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CHARLIE´S ANGELS: A very good set of six signed 8 x 10 photographs, five colour, by the six main characters over the five seasons of the American crime television series, comprising the three original starring actresses Farrah Fawcett-Majors (1947-2009), Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith, and also the three further casting changes actresses Cheryl Ladd, Tanya Roberts and a rare signed photograph by Shelley Hack. Most images depicting the Charlie´s Angels in sensual poses, and all boldly signed to clear areas of the images. VG, 6    

EISENSTEIN SERGEI: (1898-1948) Soviet film Director and film Theorist. Best-known for his film Battleship Potemkin (1925). Rare A.L.S., to a postcard, Alburquerque, 13th June [1930-31], to Monsieur Renaud de Jouvenel, Paris, in French. Eisenstein states `At the foot of this altar, I pray for you my dear little Renaud.´ To the colour front the postcard shows the interior of a well preserved church in the Indian Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico, only thirteen miles from Alburquerque. Postmarked and post-stamped. G to VG  Renaud de Jouvenel (1907-1982) French Writer, Polemicist and Journalist.  Eisenstein travelled to US in 1930 after accepting a contract of Paramount Pictures, but after six months of disagreements, both parties declared the contract null and void. Eisenstein then, and before returning to Russia, accepted a private investors proposal and travelled to Mexico for the filming. It is during this period that Eisenstein sent the present postcard.

CHAPLIN´S LEADING ROLES: A good selection of three vintage signed photographs by film Actors and Actresses having performed as leading roles in Chaplin´s films, containing PAULETTE GODDARD (1910-1990) American Actress. Well remembered for her leading lady roles in Chaplin´s films Modern Times and The Great Dictator. Third wife of Charles Chaplin. Signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph, the promotional image showing Goddard standing in a three quarter length pose, in a scene of Renoir´s film The Diary of a Chambermaid (1946), film co-starred with her third husband Burgess Meredith. Inscribed to French autograph collector Pierre Goulliard; ADOLPHE MENJOU (1890-1963) American Actor. He appeared in films such as Charles Chaplin´s A Woman of Paris (1923), Stanley Kubrick´s Paths of Glory (1957), The Sheik (1921) with Rudolph Valentino or Morocco (1930) with Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper. A good signed and inscribed 7 x 9 photograph, a close-up portrait of Menjou. Inscribed to Journalist André Jouniaux, a well-known autograph collector; and MERNA KENNEDY (1908-1944) American Actress. Best known for her role opposite Charlie Chaplin in the silent film The Circus (1928). Rare signed postcard photograph, the Ross image depicting Kennedy standing, in a full length pose, alongside a white horse, in a scene of The Circus film. Kennedy died of a heart attack at the early age of 36, only four days after her marriage. All are boldly signed to clear areas of the images. VG 

The Latin Lover as Monsieur Beaucaire VALENTINO RUDOLPH: (1895-1926) Italian actor, a sex symbol of the 1920s. An exceptional, large vintage signed 13.5 x 16.5 sepia photograph, the image depicting The Latin Lover in a head and shoulders pose in costume as Monsieur Beaucaire from the American silent romantic historical drama film Monsieur Beaucaire (1924). Signed by Valentino in bold black fountain pen ink to a clear area of the image, 'To the ever delightfull (sic) and charming Audrey, Rudolph Valentino'. Signed photographs of Valentino (particularly of this size and quality) are rare as a result of his untimely death at the age of 31. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG   Provenance: Valentino inscribed the present photograph for Audrey Evelyn James Coats (later Pleydell-Bouverie) (1902-1968) English socialite who was photographed by Cecil Beaton for TheBook of Beauty. Through her mother she was the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII and herself was the illegitimate daughter of Sir Edward Grey, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon.

The four Marx Brothers in the year of Monkey Business MARX BROTHERS THE: An excellent vintage signed and inscribed sepia 10 x 8 photograph by all four Marx Brothers individually, comprising Groucho (1890-1977), Chico (1887-1961), Harpo (1888-1964) and Zeppo (1901-1979), the image depicting the comedians seated in a row in full-length poses, each in their familiar costumes. Signed by Groucho, Chico (adding Sincerely Yours in his hand to the upper white border) and Zeppo in blue fountain pen inks with their first names and signed by Harpo in black fountain pen ink with a full signature, all to clear areas of the image. With an ink inscription and date, 16th January 1931, to the left white border. A wonderful signed image, both rare and desirable in this form. One small area of paper loss to the upper left corner, a few minor corner creases and one surface crease running across Chico's image. About VG   In the same year as signing the present photograph, The Marx Brothers released their third movie, Monkey Business, considered one of their best and funniest films.

'To Brownie, a grand person - and a dear friend - Love, Jean' HARLOW JEAN: (1911-1937) American Actress and Sex Symbol. A wonderful, extremely rare vintage signed and inscribed 11 x 14 photograph of the platinum blonde in a smiling half-length pose, swathed in white furs. Signed in fountain pen ink across a clear area of the image with an inscription, seemingly to Greta Garbo, 'To Brownie, a grand person - and a dear friend - Love, Jean'. A stunning signed image. Authentic signed photographs of Harlow are extremely rare as a result of her untimely death from kidney failure at the age of 26. Some light age wear, slight creasing to the right white border and a small tear to the left edge, about VG   Greta Garbo (1905-1990) Swedish-born American actress, Academy Award winner. Throughout her life Garbo used the alias Harriet Brown.

[MONROE MARILYN]: (1926-1962) American Actress & Sex Symbol. A rare lock of Marilyn´s hair, taken the night she sang `Happy Birthday Mister President´ to US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in May 1962. The lock of blond hair is securely kept and protected in a slim 2 x 2 transparent plastic box, with black background base. VG   Provenance from Robert Champion, Marilyn´s hairdresser.

EUROPEAN CINEMA: Selection of signed 8 x 10 photographs by various film actors and actresses, comprising a rare Vittorio Gassman in costume as Greta Garbo in a scene of Il Mattatore (1960), Ida Lupino in a scene of Strange Intruder (1956), Julie Harris in a scene of Kazan´s film East of Eden (1956),Ornella Mutti, Michele Placido, Giovanna Ralli, Giorgia Moll from the Pierre Goulliard collection and Angela Lansbury in a scene of The Pirates of Penzance (1983). All are boldly signed to clear areas of the images. G, 8   

MULLER RENATE: (1906-1937) German Singer and Actress. A silent film, sound film and stage actress. Muller was one of the most successful actresses in German films from the early 1930s. Very rare signed postcard photograph, the Ross image depicting Muller standing in a full length pose. Signed in bold black fountain pen ink to the lower white border of the image. Signed photographs of Muller are desirable after her death at the very early age of 31. VG   Muller was courted by the Nazi Party to appear in films that promoted their ideals, but refused. Her sudden death at the age of 31 was initially attributed to epilepsy, but after the end of WWII, it was asserted that she had been murdered by Gestapo officers, but it was also said that she committed suicide. The true circumstances of her death remain unknown.

DISNEY WALT: (1901-1966) American Animator, Academy Award winner. An excellent vintage signed and inscribed 14 x 11 photograph, the image depicting Disney seated in a three quarter length pose at the steering wheel of a buggy, presumably within the grounds of Disneyland. At his side the American actress Carol Channing and French actor and entertainer Maurice Chevalier can be seen seated in three quarter length poses. Signed by Disney in bold black ink to the image, and inscribed to Chevalier, 'To Maurice, Avec Mon Appreciation, Walt Disney' and also signed and inscribed by Channing to Chevalier, 'Maurice dearest, How lucky can a girl get?...being between the first Gentlemen of France and America! With devotion and xxx's, Carol Channing'. A rare signed photograph with excellent associations. Some light surface and corner creasing, otherwise VG   

DYLAN BOB: (1941-     ) American Singer & Songwriter, Nobel Prize winner for Literature 2016. A good signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of Dylan in a three-quarter length pose, being a publicity portrait for Dont Look Back (1967). Signed by Dylan in red ink to a clear area of the image, 'To Vera, Best wishes, Bob Dylan'. Authentic signed photographs of Dylan are rare and desirable. EX   Dont Look Back (1967) is an American documentary film covering Dylan's 1965 concert tour of England.

