TURGENEV IVAN: (1818-1883) Russian novelist. Autograph Manuscript, unsigned, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., in Cyrillic. The manuscript, penned in a bold hand, is entitled Names of the characters of The Island, beneath which Turgenev has listed seven names, each with a brief description alongside, comprising Geleziy ('old philosopher'), Varnak ('protagonist'), Maeli ('young girl'), Irna ('her friend'), Arkas ('exiled old man'), Simar ('chief') and Angami ('the rich chief's daughter'). A further five names have been crossed through by Turgenev. The characters listed by Turgenev do not appear to have featured in any of his works. Some light staining and minor age wear and two small areas to the upper left corner and lower right corners professionally restored to a high standard. About VG
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HAGGARD H. RIDER: (1856-1925) English writer of adventure fiction including King Solomon's Mines. A brief A.L.S., H. Rider Haggard, on one side of his printed correspondence card, Ditchingham House, Norfolk, 10th October 1906, to B. G. Ambler. Haggard writes, in full, 'I thank you very much for the two books of poems which you have so kindly sent to me'. Hand addressed by Haggard to the verso. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VGBenjamin George Ambler (1858-1942) English poet and writer whose works included Alfred Lord Tennyson: His Home and Haunts (1910).
BARRIE J. M.: (1860-1937) Scottish novelist and playwright, the creator of Peter Pan. A.L.S., J M Barrie, one page, 8vo, Cavendish Street, Cavendish Square, London, n.d., to John Homer at the publishing house of Cassell & Co. Barrie states that he has received his correspondent's letter and remarks 'I will call in on you soon about my novel, between 2 & 3'. Some light age toning and wear, about VG
BAUDELAIRE CHARLES: (1821-1868) French Poet, a pioneering translator of Edgar Allan Poe. A very fine A.L.S., `C. Baudelaire´, one page, 8vo, n.p. [Paris], n.d. [22nd May 1843], to his mother, Madame Aupick, in French. Baudelaire, as so often, is without money and states `Mes 80 francs sont revenus hier soir au logis. J´ai payé ce matin le billet du tapissier. Je n´ai plus un sol et j´ai plusieures choses a payer´ ("My 80 francs came back to me at home last night. I paid this morning for the upholsterer's invoice. I no longer have money and I have several things to pay") Small age wear and light staining. With left edge professionally repaired to the verso. G At the time of the present letter, May 1843 Baudelaire had started recently writing his Les Fleurs du Mal.
LOUIS JOE: (1914-1981) American boxer, World Heavyweight champion 1937-49. Signed and inscribed 10 x 8 photograph of Louis seated in a half-length pose, wearing a cap bearing the logo of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, with one hand gently resting on the shoulder of a gentleman seated next to him (and presumably the gentleman to whom Louis inscribed the photograph). Signed by Louis in black ink to a clear area of the image. Some very light, extremely minor surface and corner creasing, otherwise VG
GARCIA LORCA FEDERICO: (1898-1936) Spanish Poet & Dramatist. An iconic figure of the Spanish literature. An extremely rare and excellent A.L.S., `Federico´, two pages, 4to, Madrid, 28th November 1920, to Emilia Llanos, in Granada, in Spanish. A dreamer Lorca writes a letter full of poetical references to his beloved city of Granada which he misses, stating `Yo la veo en medio de ese maravilloso paisaje granadino como la única mujer granadina capaz de sentirlo, y me alegro extraordinariamente de tener una amiga que mire los chopos encendidos y las lejanías desmayadas como si yo las mirase. Que hermosa y que triste estará la carrera del Darro y que nubes habrá por Valparaiso! ¿Verdad? Yo recuerdo a Granada como se deben recordar a las novias muertas y como se recuerda un día de sol cuando niño. ¿Se han caido del todo las hojas?´ (Translation: "I can imagine you in the middle of that wonderful Granada landscape as the only woman of Granada capable of feeling it, and I am extraordinarily happy to have a friend who looks at the light over the poplars and the fading distant landscape as if I were looking at them. How beautiful and how sad the Darro promenade must be and what clouds there will be over Valparaiso! True? I remember Granada as dead brides should be remembered and as one remembers a sunny day as a child. Have the leaves completely fallen?") Lorca further refers to Madrid where he is, saying `…aquí en Madrid ya están los arboles esqueléticos y fríos, solo en algunos queda una hojilla que se mueve con el triste viento como una mariposa de oro´ (Translation: "…here in Madrid the trees are already skeletal and cold, only in some of them there is a leaf that moves with the sad wind like a golden butterfly") Further again Lorca makes an intimate sentiment about his loving feelings `Yo… siendole franco estoy un poco triste, un poco melancólico, siento en el alma la amargura de estar roto de amor. Se que estas melancolías pasarán… pero el rastro ¡queda siempre!´ (Translation: "And me… to be honest with you, I am a little sad, a little melancholic, I feel in my soul the bitterness of being broken with love. I know that these melancholies will pass... but the trace always remains!") Lorca goes on to mention seeing a woman who reminded him of Emilia, and how the woman stopped into an antique shop Emilia would have loved; he finishes by asking Emilia to send him a signed portrait, in payment for which he will send her a poem. An letter of very good content. Accompanied by a cabinet portrait of Emilia seated under a Moorish archway in the Alhambra. Also accompanied by the original envelope addressed in Lorca´s hand, postmarked and stamped. A bold black ink written letter. Edges slightly trimmed, otherwise G to VG The letter was written one year after Lorca arrived in Madrid, at a time when he was just becoming part of an artistic and literary movement which included his friends the pioneer film director Luis Buñuel and the painter Salvador Dali. His first book of poems was to be published in 1921. Lorca met Emilia Llanos, who was ten years older than him, in 1919. They became very close friends at the centre of cultural life in Granada. It has been suggested that they might have married if Lorca´s sexual ambivalence had not stood in the way. Their friendship long lasted and Emilia was of the first to hear the news of Lorca´s death in 1936 after hearing from his mother the news of his arrest two days earlier. Emilia had set off to meet their mutual friend the composer Manuel de Falla with the intention of asking him to intervene on Lorca´s behalf. On her way she met Antonio Gallego Burin, another mutual friend and publisher of Lorca´s first poem in the journal Renovación in 1919, who told Emilia that she should not go as Lorca had already been shot.The present letter is published in Federico Garcia Lorca - Epistolario completo edited by Andrew Anderson and Christopher Maurer, 1997Provenance: Emilia Llanos, Antonio Gallegos Burin, and descents to the present owner.
HUGHES LANGSTON: (1901-1967) American poet, a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Book signed and inscribed, being a hardback edition of American Writers' Congress, edited by Henry Hart, First Edition published by International Publishers, New York, 1935. The book serves as a record of the first Congress of American Writers and includes contributions by Louis Aragon, John Dos Passos, Malcolm Cowley and Langston Hughes. Signed and inscribed by Hughes in dark fountain pen ink to the front free endpaper and dated New York, 13th November 1938 in his hand. Bound in the publisher's original grey cloth and with a black title to the cover and spine. Lacking the dust jacket. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and a couple of slight marks to the spine, VG
LAUGHTON CHARLES: (1899-1962) British actor, Academy Award winner. A good vintage signed 8 x 10 photograph of Laughton in a head and shoulders pose in costume as von Haake in a publicity portrait issued for the American romantic war drama film Arch of Triumph (1948) in which he starred alongside Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. Signed by Laughton in blue fountain pen ink with his name alone, partially across a darker area of the image. A few very light, extremely minor surface creases and faults, otherwise VG
POUND EZRA: (1885-1972) American expatriate poet and critic, a major figure in the early modernist poetry movement and a fascist collaborator in Italy during World War II. A.L.S., Ezra Pound, one page, 4to, n.p. (Washington DC), 19th December 1955, to Professor Silvano Caselli. Pound writes in his characteristically idiosyncratic manner, and in a mixture of languages, thanking his correspondent 'for the splendid regallo (sic)' seemingly apologising, and concluding 'if I haven't forgotten what little (? indecipherable word, possibly a book or letter) I possess'. Accompanied by the original envelope. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Silvano Caselli (1921-1995) Italian painter.
