Kenneth W Rendell Gallery

Historical Documents and Autographs

Addison, Joseph

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  ENGLISH ESSAYIST, POET AND STATESMAN; WITH RICHARD STEELE PRODUCED THE NON-POLITICAL SPECTATOR.  Document Signed, one page, quarto, Whitehall, January 29, 1717/18. Addison, signing on the verso of an account of Henry Worsley’s extraordinary expenses on behalf of the King, makes a two-line statement authorizing payment. The lower left corner has been torn off, affecting … [ Read More ]

Alphonso XI

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King Alphonso XI of Castile and Leon [1312-1350]. Royal Charter, one page, 32 inches by 24 inches, on vellum, Royal Chancery, Segovia, September 29, 1344. Written in Castilian vernacular with the royal names, the opening device and the King’s seal painted in red, green, blue and beige. Fine condition. An important and exceptionally attractive document … [ Read More ]

Astaire and Rogers

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FRED ASTAIRE AND GINGER ROGERS. Legendary Hollywood dance team. Full-length Photograph of the duo, each posing with their right hand on their right knee and their left hand on their left hip, Signed by each in the light portion of their corresponding image. Astaire’s signature appears in red ink. The black and white photograph measures … [ Read More ]

Baring-Gould, Sabine

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“ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS MARCHING AS TO WAR” SABINE BARING-GOULD. British author of the lyrics of the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers” (the music was written by Arthur Sullivan of Gilbert & Sullivan fame). Autograph Manuscript Signed, S. Baring-Gould, full page, legal folio, undated. He has penned five stanzas of eight lines each, of one of the … [ Read More ]

Berlioz, Hector

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  FRENCH COMPOSER OF “SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE” Autograph Musical Quotation, written on the back flap of an envelop addressed to Monsieur Alizard. Together with an Autograph Inscription Signed, two lines on one page, octavo, [Paris], December 15, 1838, to the violinist Alexandre-Jean Boucher; with the integral address leaf attached. In his Autograph Musical Quotation, Hector Berlioz … [ Read More ]

Browning, Elizabeth Barrett

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  ENGLISH POET Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, octavo, 43 via Bocca di Leone [Rome], Friday, undated. To “My dear Reverend Hanna.” With the original black-bordered mourning envelope addressed in her hand. “Will you allow us to introduce to you Mrs. Hamilton and her daughter, country-women of your own, who will commend themselves to you, … [ Read More ]

Browning, Elizabeth Barrett

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ROBERT BROWNING WROTE… “THE PORTRAIT IS…THE BEST IN EXISTENCE, PERHAPS”    BROWNING, ELIZABETH BARRETT. A highly important photograph of her portrait painted in 1859 by Field Talfourd, now in the National Portrait Gallery in London, Signed by her on the mount below. Eleven inches by seven inches. Elizabeth Barrett Browning never owned the original of … [ Read More ]

Browning, Robert

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ROBERT BROWNING. English poet. Autograph Letter Signed, three pages, octavo, London, February 14, 1882. To “My dear Leighton,” the British painter Sir Frederic Leighton. “I do more indeed than ‘care to have’ a copy of that address which I certainly had ‘interest enough in to listen to.’ I think, did the case relate to any … [ Read More ]

Burke, Edmund

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EDMUND BURKE. British orator and statesman. Autograph Letter Signed, Edm. Burke, one page, quarto, April 24, 1796. To Stephen Thurston Ady, Burke’s friend and banker. Thurston was a partner in the banking house of Boldero, Kendal & Co. Fine condition. “I beg you to pay to a Mr. Chalkley, who will call on you for … [ Read More ]

Carnegie, Andrew

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  CARNEGIE ON A LITERARY HONOR “…I WOULD NOT FORGO IT FOR MILLIONS.” Scottish-born American industrialist; merged Carnegie Steel Co. with United States Steel Corp. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, New York, January 24, 1913. On his name-imprinted stationery, to Duffield Osborne, a representative of the Authors Club. “I wish to put on record … [ Read More ]