PIAF EDITH: (1915-1963) French singer, one of the most celebrated performers of the 20th century. A fine A.L.S., Tou petit hochet oiseau, ('Your little bird'), four pages, 8vo, n.p. (New York), 26th August 1955, to her first husband, Jacques Pills ('Mon petit bonhomme'), in French. Piaf laments the fact that she hasn't received a letter from her husband, surmising that he is perhaps busy with rehearsals and urging him to rest, commenting 'Everything is fine and everything will be fine! It is strange, but when I rest, I am almost more tired than when I work. You get used to doing nothing, and the smallest effort seems enormous, a lesson that I am relearning currently' and continuing 'I'll have my hands full with Versailles! Now you'll have to write to me in New York…..I can't wait to hear the latest from you about the public's reception in other cities in England. You never talk about that country, and I'd love to hear your impression. At any rate, I think the public is great. The other thing I'd like is for you to have an apartment in London where a cook could come to keep you on your diet. I wonder how you manage in restaurants. Be very, very careful! Sometimes I do worry, knowing how kind you are and how you would not want to put anybody out but rather eat nothing at all. And you know that is what you must absolutely not do! So take great care. I am no longer there to do the salting, and you may take advantage of that. Careful dear! Maybe you do the salting yourself now?' Piaf further writes 'I am a little bored, my darling, and when I don't hear from you, I get very sad, but I know how difficult it is when you are busy with rehearsals. Relax when you can, my sweet one, and think about how much I love you'. In concluding the singer provides her address in New York, care of Lew and Leslie Grade. A letter of good association and affectionate content and, as such, rare and desirable. EX   Jacques Pills (1906-1970) French singer and actor, the first husband of Edith Piaf from 1952-57. Edith Piaf performed twice at New York's Carnegie Hall, in 1956 & 1957. 

GARDEL CARLOS: (1890-1935) French-born Argentine Singer & Songwriter, the most prominent figure in the history of tango. Rare, vintage signed and inscribed postcard photograph, a head and shoulders study of the smiling Carlitos. Signed in fountain pen ink to the image, across a slightly darker area although perfectly legible `To the great journal of Quilmes "El Sol", sincere souvenir, Carlos Gardel´. Autographs of Gardel are rare in any form following his tragic death at the age of 44 in an airplane crash in Colombia. One very small, and minor surface crease and stain to the image, otherwise G to VG   

ISOUARD NICOLAS: (1773-1818) Also known as ''Nicolo di Malta''. French-Maltese Composer. A good and rare A.L.S., Nicolo, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d., to a journal´s editor, in French. Isouard states in part `I warn you that in order to be able to have a copy order, they want a letter from you that informs them that you have made a work for the circumstance of the childbirth and that you have handed it over to the censorship… ´ To a post-scriptum beneath his signature, Nicolo Isouard states `I would need that you have the kindness to right away send to me the mentioned letter to my address´ With address leaf and small remnants of a former seal. Very small overall minor age wear, mostly to right and bottom edges, with a small tear to right edge not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G   

LESUEUR JEAN-FRANCOIS: (1760-1837) French Composer. Composer of the Royal Chapel and Conductor of the orchestra of the Opera. Among his composition pupils at the Paris Conservatoire were Berlioz, Gounod and Ambroise Thomas. A rare and very fine A.L.S., `LeSueur, M[em]ber of the Legion d´Honneur, Composer and musical Director of His Majesty the Emperor and King´, one page, 4to, [Paris], 8th July 1809, to the Minister of the Interior, in French. Lesueur responds to the Minister´s information request stating in part `I dare assure His Excellency the Minister of the Interior, that I only know Mr. Vieilh-Varenne by reports which are extremely favourable to him; and all I have heard concerning this estimable artist is as creditable as possible, as much for his talent, as for the good conduct which he has always maintained. I believe him worthy to fill with distinction the place which he solicits from your Excellency..´, further apologizing for interrupting his correspondent `..interrupting you Monseigneur in the important affairs which occupy you, from the certainty I feel of the kindness and interest which your Excellency deigns to show towards unfortunate talents.´, and before concluding saying `…is his lively and sincere attachment to the sacred persons of our august Sovereigns.´The present letter was part of the reputed collection of Wilhelm Kunzel (1819-1896). Neatly affixed to a slightly larger paper-card. Accompanied by a full translation of the letter into English. Small overall minor foxing and age wear to the upper part of the letter, otherwise G   The present letter is addressed to the Minister of Interior. From June to October 1809 the Minister was Joseph Fouché (1759-1820) Duke of Otranto. Best-known as Minister of Police under the Directory, the Consulate and the Empire. Although most probably the letter was addressed to his predecessor Emmanuel Crétet (1747-1809) Count of Champmol and first Governor of the Bank of France. Minister of the Interior from 1807 until June 09. Crétet spent very important amounts as Minister, encouraging learning and arts. Vieilh-Varenne was a French Painter and Engraver. Pupil of Joseph-Marie Vien, first painter of the King.

BIZET GEORGES: (1838-1875) French Composer. A rare and brief A.L.S., Georges Bizet, one page, 8vo, n.p. [Paris], n.d. [1866-67], to a friend [Jules Adenis], in French. Bizet sends a short but very important message to Adenis, his librettist, stating ´Finally… here it is!....´ Bizet refers to the completion of his opera La Jolie Fille de Perth (1867),after the novel The Fair Maid of Perth (1828) by Scottish author Walter Scott.Further saying `I had to leave for.., but I have received a dispatch, it is postponed until next week. My best regards from your devoted collaborator.´ Extremely small overall minor age wear, otherwise VG     Jules Adenis (1823-1900) French Dramatist and opera Librettist.    Bizet´s librettists for his opera La Jolie Fille de Perth were Jules Adenis and Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges (1799-1875). The libretto took time to convince the young composer and its conclusion took longer than expected. The opera ended having the highest premiere´s success Bizet ever lived.

TOZZI ANTONIO: (1736-1812) Italian Opera Composer. Rare A.L.S., `Antonio Tozzi´, one page, 4to, Barcelona, 21st November 1795, to Mariano Tambuini, Bologna, in Italian. Tozzi, to the heading, requests a favour from his correspondent `You will kindly forward the letter enclosed to my son.´ Further saying in part `… we are anxious about the arrival of Mrs. Marcheti, who, should have arrived in Genoa on the nine or tenth..´ Fully addressed to the verso in Tozzi´s hand. Overall creasing with two stains corresponding to the opening of the letter and only affecting the first word Barcelona. G   

PONCHIELLI AMILCARE: (1834-1886) Italian Composer. Best remembered for his opera La Gioconda (1876) based on a play by Victor Hugo. An exceptional and rare M.S., `Ponchielli´, seven pages, oblong folio (12 x 9) stave paper, n.p., n.d. Signed by Ponchielli to the heading of the front page. The full autograph working manuscript is in the hand of Ponchielli and corresponds to the complete score of his work Dio Amore as he entitles to the heading. He also annotates to the front page heading `Parole di Silvio Pellico´ ("Words by Silvio Pellico"). Ponchielli has penned over 90 bars of music, on three staves, adding tempos alongside and the Romanza voice text beneath the musical notes, bearing also multiple annotations, crossed words and amendments. Attractively bound within modern decorative boards featuring sea horses and with a gilt stamped leather title to the front. Small overall minor age wear and staining otherwise VG   Dio Amore! is a work for choir and pianoforte by Ponchielli, opus 277. Musical critics have widely commented about this Romanza that it highlights the innate sense of Ponchielli's theatre as well as his uncommon lyrical vein.Silvio Pellico (1789-1854) Italian Writer, Poet and Patriot active in the Italian unification.

TOCH ERNST: (1887-1964) Austrian Composer and Pianist. Toch, of Jewish ascendent, went into exile in 1933. He lived in US and composed film scores in Hollywood. His third symphony, 1955, won the Pulitzer price. Rare signed and inscribed photograph, small 4to, New York, 3rd April 1932, inscribed to American conductor Alexander Smallens, in German. The image shows Toch in a close-up head and shoulders pose, alongside his young daughter Franzi. Signed and inscribed in bold black ink to the upper left corner `To Alexander Smallens, with friendly memories, Ernst Toch´, dated beneath in his hand. Vert small clips to the upper corners, very slightly trimmed, otherwise G   Alexander Smallens (1889-1972) Russian-born American Conductor. Smallens was the music Director for the premiere of Gershwin´s Porgy and Bess in Braodway (1935)Franzi Toch (1928-1988) Daughter of Ernst Toch.   

