MARCONI GUGLIELMO: (1874-1937) Italian Inventor who developed a radio telegraph system. Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1909. An excellent D.S., G. Marconi, three pages, 4to, Pisa, n.d., [1934], in Italian. The printed document is a proof copy of Marconi's preface to Antonio Pacinotti: la vite e l'opera (edited by Giovanni Polvani and published by Lischi and Sons in two volumes, Pisa, 1934). The text commences `Seventy five years ago, between 1858 and 1859, a young man from Pisa, working on some of his extremely original scientific tests, "dreams" as he used to call them, created for the first time ever a magnetic-electric device, suitable to generate a continuous electric induced power from a permanent mechanic power…this young man was Antonio Pacinotti...and seventy five years of tests and further works have only served to prove all the advantages of such a discovery as its inventor predicted. His creation was simply perfect and represents in the history of the electricity the indispensable element, sought for fifty years, and never achieved…this was the great Italian creation: the battery. ´ Marconi further makes references to Pacinotti´s works, his tests and research, and his permanent lack of funds which made impossible the development of many of his projects and ideas. Marconi concludes `I finish…. expressing my wish that more tributes of this kind will show to Italians and foreigners, with accurate and objective explanation of honest and sincere historical facts, the work and life of many other great geniuses of our country. This way we will be sure that we are collaborating to the tasks that the Duce has called us for, that our beloved Italy will be admired and dreaded, and be at the head of the world. ´ Signed by Marconi at the conclusion. A document of good content and with an interesting association. Some light overall age toning and a few very small, extremely minor tears to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, VG Antonio Pacinotti (1841-1912) Italian Physicist, best known for inventing an improved form of direct current electrical generator, or dynamo, which he built in 1860 and described in a paper published in 1865. Pacinotti also discovered that the device could also be used as an electric motor. The publication in which the present preface by Marconi appeared was entitled Antonio Pacinotti - Life and Work, and was a compilation of writings, drawings, news and other documents compiled and edited by the Italian Physicist Giovanni Polvani (1892-1970). Marconi is recognised for his pioneering work on long-distance radio transmission and for the development of a radio telegraph system. He is often credited as the inventor of radio and shared the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics (with Karl Ferdinand Braun) in 'recognition of their contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy'. Marconi was also an entrepreneur and businessman who founded The Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company in the United Kingdom in 1897 (which became the Marconi Company) and he succeeded in making a commercial success of radio by innovating and building on the work of previous experimenters and physicists.
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FAMOUS MEN & WOMEN: An unusual and interesting selection of A.Ls.S., T.Ls.S., various signed maxims etc., by a variety of famous men and women, the letters written to the publisher Jay Landesman in response to the question 'What advice would you give a child growing up in the world today?', the answers to which Landesman planned to publish in collaboration with the actor Edward Hardwicke whose father, Cedric Hardwicke, had asked his contemporaries to provide advice which would hopefully stand Edward in good stead for the future. The lot includes replies and responses by John Huston ('Don't work at something you wouldn't do except for the money'), Roy Strong, Roald Dahl, Alan Ayckbourn ('I think I'm probably the last person to give advice to anyone'), Eric Morecambe, Barbara Cartland, George Melly ('My advice to a child growing up in the world today would be simply this - “don't”'), Joyce Brothers, A. L. Rowse, John Cleese, Germaine Greer ('Don't spend your money on books of potted wisdom and distrust anyone who gives you one as a present'), J. Enoch Powell ('Learn Latin'), Margo St. James ('For God's WOMAN'S sake, please use Rubbers! Real Gentlemen would care enough to use the best'), Arthur Koestler ('Never Give Up; a particularly poignant piece of advice considering Koestler took his own life, committing suicide with his wife by swallowing lethal quantities of barbiturates), Jeffrey Archer, Kingsley Amis ('As soon as you're old enough, develop 'a bad back' which prevents you lifting or carrying anything heavy. This will get you out of all sorts of tiresome and strenuous jobs…..' ), Peter Ustinov ('When someone gives you advice, think carefully before accepting it; when that same person adds the words “Believe Me” - think twice'), Deborah Kerr, Lindsay Anderson etc., also including a few replies from secretaries on behalf of Elizabeth Taylor, Donald Pleasence and others. A few of the letters are accompanied by the original envelopes. Together with a modern spiral bound photocopy of Hardwicke's original album which included entries from Albert Einstein, George Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, J. M. Barrie, Alfred Munnings, Laura Knight, Henry Ford, Walt Disney, Charles Chaplin and others. Some light, minimal age wear, generally VG, 33 Jay Landesman (1919-2011) American publisher, nightclub owner and writer, a long-time expatriate resident in London. Cedric Hardwicke (1893-1964) English actor, father of Edward Hardwicke (1932-2011) English actor who portrayed Dr. Watson in the Sherlock Holmes television series opposite Jeremy Brett. Jay Landesman (1919-2011) American publisher, nightclub owner and writer, a long-time expatriate resident in London. Cedric Hardwicke (1893-1964) English actor, father of Edward Hardwicke (1932-2011) English actor who portrayed Dr. Watson in the Sherlock Holmes television series opposite Jeremy Brett.
MUSSOLINI BENITO: (1883-1945) Italian Fascist Dictator of World War II. Executed. A bold blue pencil annotation in Mussolini´s hand `Film Le Due Citta´, n.d., [1935],to an 8 x 5.5 page. Cleanly affixed to an 8.5 x 10.5 (21,5 x 27 cm) page removed from an autograph album. Small overall minor age toning and creasing to edges, otherwise G Le Due Citta, is a 1935 film, known as A Tale of Two Cities, based upon Dickens´ historical novel, and related to London and Paris during the French Revolution. Directed by Jack Conway, the film was nominated for two Academy Awards. 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
GELIN XAVIER: (1946-1999) French actor. Signed and inscribed 10 x 7 photograph of Gelin in a head and shoulders profile pose, in costume as Reginald, alongside actress Brigitte Bardot, in costume as Felicia, in a scene from the French romantic comedy film The Bear and the Doll (1970). Signed by Gelin in bold black fountain pen ink to a clear area of the background. Together with Daniel Gelin (1921-2002) French actor, father of Xavier Gelin. Signed and inscribed 9.5 x 7 photograph of Gelin standing in a half-length pose, in costume as Yves Bayet, alongside actors Jean-Paul Belmondo, in costume as Yvon 'Pierrelot' Morandat, and Marie Versini, in costume as Claire Morandat, in a scene from the war film Is Paris Burning? (1966). Signed in dark fountain pen ink to a clear area of the image. VG to EX, 2 Provenance: The present photographs originate 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.
[MANHATTAN PROJECT]: WILSON ROBERT R. (1914-2000) American physicist who worked on the Manhattan Project at the Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II, becoming head of the Cyclotron Group and later its Research Division. Manuscript D.S., Robert R. Wilson, one page, 4to, n.p. (Ithaca, New York), 29th November 1954, in French. Wilson responds to a researcher's questionnaire entitled Enquete Mondiale - Homage a Niels Bohr in which the researcher poses two questions in French, at the head of the page, the first asking how Bohr ranks amongst the great physicists of the 20th century, and the second asking if, by Bohr's discoveries in atomic physics, or by the extent of his work, he is comparable to Newton, Maxwell, Planck, Einstein or Louis de Broglie. Wilson provides his answers below, in French, stating that Bohr holds a premier place with Einstein and that his scientific work is comparable to that of Newton, Maxwell, Planck and Einstein. Rare. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
FLAUBERT GUSTAVE: (1821-1880) French novelist. A.L.S., Gte. Flaubert, two pages, (written to the first and third sides of the bifolium), 8vo, n.p., n.d. ('Lundi, 3 heures'), to 'Ma Chere Caroline' [Commanville], in French. Flaubert laments the fact that since his correspondent returned to Paris he has wanted to see her, but not been able to, explaining 'Mais je suis surcharge ou plutot surmene de travail. Je me suis jure d'avoir fini mon livre a la fin de la semaine prochaine - et je ne bouge!' (Translation: 'But I am overloaded or rather overworked with work. I swore I'd finish my book by the end of next week - and I'm not moving!'), further adding that Caroline's aunt is alone and bored at Croisset and has asked that Caroline pay her a visit as she had promised to, remarking 'Je n'aime pas a la savoir longtemps dans la solitude et comme je ne peux m'en retourner a Croisset avant un mois, j'aimerais bien a ce que tu passes un peu pres d'elle d'ici-la' (Translation: 'I don't like to know her for long in solitude and since I can't go back to Croisset for a month, I would really like you to pass a little near her by then'). A few light creases and small pinholes and with a neat, small split to the base of the central vertical fold, otherwise VG Caroline Commanville (1846-1931) French painter, niece of Flaubert as the daughter of Flaubert's sister, Caroline (1824-1846) and her husband Emile Hamard (1821-1877). The aunt which Flaubert refers to in the present letter is likely to have been Julie Lormier (1818-1883) who had married Flaubert's elder brother, Achille (1813-1882) in 1839.
