Complaining, Signed (17 results)

hardcover. Condition: Good. Signed. Signed by the author.

Soft cover. Condition: Fine. No Jacket. 1st Edition. b-328 Inscribed on half title page. Inscribed by Author(s).

Condition: Very Good. Signed Copy . Inscribed by author on half title page verso. [9781620304020].

Paperback. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Wraps.offprint 8vo. Printed wraps / paperback. pp 19 (paginated 112-135, printed pages paginated only). Offprint from Essays In Criticism, Vol. XVIII, No. 2. Nymphs and fawns / Andrew Marvell. Signed presentation from the author to Frank Kermode. Frank Kermode (1919 Ð 2010 ) highly regarded British literary critic and Professor of English Literature at Cambridge University. Very good. Signedes.

1p., 16mo. Fair, on aged paper, laid down on piece of card. '1349' in blue pencil at head of page. The letter reads: 'Thank you for the cheque. He ought to have paid for two, as both appeared in November. | - | Yes, I have another copy of . | - | [signed] M. Hewlett'.

1p., 12mo. In good condition, with light signs of age a some dabs of glue from mounting on blank reverse. The letter has an unusual calligraphic layout. The message reads: 'My Dear Sir | When I last lent you my plate after The Parthenon Frieze I expected it returned at furthest in two weeks it now eight weeks I would be obliged if you could let me have it by the Bearer I hahve the Honor to be with respect yours truly | John Henning senr | To | S. C. Hall Esqr'. At foot, in a contemporary hand, signed 'J. D.': 'Restorer of the Elgin Marbles, and Sculptor of the Frieze at the Athenaeum, &c.' Hall was editor of the Art Journal.

Norman is puzzlingly absent from the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See 'Death of a Bookman' by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of 'Books and Bookmen' at the time of Dosse's suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018. The four items are in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. They are all signed 'Frank Norman', and the letters are each 1p, 4to. ONE: TLS, 17 February 1975. He was 'not inspired' to come up with anything more than a short review of Melvyn Bragg's 'The Silken Net': 'I wouldn't be surprised if Mr Bragg's opinions of my books are rather the same as mine of his. - In reverse.' TWO: TLS, 5 April 1975. In enclosing a review he states: 'I dislike discussing money, but I am a little disconcerted at not yet having been paid for my lengthy review of Brendan Gill's Ways of Loving which appeared in last month's issue of Books & Bookmen.' He suggests that he should be getting the 'going rate in most quality periodicals, these days', of £40. 'I am delighted to be reviewing for you and I very much hope that our association will beb a long and fruitful one.' THREE: TLS, 2 August 1975. He begins by discussing a review that has not appeared, although 'in the "scheduled contents" two months running', and the fact that he hasn't been paid for the Bragg review. 'I don't want to appear over-sensitive but this makes me feel that you probably no longer want me as a contributor. I was really keen on the idea of developing a wider ranging line of book reviewing by working for you but naturally I don't want to foist my services on you if you don't want them.' He asks for confirmation that he is not 'making a mountain out of a molehill - and please [last word underlined] may I be paid for the Bragg and Bain reviews.' The letter has manuscript notes at one corner in blue ink. FOUR: ACS, 'Sunday' (postmarked London, 10 August 1975'). He thanks him for the letter and cheque. 'I'm delighted to learn that I missjudged [sic] the situation about my reviewing for you. I would indeed like to do more books so please keep me in mind.'.

