm themselves by this fire’). Maupertuis assures de Moncrif ‘dans la plus exacte verite que je n'ai jamais rendu que des services a Voltaire, que je n'ai jamais ecrit un mot contre lui’ (Translation: ‘with the most exact truth that I have never rendered anything but services to Voltaire, that I have never written a word against him’) and also writes that ‘Le Roy m'ecrivit le soir une lettre charmante et m'envoyait pour poudre rafrai chissante les cendres de la diatribe’ (Translation: ‘The King wrote me a charming letter that evening and sent me the ashes of the diatribe as refreshing powder’). A letter of fascinating content and with good associations. The blank integral leaf neatly inlaid and with a contemporary ink annotation to the upper left corner. Some light foxing and staining, predominantly to the edges of the letter. GFrancois-Augustin de Paradis de Moncrif (1687-1770) French writer and poet, historiographer royal to King Louis XV of France.Voltaire (1694-1778) Francois-Marie Arouet. French Enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher.In mid-1750 Voltaire had moved to Prussia at the invitation of Frederick the Great who appointed the writer a chamberlain of the royal household and also granted him the Order of Merit with a salary of 20,000 French livres a year. In 1751 Voltaire successfully completed his science fiction work Micromegas, however relationships with Frederick began to sour after Voltaire was accused of theft and forgery by Abraham Hirschel, a Jewish financier. Other difficulties arose for Voltaire including an argument with Maupertuis provoked by the former’s Diatribe du docteur Akakia which satirised some of Maupertuis’s theories and his persecutions of Johann Samuel Konig, a mutual acquaintance. This greatly angered Frederick the Great who ordered all copies of the work to be burned. Voltaire offered to resign his post and return his insignia of the Order of Merit, however Frederick at first refused until eventually allowing Voltaire to leave in March 1752. Provenance: From the celebrated collection of Robert de Flers (1872-1927) French playwright, opera librettist and journalist. The manuscripts amassed by de Flers were dispersed in 2014 at an auction in Paris conducted by Beaussant Lefevre.
Loading...
![[HUGO VICTOR]: (1802-1885) French novelist, poet and dramatist. DROUET JULIETTE (1806-1883) French actress, the mistress, sec](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/c94208ea-33a8-4692-9303-b0af00c363c0/b8e5523b-88ac-4f38-8691-b0bd01223066/468x382.jpg)
![[PASTEUR LOUIS]: (1822-1895) French chemist and microbiologist, renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/c94208ea-33a8-4692-9303-b0af00c363c0/bd0545e1-5016-44e2-a495-b0b401510fa8/468x382.jpg)
![[RODRIGO JOAQUIN]: (1901-1999) Spanish composer and pianist. T.L.S., J. Rodrigo, on the blind composer's behalf by his wife,](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/c94208ea-33a8-4692-9303-b0af00c363c0/1d12d00d-e6ea-4ee8-8cc1-b0b400de1410/468x382.jpg)
![[PEARL HARBOR]: BELLINGER PATRICK N.L.: (1885-1962) American Vice Admiral of World War II who, during the Japanese attack on](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/c94208ea-33a8-4692-9303-b0af00c363c0/3db681e9-9ad5-4b1b-a63a-b0b400e0686a/468x382.jpg)