MOORE CLAYTON: (1914-1999) American actor who portrayed the fictional western character the Lone Ranger in the television series of the same name from 1949-52 and 1953-57. Signed sepia 11 x 14 cardstock photograph of Moore in a full-length pose, in costume as the Lone Ranger, seated on his great white stallion, Silver. Signed by Moore in bold black ink to a light area of the image, adding his character name beneath his signature. Together with two signed 8 x 10 photographs by Moore, the first a colour image depicting him in a costume action pose as the Lone Ranger with Silver and the second a black and white image of Moore in a three-quarter length pose in costume as the Lone Ranger and with a gun in one hand. Both are boldly signed to light areas of the image, with Moore adding his character name beneath his signatures. VG to EX, 3
ZUMBACH JAN: (1915-1986) Polish-Swiss fighter ace of World War II who participated in the Battle of Britain. A.L.S., J Zumbach, one page, 4to, Bonnieres, 29th May 1974, to Mr. Francis. Zumbach thanks his correspondent for their letter and returns his signature, with his war squadron and rank appended as requested, as well as 'A B[attle] of B[ritain] story written by myself and printed…..on the 25th Anniversary of the said event. It was printed in French & English. I do hope it will be of interest to you'. Together with a second A.L., signed ('J. Zumbach') in the address panel to the upper left corner, one page, oblong 8vo, Bonnieres, 16th August 1974, to Mr. Francis, sending a story 'of a flight on Sept 9th 1940' and remarking 'the story in my handwriting was ready since a few months but I forgot to post it'. None of the enclosures mentioned in the letters are still present. Some creasing and a few small tears to the edges of the first letter, G to VG, 2
HEAVYWEIGHT BOXERS: A good signed colour 8 x 10 photograph by both Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier individually, the image depicting the two World Heavyweight Champions in head and shoulders poses together, each wearing their red boxing gloves, accompanied by boxing promoter Don King who stands in the immediate background with a lit cigar in one hand. Signed by Ali, Frazier and King with their names alone in bold black inks to largely clear areas of the image. VG
CINEMA: Selection of signed and inscribed 10 x 8 photographs and slightly smaller, the majority vintage, by various film actors and actresses, most of them stars of European cinema, including Claus Holm, Michele Placido, Paolo Ferrari, Cristina Gaioni (from The Facts of Murder), Valentina Cortese (2), Ilaria Occhini, Ricardo Cortez, Carlos Thompson, Connie Francis, Maria de Medeiros, Kamala Devi, Salvatore Baccaloni, Pierre Dudan, Fabrizio Capucci, Nico Pepe, Vincent Perez, Lucas Belvaux, Keith Michell, Anna Galiena, Florinda Bolkan, Victor Banerjee, Bruno Ganz, Alberto Lupo, Walter Giller, Jerzy Radziwilowicz, Sergio Fantoni, Lilli Palmer etc. The majority have small authentication stickers affixed to the corners. G to VG, 38Provenance: The present photographs originate 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.
PIERREPOINT ALBERT: (1905-1992) English hangman, responsible for the execution of 200 people who had been convicted of war crimes in Germany and Austria, as well as high treason, including William Joyce (Lord Haw-Haw). Pierrepoint also executed a number of high-profile murderers including John Haigh, John Christie and Ruth Ellis. Signed and inscribed 10 x 8 photograph, the image depicting Pierrepoint standing outdoors in a head and shoulders pose alongside his wife. Signed to the verso in blue ink, 'To Fred, Albert & Anne Pierrepoint', adding the name of his wife on her behalf, and dated 1978 in his hand. With the credit stamp of the Sun to the centre of the verso. About EX
LOUISE OF ORLEANS: (1812-1850) First Queen of the Belgians as second wife of King Leopold I. Daughter of King of the French Louis Philippe I. Attractive manuscript autograph signed `Louise´, one page, oblong 8vo, Joinville, 4th May 1831, in English. The manuscript document being a cleanly written poem by the young Princess who copies nine lines of a Samuel Rogers´ work Italy, stating in English `Health and Strength be thine - In thy long travel! May no Sun beam strike - ….. And there is one, or am much deceived - One thou hast named, who will not be the last.´ Given by the Princess as a present to the city of Joinville the day before leaving. Louise of Orleans died of tuberculosis at the early age of 38. About VG Samuel Rogers (1763-1855) English Poet. One of the most celebrated during his lifetime.
HENRY IV: (1553-1610) King of France 1589-1610. Assassinated. L.S., Henry, one page, folio, Fontainebleau, 30th April 1604, to Cardinal [Alfonso] Visconti ('Mon Cousin'), in Middle French. The King informs his correspondent that he has instructed Cardinal de Givry 'qui s'en va par dela de vous visiter de ma part Et vous tesmoigner la bonne volonté que Je vous porte Dequoy Je desire qu'il s'acquicte a mon contentement et au Vre et que vous me continuyez aussi Vre affection au bien de mes affaires' (Translation: 'who goes beyond visiting you on my behalf and showing you the good will that I have for you, which I want him to fulfil to my satisfaction and yours and that you also continue your affection for the good of my business'). Countersigned at the foot by Nicolas de Neufville, seigneur de Villeroy (1543-1617) French secretary of state under four Kings of France, Minister of Foreign Affairs 1567-88, 1594-1616. With address panel to the verso, bearing the remnants of a blind embossed paper seal. A few minor, light stains, the largest at the head of the page only very slightly affecting a few words of text, and with a few light creases and tears to the edges, about VGAlfonso Visconti (1552-1608) Italian Roman Catholic cardinal and diplomat who served as Bishop of Spoleto 1604-07 as Cardinal Protector for the Austrian hereditary lands.Anne d'Escars de Givry (1546-1612) French Benedictine churchman and cardinal, a supporter of the Ligue.
BRADBURY NORRIS EDWIN: (1909-1997) American Physicist and Director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory 1945-70. Bradbury succeeded Oppenheimer who appointed him after working closely with him on the Manhattan Project during WWII. Bradbury was in charge of the first detonation of a nuclear weapon in 1945. An interesting T.L.S., `N.E. Bradbury´, one page, 4to, 8th July 1990. Bradbury responds to three questions written in the hand of a collector to the upper part of the document and states in part `I am not famous nor do I consider any of my activities necessarily "masterpieces".´ Bearing to the verso two official Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory ink stamps, one for the reception and one for the document dispatched. With a lengthy, small writing, Bradbury´s biography at the base of the document and few lines to the verso in the hand of the collector. Folded with a very small are of paper loss to the upper edge. G
NAPOLEON I: (1769-1821) Emperor of France 1804-14, 1815. An excellent military content L.S., `Nap´, three pages, 4to, gilt edges, Trianon, 10th August 1810, to the Duke de Feltre, in French. The letter is dictated to and in the hand of Meneval. Napoleon demonstrates in this letter his skills on military strategy, planning and reorganizing his troops intending to reinforce his battalions in Spain, stating in part `Monsieur le duc de Feltre, faites-moi connaitre si l´on pourrait former à Turin un regiment de marche pour l´armée de Catalogne qui serait composé de 200 hommes du 1er regiment d´infanterie légère - de 300 hommes du 3º idem - de 200 hommes du 2eme de ligne….´ (Translation: ` Monsieur le duc de Feltre, let me know if we could form in Turin a march regiment for the Catalonia army which would be composed by 200 men from the first light infantry regiment - by 300 men of the third idem, by 200 men of the second…´) further adding `Le 16º qui est à Toulon pourrait envoyer 500 hommes à son 4º bataillon à l´armée de Catalogne, ce qui ferait pour cette armée un secours de 2000 hommes. Envoyez-moi un projet d´organisation de ce regiment et faites-moi connaitre quand il sera prêt´ (Translation: `The 16th regiment at Toulon could supply 500 men to the 4th battalion of the Catalonia army, which would give a grant of 2000 men for this army. Send me an organization project for this regiment and let me know when it will be ready´) Napoleon further suggests several ways of reinforcing the army in Catalonia and in Spain, stating in part `On complèterait ces battaillons avec ce qu´il y aurait de disponible aux 4º bataillons dont les dépôts sont en France et qui ont leurs bataillons de guerre en Hollande, en Allemagne et sur les côtes; et si l´on parvenait à les completer ce serait une force de 3 à 4000 hommes qui, avec les bataillons de marche ci-dessus demandés, formerait une division de 8000 hommes…´ (Translation: `We would complete these battalions with what would be available in the 4th battalions which warehouses are in France and which war battalions are in Holland, in Germany and on the coasts; and if we manage to complete them it will be a military presence of 3 to 4000 men who, together with the requested march battalions mentioned above, would make all together a division of 8000 men…) Before concluding Napoleon explains to the Duke de Feltre the advantages of such changes, saying `Cela aura l´avantage 1º de fournir 4000 hommes de renfort pour l´armée de Catalogne et 8000 hommes pour l´armée d´Espagne; 2º de diminuer le nombre des hommes presents sous les armes des regiments qui sont sur le pied de paix, c´est à dire des régiments qui sont sur les côtes de France, en Allemagne, en Hollande, etc.., ce qui diminuera la dépense´ (Translation: `This will have the advantage 1º of providing 4000 reinforcements for the army of Catalonia and 8000 men for the army of Spain; 2º to reduce the number of men present under the arms of regiments which are under peace status, that is to say regiments which are on the coasts of France, in Germany, in Holland, etc., which will reduce the expenses´) A letter of very interesting military content. Accompanied by a small 12mo holograph receipt, with traces of having been pinned to the bottom left corner. VG Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke (1765-1818) Duc de Feltre and Minister of War under Napoleon. Later Marshal of France in 1816, one of six created under King Louis XVIII from 1815-24Claude François de Méneval (1778-1850) Baron of the Empire. Memoirist of the 19th century. Napoleon´s private secretary and his closest collaborator.