Chippendale, Thomas

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English cabinet-maker. Autograph Document Signed, Thos Chippendale Junr., one page, oblong quarto, June 4, 1766. A receipt for furnishings and services from Mr. Parran, made and done for Thomas Chippendale, Sr. “Feby 22 1766, To making a new Cloaths press shelf and putting edges round two other shelves and lining them with baize and baize … [ Read More ]

Christie, Agatha

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  “….THE WORLD IS ALREADY PARTIAL TO DETECTIVE FICTION AND HAS BEEN FOR SOME TIME. HAMLET COULD CERTAINLY QUALIFY AS A DETECTIVE DRAMA….” English mystery writer; creator of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Typewritten Letter Signed, Agatha Mallowan, one page, octavo, Churston Ferrers, near Brixham, South Devon, June 12, 1972. To Dear Mrs. Frink. “As … [ Read More ]

Clemens, Samuel

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Mark Twain.  American author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Autograph Quotation Signed, Truly yours Mark Twain, two lines on an oblong octavo sheet, dated “Dec./05.” “Taking the pledge will not make bad liquor good, but it will improve it.” Matted in beige and cocoa with a bust-length portrait photograph of Samuel … [ Read More ]

Cohan, George M

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  AMERICAN COMPOSER AND LYRICIST OF POPULAR SONGS INCLUDING “I’M A YANKEE DOODLE DANDY”. American composer and lyricist of popular songs including I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy. Autograph Sentiment Signed, Yankee Doodlefully, Geo M Cohan, on the verso of his business card, 1-1/4 inches by 3-3/4 inches. Price: $975 This item is associated with the … [ Read More ]

Cook, Frederick A

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  THE PERPETRATOR OF THE NORTH POLE HOAX PLEADS FROM PRISON FOR CLEMENCY American arctic explorer; he claimed to have reached the North Pole April 21, 1908 ahead of Peary; denounced by Peary and his claim rejected as fraudulent, on grounds of insufficient evidence, by scientists aT Copenhagen. Partly printed Typewritten Document Signed, seven pages, … [ Read More ]

Coward, Noel

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English actor, playwright and composer. Autograph Musical Quotation Signed, one page, on a 3 by 8 inch sheet, undated. Noel Coward writes seven measures of his song, “I’ll Follow My Secret Heart,” with words to the refrain, “I’ll follow my secret heart my whole life through.” Inscribed to Lionel Aucoin. Noel Coward’s song, “I’ll Follow … [ Read More ]

Coward, Noel

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“…THE BIGGEST SMASH HIT IN NEW YORK.” English actor, playwright, and composer best known for highly polished comedies of manners. Typewritten Letter Signed, May 21, 1958, octavo, on stationary with the address 404 East 55th Street, New York. To “My dear Bink” (Hugh Beaumont). “Thanks ever so for your letter. “Yes, I am very keen … [ Read More ]

Edward VI

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  EDWARD VI. King of England. Signature and top portion of a document, 21-1/2 by 2 inches, on vellum. Edward VI, the long-awaited male heir of Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, was a delicate child who ascended the throne at the age of ten and ruled through a regency until his death … [ Read More ]

Einstein, Albert

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EINSTEIN PATENT FOR “A LIGHT INTENSITY SELF-ADJUSTING CAMERA” ALBERT EINSTEIN.  German-born theoretical physicist; enunciated the Theory of Relativity. Document Signed, Albert Einstein, two pages, quarto, New York, December 5, 1936. Also signed by Gustav Bucky. Together with a copy of the patent. Einstein signs a patent assignment for the only U.S. patent he ever received … [ Read More ]

Fielding, Henry

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THE VERY RARE AUTOGRAPH OF THE AUTHOR OF “TOM JONES” HENRY FIELDING.  English novelist and playwright. Document Signed, H Fielding, one page, oblong octavo, June 27, 1750. Fielding attests that “William Moncke late of Northend in the parish of Fulham and county of Middlesex Esq. maketh oath that his son John Moncke and his daughters … [ Read More ]