‘The poet Paul Verlaine left a friend who is not very pretty or attractive,but who finally wants to live’BARRES MAURICE: (1862-1923) French novelist, journalist and politician, a close associate of Gabriele d'Annunzio. A.L.S., Maurice Barres, two pages, 8vo, Boulevard Maillot, Neuilly, n.d. (c.1896), to Juliette Bessand, on black bordered mourning stationery, in French. Barres writes a sympathetic letter seeking help for Paul Verlaine's last companion, in part, 'Le poete Paul Verlaine a laisse une amie qui n'est pas bien jolie ni attrayante mais enfin qui desire vivre. Or elle n'a aucunes ressources. Elle affirme qu'elle etait employee et excellent ouvriere a la Belle Jardiniere avant de tenir le menage de Verlaine. Il s'agirait de lui faire ouvrir de nouveau les ateliers de la Belle Jardiniere. Monsieur Bessand, au souvenir de qui je me rappelle, voudrait-il donner des ordres a cef effet, et de telle facon que Mademoiselle Krantz, si la chose est possible, soit employee?' (Translation: 'The poet Paul Verlaine left a friend who is not very pretty or attractive, but who finally wants to live. But she has no resources. She affirms that she was an employee and an excellent worker at La Belle Jardiniere before taking care of Verlaine's household. It would be a question of making him open the workshops of La Belle Jardiniere again. Mr. Bessand, to whose memory I remember, would he like to give orders to this effect, and in such a way that Miss. Krantz, if possible, be employed?'). With the original envelope hand addressed by Barres and lightly affixed to the verso. Also affixed to an inside page is the personal printed Visiting Card of Barres. A couple of very light, minor stains and age wear, otherwise VG Juliette Bessand - wife of Charles Bessand, the director of La Belle Jardiniere, a large clothing store in Paris. Paul Verlaine (1844-1896) French poet associated with the Symbolist movement and the Decadent movement. Verlaine's final years saw his descent into drug addiction, alcoholism and poverty. He lived in slums and public hospitals and spent his days drinking absinthe in Paris cafes, before dying in the capital at the age of 51. Eugenie Krantz (d.1897) The last mistress of Paul Verlaine who, upon the poet's death, found herself on the street and completely destitute. 'Don't let me starve. What you will do for me will give me courage to work without the need to prostitute myself' she wrote to another friend of Verlaine at this time.
‘But I hope well before the end of the year to have finished Colombe Blanchet and to have you read it’ ALAIN-FOURNIER HENRI: (1886-1914) French author and soldier. A rare A.L.S., H. Alain-Fournier, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. ('Mardi' c.1913-14), to a lady [Marie Scheikevitch], in French. Alain-Fournier writes a letter of gratitude, and also makes reference to what would have been his second novel, 'Vous m'avez fait grand plaisir en me donnant l'occasion et la possibilitie de voir M. Hebrard. Il m'a propose pour Le Temps ce qu'il etait le plus logique de me proposer: lui apporter mon prochain roman. Ce que j'ai promis bien volontiers. Ce second roman est, pour l'instant, un peu retarde par une nouvelle oeuvre qui s'est mise au travers de ma route et qui ne me laisse pas beaucoup de repit. Mais j'espere bien avant la fin de l'annee avoir termine Colombe Blanchet et vous la faire lire. Je souhaite qu'elle vous plaise et vous prie d'agreer, chere Madame, l'assurance de mes sentiments tres respecteux et reconnaissants' (Translation: 'You gave me great pleasure by giving me the opportunity and the possibility of seeing M. Hebrard. He offered me for Le Temps what it was most logical to offer me: bring him my next novel. What I gladly promised. This second novel is, for the moment, a little delayed by a new work which has gotten in my way and which does not leave me much respite. But I hope well before the end of the year to have finished Colombe Blanchet and to have you read it. I hope you like it and please accept, dear Madame, the assurance of my most respectful and grateful feelings'). With blank integral leaf (one light stain). Autograph letters of Alain-Fournier are rare as a result of his death at the young age of 27 when killed in action during World War I. VG Marie Scheikevitch (1882-1964) Artist and autobiographer who moved in artistic and literary circles and was a close friend of Marcel Proust. Like Alain-Fournier, her lover Adrien Hebrard (1833-1914) French journalist and politician, director of Le Temps, died during World War I. Alain-Fournier's second novel, Colombe Blanchet, was started in 1914 but remained unfinished when he joined the army as a lieutenant in August. Provenance: The present letter was previously held within the Albin Schram Collection of Autograph Letters, sold by Christie's in July 2007.
COLETTE: (1873-1954) French author, best known for her novella Gigi (1944). A.L.S., Colette Willy, one page, 8vo, Rue Marguerite, Paris, n.d. (1st December 1913), to Marcel Drouet, on the printed stationery of the Imperiale Residence Hotel, in French. Colette writes a charming letter, 'Willy me dit que c'est vous qu'il faut remercier, et je le fais avec beaucoup de Plaisir. J'ai appris cet ete a monter a cheval, pour que vous m'estimiez davantage. Mais cela suffira-t-il pour que je vous inspire confiance? J'en doute' (Translation: 'Willy tells me that it is you who should be thanked, and I do so with great pleasure. I learned this summer to ride a horse, so that you will esteem me more. But will that be enough for me to inspire your confidence? I doubt'). With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Colette (and re-addressed in another hand) and neatly split at three of the edges. Some light age wear and a few minor creases, VGMarcel Drouet (1888-1915) French writer who contributed to a number of magazines.Henry Gauthier-Villars (1859-1931) French author and publisher who used the pen name 'Willy'. Mentor and first husband of Colette from 1893-1910.
LAUREL STAN: (1890-1965) English film comedian. A printed folio one-sheet official programme of horse races organised by the Steeplechase and Sports societies of Belgium at the Hippodrome de Stockel, Sunday, 14th December 1947, providing details of six races, including the prize money, jockeys and horses, signed by Laurel in bold pencil with his name alone to the clear lower border. Some creasing, light staining and minor age wear, G Stan Laurel, accompanied by his comedy partner Oliver Hardy, appeared at the Alhambra Theatre in Brussels from 19th December for two weeks, performing twice daily, in their show which was billed as Hollywood Parade (even though they were the only Hollywood act to feature). The final performance in Brussels took place on 1st January 1948.
‘I have just pronounced the unforgettable name of Francisco Ferrer, one of those who taught me justice when I was still a child’ BRETON & CAMUS: BRETON ANDRE: (1896-1966) French writer and poet, the co-founder, leader and principal theorist of surrealism & CAMUS ALBERT (1913-1960) French philosopher and author, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1957. A fine autograph statement signed ('Andre Breton') by Breton, one page, 8vo, n.p. (Paris), n.d. (February 1952), in French. On a page evidently neatly removed from an album Breton writes, in full, 'Je suis profondement emu que ce cahier me soit ouvert a l'instant ou, a la salle Wagram, le 22 Fevrier 1952, je viens de prononcer le nom inoubliable de Francisco Ferrer, l'un de ceux qui m'ont appris la justice quand j'etais encore enfant. Que sa fille, de moi tres honoree, trouve ici l'expression de ma sympathie elective' (Translation: 'I am deeply moved that this notebook is opened to me at the moment when, in the Wagram Hall, on 22nd February 1952, I have just pronounced the unforgettable name of Francisco Ferrer, one of those who taught me justice when I was still a child. May his daughter, very honoured by me, find here the expression of my elective sympathy'). Immediately beneath Breton's statement Albert Camus has signed his name, 'Courage! Albert Camus', and the page also bears the signature of an unidentified female. Some very light, extremely minor age toning to the edges, VG Francisco Ferrer (1859-1909) Spanish radical freethinker, anarchist and educationist whose execution, following a revolt in Barcelona, propelled him into martyrdom and grew an international movement of radicals and libertarians. The present statement was signed for Sol Ferrer, one of the three daughters of Francisco Ferrer, and the author of several works dedicated to his memory, at a meeting of the League for the Rights of Man in Paris on 22nd February 1952. The meeting was organised as a grand protest against the Franco regime's death sentence on eleven trade unionists from the CNT, the Spanish National Confederation of Labour. As well as Breton and Camus many other intellectuals were present at the event including Jean-Paul Sartre and Ignazio Silone. It was during this meeting that Camus launched an appeal which would be published in the journal Esprit in April 1952, stating, in part, 'For almost fifteen years now, actually, Francoism has been aiming at the same target: the face and breast of every free Spaniard….Once again we find ourselves confronting the intolerable scandal of Europe's conscience; once again, tirelessly, we shall denounce it…..It is time, it is high time, for the representatives of democracies to disown this farce and reject, publicly and definitively, the curious theory which consists in saying “We'll give arms to a dictator and he'll become a democrat” No! If you give him arms, he will follow his trade by shooting point-blank into the belly of freedom'. Despite the large demonstration, five of the eleven trade unionists were shot dead on 14th March 1952.