CARTER HOWARD: (1874-1939) English archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun in 1923. A.L.S., with his initials HC, one page, 8vo, Prince's Gate Court, London, 4th July 1931, to the Secretary of the National Art Collections Fund. Carter writes, in part, 'Would you be so kind as to give to bearer, my chauffeur, the two pieces of Egyptian sculpture', and identifying both, one being the 'head of Ramesses the Great'. Rare. One very small, minor tear and rust stain to the upper edge, otherwise VG Carter acted as a part-time dealer in Egyptian antiquities for both collectors and museums and the source of a number of items in his personal collection is shrouded in controversy. Over a dozen pieces he owned were identified after Carter's death as having been taken by the Egyptologist from Tutankhamun's tomb without authorisation.
GEORGE V: (1865-1936) King of the United Kingdom 1910-36. An unusual L.S., George R.I., as King, with holograph salutation and subscription, three pages, small 4to, Buckingham Palace, 31st March 1916, to Yuan Shikai, President of the Republic of China ('Our Good Friend'), on stationery featuring a gold embossed coat of arms at the head. The King states that he has received 'with very great pleasure the reproduction of Our Portrait upon porcelain, which You recently caused to be forwarded to Us through Sir John Jordan, Our Minister at Peking' and continues 'We thank You most cordially for this gift which We look upon as a welcome testimony of Your friendliness and of the interest which You take in Us and Our Royal House. Sir John Jordan will have the honour of delivering this Letter to You, and We have commanded him to express to You Our warm appreciation of this pleasing manifestation of Your good-will, which We heartily reciprocate'. Countersigned at the conclusion by Edward Grey (1862-1933) 1stViscount Grey of Fallodon. British statesman who served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1905-16. An exceptional and extremely rare letter exchanged between the King of the United Kingdom and the President of the Republic of China, two of the largest world empires and powers of the early 20th century. VGYuan Shikai (1859-1916) President of the Republic of China 1912-15, 1916 and Emperor of China 1915-16. Yuan Shikai, a former Qing general, succeeded Sun Yat-sen as President in March 1912 and proclaimed himself as Emperor of China in 1915. In the face of popular condemnation and opposition from his own Beiyang Army, he was forced to abdicate and re-establish the republic in 1916.Sir John Jordan (1852-1925) British diplomat who served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United Kingdom to the Qing Empire 1906-10 and to the Republic of China 1910-20..
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
[NAZI OCCULT]: DARRE RICHARD WALTHER: (1895-1953) Argentinean-born SS-Obergruppenfuhrer of World War II. Reich Minister of Food and Agriculture 1933-42. A.L.S., R Walther Darre, two pages, 4to, Berlin, n.d. (11th April 1936), to SS-Oberfuhrer Weissthor (an alias of Karl Maria Wiligut), on the printed stationery of the Reichsfuhrer of the SS, Head of Race and Resettlement Division, in German. Darre states 'I had been making efforts to find myself some free days when I got the news that you had just gone to Reichenhall on leave. It thus remains for me personally, and on behalf of my wife, to wish you a happy Easter on your journey' and continues 'Perhaps I may have the chance of meeting you, when you come back to Berlin. I should be grateful if you would telephone my assistant Kleusser on your return, so that I can meet you on some occasion; there is so much to tell you'. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Darre. VG Karl Maria Wiligut (1866-1946) Austrian occultist and SS-Brigadefuhrer. Wiligut, who also used the alias Weissthor, was employed within the personal staff and offices of Heinrich Himmler and Karl Wolff, and claimed to be in the tradition of a long line of German mystic teachers, reaching back into prehistoric times. He also claimed to have spiritual powers that allowed him direct access to genetic memories of his ancestors thousands of years in the past. Wiligut contributed significantly to the development of Wewelsburg as the order-castle and ceremonial centre of SS pseudo-religious practice and also designed the Totenkopfring, which Himmler personally awarded to prestigious SS officers.
HAIG ALEXANDER: (1924-2010) American General who served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe 1974-79 and as United States Secretary of State 1981-82. Signed and inscribed 8 x 10 photograph of Haig in a half-length pose wearing his uniform. The official portrait is dated 23rd March 1973 within a caption to the verso. Signed by Haig in black ink to a slightly darker area of the image. A few light, minor surface and corner creases, otherwise VG
NERVAL GERARD DE: (1808-1855) Gerard Labrunie. French writer, poet and translator, a major figure of French romanticism. A rare Manuscript D.S., Gerard de Nerval, one page, slim oblong 8vo, n.p., 5th March 1851, in French. Nerval acknowledges the receipt of fifty francs from Monsieur Porcher, 'que je lui rendrai le cinq avril prochain' (Translation: 'which I will return to him on the fifth of April next'). Very slightly irregular edges and with some very minimal age wear, VGJean-Baptiste Porcher (1792-1864) French theatrical agent who served as a banker to playwrights, including his friend Alexandre Dumas pere.
ALBERT I: (1875-1934) King of the Belgians 1909-34. Fine fountain pen ink signature ('Prince Albert de Belgique') of the future King on an 8vo sheet of printed stationery bearing the heading Service de S.A.R. Le Prince Albert de Belgique. Immediately below the signature appears an A.L.S., Gal. Jungbluth, by Harry Jungbluth, one page, 8vo, Brussels, 19th November 1904, to 'Mon cher Capitaine', in French, stating, in part, 'Vous trouverez ci dessus la signature de S.A.R. le Prince Albert de Belgique' (Translation: 'You will find above the signature of HRH Prince Albert of Belgium'). With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope (postage stamps neatly removed) hand addressed by Jungbluth to Capitaine d'Etat Major Jungbluth, presumably a relative, in Calais. VGHarry Jungbluth (1847-1930) Belgian General who served as head of the military household of King Albert I from 1912-30.
D'ANTHOUARD DE VRAINCOURT CHARLES NICOLAS: (1773-1852) French artillery commander and aide-de-camp to Napoleon's stepson Eugene de Beauharnais. A.L.S., Ch. Danthouard, two pages, 4to, Vienna, 4th July 1809, to Auguste de La Roche, in French. D'Anthouard informs his nephew that he received their letter a few days ago and that for the last four months he has been travelling or on the move with the army, remarking 'Je suis en ce moment a Vienne ou je suis venu pour me remettre d'une blessure que j'ai recu a la bataille de Raab en hongrie. Je vais bien et je compte partir sous peu pour rejoindre le prince vice-roi' (Translation: 'I am currently in Vienna where I came to recover from an injury I received at the Battle of Raab in Hungary. I am well and intend to leave shortly to join the Viceroy Prince') and further writing 'J'ai ete bien fache de ce que la tendresse mal placie de la mere l'a porte a te retenir si longtemps a Verdun, tu n'es plus un enfant, il faut t'occuper, te faire un etat. Tu es dans la tresorerie.......faire tes etudes de tout ce qui y esst relatif........il n'y a plus a revenir en arriere et si l'on t'envoie aux antipodes il faut y aller taudis que tu es jeune afin de meriter et d'avoir des droits a une place meilleure et plus tranquille lorsque tu serai plus age' (Translation: 'I was very sorry that a mother's ill-placed tenderness led her to keep you so long at Verdun. You are no longer a child, you have to take care of yourself, make up your mind. You are in the treasury……do your studies of everything related to it……there is no going back and if you are sent to the antipodes you have to go there when you are young in order to deserve and have rights to a better and quieter place when you are older'). D'Anthouard also writes of Stanislaus who is now serving as a Second Lieutenant at Klagenfurt and in a postscript makes a reference to the historic Battle of Wagram, 'Demain ou apres il doit y avoir une grande bataille sur la rive gauche du danube 4 lieues plus bas que Vienne' (Translation: 'Tomorrow or after there must be a great battle on the left bank of the Danube, 4 leagues below Vienna'). With integral address leaf bearing the remnants of a seal (small area of paper loss caused by the original breaking). Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VGWhen Austria declared war in 1809, D'Anthouard served as aide-de-camp to Prince Eugene on the Italian campaigns and in June he fought at the Battle of Raab where he was wounded by a ball that smashed his left hand. Nevertheless, he was fit to serve at the Battle of Wagram a month later. The Battle of Wagram took place on the 5th & 6th July 1809 and ended in a costly but decisive victory for Emperor Napoleon's French and allied army over the Austrian army under the command of Archduke Charles of Austria-Teschen. The battle led to the break up of the Fifth Coalition, the Austrian and British-led alliance against France, and was the largest battle in European history up to its time.
