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Authors, Poets and Artists |
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1. JOHN J. AUDUBON (1780-1851). |
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| American naturalist and ornithologist, best known for the publication of “The Birds of America,” which depicted over 300 species of birds individually stone lithographed and hand-colored. A hand-written copy of a bill concerning Audubon’s engraver in London. Several lines in one section are written in Audubon’s hand, authorizing payments. Elegantly signed “John J. Audubon.” An attractive, fine and very rare document. $5200.00 | |||
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2. SABINE BARING-GOULD (1834-1924). |
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| British divine, prolific author. He wrote "Onward Christian Soldiers," one of the most popular hymns of all time. Note written and signed by Baring-Gould, no year given, but dated August 20. $140.00 | |||
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3. FRÉDÉRIC-AUGUSTE BARTHOLDI (1834-1904). |
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| French sculptor best known for his colossal Statue of Liberty (“Liberty Enlightening the World”) presented to the United States by the French people in 1885. Beautiful example of Bartholdi’s signature on card, dated November 16, 1885. $185.00 SOLD | |||
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4. FRÉDÉRIC-AUGUSTE BARTHOLDI (1834-1904). |
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| French sculptor best known for his colossal Statue of Liberty (“Liberty Enlightening the World”) presented to the United States by the French people in 1885. Manuscript letter, entirely in Bartholdi's own hand, dated March 9, 1883, to a correspondent only identified as "Dear Friend." Bartholdi expresses his gladness at hearing that his friend will be visiting Paris soon, and mentions a "Mr. Holland," whom Bartholdi has sent "a card of introduction to the workshop with the best recommendation." This was an important year for Bartholdi, as the financing of his famous famous Statue of Liberty had finally been completed the previous year, and construction would be completed the year following. A rare letter, in English, from a significant sculptor most likely writing to one of his American patrons who was travelling to see the work-in-progress of his monumental statue. $550.00 | |||
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5. IRVING BERLIN (1888-1989). |
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| Hugely successful American songwriter with over 1500 published songs to his credit, including “White Christmas” and “God Bless America.” Four-page program for a wartime production of Berlin’s “This is the Army” performed for the Fifth Army Special Service. Signed on the front “Irving Berlin.” Some mounting traces on the reverse, otherwise very good condition. $675.00 | |||
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6. ROBERT BROWNING (1812-1889). |
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| British Poet, husband of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, author of The Ring and the Book, among others. Dated signature on 3” by 2” card, “Robert Browning, July 17, (18)86.” $295.00 SOLD | |||
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7. PEARL S. BUCK (1892-1973). |
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| Nobel Prize-winning author and missionary, she wrote numerous works about China, including The Good Earth. Signature cut from a letter. $40.00 | |||
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8. PEARL S. BUCK (1892-1973). |
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| Sinologist and Pulitzer Prize-winning American author. She was the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. A daughter of missionaries, she spent much of her life in China – so much so, and with such fondness, that the Chinese often claim her as a Chinese writer. Very nice copy, with dustjacket, of China As I See It (The John Day Company: New York, 1970). Part of a limited edition run of 3,000, and signed “Pearl S Buck.” $250.00 | |||
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9. MARC CHAGALL (1887-1985). |
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| Russian-born French painter. One of the great painters of the 20th century, and a key figure in post-Impressionist modern art. Beautiful 8 ½” by 9 ¼” black and white image of a smiling Chagall in his studio, removed from a book. A great piece-perfect for framing, signed in artist’s crayon “Marc Chagall.” $475.00 | |||
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10. MARC CHAGALL (1887-1985). |
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| Russian-born French painter. One of the great painters of the 20th century, and a key figure in post-Impressionist modern art. Postcard-sized print of the Chagall painting “Moses Receiving the Tablets of the Law” removed from a small book. Signed in crayon “Marc Chagall.” A beautiful piece that would be ideal for framing. $200.00 | |||
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11. NOEL COWARD (1899-1973). |
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| Popular and productive English playwright, composer and actor. Typed letter on Coward’s personal stationary thanking an admirer for a kind letter. Boldly signed "Noel Coward," and dated April 24, 1937. $245.00 | |||
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12. CHARLES DICKENS (1812-1870). |