Florida

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EARLY FLORIDA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT [FLORIDA].  Henry O’Reilly, American author; prominent in early Rochester affairs, including the Anti-Masonic Excitement.” Autograph Letter Signed, Henry O’Reilly, one and a quarter pages, legal folio, [Rochester, New York], August 5, 1836. To Moses King in Attica, New York. “…the plan adopted for our settlement in East Florida, is to … [ Read More ]

Fouquet, Nicolas

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French finance minister; confidential agent of Cardinal Mazarin; the last surintendant whose career ended with his conviction for embezzlement. Document Signed, Foucquet N, one page, Paris, March 15, 1661. “Order is given to Mr. Nicolas, carpenter contractor of the Paris dams, to pay cash with the funds he was allocated for the year 1660, to … [ Read More ]

Greeley, Horace

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“THERE IS NO SAFETY, NO REAL PEACE BUT IN UNIVERSAL JUSTICE AND IMPARTIAL FREEDOM” HORACE GREELEY.  American journalist and political leader. Autograph Quotation Signed, one page, octavo, Rochester [New York], October 15, 1866. “There is no safety, no real peace, but in universal justice and Impartial Freedom.” Fine condition. Price: $1,750 This item is associated … [ Read More ]

Greene, Graham

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English writer. Collection of 8 Mimeograph Manuscripts for the motion picture, The Third Man, based on the novel by Graham Greene, comprising the Treatment, the Screenplay, the Second Draft Script, the Synopsis and Dialogue Screenplay, Dialogue Cutting Continuity Script, Release Script Reels 1 – 12, Narrator Portuguese Script, and Spanish Script. The 1949 London Film … [ Read More ]

Harte, Bret

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“IT WAS A DAMNABLE BIT OF FEUDALISM WHICH OUGHT TO BE EXPRESSED TO A CIVILIZATION THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE LEFT SUCH THINGS FAR BEHIND.” BRET HARTE.  American short story writer. Autograph Letter Signed, one and one-half pages, octavo, [Scotland], July 14, 1880. To M. D. [Conory]. “Many thanks for your flattering and most kind … [ Read More ]

Hawthorne, Nathaniel

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American novelist; author of The Scarlet Letter. Autograph Letter Signed, Nathl. Hawthorne, one full page, octavo, Liverpool, October 17, 1853. To Thomas George Morton, in Philadelphia, sending his autograph. “Your note, addressed to me at Concord, has just reached me on this side of the Atlantic. I take pleasure in complying with your request.” Hawthorne … [ Read More ]

Haydn, Franz Joseph

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FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN. Austrian composer. Signature, Haydn, with his paraph, on a 2 1/4 by 2 1/2 inch sheet. Matted in beige and brick with a vintage photograph of an oil portrait. Framed in decorative carved gilt measuring 9 1/2 inches wide by 15 1/2 inches high. Price: $7,500 This item is associated with the … [ Read More ]

Herzl, Theodor

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Founder of Zionism. Autograph Letter Signed, Th. Herzl, one page, octavo, January 4, 1889. To Esteemed Doctor. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll come to you this afternoon at half past three, to work a little. If my messenger doesn’t find you at home, but hears that you are already in Vienna, I’ll come … [ Read More ]

Jackson, Andrew

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“HOW IS IT TO BE LAMENTED THAT THE MORALS OF MEN RECENTLY ARE BECOME SO CORRUPT, THAT A MAN OF HIS WEALTH AND A HIGH STANDING… SHOULD BE GUILTY OF SUCH VILE CALUMNY FOR POLITICAL EFFECT.” ANDREW JACKSON.  President.  Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, Hermitage, November 30, 1844. To William Prescott, the American historian … [ Read More ]

Jay, John

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President of the Continental Congress; first Chief Justice of the United States; first Minister of Foreign Affairs; negotiated the Jay Treaty of 1794. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, New Haven, [Connecticut], April 24, 1792. To his wife Sally. “My last to you was written at Bedford; which place I left yesterday, and arrived here … [ Read More ]