Despite the four years (1840-1844) Howitt spent in the colony with his brother the entomologist Godfrey Howitt (1800-1873), the present letter has nothing to do with Australia. The letter is addressed to the editors of 'The Aurora Borealis: A Literary Annual edited by Members of the Society of Friends'. This periodical was the work of a group of Quakers in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with George Atley Brumell (1800-1877) one of the founding editors. Another of those involved was Joseph Watson (1807-1874), named in the letter's address. Howitt, as the present letter reveals, was one of a number of prominent Quakers to contribute. Only one number of the periodical was published under the title 'The Aurora Borealis', in Newcastle and London in 1833; but the following year a second number appeared with the title 'The Friends' Annual; or Aurora Borealis for 1834'. No other numbers were published. The University of Illinois holds a collection of manuscripts relating to the magazine. 3pp, 4to. Bifolium, addressed, with remains of seal in red wax, on reverse of second leaf, to 'Editors of the "Aurora Borealis" | Care of Joseph Watson | St. Nicholas' Church-yard | Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.' Signed 'Richard Howitt.' In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with closed tears to second leaf repaired with strips of paper. The recto of the first leaf is filled with the first six of the seven five-line stanzas of the poem, with the page headed 'Esteemed Friends | Editors of the "Aurora Borealis"'. The seventh stanza is on the reverse of the leaf, at the head of the second page. Each of the seven stanzas of the poem ends with the refrain 'The Aurora Borealis'. The poem is unpublished, and the first and last stanzas give an indication of its tone. The first reads: 'Now the days are dark and dreary | Now the nights are long and weary | Very welcome, very cheery, | With the glory it doth trail is | The Aurora Borealis.' The last stanza reads: 'Blessings on ye for the blessing! | Tome of many a heart's caressing, - | Past a homely bard's expressing, | Balm of many a bosom's bale is | The Aurora Borealis.' The letter itself begins without salutation after the last stanza, at the head of the second page, and Howitt himself concedes the mediocre nature of his poem: 'So far not "so good" - but "so long." To speak plain truth setting aside poetry - "poets are such liars, and take all colours like the hands of dyers" says Lord Byron, yet, in plain prose, I have been much pleased with uyour little tome.' He comments approvingly on some of the volume's contributions, before continuing: 'I must confess that when I first met with the title of the book in the Public Prints it struck me as flashy and unsubustantial and I believe I expressed my feeling to be such but the work itself has altered my opinion.' The volume has however left him with some 'dissapointment': 'I hoped to meet with an Essay from Thomas Knott, and with a Poem of Montgomery's if not with one from the pen of the great Lake Poet, Wordsworth. And I have also vainly sought for something with Thomas Wilkinson's signature.' The editors have 'so many gems' that Howitt's own contributions to the volume 'shrink into comparative significance'. He does not blame them 'for making the last line of Eventide, if more correct, less vigorous. If I remember right it was "To feeling and to slinking hearts." Many would prefer the line as it is printed, but I would turn from the many to the few and I have Wordsworth on my side of the question He says not "thinking minds" - but "To pipe a simple song for thinking hearts." He ends with the gentle reproof: 'I perceive another or two verbal variations not of any consequence but they would have been as well as they were.' He was also borther to William and Mary Howitt, both writers.

4pp., 12mo. Fair, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed to 'My dear friend', and with the name of the recipient obliterated from the valediction: 'Will you give my sincere and grateful remembrances to your noble hearted husband? and believe me | dear | Every affectionately, | [signed] Charles Swain'. He can put off 'the evil day' no longer, and must now 'give in to circumstances' and reluctantly inform her that he cannot come and visit. 'After all the enjoyment I promised myself in your society this is hard: and I go on picturing to myself your friendly faces and cordial welcome until my heart aches to see the impediments standing in the way of so much (unnusual) pleasure.' He feels sure she has been 'calling me all sorts of names', 'but something has occurred - which had to be met and set right:- and I am now left with as many more disjointed things to cope with as will take a month to remove'. In a postscript he conveys the regards of his wife and family, before ending: 'A shake of the hand to my old friend Jerdan should you see him. - When is that 4th Vol to astonish the world?' The reference is to the fourth volume of Jerdan's 'Autobiography', which appeared in 1853.

Condition: Very good. - 90 words typed on a 9-7/8 inch high by 8-1/2 inch wide sheet of cream-colored Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. letterhead. Signed "Alfred A Knopf". There is a small piece out of the letter to the left of the printed heading where a copy of the reply has been detached. There is a faded date stamp at top right indicating when the letter was answered with some light creasing at bottom left. Folded 3 times for mailing. Together with a carbon copy of the Pond Lecture Bureau's reply. Very good. Knopf sends the Pond Lecture Bureau [apparently by hand] a check for two tickets for a Hugh Walpole lecture. He writes that when reserving the seats by phone "we distinctly requested that you send them forthwith with a bill and we cannot understand your lack of courtesy in not complying with our request, inasmuch as you know absolutely and perfectly well who we are.". The Bureau replies that it needs to receive payment by the date of the lecture so that it can close up the statement for that day.American publisher Alfred A. Knopf, Sr. [1892-1984] was the president of Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., which he founded in 1915.