GIONO JEAN: (1895-1970) French writer whose works of fiction were largely set in the Provence region of France. Vintage signed and inscribed 5 x 3.5 photograph of Giono seated in a head and shoulders profile pose and holding a pen in one hand as he writes on the large sheet of paper before him. Signed in dark fountain pen ink to a light area of the image and dated 20th August 1963 in his hand. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Giono and signed ('Jean Giono') by him in the return address to the verso. VG
IONESCO EUGENE: (1909-1994) Romanian-French playwright. Signed and inscribed 8 x 7 photograph of Ionesco seated in a head and shoulders pose at a book signing event, accompanied by several young assistants and an admirer handing him a copy of La Cantatrice chauve. Signed by Ionesco in blue ink to the lower white border. One very light, extremely minor stain to the lower edge, otherwise VG
ZWEIG STEFAN: (1881-1942) Austrian novelist, playwright, journalist and biographer, himself a passionate collector of autograph manuscripts. A.L.S., Stefan Zweig, two pages, 8vo, n.p. (Paris?), n.d., to Mr. Banjai (?), on the attractive printed stationery of the Hotel Louvois, in German. Zweig states that he expected a call from his correspondent, but waited in vain, and continues to remark 'I can see in the newspaper (Felix Bloch didn't tell me anything) that the play from Noiziere is being played now, I had not the faintest idea, and it is very annoying now that I am here at the same time', further explaining that he will see Mrs. Corciade tomorrow and adding 'I will be, of course, very careful because I have no idea what was actually negotiated, and if she appears in…[the]….play or not, and if everything is in order or not'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
ANDREAS-SALOME LOU: (1861-1937) Russian psychoanalyst, author and intellectual whose friends included Sigmund Freud, Friedrich Nietzsche, Paul Ree and Rainer Maria Rilke. A.L.S., Lou Andreas-Salome, to one side of a plain postcard, n.p. (Gottingen), 14th February 1905, to Mr. Bronbach, in German. Andreas-Salome writes regarding a literary contribution, thanking her correspondent for having sent a first issue and remarking 'I have gone through it and like it very much. As far as a contribution from my part is concerned, I will follow up as soon as I have something appropriate, which is not the case at the moment, nor in the near future because I have to bring other projects to fruition'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
CHAPLIN CHARLES: (1889-1977) English film comedian, Academy Award winner. A brief T.L.S., Charlie Chaplin, one page, 8vo, n.p., 29th January 1969, to Mr. and Mrs. Fouchard, on his personal printed stationery. Chaplin thanks his correspondents for their 'kind and interesting letters'. Neatly mounted to card and with some light overall creasing, about VG
CLARKE ARTHUR C.: (1917-2008) English science fiction writer who co-wrote the screenplay for the film 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). T.L.S., Arthur C. Clarke, with holograph salutation and subscription, two pages, 4to, n.p. (Colombo. Sri Lanka), 27th October 1975, to Roger. The standard form letter sent by Clarke 'to deal with about 90% of the questions I am asked' includes details of his home address and telephone number, the address of his London office at the Rocket Publishing Company, lectures ('I no longer accept lecture requests outside Sri Lanka'), photographs ('I am sorry, but I cannot supply photos and autographs. In particular I cannot autograph and mail back books!'), manuscripts ('Under no circumstances will I comment on manuscripts……Nor am I interested in ideas for stories, as I already have far more than I can ever use!'), and his advice to authors ('The only advice I can give to would-be authors is as follows: Read at least one book a day and write as much as you can. Read the memoirs of authors who interest you…..There is no substitute for living: as Hemingway remarked: “Writing is not a fulltime occupation”.') etc. Some light staining and minor age wear, about VG
LONDON JACK: (1876-1916) American novelist, a pioneer of commercial fiction whose works included The Call of the Wild and White Fang, both set in the Klondike Gold Rush. D.S., Jack London, being a signed cheque, Oakland, California, 12th April 1907. The partially printed cheque, completed entirely in London's hand, is drawn on the Central Bank of Oakland and made payable to French Bakeries Co. for the sum of $1.65. Two light bank cancellations only very slightly touch London's signature. A few very small, extremely minor pinholes to the upper edge and one closed tear to the centre, about VG
ROBINSON EDWARD G.: (1893-1973) Romanian-born American actor, Academy Award winner. A good vintage signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph, an original First National & Vitaphone Pictures publicity portrait of Robinson in a head and shoulders pose. Signed ('To Mush - Edward G. Robinson') in bold black fountain pen ink across a clear area at the head of the image. An ink annotation to the verso in the hand of a collector indicates that the signature was obtained in person upon the arrival of the SS Normandie (in New York) on Thursday, 24th December 1936. Some very minor, light staining to the left edge of the white border, otherwise VG
FITZGERALD F. SCOTT: (1896-1940) American novelist whose works include The Great Gatsby (1925). A rare D.S., F Scott Fitzgerald, one page, 4to, Hollywood, California, 13th April 1939. The typed document is issued by Paramount Pictures Inc. and relates to Fitzgerald's proposed services 'as a writer in connection with the screenplay of the motion picture photoplay tentatively entitled Air Raid for the period commencing March 27, 1939 and ending April 12, 1939, both dates inclusive, for a total compensation of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1200)' and that Fitzgerald acknowledges receipt of the payment. A light black ink cross runs through the text and one thin line runs through the centre of the signature, both most likely applied by Fitzgerald himself and certainly in the same ink as the signature. A few very light, minor creases, otherwise VG The present contract, drawn up six weeks after Fitzgerald was hired by Paramount, refers to the rewrites he was initially asked to complete, and above all confirms that the finished product was delivered.
FITZGERALD F. SCOTT: (1896-1940) American novelist whose works include The Great Gatsby (1925). A rare T.L.S., Scott Fitzgerald, one page, 4to, n.p. (California), 20th October 1939, to [Isabel] Horton. Fitzgerald informs his landlady 'Things are still so very uncertain with me that I am sending you a check (no longer present) for $102.50 for the rent from October 19 to November 3rd. If things have straightened up then, I would of course like to continue on here' and concludes 'Thank you for your kindness the other day. I was really rather at my wit's end'. Some very light, minor age toning and a few extremely light creases, about VG Struggling financially amid the Great Depression, Fitzgerald had moved to California and embarked on an (unsuccessful) career as a screenwriter. Whilst in California he rented a home from Isabel Horton, the sister of actor Edward Everett Horton, in Encino. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer had terminated Fitzgerald's contract in early 1939 and whilst working as a freelance screenwriter he suffered an alcoholic relapse and his failure in Hollywood pushed him to return to drinking, consuming nearly forty beers a day in 1939.