Joanna

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“TO PREVENT FOREIGN MOORS, ENEMIES OF THE FAITH, FROM CAUSING THE DAMAGE, LOSS AND ROBBERIES THEY HAVE BEEN ACCUSTOMED TO DO” JOANNA LA LOCA. Queen Joanna of Castile; daughter of Ferdinand V and Isabella I. An official royal document, signed in the name of the Queen by the Councillors of Castile, one page folio, (15 … [ Read More ]

Laurencin, Marie

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  MARIE LAURENCIN.  French modernist painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one and a half pages, octavo, undated. To an unnamed lady, concerning her tapestry designs that the state manufacturer would surely reject, but when the tapestry again comes into vogue, she is certain they will be accepted. Price: $4,750 This item is associated with the following … [ Read More ]

Law, John

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  AN EXTREMELY RARE LETTER OF THE CREATOR OF THE “MISSISSIPPI SCHEME” FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE BUBBLE BURST JOHN LAW.  Scottish financier and speculator; founded Banque Générale in 1716, the first bank of any kind in France which issued paper currency and prospered; created for the development and colonization of Louisiana in 1717 the Mississippi … [ Read More ]

Leigh, Vivien

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VIVIEN LEIGH’S CONTRACT FOR ‘GONE WITH THE WIND’ VIVIEN LEIGH.  Motion picture actress. Four Typewritten Documents, forty-two pages, legal folio, January 16 to November 8, 1939. Concerning Vivien Leigh’s role in the production of Gone With The Wind. Together with an Autograph Letter Signed. Typewritten Document, seventeen pages, legal folio, Culver City, California, January 16, … [ Read More ]

Linnaeus, Carolus

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Swedish botanist; founder of modern systematic botany. Document Signed, Carl Linnaeus, with his red wax seal following, three full lines on a 3 1/4 by 8 inch sheet. In Swedish. As chair of botany at Uppsala University, Carolus Linnaeus certifies that “…for the year [17]56 I have received four hundred seventy-three dollars in silver coin … [ Read More ]

Loewe, Frederick

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FREDERICK LOEWE. Vienna-born American songwriter. Autograph Musical Manuscript of one of his most famous songs from Camelot, “Then you may take me to the Fair,” two pages, large quarto, [1959]. With the title page bearing the notation, “Guenevere, men”. THE ONLY KNOWN MANUSCRIPT, RETAINED BY LOEWE HIMSELF, OF THIS FAMOUS AND POPULAR SONG FROM CAMELOT. … [ Read More ]

Louis XVI

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LOUIS XVI. King of France; executed during the Revolution. Document Signed, Louis, at the conclusion, forty-three pages, large folio, Versailles, November 19, 1782. The document is a record of the activities of the Royal Treasury as reported to the Royal Council. Deposits representing tax payments from the various French towns and provinces are listed, with … [ Read More ]

Maria Theresa

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  MARIA THERESA.  Arch-Duchess of Austria; Queen of Hungary and Bohemia. Mother of Marie Antoinette. Document Signed Maria Theresa, one page, large folio, [171/2 by 21-3/4 inches], n.d. With the Queen’s large paper and wax seal. An ornate document commending Don Francesca de Magan “for his long-rendered service and steadiness and bravery in wartime,” and … [ Read More ]

Marks, Johnny

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“YOU’LL GO DOWN IN HISTORY!” (AND HE DID!) JOHNNY MARKS. Composer of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Autograph Musical Quotation Signed, one page, quarto, undated. In red ink. Marks write the notes and lyrics (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”) of the first two measures of his hit song, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Rudolph (with his shiny nose) was … [ Read More ]

Millay, Edna St Vincent

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  EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY.  American author. A Collection of twenty-eight Typewritten Manuscripts, twenty-eight pages, quarto, [ca. 1920 and earlier]. Three of the manuscripts are signed by Edna St Vincent Millay at the conclusion; one bears a holograph correction in the text; and in another she has changed the title. Accompanied by a typewritten letter … [ Read More ]