PART ARVO: (1935- ) Estonian Composer. Part´s music is largely inspired by Gregorian chant. He invented a compositional technique called “Tintinnabuli”. Part has been the most performed living composer of the last decade. Rare signed 8 x 10 photograph, the image showing Part seated in a half-length pose. Signed in bold black ink to a clear area of the image. Autograph obtained in person. VG   

[TOSCANINI ARTURO]: (1867-1957) Italian Conductor. Rare baton, being one of Toscanini´s batons during his NBC orchestra touring in 1950. An 11.5 baton (30cm), with wooden handgrip, attractively displayed beneath a 9.5 x 7 photograph, the image showing Toscanini standing, in a half-length pose and wearing his hat, alongside James Dolan. Framed in black, and glazed (plastic) to an overall of 12 x 15 (30cm x 38cm). Together with a 12mo clipped piece, bearing a seven bars of music with annotations in Toscanini´s hand. Also including an original unsigned 7 x 5 photograph of Toscanini showing him during rehearsals, two admittance cards to the late Toscanini´s services at the St. Patrick´s Cathedral in New York on 19th January 1957, and two original typed pages listing the honorary pallbearers. The list included among many others, Italian Ambassador Manlio Brosio, Mayor of New York Robert Wagner, Composer Samuel Barber, Director of the Metropolitan Opera Rudolf Bing, Tenor Giovanni Martinelli, Rudolf Serkin, etc… VG, 5  Provenance, the present baton comes from the estate of the late James B. Dolan (1915-2006) Librarian and Archivist of the NBC Orchestra under Toscanini 1942-54 and a friend of the Italian conductor. Dolan took care of all Toscanini´s scores and batons during and after his 1950 touring with the NBC Orchestra. Dolan would later be the Los Angeles Philharmonic´s librarian for 32 years.Dolan traveled with Toscanini on the symphony's 1950 cross-country tour. He was personally responsible for five large trunks of music for the 110 musicians who would perform 50 works during 21 concerts. On the special 12-car train, Dolan commanded an entire car for the music library. He was also the custodian of Toscanini's batons, which a Philadelphia dentist made by hand from the finest materials. Being in charge of them was no easy task, considering that the temperamental conductor could break several batons in anger during the course of a rehearsal. Dolan developed a hobby of making copies of scores with the conductor's notations, "all the editing and markings of his genius," Dolan wrote in a 1967 article. Other conductors have studied Dolan's copies to understand how the man considered the most brilliant conductor of his era shaped a particular piece of music.

YESIPOVA ANNA: (1851-1914) Russian Pianist. One of the main Russian pianists of her time, her virtuosity was highly admired by Liszt and Tchaikovsy. Yesipova was the most brilliant pupil of Leszetycki, years after becoming his spouse. Among his students as teacher of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory were Prokofiev, Borovsky and many others. A rare A.L.S., `A. Yesipova´, three pages, n.p., 6th August, n.y., to Miron Isakovich, in Cyrillic. Yesipova reports on her trip stating in part `We made all our way…. Benz turned out to be a great car, and the driver an expert. Our trip was a pure delight!´, she further describes delighted the location, saying `We could not have arranged better here in the guesthouse Ziminoy, by the very seaside. We were given a room with a balcony with seaview; we are surrounded by a park, and we have our own beach, and a steamship pier is right there. The guest house is very nice. We are delighted with Alupka. I think there is no place more beautiful than this one in the world´ Further again, Yesipova asks her correspondent a favour and explains what she needs. VG  

WUNDERLICH FRITZ: (1930-1966) German Tenor. Rare vintage signed 3.5 x 5.5 photograph of Wunderlich, the promotional Electrola image depicting the opera singer in a close-up head and shoulders pose. Boldly signed in blue ink to a clear area of the image.  Autographs of Wunderlich are rare following his tragic death at the early age of 35. Bearing to the verso a printed list of Wunderlich´s recording with Electrola. EX   

STORCHIO ROSINA: (1876-1945) Italian Soprano. Storchio created roles in several operas by Puccini, Leoncavallo, Mascagni and Giordano including Mimi in Leoncavallo´s La Boheme (1897) and Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly (1904). A rare and excellent vintage signed and inscribed 9 x 12.5 photograph of Storchio, the Esommariva image from Milano showing the Italian soprano standing in a full length pose, in costume. Signed in bold black fountain pen ink to the lower matted border `Rosina Storchio´, also dated beneath in her hand, Milano 1936. Inscribed to the upper border `A Marina Scialapen, Fiore di gioventu  e bellezza con l´augurio d´ogni bene´(“To Marina Chaliapin, Flower of youth and beauty with the wish of all the good´) Very light corner crease and few small stains to the matted border, otherwise VG    Marina Chaliapin (1912-2009) was the daughter of Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), widely regarded as one of the best bass singers of the 20th century.  

Der Weg der Verheisung WEILL KURT: (1900-1950) German-American Composer. Weill held the ideal of writing music that would serve a social purpose. An excellent and rare A.M.Q.S., Kurt Weill, one page, 8.5 x 10.5, (21,5 x 27 cm), on a page removed from an autograph album, in German. In bold, dark fountain pen ink the German composer has carefully penned four bars of music, which he identifies as being from his opera Der Weg der Verheisung, “The Eternal Road”. Signed and inscribed beneath the musical quotation `For Marina Chaliapin´ also dated in Salzburg, 1935 in Weill´s hand. Small overall minor age toning to edges, otherwise G to VG  Weill´s opera-oratorio in four acts The Eternal Road is based on Franz Werfel´s playwright  Der Weg der Verheisung, (“The Way of the Covenant”), a biblical drama. The work was conceived by Zionist activist Meyer Weisgal to alert public to Hitler´s persecution of the Jews in Germany. He enlisted the help of Max Reinhardt who chose Weill to compose the music and Werfel to write the libretto. The Eternal Road premiered at the Manhattan Opera House in January 1937, with a spectacular production involving 245 actors. Provenance: The present page originates from the personal autograph album of Marina Chaliapin (1912-2009), the daughter of Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), widely regarded as one of the finest bass singers of the 20th century, and his mistress Marina Petsold (1882-1964) who became the singer's second wife in 1927. Chaliapin's daughter was married to Luigi Freddi (1895-1977) the Italian journalist and politician who edited the journal Il Popolo d'Italia and who was also hugely influential in Italian political cinema in the second half of the 1930s and beginning of the 1940s

BERGMAN INGRID (1915-1982) Swedish actress, Academy Award winner & ROSSELLINI ROBERTO (1906-1977) Italian film director, husband of Bergman 1950-57. A good pair of blue ink signatures by both Bergman ('with many good wishes from Ingrid Bergman') also adding the date, 1950, in her hand, and Rossellini ('Roberto Rossellini') on a slim oblong 8vo page removed from an album. Items jointly signed by Bergman and Rossellini are surprisingly rare. VG   Provenance: The present page originates from the personal autograph album of Marina Chaliapin (1912-2009), the daughter of Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), widely regarded as one of the finest bass singers of the 20th century, and his mistress Marina Petsold (1882-1964) who became the singer's second wife in 1927. Chaliapin's daughter was married to Luigi Freddi (1895-1977) the Italian journalist and politician who edited the journal Il Popolo d'Italia and who was also hugely influential in Italian political cinema in the second half of the 1930s and beginning of the 1940s.

'Happy New Year!' JOYCE JAMES: (1882-1941) Irish novelist, one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century. A fine dark fountain pen ink signature ('James Joyce') on a 4to page removed from an album. Joyce has added a sentiment in Russian above his signature, 'Happy New Year!', and also added the place and date, Paris, 1st January 1938, in his hand. Rare. VG   Provenance: The present page originates from the personal autograph album of Marina Chaliapin (1912-2009), the daughter of Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938), widely regarded as one of the finest bass singers of the 20th century, and his mistress Marina Petsold (1882-1964) who became the singer's second wife in 1927. Chaliapin's daughter was married to Luigi Freddi (1895-1977) the Italian journalist and politician who edited the journal Il Popolo d'Italia and who was also hugely influential in Italian political cinema in the second half of the 1930s and beginning of the 1940s.