TARKINGTON BOOTH: (1869-1946) American novelist, Pulitzer Prize winner. A.N.S., Booth Tarkington, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., n.d. (October 1922). Tarkington's note is written to a sheet of paper with the title Maxims of Life of the Leading People of the whole World - American Academy of Arts and Letters in the hand of a researcher at the head, the novelist stating, in full, 'I have no predominant maxim of life, I fear. At least I could set down none by which I have been able to live.'. Some very light staining and minor age wear, otherwise VG
HAMMETT DASHIELL: (1894-1961) American author of hardboiled detective fiction including The Maltese Falcon (1930). Hammett's novels had a large influence on films, particularly in the genres of detective fiction, mystery thrillers and film noir. D.S., Dashiell Hammett, three pages, 4to, New York, 23rd October 1934, The typed document takes the form of a letter to Hammett from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corporation and outlines an agreement between them in nine numbered clauses in which Hammett is to travel to Culver City and 'upon arrival at our Studios you will begin writing for us, under our supervision and in accordance with our suggestions, a full and complete original story, which will be a sequel to “The Thin Man” and its characters and action previously written by you', further explaining that Hammett will receive a salary of $2000 per week (although not to exceed ten weeks) and that the full rights, story and copyright will solely belong to M-G-M, and that Hammett undertakes 'that this story as written will be original with you and the material therein contained will not infringe the literary, dramatic or other rights of others'. Signed by Hammett at the conclusion, in acceptance of the agreement, and countersigned by J. Robert Rubin, Vice-President of M-G-M. Together with a second document, bearing a secretarial signature of Hammett, in pencil, six pages, 4to, n.p., 11th February 1937. The typed document takes the form of a letter to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corporation from Hammett in which the author agrees to grant M-G-M the complete rights 'so that you can, without further authority or license from me, or further employment of my services, create or have written further stories containing any or all of the characters that were in your said pictures “The Thin Man” and “After the Thin Man”, including particularly but without limitation the characters “Nick” and “Nora” and the dog “Asta”, and own these stories outright, and, among other things, produce motion pictures which are based upon such stories….' for which Hammett acknowledges having received a payment of $40,000. A significant pair of documents highlighting Hammett's involvement in the Thin Man film series, one of the most successful and enduring film franchises of the 1930s and 1940s. Two file holes to the upper edge of each page, none affecting the text or signatures, and with some very light, minimal age wear. VG, 2 The comedy-mystery film The Thin Man (1934) had premiered just five months before the first of the present contracts was signed by Hammett. The film, based on Hammett's novel of the same name, starred William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was such a box office success that it spawned five sequels, the first two of which, After the Thin Man (1936) and Another Thin Man (1939), were written by Hammett.
SINCLAIR UPTON: (1878-1968) American writer, Pulitzer Prize winner for Fiction in 1943. Vintage signed 8 x 10 photograph of Sinclair standing in a three-quarter length pose before several rows of bookshelves. Signed in black fountain pen ink with his name alone to the image. A few very light, extremely minor corner creases, VG
HURST FANNIE: (1889-1968) American novelist. A good vintage signed 7.5 x 9.5 photograph of Hurst standing outdoors in a semi-profile half-length pose and holding a small black dog in her arms as they prepare to board a train which can be seen in the immediate background. Signed by Hurst in bold black fountain pen ink with her name alone to a clear area of the image and dated 1937 in her hand. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
WILLIAMS TENNESSEE: (1911-1983) American playwright. A.L.S., Tennessee Williams, one page, slim oblong 8vo, Key West, Florida, 6th February 1952, to Arthur L. Howard. Williams writes, in full, 'Please add me to your collection. I don't say book me into the Tabernacle this season - should I?'. Accompanied by the original envelope. A couple of very light, extremely minor creases, otherwise VG
ASIMOV ISAAC: (1920-1992) Russian-born American science fiction writer. T.L.S., Isaac Asimov, one page, 4to, New York, 15th January 1949, to Erle Korshak of Shasta Publishers. Asimov acknowledges receipt of his correspondent's letter, which he has read carefully, and remarks 'The notion of an annual anthology of the best of science fiction is a good one, and the continuing and growing market for hard-cover science-fiction is something that cannot help but be pleasant for an author', further adding 'Three of my stories have already been anthologized, and $25 establishes a record low as far as money returns are concerned - rather easily, I might add - so that I cannot help but hope that the larger publishing houses go on to express even more than mere interest' and also discussing the structure of fees in the release form that Korshak had sent him, 'I notice that if Shasta publishes the story, then I get $25 for each reprint - i.e. 10 reprints, $250. If, however, someone other than Shasta, (say Simon & Schuster or Macmillan) publishes the story, then I get $25 altogether, i.e. 10 reprints, $25. This seems to follow the principle of “Them ez hez most money; pays least”. Is that constitutional? Furthermore, the second paragraph says that an outside publisher will pay as much as Shasta can squeeze out of them, but in no case less than $25. The third paragraph, however, seems to commit me to accept $25 flat with no qualifying statement that it might conceivably be more. - Being the world's poorest contract lawyer, these are probably silly points I am trying to make, but I would enjoy enlightenment'. Annotated in initialled by Korshak to the upper left corner, indicating that he replied to Asimov on 17th January 1949. Some light age wear and a few small, minor tears to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG
On his masterpiece, the cult novel Ferdydurke – ‘It is certainly a very particular and combative book which provoked a hostile reaction in certain circles but also a real enthusiasm in others’ GOMBROWICZ WITOLD: (1904-1969) Polish writer and playwright. An interesting, small archive of T.Ls.S. by both Gombrowicz and R. Marill Alberes to the French editor Raymond Queneau, concerning Gombrowicz’s first and most controversial novel, Ferdydurke (1937) comprising – (i) T.L.S., Witold Gombrowicz, one page, 4to, Bueno Aires, 7th December 1949, to [Raymond Queneau], in French. Gombrowicz writes, in full, ‘Puisque Mr. Marill Alberes a eu la bonte de vous recommander mon roman "Ferdydurke", je me permets de vous envoyer les antecedents relatifs a sa parution en Pologne et en Argentine. Je voudrais appeler votre attention sur ce texte car, il me semble, on peut en conclure que mon livre a des serieuses chances d'obtenir un succes en France, a condition que son parution soit convenablement preparee. Un exemplaire de "Ferdydurke" vous a ete envoye par bateau le 5 novembre’ (Translation: ‘Since Mr. Marill Alberes had the kindness to recommend my novel “Ferdydurke” to you, I allow myself to send you the antecedents relative to its publication in Poland and in Argentina. I would like to draw your attention to this text because, it seems to me, one can conclude that my book has a serious chance of obtaining success in France, provided that its publication is suitably prepared. A copy of “Ferdydurke” was shipped to you on 5th November’). With two annotations in the hand of Queneau, the first in pencil to the left margin stating that the book was ‘ex. communique a Callois’ on 30th May 1950 (later crossed through), and the second in ink at the foot of the page, ‘Callois a lu ce livre deja 2 fois’, indicating that Callois had already read the