Irving Berlin (1888-1989) was arguably the most prolific songwriter of the 20th Century writing over 1200 songs during his career and achieving greatness in a field for which he had no formal training. His first hit song, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" took the country by storm selling over one million copies of sheet music in only a few months. Other hits written by Berlin include "God Bless America," "Puttin' On The Ritz," "Blue Skies" and "Cheek To Cheek."

He triumphed on the Broadway stage in shows such as Call Me Madam and Annie Get Your Gun and on the big screen in films such as Easter Parade and White Christmas. It was for the title song of White Christmas that he received the 1942 Academy Award for Original Best Song. "White Christmas" would go on to become the most popular Christmas single of all time.

This 4-page program was for a wartime, all-soldier, staged musical production called "This Is the Army" with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. Presented at the Allied Military Theatre in Santa Maria, CA, the production was directed by Berlin and performed for the Fifth Army Special Service. The program includes the musical numbers and names of the soldiers who performed. It is signed on the front "Irving Berlin." Some mounting traces remain on the back page but otherwise it is in very good condition. $850.00

Nobel Prize-winning author and missionary, she wrote numerous works about China, including "The Good Earth." Signature cut from a letter. $40.00

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 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

One of the great painters of the 20th century, and a key figure in post-Impressionist modern art. Beautiful 8 inch by 9 inch 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." $950.00

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. $295.00

English novelist who started his career more as a popular entertainer rather than a serious author. His masterful prose won praise by critics and his ability to create memorable characters put him in the ranks of the "must read" authors. His works have never been out of print and the mention of his last name is immediately recognizable by readers of almost any age.

This museum quality frame measures 26" x 15" and houses two smaller frames. On the left, an envelope written and signed by Charles Dickens. Affixed in the top right corner is a cancelled, Penny Black stamp. Introduced in 1840, the Penny Black was the United Kingdom's first self adhesive stamp. On the right, a portrait of Charles Dickens. $1,850.00

Autograph card signed "Truly Yours, Anna E. Dickinson." Dated "5.24.76." $125.00

Letter written and signed by Durant thanking a fan for a previous letter and mentions his upcoming book titled, Caesar and Christ which would be published in 1944. Signed "Will Durant." $155.00

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

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

11-page typewritten contract, with brown paper cover, between Grey and the Fox Film Corporation giving Fox the rights to one of Grey's stories, 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

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 and mine cross in mutual love of the Great West. Sincerely" and signed "Zane Grey." $265.00

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

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

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

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

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

Note on a postal card written and signed by Sartain, dated April 15, 1905, discussing the possibility of having his paintings photographed. $195.00

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

Taft would win numerous awards at national and international expositions, including the Columbian Exposition in 1893, the Pan-American Exposition in 1901, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904, and the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915. His first important commission was for the Horticultural Building at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, when he designed two sculptural groups at the entrance entitled "The Sleep of the Flowers" and "The Awakening of the Flowers." His next major works included "The Solitude of the Soul," which earned him a gold medal at the 1904 Exposition, the "Fountain of the Great Lakes," and the sculptural group, "The Blind." This last sculpture can be seen in a 1988 casting in the Krannert Art Museum on the University of Illinois campus.
Taft later focused on monumental, heroic sculptures, including a statue of the prominent native American Black Hawk, which was fifty feet in height and placed on a promontory overlooking the Rock River near Oregon, Illinois. One of his most noted sculptures was the 100 foot long "Fountain of Time" at the University of Chicago. Although many of his works are in Illinois, he also had many commissions for statues, sculptures, and fountains throughout the United States, including Louisiana, Colorado, Washington, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.

This typed letter dated June 8, 1934 is on the official stationary of Chicago's Midway Studios, Taft's art studio. Addressed to Miss Lorraine Marianelli, also of Chicago, the letter informs Miss Marianelli of Taft's plans for the weeks following June 8. He tells her "it will be a pleasure to meet her and her friends and requests that he telephone ahead by calling him at "Hyde Park 7058." The letter is signed "Lorado Taft." $140.00

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

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

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

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

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 and 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. $2900.00

Thornton Wilder (1897-1975) was an American playwright and novelist who received three Pulitzer Prizes for his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey and two of his plays, Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth. This letter, dated December 13, 1963, is written entirely in Thornton Wilder's hand to Stanley Woodward of Rockport, Massachusetts. Wilder thanks Woodward for a previous letter and remarks that he wishes he could "see Rockport again and talk over all times." He talks about living in the Arizona desert for the past year and a half and mentions an upcoming trip he plans to take on January 4 to "continue my semi-hermit's life abroad." He wishes "A Happy Christmas Season" in bold pencil to Woodward and signs it "ever cordially, Thornton." A very personal note. $325.00

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.

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.

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 traveling to see the work-in-progress of his monumental statue.