GREGORY XIV: (1535-1591) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1590-91. His tenure lasted only ten months. Gregory XIV, during his brief pontificate, excommunicated King Henry IV of France, modified the Apostolic Constitution so that the penalty for abortion did not apply until the foetus become animated, and bestowed the red cap upon the Cardinals who before wore only a hat. Very rare Autograph Manuscript by Gregory XIV, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., n.d., in Italian. An excellent document comprising ten lengthy lines where Gregory XIV refers to respect to traditions and relics, mentioning the ones kept in the San Pietro Martire church at Trigolo, Cremona, where Gregory XIV was appointed Bishop 1560-90, stating in part `..che quelle forze non solo si portavano per rispetto de le Imagini grandi, per avere Sante reliquie riposte in una cassetta che stá a´piedi della Madonna..´ Accompanied by a full transcription of the text. With slightly irregular edges and few stains mainly due to age wear and former affixing to the verso, otherwise G

LEO XI: (1535-1605) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 1605. His 27 days pontificate is one of the briefest in history, lasting from first to 27th April. Born Alessandro Ottaviano De´Medici, the fourth and last member of the prominent House of Medici elected pope. He was called ''Papa Lampo'' (''Lightning pope'') for his short reign. Very rare L.S., `Il Card[ina]le di Firenze´, with two lines holograph annotation, one page, 4to, Florence, 10th June 1594, in Italian. Leo XI, in his capacity as Archbishop of Florence 1574-96, annotates at the base of a letter received the 21st May 1594, `Il vicario risponda come habbiamo scrittoli il di 10 di giugno 1594´ (“The vicar will respond as we wrote them, on the 10th June 1594”). The letter was sent to the future Pope by friar Adamo Vidali, from the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Florence, asking the approval to `…si contenta di fare al nostro convento questo favore, di dare il pulpito di S[an]ta Maria del Fiore, per questo avvento prossimo, al nostro pa[dre] m[aest]ro Cornelio Guarguanti…´  (“If you admit to do our convent this favour, to give the pulpit of Santa Maria del Fiore, for this coming advent, to our father master Cornelio Guarguanti..”) With address leaf, bearing a paper seal affixed. Overall age wear, with minor staining, and irregularly trimmed upper and right edges, otherwise G   Cornelio Guarguanti (?-1602) friar of the Carmelites order, and vice-vicar in Toscana.

ALEXANDER VII: (1599-1667) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and Ruler of the Papal States 1655-67. Born Fabio Chigi, he was a member of the very rich Sienese banker family, a patron of the arts, he commissioned the colonnades and the piazza in front of St. Peter´s basilica to his preferred artist, Gianlorenzo Bernini. Alexander VII canonized St. Francis of sales in 1662, who he admired and knew during his youth. Rare L.S., `Divo[tissi]mo Ser[vitor]e Vero F[abi]o vesc[ov]o di Nardò´,one page, 4to, Malta, 15th December 1635, in Italian. Alexander VII was appointed in 1634, at the early age of 35, apostolic Delegate and Inquisitor of the Holy See in Malta. The future Pope sends a Christmas greetings letter, `Adempio questo uffizio con l´annunzio di prosperita nel Santi Giorni del Natale…´ Paper with watermark. Irregularly trimmed bottom and right edges with small overall minor age wear. G    The present letter is one of the very first that Alexander VII signed as Bishop of Nardò, a small city near Naples. Fabio Chigi was appointed Bishop of Nardò in 1635 and kept the title till 1652, short before being elected Pope, although never resided nor visited the location during these seventeen years. A very unusual case.

CLEMENT XIII: (1693-1769) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and Ruler of the Papal States 1758-69. One of the few early Popes who favoured dialogue with Old Catholic Protestants. Rare L.S., `Carlo Cardinale Rezzonico´, one page, folio, Rome, 26th November 1740, to the Queen `Reale Maesta´, in Italian. The future Pope, states in part `Nel ricevere Vostra Maesta, l´annunzio, che riverentemente le porgo di ogni piu abbondante felicita in congiuntura delle prossime Solennita Natalizie, trovera altrettanto animata la mia divozione a sperare l´onore de suoi Reali Comandamenti..´ (“In receiving your Majesty's announcement, that reverently I offer you the more abundant happiness in conjuncture of the upcoming Christmas solemnities, you will find likewise lively my devotion to hope for the honour of Your Royal Commandments…´ Paper with watermark. With blank integral leaf. Very small minor age wear and creasing, mostly to edges, otherwise G to VG   Maria Amalia of Saxony (1724-1760) She married King Charles III at the early age of 14 and became Queen consort of Naples and Sicily 1738-59, and Queen consort of Spain from 1759 until her death. She was the daughter of King of Poland Augustus III, and the mother of King of Spain Charles IV.

The first Papal air flight JOHN XXIII: (1881-1963) Pope of the Roman Catholic Church 1958-1963. Beatified in 2000 and Canonized in 2014. A highly unusual D.S., + Ange Roncalli, twice, as Apostolic Nuncio to France, two pages, 4to, Ankara, 26th December 1944. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is an United States Air Transport Command Priority Identification Certificate in which authority is requested for Roncalli to travel on an Air Transport Command aircraft from Ankara to Cairo on 27th December 1944, detailing the reason for travel as 'To take up post as Papal Nuncio at Paris'. The document is also signed by various officials, one of whom certifies that 'the movement of this passenger is necessary and essential to the successful prosecution of the war, and that the mission of this passenger is of such urgency that transportation by air is necessary' and also provides details of Roncalli's permanent address at the Vatican City and records his personal weight as being 95kg and an authorised baggage allowance of 50kg. The second page of the document is a release declaration signed by Roncalli stating that the flight will be made at his own risk and responsibility, and in consideration of the permission extended to him by the United States he discharges the American government and its officers and agents 'from any and all claims, demands, action or causes of action, on account of my death or on account of any injury to me which may occur by reasons of the said flight….', further stating that the Vatican City should be notified in case of an emergency. A rare document relating to what is understood to be the first flight to have been made by a Pope, and a Saint. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG   On 22nd December 1944, during World War II, Pope Pius XII named Roncalli to be the new Apostolic Nuncio to the recently liberated France. In this capacity he would negotiate the retirement of bishops who had collaborated with the German occupying power. Roncalli left Ankara on 27th December 1944 and made a series of short haul flights taking him to Cairo, Beirut and Naples. On 28th December 1944 he arrived in Rome and the next day left for France to begin his new role.

FRANCIS DE SALES: (1567-1622) Saint of the Catholic Church. Bishop of Geneva. Known for his writings such as the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. St. Francis de Sales has been styled "the Gentleman Saint" because of his patience and gentleness. Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a patron of writers and journalists, because he made extensive use of broadsheets and books. Very rare A.L., one page, 4to, April 1617, to Madame de La Fléchere, in French. Francis of Sales sends a letter reporting on different matters, the difficulties of a marriage and about the grace of death. Francis de Sales states in part `Il faut bien pourtant, ma tres chere Fille, vous répondre un mot. J´ai dit louange en mon Coeur a la Providence celeste sur le trépas de la pauvre Gavent; ce lui  a été une grace spéciale de partir de ce monde, puisqu´elle y courait tant de hazard de s´y perdre. Vous avez fort bien traité avec Madame la Comtesse [La Comtesse de Tournon] pour le cousin, [Mr. de Charmoisy] et pour moi. Certes, je ne pense pas que le cousin ne se soit fort bien comporté en cette occasion…. Mais il faut avoir un peu de patience.´ (“It is necessary however, my very dear Daughter, that I respond to you a word. I said praise in my Heart to Celestial Providence on the death of poor Gavent; it was a special grace to her to leave this world, since she ran so much risk of getting lost there. You treated very well with Madame la Comtesse [La Comtesse de Tournon] for the cousin, [Mr. de Charmoisy] and for me. Certainly, I do not think that the cousin did not behave very well on this occasion…. but we must have a little patience.”) Further commenting about the marriage, also about the confession of Madame Philiberte de Beaufort, widow of Count of Tournon. Francis de Sales forwards his blessings and concludes `Mr. de Torens [Bernard de Sales, Baron of Thorens] is not here. Our mother [referring to the mother of Jane Frances de Chantal] very ill, and has taken her medicine. God bless you my dear daughter. Amen.´ A lengthy letter with good association content. Very small area of paper loss to the bottom edge not affecting the text, with two extremely small holes. Edges very slightly uneven. Addressed to the verso. G  Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641) Catholic saint. Founder of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. The order was the first to accept women who were rejected by other orders because of poor health or age.