book twice. Together with the typed synopsis referred to, two pages, 4to, n.p. (Buenos Aires), n.d. (1949), in French, providing a brief publication history of Ferdydurke in Poland and Argentina, and the critical acclaim it received,(ii) An important T.L.S., Witold Gombrowicz, one page, 4to, Buenos Aires, 9th June 1950, to [Raymond Queneau], in French. The author defends his novel Ferdydurke, and expresses his disappointment with the French intellectual Roger Caillois, in full, ‘Mr. Marill Alberes m'a communiquer votre decision de remettre mon roman "Ferdydurke" a Mr. Roger Caillois qui est lecteur de la litterature sudameriquaine chez Gallimard, J'avoue que cette decision m'a beaucoup chagrine. Mr. Caillois a une mentalite, une philosophie, un temperement de plus opposes au miens et il est absolument logique qu'il ne soit guere ami de mon livre. Il le connait deja et on m'a dit quil lui a deplut. Cependant "Ferdydurke" fut tres hautement califie. Je n'exagere pas par beaucoup des intelectuels et je suis persuade que son cas est assez serieux pour que j'ose vous prier de le faire examiner par d'autres personnes. Il s'agit certainement d'un livre tres particulier et combatif qui a provoque une reaction hostile dans certains millieux mais aussi un vrai entousiasme dans l'autres. Je voudrais souligner aussi que je ne suis pas un auteur sudameriquain, mais polonais, et si je presente a Mr. Gallimard la traduction espagnole c'est pour de raisons d'ordre pratique. Si donc vous trouverez qu'il est possible de choisir un autre lecteur pour "Ferdydurke" je vous prie de bien vouloir me communiquer votre decision et je vais vous envoyer tout de suite d'autres exemplaires’ (Translation: ‘Mr. Marill Alberes informed me of your decision to submit my novel “Ferdydurke” to Mr. Roger Caillois who is a reader of South American literature at Gallimard. I admit that this decision saddened me a great deal. Mr. Caillois has a mentality, a philosophy, a temperament more opposed to mine and it is absolutely logical that he is hardly a friend of my book. He already knows it and I was told he disliked it. However, “Ferdydurke” was very highly qualified, I am not exaggerating, by many intellectuals and I am convinced that its case is serious enough for me to dare to ask you to have it examined by other people. It is certainly a very particular and combative book which provoked a hostile reaction in certain circles but also a real enthusiasm in others. I would also like to emphasize that I am not a South American author, but a Polish one, and if I am presenting the Spanish translation to Mr. Gallimard it is for practical reasons. If, therefore, you find that it is possible to choose another reader for “Ferdydurke” please let me know your decision and I will send you other copies immediately’). (iii) T.L.S., R M Alberes by Rene Marill Alberes (1921-1982) French writer and literary critic, one page, 4to, Buenos Aires, 28th November 1949, to Raymond Queneau, on the printed stationery of the Institut Francais d’Etudes Superieures, in French. Alberes introduces Ferdydurke to his correspondent, in part, ‘Ma situation en Argentine me permet de decouvrir parfois - disons au maximum une fois par an - quelque bon livre inconnu en France......J'ai pu lire ici, en traduction espagnole, le livre d'un Polonais, Witold Gombrowicz, un roman "Ferdydurke", qui ma semble reellement excellent…… Les maisons d'edition que je connais doivent etre tres prudentes en ce moment, et publient peu. J'ai pense que vous me permettriez de m'addresser a vous......pour essayer de faire connaitre en France un livre sur lequel je ne crois pas me tromper, De toutes facons, je ne pense pas que vous me fassiez de reproches si je vous amene a le lire (il n'est traduit qu en espagnol). Je crois pouvoir garantir que la lecture ne vous deplaira pas. Si vous l'amenez ensuite chez Gallimard, tant mieux car je le le crois bon. J'ai demande a l'auteur de vous l'envoyer. Il ne connait personne en France et ne songeait guere a essayer par lui-meme de s'y faire connaitre’(iv) T.L.S., R. M. Alberes, one page, 4to, La Paz, 19th January 1950, to [Raymond Queneau], in French. Alberes states that he is very grateful to Queneau for considering his suggestion for Gombrowicz’s book and continues to remark ‘Je m'etais permis de vous l'adresser, car j'ignorais encore que Roger Caillois dut venir nous voir en Amerique du Sud, et par ailleurs il s'agissait d'un livre polonais qui n'avait d'autres rapports avec l'Amerique du Sud que d'y avoir ete traduit en espagnol - ce qui m'avait d'ailleurs permis de le lire…… La maison Gallimard me fascine comme le soleil, et n'ayant pas l'oeil du condor des Andes, je n'osais la regarder en face’ An important archive of correspondence revealing the missed opportunities of the French publishing house Gallimard to take Gombrowicz’s cult novel Ferdydurke, which had first been published in Polish in 1937. Some light age wear and minor age toning to the edges of each of the letters, G to generally VG, 5 OWING TO LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY THE SALEROOM THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION FOR THIS LOT CANNOT BE SHOWN - PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR THE FULL DESCRIPTION
NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS: Thomas Mann (1875-1955) German novelist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1929. Blue fountain pen ink signature ('Thomas Mann') and a few additional words in his hand, in English, on an oblong 12mo card, dated New York, 29th October 1943 in his hand; Eugene O'Neill (1888-1953) American playwright, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1936. Black fountain pen ink signature ('Eugene O'Neill') and inscription on an oblong 12mo card, dated August 1944 in his hand. A couple of very light, minor stains to each card, otherwise VG, 2
FAULKNER WILLIAM: (1897-1962) American writer, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1949. Book signed, being a hardback edition of A Fable, First Edition published by Random House, New York, 1954. Limited edition number 939 of 1000 copies, signed and numbered by Faulkner in bold blue fountain pen ink to the limitations page. Printed on rag paper and top edge black, bound in the publisher's original decorative black cloth and with gold and silver title and lettering to the spine, Contained in the original card slipcase (some light staining and age wear, and minor scuffs and tears to the printed label). Lacking the glassine jacket. About VG
BECKETT SAMUEL: (1906-1989) Irish Dramatist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1969. A.L.S., Samuel Beckett, to a 6 x 4 correspondence card, Paris, 11th May 1972, to Rudi Schmitt, in French. Beckett sends a condolence message stating `C´est avec beaucoup de peine que j´apprends, par votre lettre, la mort de Werner… j´avais pour lui beaucoup beaucoup d´affection… vous êtes très gentil de m´avoir écrit..´ (“It is with great sadness that I learn, through your letter, of Werner's death… I had a lot of affection for him… you are very kind to have written to me…”) Overall light foxing. Accompanied by the original envelope postmarked and stamped. G
NANSEN FRIDTJOF: (1861-1930) Norwegian Arctic explorer and polymath, Nobel Peace Prize winner 1922. An excellent, large vintage signed and inscribed sepia 12 x 10 photograph, the image depicting Nansen seated in a full-length profile pose at the desk in his study at Polhogda, the large house which was built to his design in Lysaker. Nansen is surrounded by various possessions including ornately carved chairs, several rows of bookshelves, a globe, marble bust, and with a typewriter and numerous papers on his desk. Signed in fountain pen ink to a clear area at the head of the image, 'Dr. Vaughan Harley, with the kind regards of Fridtjof Nansen'. The photograph (11 x 8.5) is neatly mounted to the original card mount with decorative printed borders. Signed photographs of Nansen of this size are scarce and desirable. Some very light, minor mottling to the image and a few light stains to the mount, otherwise VG Edward Vaughan Harley (1864-1923) British Professor of Pathological Chemistry at London University 1896-1919. Vaughan Harley had previously studied in Paris with Louis Pasteur and Pierre Paul Emile Roux.