POINCARE RAYMOND: (1860-1934) French statesman who served as President of France 1913-20 and as Prime Minister of France 1912-13, 1922-24 & 1926-29. L.S., R Poincare, two pages, small folio, Paris, 24th March 1918, to Mario Garcia Menocal, in French. The elegantly penned diplomatic letter acknowledges receipt of Menocal's letter announcing his re-election as President of the Cuban Republic and continues to send congratulations for the new pledge of confidence the Cuban people have given Menocal, further expressing Poincare's sincere desire to continue to collaborate with him for maintaining and developing the good relations which exist between their countries. Signed by Poincare at the conclusion and countersigned by Stephen Pichon (1857-1933) French politician, diplomat and journalist who served as the French Minister of Foreign Affairs 1906-11, 1913 & 1917-20. Possibly neatly trimmed and with some light age toning and staining and minor traces of former mounting to the edges, evidently caused by previous framing. G Mario Garcia Menocal (1866-1941) President of Cuba 1913-21.
YEAGER CHUCK: (1923-2020) American Brigadier General, a flying ace and test pilot who became the first pilot in history confirmed to have exceeded the speed of sound in level flight in October 1947. Signed and inscribed colour 10 x 8 photograph of Yeager standing outdoors in a three-quarter length pose, wearing flying overalls and with an aircraft on the runway in the immediate background. Signed by Yeager in black ink to a light area at the base of the image. About EX
PERES SHIMON: (1923-2016) Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister of Israel 1984-86, 1995-96 and as President of Israel 2007-14. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1994. Signed colour 4 x 6 photograph of Peres seated in a half-length pose behind the desk in his office. Signed in blue ink with his name alone to the lower white border. About EX
TALLEYRAND-PÉRIGORD CHARLES MAURICE DE: (1754-1838) French Diplomat and Statesman. Prime Minister of France July-September 1815. A very interesting N.S., Ch Mau Talleyrand, at the base of a L.S., Whitworth, one page, large folio, Paris, 12th May 1803, on a partially printed document issued by the British Embassy in Paris, to J. Charles Clermont, in French. The attractive document, bearing two large printed coats of arms, is a passport authorizing Charles Clermont to return to England together with his servant, and states `Charles Lord Whitworth, Counselor of Her British Majesty and British Ambassador to France, asks and requests in the name of Her Majesty to all Officers and authorities, civil and military ones, Princes and friend States and allies of Her Majesty, not only to let Charles Clermont cross any territory, with his servant and luggage, but also to give him any help he may require on his way back to England. We promise reciprocity on similar situations…´ Beneath the British Ambassador´s signature, and annotated in another hand `The Foreign Affairs Minister certify that the above signature of H.E. Lord Whitworth is authentic, Paris, 16th May 1803´, signed by Talleyrand in his capacity as Foreign Affairs Minister. Also signed by a Diplomatic service officer, and bearing a contemporary ink stamp of the French Foreign Affairs Ministry. Small overall, minor age wear, foxing stains, edges very slightly damaged with a pin hole and a tear to the right edge, to the fold, not affecting the text or signature. G Charles Whitworth (1752-1825) British Ambassador to France. Whitworth demanded his passports on 12th May 1803, the same day the present passport was issued, and left Paris. Whitworth reached London on 20th May. Two days after Talleyrand signed the present document, on 18th May 1803, Britain declared war against France. On 22nd May Napoleon ordered the arrest of all British residents in France. On 13th March 1803 took place the famous scene between Napoleon I and the British Ambassador at the Tuileries. Before a full court Napoleon exclaimed loudly to Whitworth "Misfortune to those who do not respect treaties. They will be accountable to the whole of Europe".Whitworth will later state "He was too agitated to prolong the conversation; I therefore made no answer, and he retired to his apartment repeating the last phrase. Two hundred people heard this conversation, and I am persuaded that there was not a single person who did not feel the extreme impropriety of his conduct and the total want of dignity as well as of decency on the occasion´.
[EGYPTOLOGY]: Collection of A.Ls.S., T.Ls.S., memoranda etc., by a variety of Egyptologists and other individuals, including Etienne Drioton (1889-1961) French Egyptologist & archaeologist; A.N.S., Etienne Drioton, to the foot of a typed document, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., January 1941, in French. The document concerns some antiquities contained in a sealed cabinet, including alabaster and pottery vases, limestone and wooden statues and some fragments bearing inscriptions etc., which are of ordinary quality, the Inspector at Cairo authorising that they can be disposed of and Drioton declaring that he knows the objects and considers them to be almost all fakes; a T.L.S. by Reginald Engelbach (1888-1946) English Egyptologist, one page, 4to, Cairo, 16th March 1940, to Etienne Drioton, in French, politely complaining about the allocation of some rooms used as workshops and stating 'the small room is the only one where Kemal (who carries out small restorations under my direct orders) can deposit his instruments, cement etc. as well as the antiquities on which he works. He is forced to be absent frequently to go to the museum where he also works. We have already given up a lot of space in the past to the workshop which does not depend on us, and they are constantly asking for new favours. In the case of the room in question, we run the risk of having antique objects and materials go missing if their request is approved', with an A.N.S. by Driton at the foot requesting that the Controller of Fine Arts be informed that they will be ready to give up the room as soon as the necessary partition is in place to create another room; a T.L.S. by Battiscombe Gunn (1883-1950) English Egyptologist and philologist who assisted with the translation of ostraca from the tomb of Tutankhamun, one page, 8vo, 9th November 1930, in French, requesting that several objects be sent to the Arab Museum, which he lists as 'A plate, found at Tanta…..A box bearing the indication "Edfou; Sibakh", and containing three pieces of green pottery; a box bearing the indication "Inscribed Arabic terra cotta fragments", and containing ostraca found in the Sibakh of Edfu'; and a second T.L.S. by Gunn, one page, oblong 8vo, Cairo, 3rd February 1929, in French, forwarding two packages and explaining 'One contains sheep bones, inscribed in ink with magical Arabic texts; please send them to the Arab Museum…..The other package contains two stones inscribed in Kufic. Please also send them to the Arab Museum…..'; also including various other letters and documents signed by Henri Gauthier (1877-1950) French Egyptologist and geographer; Georges Daressy (1864-1938) French Egyptologist, and other individuals, most in French, 1922-1943, making references to antiquities, surveys of land, a granite head of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Userkaf etc. All with file holes and most with some age wear, small tears to the edges etc. G to about VG, 20
GOLF: Selection of vintage pages removed from an autograph album, all with small clipped signatures laid down to the pages, some small signed printed images etc., and a few signed directly to the pages, by various male and female golfers including Henry Cotton (Open Championship winner 1934, 1937 & 1948), Dai Rees (Captain of the Great Britain Ryder Cup team who defeated the United States in 1957), Percy Alliss, Fred Daly (Open Championship winner 1947), Arthur Lacey, Sam King, Reg Knight, Reg Whitcombe (Open Championship winner 1938), Fred Bullock, Wally Smithers, Johnny Bulla, Harry Bradshaw, Arthur Lees, Ossie Pickworth, Flory Van Donck, Hassan Hassanein, Bernard Darwin, Alf Padgham (Open Championship winner 1936), Bobby Locke (Open Championship winner 1949, 1950, 1952 & 1957), Tom Collinge, Max Faulkner (Open Championship winner 1951), Charlie Ward, Jean Donald, Wanda Morgan, Diana Critchley etc. Some staining and age wear, FR to G, 15