Millikan, Robert

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THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT ON THE INVESTIGATION OF THE ORIGIN OF COSMIC RAYS ROBERT A. MILLIKAN.  American physicist. Typewritten and Autograph Manuscript, thirteen pages, quarto and octavo, undated. Comprising a quarto page of five typewritten lines, with the title and corrections in Robert Millikan’s hand; the first page of the paper (quarto), consisting of nine typewritten … [ Read More ]

Mitchell, Margaret

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THE PUBLIC REACTION TO “GONE WITH THE WIND” MARGARET MITCHELL.  American author of Gone with the Wind. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, Atlanta, Georgia, January 7, 1936. On her name-imprinted stationery, to Dr. Mayos. “Thank you so much for your New Year’s note and all your good wishes. I had it on my mind … [ Read More ]

Napoleon I

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“…THE STEPS BEING TAKEN ARE WEAK…THE STUDENTS AND INHABITANTS OF UTRECHT WHO JEERED AT THE PATROLS BE ARRESTED AT ONCE AND TRIED BY A MILITARY COMMISSION.” NAPOLEON I. Emperor of France. Letter Signed, Np, one page, quarto, Paris, March 18, 1811. To the minister of war [General Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke], the Duke of Feltre. … [ Read More ]

Neruda, Pablo

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PABLO NERUDA. Chilean poet; winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. Autograph Manuscript Signed, six pages, quarto, Paris, February 1972. In Spanish. Written in green ink. “Volcanoes and blizzards of the great south of America-of South America-all have been good teachers for us, little guards born in that distant silence. I will never … [ Read More ]

Pavlov, Ivan

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RUSSIAN PHYSIOLOGIST; CONDUCTED FAMOUS EXPERIMENT DEMONSTRATING  CONDITIONED REFLEX IN DOGS. IVAN PAVLOV.   Inscribed copy of Ivan Pavlov’s 1909 lecture at the 12th Congress of Russian natural Scientists and Physicians in Moscow entitled “Natural Science and the Brain” in which he discusses animal adaptation to its external environment and conditioned reflex. Ivan Pavlov has written, in … [ Read More ]

Perkins, Carl

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CARL PERKINS. American singer, songwriter, and guitarist; wrote “Blue Suede Shoes.” Autograph Manuscript Signed, one page, quarto, 1991. On Perkins’ personal letterhead. Carl Perkins has transcribed six lines of lyrics from his 1956 hit “Blue Suede Shoes”. “‘Blue Suede Shoes’ / Well it’s one for the money / Two for the show / Three to get … [ Read More ]

Piaf, Edith

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EDITH PIAF. French singer and actress whose interpretation of the Chanson, or French ballad, made her internationally famous. A close-up, head-shot Photograph of the legendary chanteuse in a wistful gaze, her hand on her cheek, Signed Edith Piaf and Inscribed in the dark upper portion, “Pour Monsieur Maurice Croifer / Sympathique… / Edith Piaf”. The black … [ Read More ]

Picasso, Pablo

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SPANISH PAINTER AND ENGRAVER PABLO PICASSO. Signed Book. Le Phénix by Paul Éluard. Signed by Picasso, with a red colored pencil, on the front cover. Paris: GLM éditeurs, 1952. Quarto; 61 pages. Original tan paper covers. Contained in a handsome quarter leather red fall-back box. Éluard met and befriended Picasso in the early 1930’s when … [ Read More ]

Porter, Katherine Anne

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AN EXTRAORDINARY LITERARY LETTER ABOUT THE PROCESS OF WRITING “SHIP OF FOOLS” KATHERINE ANNE PORTER.  American essayist, short story writer, novelist; wrote “Ship of Fools”. Typewritten Letter Signed, Katherine Anne Porter, three densely typed pages, on blue paper, quarto, August 18, 1958, Outpost Inn, Ridgefield, Connecticut. With corrections in her hand. To Mr. Clemons. “I … [ Read More ]