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| Renowned British novelist, author of A Tale of Two Cities and A Christmas Carol, among others. Beautiful page from an old French day planner or calendar printed with an ornate floral border, a man and woman in elaborate 17th century costumes, and the day "Vendredi" (Friday) incorporating a large and intricate initial "V." Printed in color with gilt highlights. Large and lovely inscription and signature in Dickens’ own hand, "Faithfully yours, Charles Dickens, Twenty Eighth January 1842." An unusually attractive Dickens item with an especially strong and large signature. SOLD | |||
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13. CHARLES DICKENS (1812-1870). |
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| Renowned British novelist, author of A Tale of Two Cities and A Christmas Carol, among others. Address panel from an envelope, addressed entirely in Dickens' hand. Signed on the front in the lower left, "Charles Dickens." $575.00 | |||
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14. ANNA ELIZABETH DICKINSON (1842-1932). |
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| Writer, powerful and popular lecturer, anti-slavery activist and defender of the Union. Autograph card signed “Truly Yours, Anna E. Dickinson.” Dated “5.24.76.” $125.00 | |||
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15. ANNA ELIZABETH DICKINSON (1842-1932). |
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| Writer, powerful and popular lecturer, anti-slavery activist and defender of the Union. Beautiful and charming two-page letter from Dickinson to her “dear, dear husband,” written the day after Christmas (no year given). She discusses the presents they received from friends, expresses concern for his well being and comfort, and sends her prayers. Entirely in Dickinson’s hand and signed “Anna.” SOLD | |||
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16. CHARLES DANA GIBSON (1867-1944). |
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| Popular American artist and illustrator, creator of the famous “Gibson Girl.” Letter written by Gibson, dated 1939, responding to an inquiry by pointing out that a certain Gibson picture is “published in books and you may find them in some second-hand book stores.” Signed “Ch. Gibson.” $185.00 | |||
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17. CHARLES DANA GIBSON (1867-1944). |
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| Letter written by Gibson, dated May 11, 1935, thanking a writer for her “kind letter (that) almost persuades me that I have done something worth while, ad the sensation is delightful.” Includes the original envelope, and boldly signed “C. D. Gibson.” $225.00 | |||
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18. ZANE GREY (1872-1939). |
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| Author of numerous western and adventure novels, including Riders of the Purple Sage, and West of the Pecos. Check of the Pacific-Southwest Trust & Savings Bank for $347.66 payable to Fellows & Stewart. Dated May 3, 1928, the entire check is filled out and signed by Grey in purple ink. Strong signature. $225.00 | |||
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19. ZANE GREY (1872-1939). |
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| Author of numerous western and adventure novels, including “Riders of the Purple Sage” and “West of the Pecos.” Personalized check of the Altadena National Bank dated September 9, 1931, for $50.00 payable to the Havemann Hardware Company. Written and signed by Grey. $175.00 | |||
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20. ZANE GREY (1872-1939). |
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| Author of numerous western and adventure novels, including “Riders of the Purple Sage” and “West of the Pecos.” 11-page typewritten contract, with brown paper cover, between Grey and the Fox Film Corporation giving Fox the rights to Grey’s story “Cañon Walls,” originally published in Lady’s Home Journal in 1930. The contract is dated April 2, 1932, and is signed by Zane Grey in purple ink. $950.00 | |||
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21. ZANE GREY (1872-1939). |
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| Author of numerous western and adventure novels, including Riders of the Purple Sage, and West of the Pecos. Great copy of Grey’s novel Thunder Mountain, (Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers: New York, 1935). Probably a sort of special edition, as the flyleaf bears the printed inscription “Your trail ad mine cross in mutual love of the Great West. Sincerely” and signed “Zane Grey.” $265.00 | |||
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22. FRANCOIS GUIZOT (1787-1874). |
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| French statesman and historian. Author of numerous multi-volume works of history. His father was executed during the reign of terror 1794, but Guizot survived to become Professor of Modern History at the Sorbonne during the Napoleonic era 1810. Briefly Minister to Great Britain 1840, before returning later that year to serve as Foreign Minister and de facto Prime Minister. Letter written and signed by Guizot, in French, on blue stationery. Dated April 22, 1863, and signed “Guizot.” Untranslated. $65.00 | |||
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23. EDWARD EVERETT HALE (1822-1909). |
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| Author, grand-nephew of Nathan Hale, Unitarian Clergyman, Chaplain of the US Senate 1903-1909. He wrote “The Man Without a Country,” one of the best-loved American short stories. Somewhat cryptic letter concerning “a young gentleman in the western part of this state” and “the matter of which you speak.” Dated November 4, 1889, and written entirely in Hale’s hand on his personal stationery. Signed “Edw. E. Hale.” $335.00 | |||