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL: (1581-1660) French Catholic Priest. Venerated both in the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. Canonized in 1737 by Pope Clement XII. Vincent de Paul is known for his humility and for serving the poor. Extremely rare L.S., `Vincent de Paul I.[ndigne] P.[retre] d[e] l[a] M[ission]´, (''Vincent de Paul, Unworthy Priest of the Mission''), two pages, 8vo, Paris, 23rd August [1658], in French. Saint Vincent de Paul refers to the ships going to Algeria and refers to the King, stating in part `… Je suis aussi d'avis que Mr. Huguier parte par la première Barque qui fera voile en Alger et non au Bastion. Ce qui m'a fait un peu hésiter sur cela est la lettre de Mr Le Vacher de Tunis qui nous persuade de ne faire passer aud.[it] Alger Mr son frère ny autre que premièrem.[en]t le Roy n'ait témoigné quelque ressentim.[en]t aux Turcs de ce qui s'est passé´ (`I am also of the opinion that Mr. Huguier leaves with the first ship which will sail to Algiers and not to the Bastion. What made me hesitate a little on this is the letter from Mr Le Vacher from Tunis who persuades us not to let go to Algiers Mr his brother nor any other unless the King had shown first some resentment to the Turks about what happened´, further, and referring to Algiers and slaves, states in part `Il a raison de dire cela à l'esgard de Mr Le Vacher, et de tout autre que nous y pourrions envoyer pour y prendre sa place ou celle du Consul ; Mais je pense que s'il avoit sceu que Mr. Huguier n'y va que pour racheter trois Esclaves et par occasion voir l'estat des choses sans dessein d'y résider…´ (`He is right saying so with regard to Mr. Le Vacher, and any others whom we could send there to take his place or that of the Consul; but I think that if he had known that Mr. Huguier only went there to buy three slaves and take the occasion to see the state of affairs without the intention of residing there…´) To the verso, Saint Vincent de Paul adds a post-scriptum saying `Nous venons de recevoir deux escus - lun pour Martin de Lancre sur la galere de Mercoeur & l'autre pour Jean Meglat sur la galere de la Manse. Je vous prie de leur donner ou faire donner cette petite assistance, voicy une lettre pour le premier, & J'en envoye une autre a Mr Parisy pour le second´ (`We have just received two écus - one for Martin de Lancre on the galley of Mercoeur & the other for Jean Meglat on the galley of la Manse. I beg you to give them or have them given this little assistance, here is a letter for the first, & I am sending another to Mr Parisy for the second´) An unusually cleanly written letter. Paper with watermark. With addressee leaf. G to VG   

BOSCO JOHN: (1815-1888) Don Bosco. Italian Roman Catholic Priest, Educator and Writer. He developed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment, a method known as the Salesian Preventive System. Founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Canonized as a saint in 1934. Rare A.L.S., `Umile Servitor Sac.[erdote] Gio[vanni] Bosco´, two pages, 8vo, Varazze, 17th November 1875, to Countess Callori, in Italian. On the printed stationery of the "Collegio-Convitto-Civico di Varezze", Bosco writes to his correspondent, calling her `Mia Buona e cara Mamma´, thanks her for her financial help and support, and reports on the departure of the first Salesian missionaries to Latin America. Bosco states in part `Ho accompagnato i nostri missionari fino a Genova, fin a bordo del bastimento che doveva portarli in America. Erano allegri, commossi e rallegrati di darsi al Signore dove la divina provvidenza li chiamava.´, (“I accompanied our missionaries to Genoa, aboard the ship that was to take them to America. They were happy, moved and rejoiced to give themselves to the Lord where divine providence called them”). Bosco further forwards a message to Countess Callori on behalf of the missionaries stating `..ci raccomandiamo di ringraziare da parte nostra la Sig.[nora] Cont.[essa] Callori della carità che ci ha fatto. Dovunque andremo pregheremo sempre per Lei e per la sua famiglia e le anime che speriamo di salvare le apriranno certamente un giorno il paradiso. Speriamo che Ella ci continui i suoi favori mentre D.[on] Bosco ci mandarà novelli operai evangelici in ajuto.´ (“We recommend that we thank Signora Contessa Callori for her charity. Wherever we go we will always pray for her and for her family and for the souls we hope to save, and will certainly open heaven for her one day. We hope that she will continue with her favours while D[on] Bosco will send us new evangelical workers to help us.”). In very fine condition. VG  Countess Carlota Calori di Vignale (1827-1911) one of the most important financial benefactors of Bosco´s projects.The first missionaries Bosco refers to founded the first parish which helped Italian emigrants arriving to Buenos Aires. 

PIO PADRE: (1887-1968) Italian Franciscan friar, priest, stigmatist & mystic who was beatified (1999) and canonized (2002) by Pope John Paul II and is also known as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. An attractive colour printed 4to cardstock image of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms, issued by the Santa Maria Delle Grazie (Church of Holy Mary of Grace) in Milan, signed ('P. Pio Capp[uccin]o') by Padre Pio in fountain pen ink to the lower border alongside printed text, further adding a sentiment in his hand, in Italian, 'Maria ti guardi sempre con occhio materno', ('Mary always looks at you with a maternal eye'). A contemporary ink note in an unidentified hand to the verso indicates that the signature dates from 9th May 1962. Rare. About EX  The church and Dominican convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie famously houses Leonardo da Vinci's mural of The Last Supper in the refectory of the convent.

GUINNESS ALEC: (1914-2000) English Actor, Academy Award winner. Guinness's personal working script for the stage production of Wise Child by Simon Gray, the 4to printed script bearing the address of the production company Michael Codron Ltd to the title page and also bearing the ownership signature ('Alec Guinness') of the actor to the head of the title page, with his London address at Ennismore Garden Mews added in his hand beneath, and further initialled ('A.G.') in his hand to the orange front cover paper wrapper. Guinness has made extensive underscores in various coloured inks to the dialogue on almost every page and also made numerous alterations and corrections to the text. The final blank page of the script is filled with various abstract doodles by Guinness in blue and black inks and the inside back cover bears several notes in the actor's hand relating to various individuals including his wife, Merula. Rare in this form. Some light overall age wear, about VG     Provenance: The script was gifted by Guinness to David Denyer, a theatrical dresser in London's West End. Wise Child was first staged at Wyndham's Theatre in London on 10th October 1967 with Guinness playing the role of Mrs. Artminster. Directed by John Dexter, the other cast members comprised Gordon Jackson (Mr. Booker), Simon Ward (Jerry) and Cleo Sylvestre (Janice).

CITROËN ANDRÉ: (1878-1935) French Industrialist. Known for making a car named after him. Rare A.N.S., André Citroen, one page, oblong small 8vo printed stationery card of his Parisian address at 31, Rue Octave Feuillet, 19th January 1931, to a Colonel, in French. Citroen thanks his correspondent for his congratulations, stating `Tous mes remerciements, mon Colonel, pour vos aimables felicitations auxquelles je suis très sensible.´ With remnants of former affixing to the verso. VG   

GRIFFITH HUGH: (1912-1980) Welsh Actor, Academy Award winner. Vintage signed 9.5 x 7 photograph of Griffith standing outdoors in a three-quarter length pose in costume as Squire Western alongside actress Edith Evans, in costume as Miss Western, in a scene from the film Tom Jones (1963). Signed by Griffith in blue ink to a light area of the image. The actor received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this film. Rare in this form. 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.

‘Merits are fine, but for myself what remains is the memory' GROTIUS HUGO: (1583-1645) Dutch Humanist, Diplomat, Lawyer, Theologian, Jurist, Poet & Playwright. A rare A.L.S., H Grotius, one page, folio, n.p., 12th January 1645, to Ludwig Camerarius, in Latin. Grotius states that he has received his correspondent's noble letters mentioning the Burweiler goods and remarks 'I have not considered yet how much all this could benefit the more King Gustav; not so much because of my will, but because of them. Merits are fine, but for myself what remains is the memory', further adding 'And as far as I know this same process has served us well. To have put to the test everything that I always was, at most someone cultivated for the post of Camerlengo'. With integral address leaf bearing two small red wax seals. Some light overall damp staining, minor uniform age toning to the body of text and signature, a lengthy, neat horizontal split to the centre, a few other smaller neat splits at folds and some evidence of repairs to the integral leaf, G  Ludwig Camerarius (1573-1651) German Statesman & Lawyer, head of King Frederick V's government in exile in the Hague. Camerarius also served Swedish interests later in his life. In the present letter Grotius would appear to refer to Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632) King of Sweden 1611-32, credited for the rise of Sweden as a major European power.

