Theodore Hook, Signed (2 results)

Paper. Condition: Good. First Edition. An Original Handwritten and signed Letter Headed Paper by Composer Writer Theodore Edward Hook. Undated. A long letter to a writer thanking him for his two volumes of poetry, discusses money, publication of an article and other things. Theodore Edward Hook 1788 - 1841 was an English man of letters and composer and briefly a civil servant in Mauritius. He is best known for his practical jokes, particularly the Berners Street hoax in 1809. The world's first postcard was received by Hook in 1840; he likely posted it to himself. Hook founded a very successful journal, John Bull, through which he gained a great reputation as a Tory satirist. Several novels followed, racy and semi-autobiographical, making Hook the best-selling British novelist prior to Charles Dickens. Size 185mm x 110mm. In good condition. Light folding creases. Age toning. Ref18812. Signed by Author(s).

Condition: Very good. - 38 words penned in black ink on a 6 inch high by 4-3/9 inch wide sheet of cream paper. The letter is matted within a larger sheet with a hand-drawn black frame around it. Signed "Theodore E. Hook". Folded twice for mailing with an additional crease where the matte has been folded. Very good. Hook writes: "Have the kindness to give the bearer a copy of Baird's Life for me - it is for presentation to the Athenaeum." The book is Hook's "Life of General, The Right Honourable Sir David Baird, Bart." [1832]. The Athenaeum is the famous private members' club in London, founded in 1824.Theodore Hook [1788-1841] was an English man of letters, composer and playboy, best known for his practical jokes. He was briefly a civil servant when his gift for improvising songs so charmed the Prince Regent that he was appointed to the salaried post of accountant-general and treasurer of Mauritius. He was the life and soul of the island until a discrepancy in the accounts led to his arrest and speedy return to England. Hook is remembered as one of the most brilliant figures of the Georgian age. He inspired the characters of Lucian Gay in Disraeli's novel "Coningsby" and Mr. Wagg in Thackeray's "Vanity Fair." Coleridge pronounced him "as true a genius as Dante".