The two letters in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Both with contemporary annotation at head of first page. ONE: From 13 North Crescent, and signed 'John M Morton'. 2pp, 12mo. Addressed, with a second signature, to 'J. P. Harley Esq'. Begins: 'Tho' not quite finished, you will see enough of the drift of the piece, to enable you to say whether you fancy it or not. I have written it out without amendments, which are rarely made, if you approve - I began Dainty (you remember the name?) for Mr. [Humby?], but broke down'. After stating that he is 'anxious' to know Harley's 'verdict', he concludes: 'Ramsgate - no go!' TWO: From Briar Lodge, and signed 'J. M. Morton'. 1p, 16mo. Reads: 'My dear Harley, | Many & very sincere thanks for your good wishes. - I met with nothing but disappointments, but feeling sure that "you would, if you could", I thankfully take the "will for the deed" -'.

Publishing history does not get more vivid than this. See Flower's obituary in The Times, and Wells's in the New York Times. The three items in good condition, lightly aged. All three folded once and signed 'Newman Flower'. First TLS (3 January 1928): 1p, 12mo. He writes that although 'a very apologetic letter from Mr. Wells of Harpers' has 'cleared the air entirely', 'a reply from Holt' received at the same time is not very satisfactory', and 'in view of the fact that Cassell's and Harpers will be coming together again, it would, perhaps, be as well not to do anything at present'. Second TLS (11 December 1928): Headed 'CONFIDENTIAL'. He regrets to inform Marchant, that he 'had a very aggressive interview with Mr. Wells, of Harper's, in my Club this afternoon [.] he as good as called me a liar, and was so abominably rude that I have decided that I will have no further dealings whatever with Harper's'. Deleted sentence follows: 'I have, to-day written and cancelled the arrangement with them over "The Real Hell"'. There are no books 'coming along in which Harper's and ourselves are sharing, but, if so, I want to make it clear that I am not prepared to proceed with them'. He does not think this will 'hamper' Marchant, but asks him not to bring Cassell's 'any books in which we must be associated with Harper's, and that you will not offer Harper's any book of Cassell's'. He concludes: 'It takes a great deal really to put me out of temper, but I will not be subjected again to such rudeness as I had to put up with from Mr. Wells this afternoon, in my own Club.' ALS (18 December 1928): Begins: 'Dear Sir James / Have sent you a brace of birds from the chase. Shot on Saturday.' He wishes the Marchants 'better health in 1929', hoping that it will be one of Marchant's 'Years of good fortune'. He ends by stating that he appreciates 'more than I can say all you have done to help things along this year'.

John was the brother of Samuel Slater, the founder of the American cotton industry. Like Samuel, John Slater emigrated from England around 1804, and brought with him the secret knowledge of yarn and cloth manufacturing. He eventually set up an enormously successful manufacturing concern with his brother in Smithfield (later Slatersville), Rhode Island, and East Webster, Massachusetts. Letter. 2pg. 15" x 9 ". March 23, 1815. Boston. This letter, from the firm of "Leach & Morrison" in Boston, was addressed to "John Slater" and sought his advice on the sales slump after the War of 1812. With emphasis added in bold, the letter reads: "Your favour under date of the 13th just came to hand yesterday & contents noticed. We are sorrow that it is not in our power at present to pay Mr Meston, as he wants his money soon and all of it at one payment. Business has been so very dull (& continues so) that we have sold very few goods, - sale & little at retail some days we. five dollars & we reckon it great doings now a days to take fifty dollars - and outstanding debts are not to be calculated upon - If Factory Goods are going to be as unsalable for the future as they have been since the peace, they will not be worth attending to, unless you can afford them considerably lower & even then we think Ginghams will be unsalable. We should like to know your oppinion [sic] respecting factory goods, whether in case they will not sell at present prices you can afford them at such prices as they will command. Provided you cannot do better, we think if you could send us a note that could be discounted at Bank, we would endorse it and endeavour to get it discounted for you. This is the only mode that we can devise at present to raise the amount (say $2000) as soon as Mr Meston will want it. We shall be happy if we can contribute in any way to raise this money by any way that you can devise. We are truly sorrow for the loss you have Sustained in your family of so promising a child & hope it will abundantly sanctified to you & the remainder of your family - We anticipate that we shall soon see you in Boston. We are Sir your Frds & Servts Leach & Morrison". There is an ink note on the address page "Care of Messrs Almy & Brown Providence". Almy and Brown were Providence textile manufacturers in Smithfield, and the firm of Almy, Brown and Slater owned and managed the factory. The letter has a number of small rips and tears that have been professionally repaired. Near the central vertical fold, there is a 1 " x 1 inch hole that has removed the parts of the text noted as missing above, perhaps a total of five or six words. There is also a hole at the left margin and the bottom right corner that do not affect the text. Regardless of these few flaws, however, this is a tremendously interesting letter from early American business history.