FRENCH CINEMA: A small good selection of signed postcard photographs and one 4 x 6 photograph by various French Actors and Actresses, comprising Alain Delon (1935- ) the image depicting a young Delon in a head and shoulders pose, and signed in bold blue ink largely to the lower white border, Juliette Greco (1927-2020) French Singer and Actress, the image showing Greco outdoors, seated, in a three-quarter length pose, and Lino Ventura (1919-1987) Italian Actor who mostly starred in French films. A close-up signed and inscribed portrait pose. VG, 3
MASTERS EDGAR LEE: (1868-1950) American Poet, Biographer & Lawyer. A.Q.S., Edgar Lee Masters, one page, oblong 8vo, n.p., n.d. (1927). Masters has penned a two line quotation, in German, from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, with a typed translation in English beneath, 'He only earns his freedom and existence who daily conquers them anew'. Annotated in ink in the hand of a collector at the head as being Masters' Maxim of Life. One very small, neat split to the right edge of a central horizontal fold, not affecting the text or signature, VG
TSCHECHOWA OLGA: (1897-1980) Russian-German actress who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's thriller film Mary (1931). Tschechowa, who had contact with both Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, was rumoured to have been a communist spy instructed by Joseph Stalin to flirt with Hitler in order to gain and transfer information so that the Fuhrer could be assassinated by secret Soviet agents. Two vintage signed postcard photographs by Tschechowa, the different images both showing her in head and shoulders poses. Published by Ross and signed by the actress in bold blue fountain pen inks with her name alone. Together with two signed 5 x 7 photographs and a signed 4 x 6 postcard photograph by the German-Austrian singer and actress Marika Rokk (2) and the Czech actress Lida Baarova (1) who was the mistress of Goebbels for two years. Generally VG, 5
CILEA FRANCESCO: (1866-1950) Italian Composer. Best known for his operas Adriana Lecouvreur (1902) and L´Arlesiana (1897) with his celebrated aria `E la Solita Storia del Pastore´ also known as Lamento di Federico. A good A.M.Q.S., `F. Cilea´, with a three lines inscription, to an 8.5 x 10.5 (21,5 x 27 cm) page removed from an autograph album, in Italian. Cilea states `Alla gentilissima Signora Marina Chaliapin, che al celebre nome paterno aggiunge le sue doti personali di grazia, di bellezza, d´intelligenza.´ ("To the very kind Madam Marina Chaliapin, who adds her personal gifts of grace, beauty and intelligence to the famous paternal name."). Cilea has also carefully penned beneath a two bars of music which he identifies and entitles `Dall´"Arlesiana"´(`From the "Arlesiana"´), adding the musical tempo `Lento´. Dated in Cilea´s hand at the conclusion, `Varazze (Genova) 1st of August 1937. XVth´. The written and signed page has been neatly affixed in an attractive way to the autograph album page. Bearing to the verso an autograph with inscription by Carmine Gallone (1885-1973) Italian film Director. A controversial screenwriter for his pro-Fascist propaganda. Signed in Venice, august 1937. Small overall minor age toning to edges. About 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
OISTRAKH DAVID: (1908-1974) Russian Violinist and Conductor. One of the most important violinists of the 20th century, who was the dedicatee of works by Shostakovich and Khachaturian. Signed 4 x 6 card photograph, the image depicting Oistrakh standing in a half-length pose. Signed in bold blue ink to a clear area of the image. The promotional Melodia & Eurodisc card bears to the verso the printed list of Oistrakh´s records. G
CHAMBERLAIN NEVILLE: (1869-1940) British Prime Minister 1937-40. T.L.S., N Chamberlain, one page, 4to, Eaton Square, London, 1st July 1931, to Lord Beaverbrook ('My dear Max'), marked Private. Chamberlain states that he had just been about to write to Beaverbrook when he received their letter and continues 'I have been too occupied with this infernal Finance Bill to see you lately, but I was hoping to do so after we have got rid of it, which will be this week. I am, however, going away next week on Tuesday, for a few days, to recuperate; and, as I have to be in Birmingham on Saturday, presiding at the meeting that you know of, this only leaves Monday afternoon. Are you likely to be in town that day? If so, perhaps we could arrange a meeting.'. Two file holes to the left edge and some light staining to the upper edge, none of which affect the text or signature. About VG Max Aitken (1879-1964) 1st Baron Beaverbrook. Canadian-British newspaper publisher who served as Minister of Aircraft Production 1940-41.
D'ORLEANS HENRI: (1822-1897) Duke of Aumale, leader of the Orleanists, a political faction in 19th century France associated with constitutional monarchy. A.L.S., H d'Orleans, three pages, 8vo, Osborne House (East Cowes, Isle of Wight), 31st March 1856, to Lord Holland, in French. The Duke explains his delay in writing to thank Lord Holland, continuing 'J'ai donc recu le manuscrit que vous avez "picked up" a mon intention. Il est curieux par sa disposition, somptueusement relie; c'est de plus un livre de famille et qui me rappelle des lieux chers a mon souvenir, Eu, Bisy, ou j'ai encore entendu le vieux serviteur raconter les chasses de "M. le comte d'Eu", grand-oncle de mon pere, comme vous savez. Ainsi il m'est fort precieux par lui meme.......c'est qu'il est le temoignage d'une affection que j'espere toujours conserver' (Translation: 'So I received the manuscript that you “picked up” for me. It is curious in its layout, sumptuously connected; moreover, it is a family book and reminds me of places dear to my memory, Eu, Bisy, where I once again heard the old servant tell of the hunts of “M. le Comte d'Eu”, my father's great-uncle, as you know. So it is very precious to me by itself……it is the testimony of an affection that I always hope to keep') and further thanking him for his good and kind words, remarking 'je ne merite pas assurement tout le bien que vous pensez de moi; mais je me flatte que vous avez raison de me croire un honnete homme et un patriote sincere, aussi peu dispose a agiter mon pays en vain que pret a lui sacrifier ma vie, si ce sacrifice pouvait etre de quelqu'utilite a sa prosperite, a son grandeur et a sa iberte' (Translation: 'I certainly do not deserve all the good that you think of me; but I flatter myself that you are right to believe me an honest man and a sincere patriot, as undisposed to agitate my country in vain as ready to sacrifice my life for it, if this sacrifice could be of any use to its prosperity, its greatness and its freedom'). In a postscript the Duke adds 'Vous aurez ete bien heureux, comme moi, de l'avancement obtenu par Panizzi' (Translation: 'You will have been very happy, like me, with the advancement obtained by Panizzi'). Together with an unrelated autograph envelope, unsigned, hand addressed by the Duchess of Aumale to Lady Holland in Kensington, London, with a red wax seal to the verso and post marked at London, September 1860. The final page of the letter and the envelope both neatly inlaid. VG, 2 Henry Fox (1802-1859) 4th Baron Holland. British politician and ambassador, husband of Lady Mary Augusta Coventry (1812-1889). Anthony Panizzi (1797-1879) Italian-born British librarian and Italian patriot who became the Principal Librarian of the British Museum in 1856, a post he held for ten years.