Richardson, Samuel

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SAMUEL RICHARDSON. English novelist; author of Clarissa Harlowe. Partly printed Document Signed, one page, legal folio, January 2, 1743. Samuel Richardson signs a statement headed, “Tonnage, 1694 &c.”, saying that he has received six pounds from the Treasury, funds paid out to him as the assignee of George Churchill and Hugh Chudleigh and by virtue … [ Read More ]

Rittenhouse, David

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DAVID RITTENHOUSE. American astronomer; first director of the U.S. Mint; built observatory and a telescope, believed to be the first made in America, to observe the transit of Venus; during American Revolution served in the Pennsylvania Assembly and as President of the Council of Safety. Autograph Document Signed, one page, octavo, Philadelphia, February 13, 1781. … [ Read More ]

Rodgers, Richard

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RICHARD ROGERS. Composer and librettist of film and Broadway musicals. Mimeograph Document Signed in ink, 52 pages, quarto, May 4, 1940. The agreement between Rodgers and Hart and RKO Radio Pictures for “exclusive motion picture rights” to the musical comedy Too Many Girls. The agreement contains clauses regarding advertising, musical recording rights and distribution rights. … [ Read More ]

Rontgen, Wilhelm C.

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WILHELM C. RONTGEN. German physicist; awarded first Nobel prize for physics in 1901 for his discovery of X-rays. Autograph Letter Signed, Dr. W.C. Röntgen, one page, Cadenabbia, March 30, 1909. In German. On his personally imprinted correspondence card to the Court Secretariat of his Royal Highness Prince Alfons of Bavaria. “Enclosed I am sending you … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Franklin D.

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FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. President. Partly printed Document Signed, one page, narrow oblong quarto, November 4, 1932. Franklin D Roosevelt signs a “Return Receipt” acknowledging that the candidate’s name is correctly placed on the ballot: “To Burt E. Burnett, County Clerk for the County of Jackson / I hereby acknowledge receipt by registered mail, of proof … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Franklin D.

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FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.  President. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, April 7, 1932. On his name-imprinted State of New York Executive Chamber stationery, to Mr. J. Osborn Brink in Monrovia, California. Headed “Personal” at the top in Franklin D Roosevelt’s hand. With original envelope and a letter from Roosevelt to U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner, … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Franklin D.

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FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. President. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, Hyde Park, New York, September 14, no year. On his name-imprinted stationery, to Dear Mr. Roberts. “I’m sorry, but still I don’t understand about the certificates. These are for 6,000 shares, the full amount to go to the organizers-and I understand that while they were … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Franklin D.

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FDR ORGANIZES LIFE AT WARM SPRINGS  ON THE EVE OF THE DEPRESSION   FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. President. Typewritten Letter Signed, FDR, two very full pages, quarto, Hyde Park, August 10, 1929. As Governor of New York, to Carp. After thanking Carp for his letter, Franklin D Roosevelt notes that he is home for “three comparatively … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Theodore

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“…A WORKING MAN…IS THE MAN… I AM MORE ANXIOUS TO REPRESENT THAN ANY OTHER IN AMERICAN LIFE.” THEODORE ROOSEVELT. President. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, New York, May 9, 1918. On imprinted stationery of The Kansas City Star, to William M. Stuart in Canisteo, New York. “That’s a very kind and friendly letter. Believe … [ Read More ]

Roosevelt, Theodore

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THEODORE ROOSEVELT. President. Typewritten Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, on White House stationery, dated from Oyster Bay, New York, July 2, 1908. With original envelope to the Rev. William Potts George, in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The President sends an expression of his very deep appreciation of the action of the New York Preachers Meeting … [ Read More ]

San Martin, Jose de

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“THE PRINTER’S PROPERTY BROUGHT BY THE ANDES ARMY… BELONGS TO THE STATE OF THE UNITED PROVINCES OF SOUTH AMERICA.” JOSÉ DE SAN MARTIN. South American statesman. Letter Signed, José de Sn. Martin, one page, legal folio, Santo Headquarters, June 6, 1817. Notated in the left margin, Visit to the Fiscal Ministry. With the response of … [ Read More ]