Condition: Very Good+. n offer is an intriguing French letter written by Citizen Gauthier to Citizen Monge, Minister of the French Navy, thanking him for his recent letter and Gauthier's upgrade to Captain. Gauthier also write of the French Embassy, poor treatment by colleagues but he has had some congratulations on this affair. Two pages of script on a folded sheet. VG. Size: 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Autograph.

Condition: Fine. On offer is a superb ALS by JOHN M. OXTON dated Boston, 1854, 3pp, 4to. Excellent Maine and Vermont political content and much Anti-Catholic content: ".Burlington [Vermont].is the grand centre of Romanism in Vermont. The Jesuits have a great influence there from Montreal." Complains about NY politics & lawyers: "Miserable set of pimps and tombs lawyers. All they care about is to fill their pockets with money enough to well down a tub full of larger beer or a mug of rum. There is no more American feeling in these rightfully named Know Nothings of New York, than there is in the Pope of Rome. There has been a great of excitement east lately in relation to the tarring & feathering of a Catholic Jesuit Priest . at Ellsworth ME . He had interfered with their schools, their churches and their private business and the only way they clean him up was to apply the tar & feathers to the tricky Jesuits. This is the way they do things Down East." Postmarked cover doesn't appear to have ever had a stamp. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Autograph.

Johan complaining under the gourd. Signed and dated at lower right:'MHemskerck inuen (MH interlaced) / .p. galle fecit / .H. Cock excudebat 1562'two lines of Latin text below:'Natura et clementia Dei. proximorum demonstratur'. l Engraving on paper with margins; platemark: 153 x 262mm, total: 190 x 301mm; state I/2, New Hollstein 74.

Letter. Condition: Normal creases. Near Fine. Four-page letter on both sides of one 9-5/8" x 7-1/2" sheet of Curtis Hotel, Lenox Massachusetts stationery folded in half and addressed to Mrs. Bell and SIGNED as "E. Wharton." Wharton states that she has received a letter from her husband following his talk with Mrs. Bell "& of the more hopeful attitude of the board," adding "I am so afraid of having shown trop de zèle in my long screed to Mr. Opdycke (written on the way here) that I send this line to ask you all to believe that all I want is to help & not to direct this movement." Wharton further asks her correspondent to tell Mr. Opdycke "to disregard, in my letter, whatever is not relevant, & above all, not to bother to answer it. Just forward this to Mr. Opdycke & ask him to regard it as a postscript. I am always haunted by the fact that we started this campaign with so few specific cases in hand & I simply wrote him suggesting points which might be made against the Society's general management." In a postscript Wharton reports, "Here is a small instance of the Soc.'s methods. A very respectable man whom Teddy has known for years, & who owns valuable shooting dogs, told me that five or six years ago he lost a very valuable Irish setter, a pedigree dog. Being convinced it had been stolen, he went, after two or three months, to the S.P.C.A., stated his case & asked if they would look through their record of newly licensed dogs (it was just after licenses had been given out) & see if the dog could be traced. The answer was: 'Too much trouble''. He then offered to pay the expenses if they wd. employ some one to have it done, & they refused.-- Result: one possible subscriber alienated." Wharton's correspondent was likely Edith Bell (1857-1946), wife of Leonard Opdycke Sr. (1856-1914), a New York lawyer and social philanthropist. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in New York in 1866.