PEIXOTO JULIO AFRANIO: (1876-1947) Brazilian physician, writer, politician & historian. Manuscript D.S., Afranio Peixoto, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d., in French. Peixoto responds to a researcher's questionnaire entitled Enquete Internationale ('International Enquiry') with their questions at the head of the page, '1. Were your literary beginnings happy or difficult? 2. Did a means of existence (a second profession or personal wealth) allow you to exist as a Man of Letters, or was it just income from your pen? 3. What book made you most famous? Which do you consider your masterpiece?' Peixoto provides his answers to the three questions immediately beneath, stating that his literary beginnings were scandalous as when he was eighteen he wrote a symbolic tragedy in five acts which was printed in Leipzig in various colours (orange, red, blue, violet and black) and which caused a literary madness amongst the young students who followed his work, explaining that he was employed as a university professor, and was also involved in politics, adding that literature in Brazil is sumptuary, and remarking that his first novel, Le Sphinx, was published in many editions and that Bugrinha, which was translated into French, gave him most pleasure. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and one very small tear to the right edge, VG
[HITLER ADOLF]: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1934-45. JUNGE TRAUDL (1920-2002) Hitler's personal Private Secretary 1942-45, present with Hitler in the Fuhrerbunker during his last days. An unusual 4to Souvenir copy of Adolf Hitler's Political Testament, ten pages, 4to, Fuhrerbunker, Berlin, 29th April 1945. The Testament, dictated to and typed by Traudl Junge, consists of two parts, in the first referring to Hitler's motivations since volunteering in World War I, also stating 'It is untrue that I or anyone else in Germany wanted the war in 1939. It was desired and instigated exclusively by those international statesmen who were either of Jewish descent or worked for Jewish interests', giving his reasons for his intention to commit suicide, praising and thanking the German people for their support and achievements, and in the second part Hitler lays out his intentions for the government of Germany and the Nazi Party after his death, further naming the individuals whom he wished to be ''leaders of the nation'', including Karl Donitz as President of the Reich. The original document was signed by Hitler at the conclusion and witnessed by Joseph Goebbels, Wilhelm Burgdorf, Martin Bormann and Hans Krebs. The souvenir copy signed to the final page in blue ink by Junge, 'Typed by Traudl Junge, Hitler's Secretary'. EX
LOUIS XVI: (1754-1793) King of France 1774-92, the last King of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution. Executed by guillotine on the Place de la Revolution at the age of 38. A good D.S., Louis (a fine, large example), as King, one page, large folio (25.5 x 34 cm), Versailles, 13th November 1787, in French. The boldly penned manuscript document confirms the financial state of la Généralité de Soissons as being 'Cent quatre vingt seize mil trois cent quatre vingt cinq livres un sol six deniers' (Translation: 'One hundred and ninety-six thousand, three hundred and eighty five livres, one sol, six deniers'). The document is decreed by the Royal Council of Finances and bears five countersignatures including those of Henri Lefevre d'Ormesson (1751-1808) French politician who briefly served as Finance Minister, and later as Mayor of Paris; Claude Guillaume Lambert (1726-1794) French jurist who served as Comptroller General of Finance, executed by guillotine; Pierre-Charles Laurent de Villedeuil (1742-1828) Controller-General of Finances under King Louis XVI; and two others. Lightly tipped at the left edge to a folio page removed from an album. Some very light, minimal age wear, VGLa Généralité de Soissons was an administrative district composed mainly of countries from the province of Picardy united to the government of Ile-de-France at that time and created in 1595.
TURGENEV IVAN: (1818-1883) Russian Novelist and Playwright. Very rare A.L.S., `I. Tourgueneff´, one page, 8vo, St. Petersbourg, Wednesday 24th/12th March 1880, as Editor of the Messager d´Europe, to Emile Zola, in French. Turgenev apologizes for his late letter and explains that is mind is somewhere else since he came back to St. Petersburg, stating in part `Mon cher ami, il y a longtemps que j´aurais du vous écrire, et je viens vous faire mes excuses. Mais depuis que je suis ici, je n´ai vraiment pas la tête a moi, et c´est dans un tourbillon que je vis´ (My dear friend, I should have written to you a long time ago, and I come to apologize to you. But since I've been here, I really don't have my mind focused on what I should, and it's in a whirlwind that I live") Further Turgenev refers to Zola´s work, saying `J´ai parlé avec Stassioulevitch de votre proposition relativement a la biographie. Il trouve cet ouvrage trop volumineux pour une revue, et il préfere en faire des extraits pour ses lecteurs une fois qu´il aura paru´ ("I have spoken to Stassioulevitch about your proposal related to the biography. He finds this work too voluminous for a magazine, and he prefers to make extracts from it for his readers, but once it has been published") Further again Turgenev refers to Zola´s work Nana, stating `Vous savez sans doute déja que la vente de Nana a été défendue ici - On trouve que cet ouvrage offense les moeurs. Pour avoir le droit de l´acheter il faut être un haut personage ou avoir le rang de Conseiller…´ ("You probably already know that the sale of Nana has been forbidden here - they consider that this book offends morals. To have the right to buy it you must be an important person or have the rank of counselor..") Before concluding Turgenev explains to Zola his near future travelling plans, including Paris in May, and shakes his hand friendly. An extraordinary letter exchange between two of the leading novelists of the 19th century. With blank integral leaf. Edges with small remnants of former affixing, otherwise G Emile Zola (1840-1902) French Writer. Nominated for the first and second award of the Nobel of literature in 1901 and 1902. A leading figure in the political liberalization of France. Le Messager de l´Europe was a s a Petersburg newspaper which was first published in 1802 and which appeared until the 1830s twice a month. It moved to a conservative orientation from 1815. In 1814 they published Pushkin's poem To the Poet Friend. The idea of resuming the title and making it a quarterly review, in 1866, belonged to Mr. Stassioulevitch who directed it until 1908. The review became monthly in 1869 and ceased publication in 1918. Famous writers published extracts from their works or wrote articles, such as Turgenev, Ivan Goncharov or Alexander Ostrovsky. From the 1880s, the review took a rather "bourgeois-liberal" orientation and opposed the Marxism. Nana is a novel by Emile Zola. Completed in 1880, Nana is the ninth installment in the 20-volume Les Rougon-Macquart series. The novel was an immediate success.
[CARTER HOWARD]: (1874-1939) English archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun in 1923. LYONS HENRY GEORGE (1864-1944) British geologist who served as director of the Science Museum in London 1920-33 and had previously (in 1892) cleared and surveyed several Ancient Egyptian temples at Buhen. L.S., H. G. Lyons, one page, 4to, South Kensington, London, 5th July 1929, to Howard Carter, on the printed stationery of The Science Museum. The printed form letter was sent on the direction of the President of the Board of Education who had 'been pleased to accept the Gift mentioned on the next leaf, which you have been so good as to make…..for the purposes of the Science Museum'. The gift is detailed to the integral leaf as being 'An Astronomical Instrument from Ancient Egypt (Merkhet)' that was placed in the Time Measurement Collections of the museum. VG
[CARTER HOWARD]: (1874-1939) English archaeologist and Egyptologist who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun in 1923. A.L.S., el Rais Ahmed Kirgar (i.e. Ahmed Gerigar, the Egyptian chief foreman on Carter's Tutankhamun excavation team), one page, slim 4to, Korna, Luxor, 13th August 1929, to Howard Carter ('Gentleman Kartar'). Gerigar states that he hopes Carter is well, and sends the remembrances of three other members of the excavation team, including Gad Hassan, further continuing to provide Carter with an update on the situation in Luxor, 'To your knowledge I say; the warehouses No. 4 & No.15, ToutAnkh's tomb, drawing house, Autumobeel (sic) room, your home and whole your works are exactly' [as you left them]. Some creasing to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, G Carter acknowledged the services and contribution of the Egyptian members of his excavation team in his book The Tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amen, writing in the preface 'Last of all come my Egyptian staff and the Reises who have served me throughout the heat and burden of many a long day, whose loyal services will always be remembered by me with respect and gratitude and whose names are herewith recorded: Ahmed Gerigar, Hussein Ahmed Saide, Gad Hassan and Hussein Abou Owad',
ARAFAT YASSER: (1929-2004) Palestinian political leader who served as Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation 1969-2004 and as President of the Palestinian National Authority 1994-2004. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1994. Signed 4 x 6 photograph featuring two images of Arafat, one in a half-length pose shaking hands with Pope John Paul II and the other showing him in a head and shoulders pose. Signed ('Y Arafat') in black ink with his name alone to a light area of the upper image. About EX
[FARSISTAN - ISFAHAN]: Unusual original autograph document, one page, 4to, Yazd, dated 28th July 1298 according to Arabic calendar, [1881], in Arabic. The document, being a telegram and bearing an attractive lion with saber to the heading, is a medical report sent by the doctor of the town of Yazd, stating in part `Typhus increases or diminishes according to increases or decreases of temperature…Children´s diarrheas and conjunctivitis have reached the status of epidemic…´ further saying `Before yesterday, four children of four, five and six years old, who ate raisins which were since long stored at home and mixed with roots of a narcotic and poison plant, became mad, not keeping any kind of trace of their reason..´ Also bearing an ink stamp at the base of the text. Accompanied by a translation into French. Small hole to the centre fold, although repaired to the verso, otherwise about G
‘I was quite delighted with Mrs. Shaw’s talent….’ MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY FELIX: (1809-1847) German composer of the early Romantic period. A good A.L.S., Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, three pages, 8vo, Hobart Place, Pimlico (London), 6th September 1837, to Sir George Smart, in English. The composer commences his letter with an apology, 'I should have answered your kind note which I received from the hands of Mrs. Shaw, much sooner, but for the hope I had of doing so in person & coming to Hampton Court to pay you a visit, which I am afraid I must now give up as the time of my residence here is unfortunately so limited and the few days I had in London are gone by, I hardly know how', continuing to ask when Smart may be in town again 'as I must not leave this country without shaking hands with you & thanking you again for much kindness & friendship'. Mendelssohn further writes 'I was quite delighted with Mrs. Shaw's talent and her singing my Air so perfectly well & in the manner in which I had wished it' and also remarks 'How I should have been happy to introduce my wife to Lady Smart - I was obliged to leave her on the Continent as she could not have stood the sea passage and although it is much better so I have many hours when I think it bad enough & wish I was in Germany. You will not be angry with me for saying this candidly - at least Lady Smart will not'. With integral address leaf in Mendelssohn's hand and with the small remnants of the original red wax seal (small area of paper loss caused by the original breaking, only slightly affecting one word of text). Some light, minimal age wear, VG Sir George Smart (1776-1867) English musician who, in 1836, had produced for the first time in England Mendelssohn's oratorio St. Paul at Liverpool. Smart married Frances Margaret Hope in 1832 and she has been described as 'amiable and delightfully intelligent'. Mary Shaw (1814-1876) English contralto, a pupil of Sir George Smart's. Shaw sang at the English premiere of St. Paul in 1836 and between 1838-39 appeared as a soloist with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in twelve concerts under Mendelssohn's baton. Shaw also created the role of Cuniza in the world premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's first opera, Oberto, at La Scala in 1839. Mendelssohn had married Cecile Charlotte Sophie Jeanrenaud (1817-1853) on 28th March 1837.