![[NOEL-BAKER PHILIP]: (1889-1982) British politician and diplomat, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1959. Noel-Baker also won a silve](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/de6c7e0b-c5e1-4588-a7bd-af3f0123225a/2019d353-882c-4632-988c-af4200f99e33/468x382.jpg)
[NOEL-BAKER PHILIP]: (1889-1982) British politician and diplomat, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1959. Noel-Baker also won a silver medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp and is the only person to have won an Olympic medal and received a Nobel Prize. STRONG KENNETH (1900-1982) British Major General of World War II who played a leading role in the negotiations for the unconditional surrender of Germany in 1945. An interesting typed manuscript signed, Kenneth Strong, Major General, eleven pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d. (January 1946), in German. The manuscript is of a speech made by Strong to introduce Philip Noel-Baker to German prisoners-of-war at Wilton Park and states, in part, 'I have the pleasant task of introducing you, the third course students at Wilton Park, to this evening's speaker, Minister of State Philip Noel-Baker. It is a particular pleasure for me because it gives me a good opportunity to attend the third course myself, as I did at the opening of Wilton Park and at the beginning of the second course…..When, on January 17 of this year, I opened the first course, and with it the Training Centre, on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which I head, we were optimistic…..But no one could know how it would develop. Of course, it is still too early to say that the Wilton Park experiment was a success, because it will not be possible to decide whether it was successful or not until years after you return to Germany. But I would like to say that the development of these six months has proved right for those of us who thought that the attempt should be made…..and that it also makes it clear to the German prisoners of war here and in all camps, what importance His Majesty's Government attaches to the construction work that is being done here…..Even if Mr. Noel-Baker were not a senior officer at the State Department, he would be one of the most suitable personalities to address you in Wilton Park. I know that part of your curriculum is the Projection of Britain, and Mr. Noel-Baker embodies much of the British political tradition and development that you have heard about this semester. First of all, his political stance: I was told that last semester, nothing impressed the students more than the fact that six Labour MPs gave a brain trust, who agreed that your socialism is not based on Karl Marx, but built on Jesus Christ. And you have….[been]……shown how alive the social conscience is in the English religious communities. Mr. Noel-Baker is in the same tradition. His domestic and foreign political views are based on his religious convictions…….This combination of religion and socialism, which is not so widespread in Germany….is not the only combination of qualities that are found in England and rarely found in Germany. Mr. Noel-Baker was a university professor before politics demanded all his time, but not an unworldly, so called apolitical lecturer, but a professor who was aware of the social obligations of universities……I am sure you will appreciate it if I tell you that while a student Mr. Noel-Baker was also president of the Cambridge Debating Society…..and president of the Cambridge Athletics Club and represented England at an Olympiad……But it's not just in sports that Mr. Noel-Baker has devoted himself to cultivating international relations. He has been his party's leading expert on foreign policy issues for years, and has deepened and expanded his knowledge and experience through his work with the League of Nations and the Disarmament Conference.' Signed by Strong to the verso of the final page, and signed a second time beneath an explanatory statement, 'Speech made in German by General Strong to German prisoners of war in the U.K. at the Wilton Park Training Centre in January 1946'. Some light overall age toning, a few stains, tears and areas of paper loss to the first page only, and with small staple holes to the upper left corner of each page, GWilton Park began on 12th January 1946 as part of an initiative inspired by Winston Churchill who, two years earlier, had called for Britain to help establish a democracy in Germany after World War II. Between January 1946 and June 1948 approximately 4,500 Germans were made to attend re-education classes there. Today Wilton Park exists as an executive agency of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office providing a global forum for strategic discussion.
WALCOTT JERSEY JOE: (1914-1994) American boxer, World Heavyweight Champion 1951-52. Vintage signed sepia 8 x 10 photograph of Walcott standing in a full-length boxing pose in a boxing ring. The promotional image dates from Walcott's period as World Heavyweight Champion. Signed in dark fountain pen ink to a light area at the base of the image. Some overall surface creasing, G
ASTAIRE FRED & ADELE: ASTAIRE FRED: (1899-1987) American Actor & Dancer, Academy Award winner & ADELE (1896-1981) American Dancer & Entertainer. A printed small 4to programme for a performance of The Band Wagon at the New Amsterdam theatre, New York, September 1931, individually signed by both Fred and Adele Astaire in dark fountain pen ink to the upper edge of the front cover. With various newspaper articles etc. relating to The Band Wagon stapled to the inside pages. Some very light age wear, VG
MANDELA NELSON: (1918-2013) South African anti-apartheid activist, the first President of South Africa 1994-99. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1993. T.L.S., N Mandela, one page, 4to, n.p., July 1997, to Marlene Jacobs. Mandela thanks his correspondent for her assistance in helping to host a Children's Party in Cape Town on 4th July 1997 in honour of his 79th Birthday, continuing to remark 'As you know, all children are very close to my heart but particularly those youngsters who are forced to face tremendous difficulties and tragedies in their young lives. The children who attended my party were especially vulnerable, facing severe life-threatening diseases, and by giving support to this Party you helped me give them a day they will never forget' and further adding 'The event was a wonderful success - which is still being commented on - and reflects the very high degree of commitment, professionalism and sheer hard work that you, as part of the organising team, put into the planning and execution of it'. A letter of good content. A light band of discoloration to the edges, evidently caused by previous framing, and with a small tear to the upper right edge, otherwise about VG
FLEMING ALEXANDER: (1881-1955) Scottish biologist, Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine, 1945. A brief T.L.S., A Fleming, one page, 8vo, Paddington, London, 4th July 1947, to Dr. Anthony Weymouth, on the printed stationery of the Inoculation Department at St. Mary's Hospital. Fleming thanks his correspondent for their letter and continues to remark 'I am glad to know that you do not want my contribution on Chemotherapy until the Autumn. I was finding considerable difficulty in getting time to write it'. Annotated in ink in an unidentified hand at the head of the page, and with a couple of very light, minor creases. Together with a carbon typed copy of a letter signed by Ivo Geikie Cobb (Anthony Weymouth) with his initials I G-C, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., 8th April 1949, to Sir Alexander Fleming, asking if he would 'spare me a few minutes one day if I come to see you at St. Mary's?' and explaining that he would 'keep any appointment you are good enough to make'. Two file holes to the left edge and a couple of minor creases, VG, 2Ivo Geikie Cobb (1887-1953) Physician and author who wrote detective stories with medical themes under the pseudonym of Anthony Weymouth.
HOUSSAY BERNARDO: (1887-1971) Argentine physiologist, Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine, 1947. Typed D.S., B A Houssay, one page, 4to, Buenos Aires, 17th October 1962. Houssay responds to a researcher's questionnaire entitled Homage to Alfred Nobel, with their manuscript questions, in French, at the head of the page, , asking, having received a Nobel Prize, what they think of the illustrious founder of the award, and, aside from the material satisfaction, what moral satisfaction they gained from receiving the Nobel Prize? Houssay provides his answers beneath, in French, in full, '1 - I thought that Nobel was inspired by a deep faith in the capacity of man to progress and become better and that the work of leaders should be recognised. He was guided by noble and generous motives. 2 - The material importance of the Prize did not concern me, but I thought that it could stimulate aid for science and research in my country and make their role and importance understood'. One small, light stain, only very slightly affecting one word of the researcher's questions, otherwise VG