LAW ENFORCEMENT: A rare set of four black fountain pen ink signatures on a slim 12mo autograph album page by each of the original 'Big Four' police officers, each of them Superintendents in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Scotland Yard from 1919 onwards, comprising Frederick Wensley (1865-1949, Chief Constable of the Criminal Investigation Department 1922-29 who had earlier been involved in street patrols during the investigation of the Jack the Ripper murders), Albert Hawkins (d.1929), Francis Carlin (d.1930) and Arthur Neil (1867-1939). Together with George Cornish (Police Superintendent who worked under Arthur Neil at Scotland Yard and was assigned to the Whitechapel division) black fountain pen ink signature ('G W Cornish') on a small oblong 12mo closely clipped piece. Also including Edward Bradford (1836-1911) English Colonel who served as head of the London Metropolitan Police 1890-1903. A.L.S., E R C Bradford, four pages, 8vo, New Scotland Yard, London, 3rd November 1897, to Buckland. Bradford thanks his correspondent for their congratulations 'on my honour which was far greater than I deserved' [Bradford had been appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath] and continues to write 'I am afraid that there is no chance of a vacancy for that extremely nice fellow Paget. The appts are so few that vacancies occur at very long intervals only & I don't suppose any man is likely to leave during my time', further referring to his son who has just returned from Crete and adding that his regiment leave for Egypt almost immediately. Some light age wear, generally VG, 4    The Flying Squad, a branch of the Serious Organised Crime Command within London's Metropolitan Police Force, was originally formed on an experimental basis by Detective Chief Inspector Frederick Wensley in October 1919.

LAFARGE MARIE-FORTUNÉE: (1816-1852) Also known as Marie Capelle. French woman convicted of murdering her husband by arsenic poisoning. First person convicted on forensic toxicological evidence. Rare A.L.S. by Lafarge, four pages, 8vo, n.p., 7th June 1847, written while in prison, to a woman, a close relationship, in French. The letter bears to the upper left corner a blind embossed seal. Lafarge refers to a woman and to several members of her family, and to the difficult situation they are experiencing after the huge storms, and for several other different reasons, stating in part `..il faut du temps avant que leurs biens se retrouvent dans l´état ou ils étaient avant ces désastreuses innondations et reprennent leur valeur, que de maux a la fois dans une meme famille…´ (“.. it takes time before their goods are back to the state where they were before these disastrous floods and regain their value, what ailments at the same time in the same family”) Further saying, `Si je commandais aux circonstances, madame, aux évenements, je passerais dix ans près de vous, pour choir dix autres dans un cloitre par nécessité, et puis je mourrais après, mais de tout cela qu´en serait-il? Ce que Dieu voudra, n´est-ce pas?O mon Dieu, si j´étais meilleure, je me contenterais…. Mais je ne vaux pas le Diable, et je suis aussi tentée de me décourager que de me corriger, priez pour moi… moi je ne sais ce que je suis…´ (“If I could control the circumstances, madam, the events, I would spend ten years near you, to fall ten others in a cloister by necessity, and then I would die afterwards, but what will happen about all this? What God wills, right? Oh my God, if I was better, I would be satisfied…. But I am not worth the Devil, and I am as tempted to discourage myself as to correct myself, pray for me… I do not know what I am..”) To a post-scriptum line at the base of the letter Lafarge asks if the correspondence they have is secure.G to VG 

BOLO PASHA: (1867-1918) French Financier and Adventurer. Paul Bolo was a German agent and a traitor who participated in many shady schemes. The French secret police and Scotland Yard failed to convict him of treason, but was finally convicted by the New York Attorney General. He was condemned and executed by firing squad. Rare A.L.S., `Bolo´, two pages, 8vo, written to the first and fourth page, 10th July 1909, on the printed stationery of the Splendid & Nouvel Hotel at Chatel-Guyon, to Henry Lapauze, in French. Bolo thanks his correspondent and confirms his interest in the purchase price, stating in part `..yes, it is of interest to me the price for the Lepine, and you would oblige telling me so..´ Very small creasing to the upper edge, otherwise G to VG    Henry Lapauze (1867-1925) Art Critic.

CHRISTIE ETHEL: (1898-1952) English wife of murderer John Reginald Halliday Christie, herself one of his victims who was later discovered strangled under the floor boards of their house at 10 Rillington Place. An extremely rare A.L.S., Ethel, three pages (separate leaves), 8vo, 10 Rillington Place, St. Marks Road, London, 6th & 14th December 1945, to Lil [Bartle, her sister]. Christie writes a social letter, remarking that she is pleased to hear that E is home and commenting that she hopes he does not go back, 'I think that he has every grounds for release', further adding 'You are not well enough to manage the shop on your own. Every small shop I know has someone to help them', and also writing 'I suppose you will be busy just now for Christmas. There does not seem to be anything extra here for Christmas unless one has plenty of money & the prices of 'presents' are outrageous'. Christie concludes her letter on the 14th December, explaining 'I am sending you a parcel & hope you will like it. Let me know when you get it.' Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG   

MACLEAN DONALD: (1913-1983) British Diplomat & Spy, a member of the Cambridge Five. A rare printed 4to edition of the Cambridge University literary periodical Contemporaries, edited by John Kaestlin, Summer 1933, featuring various poems and other literary contributions by individuals including Donald Maclean. Signed ('Donald Maclean') by Maclean with his name alone in bold fountain pen ink to the lower margin of an inside page which features his own contribution entitled Puppet. Bound in the original yellow printed paper wrappers. Autographs of Maclean are rare in any form. Front cover neatly detached and with some light overall age wear and minor foxing and with a few small neat tears to the edges and spine. About VG   Donald Maclean studied modern languages at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, arriving at the university in 1931. Whilst there he became a member of the Communist Party and was a relatively well-known figure on campus. His literary efforts, as well as his contribution to the present magazine, included a book review in 1933 for Cambridge Left, a journal to which other communists contributed, and in 1934 he became the editor of Silver Crescent, the Trinity Hall students' magazine. In his last year at Cambridge Maclean became an agent of The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD), the interior ministry of the Soviet Union, and graduated with a First in modern languages before entering the Diplomatic Service.

MACLEAN DONALD: (1913-1983) British Diplomat & Spy, a member of the Cambridge Five. An extremely rare original pencil drawing signed by Maclean, one page, 4to, March 1933, on the printed stationery of The Union Society, Cambridge. Maclean has executed an accomplished drawing, most likely a self-portrait, the image showing a young man, seated in a profile head and shoulders pose with a pensive expression on his face. Signed ('Donald Maclean') by Maclean in bold pencil at the foot of the drawing and dated March 1933 in his hand. Above the signature MacLean appears to have written the words 'I am'. A few very light, minor stains. About VG   Donald Maclean studied modern languages at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, arriving at the university in 1931. Whilst there he became a member of the Communist Party and was a relatively well-known figure on campus. His literary efforts included a book review in 1933 for Cambridge Left, a journal to which other communists contributed, and in 1934 he became the editor of Silver Crescent, the Trinity Hall students' magazine. In his last year at Cambridge Maclean became an agent of The People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD), the interior ministry of the Soviet Union, and graduated with a First in modern languages before entering the Diplomatic Service.