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24. OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN (1895-1960). |
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| Award-winning theatrical writer and producer, collaborated with Richard Rogers on such legendary musicals as The King and I, and South Pacific. Typed note on Hammerstein’s personal stationery dated December 7, 1949, addressed to Nobel Prize-winning author and neighbor PEARL S. BUCK (1892-1973), concerning a honorary dinner. Signed "Oscar Hammerstein." $425.00 SOLD | |||
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25. THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON (1823-1911). |
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| Abolitionist, commander of the first Black regiment accepted into Union service, author of "Army Life in a Black Regiment." Signature on card, Thomas Wentworth Higginson," dated 1909. $100.00 SOLD | |||
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26. HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW (1807-1882). |
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| Celebrated American Poet. Signature clipped from a letter, "Yours Truly, Henry W. Longfellow." Dated in another hand "12.3.’66." Some glue show-through, otherwise a good example. $165.00 | |||
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27. EDUOARD MANET (1832-1883). |
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| French painter, originator of the Impressionist movement. Letter written and signed by Manet, no date, claiming illness and apologizing for missing an engagement. In French, with full translation. Boldly signed "Ed. Manet." $1550.00 | |||
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28. JAMES MICHENER (1907-1997). |
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| Prolific American author, noted for his vast and sweeping sagas. Very good copy, with dustjacket, of The Drifters (Random House: New York, 1971). Signed and inscribed on the flyleaf “James Michener.” $275.00 | |||
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29. PIERRE AUGUST RENOIR (1841-1919). |
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| French painter. A close friend of Claude Monet, and one of the most important of the Impressionists. More than many of his colleagues, Renoir found beauty and inspiration in Paris and her people. His best work is human-centered and intimate, often filled with images of friends and lovers. Two-page letter written and signed by Renoir to Monsieur Beneditte concerning Renoir’s health and other general matters. Dated November 7, 1914, and elegantly signed “Renoir.” $2250.00 | |||
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30. PIERRE AUGUSTE RENOIR (1841-1919). |
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| One of the greatest of the French Impressionist painters. One-page letter written entirely by Renoir, in French, with a translation included. To "my dear friend" and concerning some papers and a visit at Easter. Dated February 8, 1909 and Signed “Renoir.” $1850.00 | |||
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31. NORMAN ROCKWELL (1894-1978). |
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| Enormously popular American artist and illustrator, best known for his Saturday Evening Post covers and other paintings of vignettes showing an idealized version of American life and ordinary folks. Signature and inscription on paper, “Glad to oblige, I hope I did them as you wanted them, Norman Rockwell.” $275.00 | |||
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32. RICHARD ROGERS (1902-1979). |
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| Hugely successful theatrical songwriter and composer. His collaboration with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein produced 34 Tony awards, 15 Oscars, and numerous other honors. Typed letter on Rogers’ personal stationery to Johnny Green, who did the musical arrangements on several Rogers & Hammerstein projects, expressing disappointment that Green will be unable to do the arrangement for “Annie Oakley,” and mentioning the earlier production of “Oklahoma.” Signed by Rogers as “Dick.” $170.00 | |||
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33. CARL SANDBURG (1878-1967). |
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| American writer and editor, best know for his poetry and his well-regarded biography of Abraham Lincoln. Nice copy of Always the Young Strangers (Harcourt, Brace and Company: New York, 1953), complete with dustjacket. Signed on the flyleaf “Carl Sandburg.” $250.00 | |||
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34. WILLIAM SARTAIN (1843-1924). |
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| Noted American painter, active as a teacher and in various artists’ associations. Note on a postal card written and signed by Sartain, dated April 15, 1905, discussing the possibility of having his paintings photographed. $195.00 | |||
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35. SIR WALTER SCOTT (1771-1832). |
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| Scottish novelist, historian, and poet. Author of Ivanoe, Rob Roy, and the Waverly Series, among others. Letter written and signed by Scott to "My Dear Croker," dated September 3, no year given, sending greetings, and briefly quoting from Othello. Signed "Walter Scott." $510.00 SOLD | |||
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36. SIR WALTER SCOTT (1771-1832). |