ANNUNZIO GABRIELE D´: (1863-1938) Prince of Montenevoso. Italian Writer, Poet and WWI Soldier. Known as "The Prophet". A good A.L.S., Gabriele d´Annunzio, (a large and attractive underlined signature), one page, 4to, n.p. [Paris], n.d., [25th June 1913, to Doctor Pozzi, in French. On his personal printed stationery bearing to the heading one of his printed devises "Me Ne Frego" ("I don´t give a damn"), d´Annunzio states `My dear Doctor, when I accepted the meeting at two, I did not realize that tomorrow I have friends for lunch and will not be free before four. Would you be so kind to give me an appointment time after four or before noon?..´ Very small overall age wear with small creasing to the borders, otherwise G Samuel-Jean Pozzi (1846-1918) French Surgeon. He established the first Chair of Gynecology in Paris in 1884 and few years later performed the first gastroenterostomy in France. In 1913, the year the present letter was written, Pozzi and Georges Clemenceau organized the first transplant symposium in Paris. Pozzi became a military surgeon joining the forces during WWI. He died assassinated by a patient who shot him and committed suicide later.
SAINT-EXUPERY ANTOINE DE: (1900-1944) French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist and pioneering aviator, remembered for his novella The Little Prince (1943). A.L.S., Antoine, four pages, 8vo, n.p. (Geneva) n.d. (23rd July 1919), to his cousin, Mademoiselle Bernardine de Menthon, in French. Saint-Exupery writes a charming letter, announcing that he is in Switzerland ('Helvetie') and is very happy, explaining that he has travelled by bicycle and boat and that if he had an afternoon free he would come and visit her at Thonon les Bains or Allinges, 'Mais.....vous savez ou ne savez plutot pas que je suis.....(chut!) que je suis admissible (chut! chut!) et que donc il faut que je travaille ferme (pour me faire d'ailleurs recaler a l'oral)' (Translation: 'But…..you know, or rather you don't know, that I am……(hush!), that I am admissible (hush! hush!) and that therefore I have to work hard (to get myself to fail the oral)'), and further writing 'J'ai, vous penser bien, tout oublie depuis novembre et comme a cette date la, vu la lucidite extraordinaire que donne un bourrage intensif de mathematiques. Je parlais deja a mon examinateur de la "Culture des elephants au congo". Je me demande avec effroi ce que je vais lui raconter cette fois-ci' (Translation: 'I have, thinking you well, forgotten everything since November and, as on that date, saw the extraordinary lucidity that an intensive jamming of mathematics gives. I have already talked to my examiner about the “Culture of elephants in the Congo”. I wonder with dread what I'm going to tell him this time'). Saint-Exupery adds that if he had time he would copy out some verses for his cousin, but his boat leaves in fifteen minutes and he doesn't want to miss it, also remarking that the Swiss have not changed and observing that they have an 'accent empreint d'un charme si indefinssable et si rare' (Translation: 'accent imbued with a charm so indefinable and so rare'), In a postscript he declares that he does not have her address with him and the safe receipt of his letter will be entirely down to the level of intelligence deployed by the postal workers. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Saint-Exupery. Some very light, extremely minimal age wear, VG Bernardine de Menthon (1900-1981) Cousin and friend of Saint-Exupery, who was also known as 'Dolly' to her family and friends.
[JOYCE JAMES]: (1882-1941) Irish novelist and poet. A good unsigned 12 x 15 photograph of Joyce by Gisele Freund, the image depicting Joyce standing outdoors in a full-length pose on a Paris street, with a motor car at his side in 1938 (printed later). Signed ('Gisele Freund') in black ink by the photographer to the verso beneath her copyright stamp and further annotated by her in pencil, '1938 Joyce rend visite a son fils et sa famille' (Translation: '1938 Joyce visits his son and his family'). A couple of minor, light corner creases to the white borders and a small, insignificant scuff to the lower right corner of the white border, otherwise VG Gisele Freund (1908-2000) German-born French photographer, famous for her portraits of writers and artists. In 1938 Joyce, who famously disliked being photographed, allowed Freund to take his portrait and over a period of three days she was able to capture some of the most intimate portraits of the writer during his time in Paris. The photographs were later published in James Joyce in Paris: His Final Years (1965).
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 Tour[ette], to one side of a printed correspondence card, Rue de l'Universite, Paris, 2nd March 1901, to 'Mon cher ami', in French. Gilles de la Tourette states that he saw Mr. H., who was charming, at the town hall, and that any misunderstandings have been dissipated, asking his correspondent to convey this news to another individual and remarking 'J'en suis tres heureux car il est malheureux toujours de perdre un ami, meme quand il est en esperance' (Translation: 'I am very happy because it is always unfortunate to lose a friend, even when he is in hope'). VG
TINBERGEN JAN: (1903-1994) Dutch Economist, winner of the first Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, 1969. A good and clean A.L.S., `J. Tinbergen´, one page, oblong 4to, La Haye, 6th November 1970, on his personal printed stationery "Prof. J. Tinbergen", in French. Tinbergen answers to his correspondent´s letter, stating `I safely received your letter dated 3rd November and it was with great pleasure that I respond to your questions. Even more because I find among the personalities who have already responded to you my colleague and friend René Roy who I admire so much…´ VG to EX René Roy (1894-1977) French Economist. Known for his contribution known as Roy´s Identity. A pioneer of the Econometry. Roy replaced Paul Samuelson as President of the Econometric Society.
GEORGE III: (1738-1820) King of Great Britain and Ireland 1760-1820. A.L., unsigned, one page, 4to, Richmond, 1st April 1765, to [Welbore] Ellis. The King writes, in full, 'I think the affair of exchanging commissions extrem'ly easy, those who have apply'd early enough for their successors to be ready to join the Regiments before embarkation are entitl'd to it if men of service & of character; but the young inexperienced officers who want to retire from no other motive than aversion to service, ought to be put on Half pay without any valuable consideration'. With blank integral leaf. Some ink blotting only very slightly affects a few words of text. VG Welbore Ellis (1713-1802) 1st Baron Mendip. British politician who served as Secretary at War 1762-65 and as Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1782.
PEARY ROBERT: (1856-1920) American Rear Admiral and explorer who claimed to have been the first to reach the geographic North Pole with his expedition in April 1909. D.S., R E Peary, being a signed receipt, one page, slim oblong 8vo, n.p., 31st January 1904. The partially printed receipt acknowledges the sum of $145.74 received by Peary from Paymaster S. L. Heap of the U.S. Navy. Boldly signed by Peary in dark fountain pen ink. One very slight, minor fold, otherwise VG
Grieg reacts to being misquoted on Mozart – ‘Where and when have I said this? It’s simply a lie…..I’d have to be crazy to suggest something like that’ GRIEG EDVARD: (1843-1907) Norwegian composer and pianist. A good A.L.S., Edvard Grieg, three pages, 8vo, Leipzig, 29th January 1898, to Mr. William, in German (with one sentence in English). Grieg thanks his correspondent for their help in running an errand in regards to some photographs and expresses his regret at learning that William's trip to Norway is now in question as they had been looking forward to seeing him and his sister, further writing 'In your ”Records” for January there is an article, Music in 1897, in which the following can be read [quoted in English] 'The composer Grieg has counselled a return to the method of Mozart' and a whole load besides. Where and when have I said this? It's simply a lie, and who is the writer who has entitled himself to report this? I'd have to be crazy to suggest something like that. And I must seem quite mad to the readers of “Records”. I hope you will be so kind as to disallow this, and to rebuke the author's improper assertion'. The composer also reports that he is struggling with a cold, and that his wife has influenza, before concluding 'Now farewell, and forgive the trouble I have given you, still give you, and will continue to give you! A thousand greetings to all'. VG
THATCHER MARGARET: (1925-2013) British Prime Minister 1979-90. Signed colour 10 x 8 photograph of Thatcher seated in a head and shoulders pose signing a book for a female admirer who stands at her side. Signed by Thatcher in black ink with her name alone to a light area at the base of the image. With a small authentication sticker neatly affixed to the lower right corner. VG
WOLFF KARL: (1900-1984) German SS-Obergruppenfuhrer who served as Chief of Personal Staff Reichsfuhrer-SS (Heinrich Himmler) during World War II. A printed card of greetings signed ('Wolff') by Wolff, on a correspondence card, Berlin, January 1938, in German. The printed text thanks the recipient for their friendly Christmas and New Year wishes which Wolff was happy to have received. Signed at the base and with three additional words in Wolff's hand. Two file holes to the left edge, only very slightly affecting one word of printed text. VG Provenance: The present card originates from the archives of Trude Burkner (1902-1989) nee Mohr. German Member of the NSDAP, the first Reichsreferentin of the Bund Deutscher Madel (BDM - The League of German Girls), appointed in June 1934 after her female arm of the Hitler Youth, based in the Brandenburg district of Germany, had grown to become the second largest group in the country under her leadership. At the end of World War II Burkner was captured and imprisoned by the British.