MAXWELL GHISLAINE: (1961-     ) British socialite known for her association with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A rare book signed, being a hardback edition of Nineteenth Century Britain 1815-1914 by Anthony Wood, published by Longmans, London, 1969 (eighth impression). Signed ('G. Maxwell') by Ghislaine Maxwell in bold blue ink to the front free endpaper across an official Marlborough College second hand book department stamp indicating that she purchased the book for 75p on 14th July 1978. With two other similar stamps above, each signed by previous owners, 1973 & 1974. Together with seven further books individually bearing the ownership signatures or presentation inscriptions of Ghislaine's mother and six of her siblings, comprising Elisabeth Maxwell (1921-2013, French-born researcher on the Holocaust, husband of publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell; hardback edition of the British Red Cross Society Nursing Manual No.2. by Elisabeth M. Gravelius, ninth edition published by Cassell and Company Ltd., 1951, signed by Maxwell to the front free endpaper with her ownership signature and address below, also including some pencil notes in her hand to the margins of some pages), Christine Maxwell (1950-     , British internet content pioneer and educator; paperback edition of An Unknown Woman - A Journey to Self-Discovery by Alice Koller, published by Bantam Books, February 1986, with a presentation inscription to the inside front cover signed by Christine Maxwell with her first name only, to her sister Anne, 'To dearest Annie, in love & admiration of your courage & your quest to reshape your own life, love, Christine' and dated Christmas 1986 in her hand), Isabel Maxwell (1950-     , French-born entrepreneur and the co-founder of Magellan with her twin sister Christine; paperback edition of The Growth of the British Party System, Volume I 1640-1923 by Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, second edition published by John Baker, London, 1967, with Isabel Maxwell's ownership signature to the head of the half title page), Kevin Maxwell (1959-    , British businessman who was charged with, and acquitted of, financial crimes related to the business practices of his father in the 1990s; paperback edition of Winston Churchill As I Knew Him by Violet Bonham Carter, published by Pan Books Ltd, London, bearing the youthful ownership signature of Kevin Maxwell to the half title page, with a few additional words ('If found please return') in his hand, the signature and additional words lightly struck through in green), Anne Maxwell (1949-     , Daughter of Robert Maxwell; hardback edition of Hygiene for Nursing Students by Agnes E. Pavey, eighth edition published by Faber and Faber Ltd., 1961, bearing the ownership signature ('Anne Maxwell, Lower VI') of Maxwell to the front free endpaper), Michael Maxwell (1946-1967, Eldest child of Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell who fell into a coma aged 15 after being injured in a car crash and never regained consciousness; hardback edition of A Higher School Inorganic Chemistry by E. J. Holmyard, revised in collaboration with W. G. Palmer, published by J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd., London, 1958, bearing the ownership signature of Maxwell to the head of the front free endpaper) and Philip Maxwell (1948-     , Son of Robert and Elisabeth Maxwell; hardback edition of True Brit by Clive Irving, First Edition published by Jonathan Cape, London, 1974, with a presentation inscription to the half title page signed by Maxwell to his father, 'To Dad on your birthday, 10th June 1974, This would be hilarious if we were Frenchman, Germans or Italians - but we ain't. Love, Philip'). Two of the books are accompanied by their dustjackets. A rare grouping of signed books. Some light overall age wear, generally G, 8   Ghislaine Maxwell attended Marlborough College where she studied modern history with languages before going on to earn a degree from Balliol College, Oxford, in 1985. Provenance: From the library of Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) British media proprietor, suspected spy and fraudster.

SAINT THE: An unusual pair of ink signatures by both Leslie Charteris (1907-1993, British-Chinese author of adventure fiction, creator of Simon Templar, alias 'The Saint') and Roger Moore (1927-2017, English actor, famous for his screen roles as Simon Templar in The Saint (1962-69) and as James Bond in seven films, 1973-85) individually to the lower half of a 4to page removed from an album. Charteris has signed and inscribed the page in black ink, 'A Jean - SAINTceres remerciements, Leslie Charteris', adding the date, 16th February 1970, and a red ink drawing of The Saint in his hand alongside his signature, and immediately beneath Moore has signed his name in black ink, 'Merci bien, Roger Moore', also adding an ink drawing of The Saint in his hand alongside his signature. An unidentified signature appears at the head of the page. A wonderful and rare combination of signatures, which together could be neatly excised from the page if so desired. VG   Provenance: The present page originates from the restaurant visitor's book of Jean Cassini, a renowned French restaurateur in Avignon, both at the Hotel d'Europe and his own establishment, Restaurant Cassini. The visitor's book was in use from 1957-82.

STEINBECK JOHN: (1902-1968) American author, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1962. A charming and amusing fountain pen ink drawing and sentiment signed by Steinbeck to the head of a 4to page removed from an album, n.p. (Avignon), n.d. (annotated 20th November 1961 in another hand to the upper right corner). In bold blue fountain pen ink Steinbeck has penned a sentiment, in French, 'J'y suis, J'y mange, J'y reste' (translation 'I am here, I eat here, I rest here'), adding his signature beneath, immediately followed by an amusing ink sketch of a large, round flying pig, beneath which Steinbeck has added the French phrase Ci-git, usually used to precede a name on a tombstone. The lower half of the page bears a blue ink signature and sentiment ('With very pleasant memories of lovely Avignon, Byron Janis') by Byron Janis (1928-    , American pianist), dated November 1961 in his hand. A rare and attractive example of Steinbeck's signature, which could be neatly excised from the page if so desired. VG   Pigasus, the flying pig, was used by John Steinbeck throughout his life as a trademark symbol of himself, earthbound but aspiring.  Provenance: The present page originates from the restaurant visitor's book of Jean Cassini, a renowned French restaurateur in Avignon, both at the Hotel d'Europe and his own establishment, Restaurant Cassini. The visitor's book was in use from 1957-82.

BONHEUR ROSA: (1822-1899) French Painter and Sculptor, well-known for her paintings of animals. Bonheur was widely considered to be the most famous female painter during the nineteenth century. Rare signed 2.5 x 4 cabinet card photograph `R. Bonheur´, the Disderi image from Paris showing Bonheur standing in a full length pose. Bearing to the verso the red printed logo of Disderi photographer, 8th Boulevard des Nations, Paris. Very small traces of former affixing to the verso, otherwise G to VG    

MOREAU GUSTAVE: (1826-1898) French Painter. A main figure of Symbolism. A.L.S., Gustave Moreau, one page, 8vo, Paris, 3rd December 1866, in French. Moreau thanks his correspondent for the artistic testimony forwarded to him, and states in part `You know for sure how much I esteem your work and your character as an artist, and this esteem comes from afar. I am therefore really happy today to be able to express to you my gratitude for the so noble and elevated way that you have understood our profession, and at the same time for the rare and exquisite pleasures which you have so often prove to me.´ With blank integral leaf. VG    

‘I will still go and get the vaccine…’ TOULOUSE-LAUTREC HENRI DE: (1864-1901) French Painter, Printmaker and Illustrator. Best remembered for his immersion in the colourful and theatrical life of Paris in the late 19th century, producing elegant and provocative images of the decadent affairs of those times. Rare A.L.S., `H´, three pages, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to his mother `My dear mum´, in French. Toulouse-Lautrec states in part `I have just spent two days at Grenier´s home, splashing.., under the mill´s tower, which does not lack charm. Add to this.. lunches followed by naps and boating and you will have a faint idea of the stupidity to which one arrives, of which Grenier is a perfect example ´. Toulouse-Lautrec further refers to pox and a portrait painting, saying `What you tell me about pox annoys me because I intended and still intend to travel and make the portrait of my cousin Juliette who I dare hoping that this year will accept to pose. I will still go and get the vaccine…I have no intention to go myself, unless I first come to look for you to go via Malromé. I would like to plan a stay of eight days..´ Paper with a Monksburn watermark. G to VG   Toulouse-Lautrec and Grenier were fellow students in the Paris atelier of academic history painter Fernand Cormon during the 1880s and became friends. Lautrec lived briefly with Grenier and his mistress, Lili, an actress and model, and made several portrayals of the couple. Toulouse-Lautrec most probably refers in the present letter to Juliette Pascal, who was the wife of Joseph Pascal, a maternal cousin of the French painter. Toulouse-Lautrec painted Madame Juliette Pascal (1871), also At the Piano Madame Juliette Pascal in the Salon at the Chateau Malromé, post-impressionism oil works. The Chateau Malromé is located in the French department of Gironde. It became the home of Toulouse-Lautrec´s mother.