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| Scottish novelist, historian, and poet. Author of Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and the Waverly series, among others. Manuscript check for £28 dated 1830, entirely in Scott’s hand and signed “Walter Scott.” $475.00 | |||
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37. CHARLES SPRAGUE (1791-1875). |
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| American Poet, Banker. His odes and prologues won several competitive prizes, and were collected and published in 1841. Letter written and signed by Sprague, dated July 1, 1843, concerning a credit note for a Mr. J. D. Whitney. Written in Sprague’s official capacity as cashier for the Globe Bank, a position he held from 1824-1865. Signed "Chas Sprague." $85.00 SOLD | |||
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38. ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON (1809-1892). |
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| British Poet-Laureate, his works include “Idylls of the King,” and the drama “Becket.” He is considered by many to be the representative poet of the Victorian era. Manuscript bank draft drawn on Olding, Osborne & Co., for five pounds payable to Mr. Henry Rashleigh. The check is dated October 25, 1861, has a one-penny revenue stamp affixed, and is signed “Tennyson.” $475.00 | |||
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39. JOHN TRUMBULL (1756-1843). |
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| American painter, student of Benjamin West, President of the American Academy of Fine Arts. Trumbull served early in the war as General Washington’s aide-de-camp. Partially-printed check drawn on the Bank of New York for $30.00, payable to "Myself." Dated October 6, 1821, filled out and signed by Trumbull. $295.00 | |||
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40. JOHN TRUMBULL (1756-1843). |
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| American painter, student of Benjamin West, President of the American Academy of Fine Arts. Trumbull served early in the war as General Washington’s aide-de-camp. Brief letter written and signed by Trumbull, dated April 20, 1821, to N(icholas) Fish, Continental Army officer and civic leader, concerning a subscription invoice. Slightly trimmed on the left side, not affecting the writing. Bold signature, “Jno. Trumbull.” $525.00 | |||
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41. JOHN UPDIKE (1932 - ). |
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| American novelist, poet and critic. Beautiful red leather bound edition of Rabbit, Run (The Franklin Library: Franklin Center, Pennsylvania, 1977). A limited special edition, signed on the flyleaf “John Updike.” Very fine condition – a lovely copy. $375.00 | |||
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42. LEW WALLACE (1827-1905). |
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| Veteran of the Mexican War, Major General during the Civil War. Best known as the author of “Ben Hur.” Interesting letter written and signed by Wallace to J. B. Lippincott Co. forwarding some postage stamps as payment for a copy of “The Moorish Empire” by Scott. Dated May 27, 1904, the year before his death. Old tape repair to one separated seam, not affecting signature, otherwise good condition. A scarce piece, entirely in Wallace’s own hand. $390.00 | |||
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43. HERBERT GEORGE WELLS (1866-1946). |
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| English imaginative novelist, pioneer author of Science Fiction. His works include "The War of the Worlds" and "The Time Machine." Brief letter in Wells’ hand dated September 18, 1906, to a friend, requesting a visit. Written in ink on the embossed stationery of the Spade House, Sandgate, and signed by Wells "H.G." SOLD | |||
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44. BENJAMIN WEST (1738-1820). |
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| American expatriate painter, he lived in London from 1763 until his death in 1820. He succeeded his good friend Sir Joshua Reynolds as President of the Royal Academy. He was noted for his paintings “Death of Wolfe,” “Penn’s Treaty with the Indians,” and numerous royal portraits. Manuscript letter written and signed by West to United States Minister Rufus King, dated August 7, 1802. West was planning an excursion to Paris with his youngest son to view the French National Gallery of Art, and wanted King to help with a letter of introduction to the American Minister at Paris, and with obtaining the necessary passports. West was taking advantage of the brief cessation of hostilities between France and Great Britain produced by the Treaty of Amiens – the following May the fragile peace collapsed, and war was renewed until Napoleon was driven from power more than a decade later! A great letter, with one of the greatest painters of his time arranging an artistic expedition to the art capital of Europe through a tiny window of opportunity in the otherwise turbulent era of the Napoleonic Wars. $1850.00 | |||
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45. EMILE ZOLA (1840-1902). |
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| French novelist, social reformer and anti-clericalist. He took a strong stand in the divisive Dreyfus Affair, having to flee France after being convicted of libel for his work J’accuse, which suggested that the authorities had framed Dreyfus. Two page letter written and signed by Zola early in his career forwarding a copy of a new novel to a reviewer. Dated November 14, 1865. SOLD | |||