Sayers, Dorothy Leigh

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“…ONE STATEMENT OF YOURS…IS VENOMOUS, BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF THOSE ACCUSATIONS, OF THE HAVE-YOU-STOPPED- BEATING-YOUR-WIFE VARIETY, AGAINST WHICH THERE IS NO CONCEIVABLE DEFENCE….” DOROTHY LEIGH SAYERS. English mystery novelist; creator of the memorable sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey. Typewritten Letter Signed,  Dorothy Leigh Sayers, three pages, quarto, Witham, Essex, July 25, 1947. To Dr. James … [ Read More ]

Service, Robert W

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“I HAVE NO FAVORITE PASSAGES IN MY WORK AND  I DISLIKE IT AS SOON AS WRITTEN” R. W. SERVICE.  Canadian writer; author of The Shooting of Dan McGrew. Letter Signed, Robert Service, one full page, octavo, Monte Carlo, November 3, 1954. To W.C. Goodson, with original envelope. After thanking Goodson for his letter, Robert Service … [ Read More ]

Shaw, George Bernard

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GEORGE BERNARD SHAW. British playwright, author, and critic. Typewritten Manuscript Signed twice, By Bernard Shaw, below the title, and with his initials at the conclusion, nine pages, large quarto, January 27, 1923. On green paper, entitled The Unprotected Child and The Law. With extensive revisions and corrections in George Bernard Shaw’s hand (shown in italic). … [ Read More ]

Simenon, Georges

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GEORGES SIMENON. French novelist; creator of the series of detective novels featuring Inspector Maigret. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, octavo, January 31, 1959. On his name imprinted stationery to Albert-Jean. “ I apologize for being so late in replying to your letter. I was in the middle of working on my novel. I don’t know … [ Read More ]

Truman, Harry S

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President. Typewritten Manuscript, twenty-one pages, large quarto, [Washington, D.C.], November 1, 1946. Entitled Memorandum on the Organization of Staff Assistance to the President. With corrections comprising seventeen words in Harry S Truman’s hand in red crayon (shown in italic), and with corrections in the hand of Dr. John R. Steelman in ink (shown in square … [ Read More ]

Washington, Booker T

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Black American educator; founded the Tuskegee Institute for practical training of blacks in trades and professions in 1881. Autograph Letter Signed Booker T Washington, one page, large quarto, Tuskegee, Alabama, March 13, 1897. On imprinted stationery of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, to a supporter, Ella Kent in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Booker T Washington, the … [ Read More ]

Weizmann, Chaim

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Polish-born Israeli chemist and politician who was the first President of Israel. Autograph Letter Signed, Chaim Weizmann, one page, octavo, August 4, 1940. On imprinted stationery of the Dorchester Hotel in London, to Dr. Josef Cohn at the Zionist Organization of American in New York City. “I would like to thank you for your reports. … [ Read More ]

Wellington, Duke of

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British Army commander during the Napoleonic Wars; defeated Napoleon at Waterloo; later Prime Minister. Autograph Letter Signed, Wn, (Duke of Wellington) three pages, quarto, London, February 23, 1829. From the Duke of Wellington. To Betsy. “You are in good health and moreover you are a reasonable woman; and I therefore select you as the person … [ Read More ]

Wolfe, James

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British general; killed at Quebec in battle against the French under Montcalm, thereby winning Canada for England. Document Signed, Jam: Wolfe, one page, narrow oblong quarto, Glasgow, June 27, 1752. A check, addressed to William Adair, Pall Mall, London, authorizing payment of £30 “eight days after Sight…to the order of Robert Finlay…for value received and … [ Read More ]

Wren, Christopher

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English architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Document Signed Christopher Wren, Chr:Wren, one page, small legal folio, March 4, 1679/1680. Headed A bill for ye Pryvey Garden begining ye 29 of Septembe: 1679: and Ending ye 23 of Decembe: of 79. An account signed by Christopher Wren probably as the King’s Surveyor of Works and relating … [ Read More ]

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