PICABIA FRANCIS: (1879-1953) French Painter and Poet. An Avant-garde artist associated with Cubism. Picabia was also one of the early main figures of the Dada movement. Rare A.L.S., `F. Picabia´, two pages, 4to, Paris, 32 Av. Charles Floquet, Monday, n.d., to a Colonel, in French. Picabia states in part `I have just learned about your visit to Paris. I very much regret not having met you´ further asking a service `Can you do me a small service regarding my friend Marcel Loridan, aviator who will be appointed Knight of the Legion d´Honneur in the month of July; it would be a question of knowing if his nomination is something more or less sure, as this information would be very useful for him to have it right now…´ Small creasing and minor age wear, mostly to edges, with a very small tear to the folding edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise G    Marcel Loridan (1883-1971) French pioneer Aviator. Winner of the Michelin Cup, Loridan established in 1911 the world altitude record with his Farman biplane, and further also records for longest flights in time and distance. Loridan was a pilot in the French Army during the First World War, being awarded with the Croix de guerre 1914-1918.

PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish Painter, a co-founder of the Cubist movement. A rare slim small 8vo colour printed admittance ticket to a bullfight signed by Picasso, the event taking place at the Plaza Toros de Nimes on Sunday, 24th May 1953 and the ticket (marked Premiere B, Rang 1) featuring a colour illustration to the centre of two toreros. Signed ('Picasso') by Picasso in blue ink to the upper border and dated 24th May 1953 in his hand. Very slightly irregularly torn to the lower edge. Together with a printed 4to souvenir programme issued for the centenary of the Feria de Nimes 1853-1953, featuring various images and printed text relating to bullfights and various toreros, including Antonio Ordonez, the blank inside front cover featuring a good, original bold black crayon drawing executed and signed by Edouard Pignon, the image depicting a bull. Signed and inscribed by Pignon at the base of the image. Some light overall age wear, about VG, 2     Signed souvenirs by Picasso related to his great passion for bullfighting are rare and desirable and, as Paloma Alarco of Madrid's Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional so accurately observed, 'The close relationship between the world of bullfighting and Picasso's oeuvre is unquestionable. From his childhood days in Malaga, where his father often took him to the bullring, he was greatly fascinated by the national sport. In addition to the artistic possibilities of the bullfight…..Picasso regarded it as an expression of Spanishness'. Picasso regularly attended the Plaza Toros at Nimes from the autumn of 1947 until 1955, quite often with the bullfighting chronicler Andre Castel, as well as Picasso's lover at the time, Francoise Gilot, the surrealist writer Michel Leiris, and his friend Jean Cocteau. Edouard Pignon (1905-1993) French artist, a friend of Picasso with whom he shared a workshop in Vallauris from 1951-52.

DUVALL ROBERT: (1931-     ) American actor, Academy Award winner. An excellent signed 8 x 10 photograph of Duvall in a head and shoulders pose in costume as Tom Hagen from the classic American crime film The Godfather (1972). Signed by Duvall in bold black ink to a largely clear area at the base of the image. Duvall received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in this film. Signed photographs of Duvall as the Corleone consigliere and lawyer are rare and desirable. EX   

THORVALDSEN BERTEL: (1770-1844) Danish Sculptor. A Medalist of international fame who spent a large part of his life in Italy. Among his more famous public monuments are the statues of Copernicus and Poniatowski in Warsaw, the one of Maximilian I in Munich or the tomb monument of Pope Pius VII which is the only work by a non-Catholic in St. Peter´s Basilica in Rome. Rare A.L.S., Alberto Thorvaldsen, one page, 4to, Rome, 13th June 1830, in Italian. Thorvaldsen states `Avendo veduto io sotto nello studio dei Signori Jollage ed Hopfgarten scultori in metallo qui in Roma i lavori fatti dal Sig[nor] Bartolomeo Conterio, ed avendo ancora conosciuti alcuni conii incise dal med[essimo] non ho potuto a meno di lodare l´esattezza, e l´abilita con cui erano fatti, ond´e che non dubito di attestare che il medessimo , atteso l´amore che porta allo studio, ed al lavoro, possa riuscire un bravo artista, e far onore a chi potesse incoragiarlo nell´arte sua.´ (“Having seen in the study of Messrs Jollage and Hopfgarten, metal sculptors here in Rome, the works done by Mr. Bartolomeo Conterio, and having also known some medals engraved by them, I could not help but praise the accuracy, and the skill with which they were made, so that I have no doubt to attest that the same, given the love that leads these works, can be a good artist, and honour those who could encourage him in his art´ Paper with watermark. With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear and staining, otherwise G     Wilhelm Hopfgarten (1789-1860) and Benjamin Ludwig Jollage (1781-1837) were German Sculptors who started a bronze foundry and a sculpture studio in Rome in 1805. They got important commissions casting bronzes for renowned artists working in Rome, such as Bertel Thorvaldsen or Antonio Canova. The Miguel de Cervantes bronze statue at the central Square of Las Cortes in Madrid was designed by Antonio Sola and cast in Rome by Hopfgarten and Jollage.Bartolomeo Conterio (1802-1840) Italian Sculptor.

BRANCUSI CONSTANTIN: (1876-1957) Romanian Sculptor whose art emphasizes clean geometrical lines that balance forms. Often referred to as the Patriarch of modern sculpture. Very rare A.L.S., `Brancusi´, one page, to the verso of a postcard, [Marseille], n.d., to Marinitza, in French. Brancusi writes to his correspondent, in poor French, stating in part `..since this morning I travel up to the Pyrenees in an electric train…I write this letter to you laying on the grass…close to the cows in front of the train station, waiting for the one which will take me to Pau.´ further concluding `This country is really poor..´ To the front, the postcard shows an image of the Marseille coasts. Folded, otherwise G   

Marble for the Emperor’s tomb VISCONTI LOUIS: (1791-1853) Italian-born French Architect. Visconti designed many Parisian public major buildings including the Pace Saint Sulpice, the Fontaine Moliere, and is most remembered and famed for designing the 1842 tomb of napoleon at Les Invalides. An excellent content A.L.S., Visconti, two pages, 8vo, n.p., 12th April 1843, to his marble supplier M. Henreaux, in French. At the time of the present letter Visconti is building Napoleon´s monumental tomb, stating in part `J´ai bien pensé à des marbres d´Italie, ce sont certes les plus beaux, mais il est arrété dans tous les rapports que l´on ne devra employer pour le M[onument] de l´Empereur que des marbres français ou des granits..´ (“I have well thought about Italian marbles, they are certainly the most beautiful, but it is stated in all the reports that we should use for the M[onument] of the Emperor only French marbles or granites..´ Visconti also comments that he has considered Corsica and that he has to receive samples, further referring to some granites he has rejected `.. the purplish granite is not rare enough nor has a severe enough tone.. there must be porphyry, isn´t it, or green granite; these are the tones that I would wish ..´ Visconti concludes requesting his correspondent´s detailed information. VG   Visconti wanted to use red porphyry, stone used for the tombs of Roman Emperors, but at that time it was almost impossible to find it. The sarcophagus would finally be done with quartzite with a tone close to porphyry, but got approved the socle in green granite, from the Vosges.

BESTALL ALFRED: (1892-1986) British illustrator and writer who submitted Rupert Bear stories for the London Daily Express from 1935-65. A fine, rare original black pen and ink drawing signed by Bestall, on a large 8vo page removed from an autograph album, n.p., n.d. (c.1930s/40s). Bestall has drawn a charming full-length image of Rupert Bear happily walking with a rucksack on his back and wearing his familiar checked trousers and matching scarf. Signed ('A. E. Bestall') by the artist at the foot of his drawing. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and a few very insignificant spots of foxing. VG    

'Now would'ja mind turnin' your head…..’ AVERY TEX: (1908-1980) American animator and director, known for producing and directing animated cartoons during the Golden Age of American animation and for his crucial role in the creation and evolution of many famous characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Droopy and others. A wonderful original vintage pen, ink and watercolour drawing executed and signed by Avery on a folio sheet of light art card, n.p., 1932. Avery has drawn a young baby boy, with bright blonde hair, standing in a full-length pose, with an angry expression on his face, directed at the viewer, as he tries to fix a white cloth diaper around his groin. With an ink caption at the base, 'Now would'ja mind turnin' your head so's I can get this thing on?'. Signed and dated by Avery at the foot of the drawing. Autographs of Avery are extremely rare in any form, and examples of original art work from this early period of his career are very seldom encountered and are highly desirable. Very slightly irregularly trimmed edges and with a few light stains and minor age wear, otherwise VG    At the time of creating the current drawing Avery was employed with the Walter Lantz Studio where he worked on most of the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons from 1931-35.