ASTAIRE FRED: (1899-1987) American dancer and actor, Academy Award winner. Signed and inscribed Christmas greetings card, the folding small oblong 8vo card featuring a colour image to the cover of a painting of Lough Leane, Killarney, Kerry, by Peter Ellenshaw, signed by Astaire in bold black ink to the blank inside, 'Hi Pete and Family, Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Fred A - (Trapped in Ireland over the holidays - delay on picture)'. Together with a brief A.L.S., Fred A, one page, small 8vo, n.p., (Beverly Hills, California), n.d. ('Sunday 29th'; June 1975), to Peter Moore in London, on Astaire's personal printed memorandum stationery. Astaire confirms that he has received the second cassette and that 'it seems O.K. to me', and in a postscript writing 'I take it that covers the Crosby album'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Astaire and signed by him with his initials ('F.A.') above the printed return address to the verso. Some very light, minor age wear, about VG, 2
HAHN OTTO: (1879-1968) German chemist, a pioneer in the fields of radioactivity and radiochemistry, considered the father of nuclear chemistry. Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, 1944. A.L.S., Otto Hahn, one page, 4to, n.p., 9th August 1965, to Mr. Corbiere, in German. Hahn states, in full, 'I don't believe, at 86 years, that I can still make a scientific discovery. Maybe I could write my memoirs, if I still have time'. Hahn's letter appears below a researcher's questionnaire entitled Enquete Mondiale in which he poses three questions in French. One small, light stain below Hahn's signature and with some light age wear, otherwise VG
SEABORG GLENN T.: (1912-1999) American chemist. Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, 1951. Autograph statement signed, Glenn T. Seaborg, one page, 4to, Berkeley, California, 25th April 1952. Seaborg's statement is made in response to a researcher's question, entitled World Scientific Inquiry, their manuscript question at the head of the page stating, in part, 'In a brilliant article entitled “An Epoch in Science”, which appeared in the magazine “Science et Vie”, Jules Romains writes: The exploration of the physical universe has no assignable limits; but it seems likely, however, that discoveries of the first order of magnitude…..will be limited in number. The future will rather have to content itself with prodigious achievements of secondary importance…..Pure science has already unlocked the most important secrets of the universe…..Is Jules Romains right? What is your opinion, from a chemical point of view?'. Seaborg's statement appears beneath and states, in full, 'I do not agree with Mr. Romains. I believe that discoveries of the first magnitude in chemistry lie ahead of us', adding his signature, place and date below. A couple of light, minor stains to the right edge, close to, but not affecting the signature, and with some light age wear, otherwise VG
MUSICAL STARS: Fred Astaire (1899-1987) American dancer and actor, Academy Award winner. Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Astaire in a full-length dance pose. Signed in red ink with his name alone to a clear area of the background; Gene Kelly (1912-1996) American dancer and actor, Academy Award winner. Vintage signed 8 x 10 photograph of Kelly leaping in a full-length dance pose. Typed text to the verso (which shows through very slightly at the base of the image) indicates that the image shows Kelly as he 'warms up for the difficult routines he does in MGM's Technicolour musical Summer Stock'. Signed by Kelly in blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area of the background. A few minor smudges to the signature. A wonderful pair of almost matching signed photographs by two of the greatest male musical stars in the history of film. Some very light surface and corner creasing and minor age wear, otherwise VG, 2
‘So the real problem lies in finding out the multiplicity of the solutions of the strong system, in which I have not had any success up to now’ EINSTEIN ALBERT: (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1921. An excellent scientific A.L.S., with his initials A. E., two pages, 4to, n.p., 5th March 1950, to Ernst Gabor Straus, in German, incorporating two lines of calculations. Einstein announces 'Ich stimme mit der Meinung, die Sie in ihrem letzten Briefe geaussert haben, nicht uberein. Es liegt eben doch in der Natur der Suche, dass man verlangen muss, dass alle Tensoren, die durch Kontraktion von…. gewonnen werden konnen verschwinden' (Translation: 'I do not agree with the opinion you expressed in your last letter. It is precisely in the nature of research that one must demand that all the tensors that can be produced by means of the….contraction disappear') and continues to explain, 'Ich bin davon uberzeugt, dass man dies verlangen muss, trotzdem es nun sehr unwahrscheinlich geworden ist, dass es drei zusatzliche Identitaten gibt. Wenn man kompatible Gleichungen im Sinne der Fortsetzbarkeit einer jeden Schnittlosung verlangt, so gibt es mindestens drei formal gleichberechtgte am Variationssystemen gewahrbare, also im gewohnlichen Sinne kompatible Gleichungssysteme, dessen jedes weniger naturlich ist als das starke System, und zwischen denen eine Wahl in vernunftiger Weise nicht getroffen werden kann. Wenn das starke System so wenig Losungen haben sollte, dass die allgemeine Losung durch eine endliche Zahl von Zahlenparametern bestimmt ist, dann kame das starke System als physikalische Theorie naturlich nicht in Betracht. Dann aber ware ich uberzeugt, dass die Theorie des nicht symmetrischen Feldes uberhaupt aufgeben werden musste. Wenn aber die Mannigfaltigkeit der Losungen des starken Systems nicht in solcher Weise beschrankt ist, dann ist die Theorie nach meiner Ansicht sehr aussichtsreich. Denn es ist plausibel, dass das Thatreichliche Feldgesetz in seinen Losungen starker eingeschrankt ist, als es z. B. durch ein Hamilton-Prinzip erreichbar ist' (Translation: 'I am convinced that this should be required, even though it has now become very unlikely that there are three additional identities. If one demands compatible equations in the sense of a possibility of continuity of each cutting solution, then there are at least three formally equal systems of equations perceivable in the variation system, i.e. compatible in the usual sense, each of which is less natural than the strong system, and between which a choice cannot be made in a reasonable way. If the strong system should have so few solutions that the general solution is determined by a finite number of numerical parameters, then the strong system would of course not come into consideration as a physical theory. But then I would be convinced that the theory of the non-symmetrical field had to be abandoned altogether. But if the variety of the solutions of the strong system is not limited in this way, then the theory is, in my opinion, very promising. For it is plausible that the actual law of the field is more severely restricted in its solutions than it is, e.g. B. is achievable by a Hamilton principle) before concluding 'Dies ist durch die Quanten-Thatsachen sehr recht gelegt, die eben zeigen, dass die wahl der "Anfangsbedingungen" weitgehend eingeschrankt sein muss, was bei einem vollstandig durch ein variationsprinzip bestimmten gleichungssystem nicht der fall ist, wo eine erhebliche zahl von willkurlichen funktionen von drei variablen (fur die "Schnittlosung") frei bleibt. Das eigentliche problem liegt also darin, die mannigfaltigkeit der losungen des starken systems herauszufinden, hierein habe ich bis jetzt keinen erfolg gehabt' (Translation: 'This is very well justified by the quantum facts, which show precisely that the choice of “initial conditions” must be largely restricted, which is not the case for a system of equations completely determined by a variational principle, where a considerable number of arbitrary functions of three variables (for the “intersection solution”) remains free. So the real problem lies in finding out the multiplicity of the solutions of the strong system, in which I have not had any success up to now'). In a postscript, in which Einstein incorporates his calculations, the physicist states 'In der neuen auflage des buchleins, die bald herauskommt, ist der schnitzer berichtigt. Ich habe mirs aber doch nicht nehmen lassen, zu erwahnen, dass sie den fehler entdeckt haben. Er lasst sich um Einfachsten so charakterisieren (his two lines of calculations inserted at this point) Bei dem andern "Beweis" ist es ganz entspechend' (Translation: 'In the new edition of the little book, which will be published soon, the blunder has been corrected. But I couldn't resist mentioning that it was you who discovered the error. It can be characterised in the simplest way (his two lines of calculations inserted at this point) In the case of the other 'proof', everything matches'). A letter of good association and fine scientific content. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Ernst Gabor Straus (1922-1983) German-American mathematician, a close associate of Einstein who collaborated with the physicist on their early work on relativity. After publishing his papers on special relativity (1905) and general relativity (1916), Albert Einstein conducted research on quantum physics before working on the generalisation of the relativistic theory of gravitation. Einstein attempted to generalise his theory of gravitation to include electromagnetism as aspects of a single entity. In 1950, he described his 'unified field theory' in an article entitled On the Generalised Theory of Gravitation. Although he was lauded for this work, his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Notably, Einstein's unification project did not accommodate the strong and weak nuclear forces, neither of which was well understood until many years after his death. Although mainstream physics long ignored Einstein's approaches to unification, his work has motivated modern quests for a theory of everything.