WLADYSLAW IV VASA: (1595-1648) King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania 1632-48 and the disputed Tsar of Russia 1610-13. L.S., Vladislaus Rex, one page, folio, Warsaw, 27th December 1642, to Onorato Visconti, in Latin. The King sends his compliments and good wishes on the elevation of his correspondent to an honorary title, in part, 'Rev[erendissi]mo signor, Quando finance Vs. non ci havesse certificate il suo affetto sicome abbondanta[men]te ha fatto nell'uff[icio] che con Noi ha passato per le Feste del santo Natale, l'haveressimo nulladimento molto ben compreso dalla sua amorevolezza……L'accertiamo di haverlo aggradito pienam[en]te e di corrisponderle con ogni volonta in desiderar all'incontro a Lei ogni maggior bene' (Partial translation: 'We assure you that we have fully accepted it and that we correspond to it with every will in desiring every greater good for you'). With integral address leaf and affixed seal (causing a small oval area of light discolouration to the body of text). Loosely contained in the original paper wrappers bearing a contemporary annotation. About VG Onorato Visconti (1585-1645) Italian Roman Catholic cleric and papal diplomat who was appointed inquisitor for Malta by Pope Urban VIII in 1624 and as apostolic nuncio in Warsaw in 1630. Visconti was recalled to Rome in 1636 and although Urban VIII did not consider Visconti's performance satisfactory, Wladyslaw IV took the opposite view and proposed him for elevation to the cardinal's dignity because of his imperial privilege. However, the Pope found Poland's demand unacceptable, referring to a decree of the Council of Trent which said that only those candidates who belonged to the respective nation would be admitted, and to a bull of Pius IV that only Princes could make a recommendation in whose jurisdiction the candidate lived. The dispute over this continued for four years without reaching a conclusion. Despite repeated requests from Wladyslaw IV, the Barberini Pope never considered Visconti for the cardinalate and even ignored him at his last cardinal elevation on 13th July 1643.
BIRKIN JANE: (1946-2023) English-French singer and actress. Signed colour 8 x 10 photograph of Birkin laughing as she kneels in a full-length pose alongside a dog who can be partially seen lying at her side. Signed in bold black ink with her name alone to a light area at the base of the image. Together with a signed colour 10.5 x 8.5 French front-of-house still of Birkin standing outdoors in a three-quarter length pose in costume as Caroline, embracing actor Dirk Bogarde, in costume as Daddy, in a scene from the drama film Daddy Nostalgie (1990; These Foolish Things). Signed by Birkin in black ink with her name alone to a light area of the image. VG, 2
WALDHEIM KURT: (1918-2007) Austrian politician and diplomat who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations 1972-81 and as President of Austria 1986-92. Signed colour 4 x 6 photograph of Waldheim in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Hofer. Signed in blue ink with his name alone to the lower white border. EX
REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT - URRUTIA MANUEL: (1901-1981) President of Cuba from January to July 1959. Urrutia resigned his position a will better only seven months, owing to a series of disputes with Fidel Castro, and emigrated to the United States shortly afterward. Rare D.S., `Urrutia´, one page, Presidential Palace La Habana, 13th February 1959, "Year of the Liberation'', in Spanish. The typed document is a decree, according to which Doctor Manuel Urrutia Lleo, in his capacity as President of the Republic of Cuba, states that the council of Ministers has approved the law nº 72, containing two articles stating in part `Article One: We declare dissolve the National Sports Committee and removed from their posts all members of the Committee on the 31 December 1958. Article Two: All faculties and power that law establishes regarding National Sports Committee will be in hand of the Delegate and General Director of Sports that the President of the Republic will appoint...´ Countersigned at the base by Prime Minister Jose Miro Cardona and by the Minister of Education. The document bears at the base a large and attractive blue paper seal of the Cuban Presidency with ribbons affixed. Three binder half-holes to the left border, small tears to the right edge not affecting the signatures. G Jose Miro Cardona (1902-1974) Cuban Politician who served as Prime Minister for a very short period of six weeks. He was appointed by President Urrutia in January 1959 but unexpectedly resigned in February 1959 and was replaced by Fidel Castro.
BALZAC HONORÉ DE: (1799-1850) French Novelist and Playwright. Best known for his masterwork novel La Comedie Humaine, a multi-novel collection of novels written over twenty years. A very fine A.L.S., `Honoré´, two pages, 8vo, n.p., 27th November 1835, to his brother `Monsieur Henri de Balzac - aux Andelys´, in French. Balzac sends an interesting content letter to his brother, stating in part `Mon cher Henry, je souhaite bien vivement que le parti que tu prends te soit profitable, et je crois que ta femme s´en trouvera particulièrement très bien; ne t´étonne pas soit de la brièveté, soit de la rareté de mes lettres, parce que mon temps appartient à d´immenses intérêts et que ces intérêts regardant des personnes qui me sont chères; je travaille jour et nuit afin d´acquitter les obligations dont je suis chargé…´ (Translation: `My dear Henry, I sincerely hope that the decision you are taking will be profitable to you, and I believe that your wife will be particularly well off; do not be surprised either by the brevity or by the rarity of my letters, because my time belongs to immense interests and that these interests concern people who are dear to me; I work day and night in order to discharge the obligations with which I am charged...´) Further Balzac states `J´espère que, si le hazard voulait que ton voyage aux Indes ne fut pas aussi profitable que nous le croyons, tu nous trouveras plus heureux à ton retour que nous ne le sommes en ce moment´ (Translation: `I hope that, if by chance your trip to India was not as profitable as we believe, you will find us happier on your return than we are now´) referring to his brother´s departure to the isle of Mauritius, his second travel to Mauritius where he got married with a woman Honoré did not like, as he expressed in 1834 to Madame Hanska `…le retour de mon frère, qui est arrive des Indes avec une femme (fallait-il faire cinq mille lieues pour trouver une femme comme cela!)´ (Translation: `…the return of my brother, who arrived from India with a wife (did you have to travel five thousand leagues to find a wife like that!)Henri never returned this time. Further again, Balzac referring to his nephew Honoré, and because he will be the godfather, says `J´accomplirai la promesse que je t´ai faite… Mais il faudra bien déterminer le jour car je suis dans un courant d´affaire et d´occupations qui est vraiment étourdissant…´ (Translation: `I will fulfill the promise I made to you… But the day will have to be determined because I am in a current of business and occupations which is really dizzying…´) Before concluding, Balzac refers to his mother and states in part `Ma mère qui, je pense, est auprès de vous, ne m´a rien dit, mais dis-lui que tu as été plus heureux que nous en l´ayant près de toi. J´ai passé toute la journée à travailler …´ (Translation: `My mother, who I think is with you, didn't say anything to me, but tell her that you were happier than us having her near you. I spent the whole day working…´) Balzac mentions few times the hard work he is facing, as he was working and completing in 1835 several important works such as Le Père Goriot, Le Contrat de Mariage, Le Lys dans la Vallée, etc… With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope, being a folded sheet, bearing two partial red wax seals and three postmarks. Small overall age wear and creasing with few very small pinholes traces, otherwise G Henri de Balzac (1807-1858) Younger and only brother of Honoré de Balzac who was persuaded that he was in fact his half-brother, son of M. de Margonne who was his mother´s lover.

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