SIEGBAHN MANNE: (1886-1978) Swedish physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1924. Autograph statement signed, Manne Siegbahn, one page, slim oblong 8vo, n.p., n.d. (November 1949). Siegbahn's statement is written to a sheet of paper with the title and question World Inquiry - If you had to end up your life on one word, what word would it be? in the hand of a researcher at the head, the physicist stating, in full, 'Life has been a pleasant adventure'. Some light age wear and very slightly irregularly trimmed to the lower edge, otherwise VG
ANDERSON CARL D.: (1905-1991) American physicist, best known for his discovery of the positron in 1932. Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1936. Manuscript D.S., Carl D. Anderson, one page, 4to, Pasadena, California, 9th November 1949. Anderson responds to a researcher's questionnaire, with their manuscript questions at the head of the page, '1. Were your scientific “debuts” easy or difficult? 2. Did means of living…..enable you to make yourself known in science? Or did you live solely through your work of laboratory? 3. What work (or what discovery) made yourself more famous? Which do you consider as your masterpiece?'. Anderson provides his answers beneath, in full, '1. My scientific “debuts” were made in a normal manner for young men working in science in American colleges and therefore not difficult. 2. I have supported myself wholly from my income as a member of the faculty of the Calif. Inst. of Tech. 3. The discovery of the positive electron or positron is best known. Our work from 1933 to 1936 in attempting to resolve a paradox in our cosmic ray results, which led to the discovery of the mesotron in 1936, was the most interesting', adding his signature beneath. Some light age wear at the foot of the page and one small, neat tear to the centre of the lower edge. About VG
STERN OTTO: (1888-1969) German-American physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1943. Manuscript Document, unsigned, (although with his surname Stern incorporated within the text), one page, 4to, n.p., 14th February 1948. Stern responds to a researcher's questionnaire entitled World Inquiry, with their manuscript questions at the head of the page, '1. Were your scientific “debut” easy or difficult? 2. Did means of living…..enable you to make yourself known in science? Or did you live solely through your work of laboratory? 3. What work (or what discovery) made yourself more famous? Which do you consider as your masterpiece?' Stern's manuscript answers appear beneath, in full, '1) normal 2) private income 3) Stern-Gerlach experiment, experimental proof of “space quantization” by deflecting silver atoms in an inhomogeneous magnetic field'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and one small tear to the centre of the right edge, otherwise VG
SCIENTISTS: An unusual 4to sheet of paper featuring the manuscript heading Le mot de la fin in the hand of a researcher, followed by the question 'If you had to end up your life on a few words, what words would it be?', beneath which appear six individual autograph statements signed by various scientists, each responding to the question, comprising (in order of appearance) Merle Tuve (1901-1982) American geophysicist, a pioneer in the use of pulsed radio waves whose discoveries opened the way to the development of radar and nuclear energy, 'I've had a wonderful trip. Full speed ahead!'; Samarendra Nath Sen (1918-1992) Indian scientific author and historian, 'I do not know yet'; Michael Heidelberger (1888-1991) American immunologist, often regarded as the father of modern immunology, 'Too bad to miss what's ahead!'; Hugo Theorell (1903-1982) Swedish scientist, Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine, 1955, 'It was a wonderful experience!'; Edward Condon (1902-1974) American nuclear physicist, a pioneer in quantum mechanics and, during World War II, a participant in the development of radar and, very briefly, of nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project, 'I would thank God devoutly for his goodness to me in the life I have had'; and Gino Cassinis (1885-1964) Italian politician and mathematician who served as Mayor of Milan 1961-64, 'Je remercie Dieu de ce qu'il m'a donne' (Translation: 'I thank God for what he gave me'). With various ink annotations in the hand of a collector to the left margin. Some very light, minor age wear, and one small tear to the right edge, otherwise VG
DARWIN CHARLES: (1809-1882) English naturalist, famous for his theory of evolution published in On the Origin of Species (1859). A fine A.L.S., Ch. Darwin, one page, 8vo, Down, Beckenham, Kent, 24th October (1876), to a gentleman. Darwin asks his correspondent to thank Professor Reichenbach for his great kindness and apologises for the trouble he put him and his correspondent to, explaining 'a plant at Kew was afterwards discovered in flower & was sent to me, so that I was able to examine well the doubtful point'. A letter of good content dating from the time when Darwin was preparing a revised edition of his work on orchids. Some very light, extremely minor creasing, VG Ludwig Reichenbach (1793-1879) German botanist & ornithologist, an orchid specialist and the founder of the Dresden botanical gardens and joint founder of Dresden Zoo. During 1861 botany became a preoccupation for Darwin, and his projects became serious scientific pursuits. He continued his study of orchids throughout the summer, writing to anyone who might be able to supply specimens he had not yet examined. Darwin published Fertilisation of Orchids in May 1862, and the book represented his first detailed demonstration of the power of natural selection. A second, revised edition was published in 1877.
BOGART HUMPHREY: (1899-1957) American actor, Academy Award winner. Vintage signed and inscribed 7.5 x 9.5 photograph of the actor seated in a head and shoulders pose. Signed in fountain pen ink to the image, 'To the crew of “The Ship”, Good sailing, Humphrey Bogart'. The signature and inscription are somewhat faded although legible when viewed at the correct angle. Neatly trimmed to the right border and with some light surface creasing and a few areas of loss to the image at the edges. About G The present photograph was most likely presented to a pub where it was evidently displayed. Bogart himself was an enthusiastic sailor who had enlisted in the United States Navy during World War I and later spent around thirty weekends a year on the water after acquiring the sailing yacht Santana in 1945.
EVANS HERBERT MCLEAN: (1882-1971) American anatomist and embryologist, best known for co-discovering Vitamin E. Manuscript Document, unsigned, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d. (c.1936). Evans responds to a researcher's questionnaire entitled World Inquiry, with their manuscript questions at the head of the page, '1. Were your scientific “debut” easy or difficult? 2. Did means of living…..enable you to make yourself known in science? Or did you live solely through your work of laboratory? 3. What work (or what discovery) made yourself more famous? Which do you consider as your masterpiece?'. Evans provides his answers beneath, in full, '1) My enthusiasm made the effort to start to attempt to uncover new things inevitable; add to this that I had a very great teacher - Franklin P. Mall. 2) I never had “means” at my disposal and had always to rely upon myself. 3) Perhaps the discovery of a vitamin (E) and a hormone (that of growth), I may perhaps deserve remembrance through my long continued effort'. A few ink blots just affect several words of text. Some age wear, light creasing, and a number of small tears to the edges, G
GILLES DE LA TOURETTE GEORGES: (1857-1904) French neurologist and the namesake of Tourette syndrome, whose main contributions in medicine were in the fields of hypnotism and hysteria. A rare A.L.S., Gilles de la Tourette, one page, 8vo, Paris, 14th November 1900, to 'Mon cher Maitre', in French. Gilles de la Tourette forwards a letter (no longer present) which he has received that evening from Monsieur Demagny and continues to remark 'Je l'en remercie et moi meme je vous escire un mot a M. Lavy que je connais particulrement et au quel j'en ai d'ailleurs deja parle. Je serais bien heureux si ca recesessant' (Translation: 'I thank him for it and I myself am writing you a note to M. Lavy, whom I know particularly and to whom I have already spoken about it. I would be very happy if it resumed….' With blank integral leaf. Autograph letters of Gilles de la Tourette, who was shot in the neck in 1893, are rare as a result of his untimely death at the age of 46 after having been committed to the Lausanne Psychiatric Hospital. A couple of light creases, otherwise VG
BEST CHARLES H.: (1899-1978) American-Canadian medical scientist, one of the co-discoverers of insulin. D.S., Charles H. Best, two pages, 4to, n.p., n.d. (c. 1975). The document is a two-page photocopy of an article written by Best entitled Diabetes - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow which appeared in the January - February 1975 issue of the American Diabetes Association journal Forecast. Signed by Best in blue ink with his name alone to a clear area at the head of the first page. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
SELYE HANS: (1907-1982) Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist, considered the first to demonstrate the existence of biological stress. T.L.S., Hans Selye, one page, 4to, Montreal, 8th January 1953, to Henri Corbiere, on the printed stationery of the University of Montreal, in French. Selye responds to his correspondent's letter and provides his answers to their questions in three numbered paragraphs, in part, '1. My scientific beginnings were not very difficult, because I represent the fourth generation of doctors in our family and it was my father who prepared the way for me. 2. Until my first doctorate (the one in medicine), it was still my father who paid for the expenses of my education but, after that, I lived exclusively on my own income…..books I have written are added to these emoluments but; since this depends on my laboratory research, I think I can say that I live exclusively from my research. 3. The discovery of the general adaptation syndrome (the concept of “stress”) which I described at the age of 29, is in my opinion, my only contribution to medicine worth mentioning…..I have written several books on this subject, the most important of which is the one entitled “Stress”……'. Some very light, minor age wear to the edges and an ink annotation in the hand of the recipient to the lower left corner, otherwise VG
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