Kenneth W Rendell Gallery

Historical Documents and Autographs

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Adams, Ansel

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AMERICAN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER ANSEL ADAMS.  Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, February 6, 1960. On his name imprinted stationery, to “Dear Nick.” “It was good to talk with you the other day – although I must have sounded very dull indeed! This flu is bad stuff!! I am still in bed with it, and I … [ 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 ]

Anne, Queen of England

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Queen of England. Letter Signed, Good cousin and friend / and good sister, cousin,/ and friend / AnnaR, two and two-thirds pages, tall quarto, Given at Our Palace at Windsor, July 3, 1709.  Countersigned by H. Boyle.  To Franz Ludwig, Count Palatine, Bishop of Worms, and Johann Wilhelm, Count Palatine on the Rhine, Elector of … [ Read More ]

Baden-Powell, Robert

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  “…IF THE SCOUT SPIRIT PREVAILED AT CAPE Hd. Qrs. THEY WOULD AS MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM SINK THEIR OWN LOCAL PREJUDICES OR EVEN INTERESTS FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE.” Founder of the Boy Scouts. Autograph Letter Signed, four pages, octavo, April 1, 1927.  On imprinted stationery of the Union-Castle Line R•M•M•V “Carnarvon Castle,” to … [ Read More ]

Bell, Alexander Graham

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    AMERICAN INVENTOR OF THE TELEPHONE  Letter Signed, two and one-half pages, quarto, Northampton, Massachusetts, March 15, 1906. To Dr. A. L. E. Crouter, president of the American Association to Promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf. Also signed by three witnesses. “As I am about to sail for Europe, and since I … [ Read More ]

Bierce, Ambrose

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  AMERICAN JOURNALIST AND SHORT STORY WRITER; DISAPPEARED INTO MEXICO IN 1913 Letter Signed Ambrose Bierce, two pages, octavo, Washington, October 30, 1911. To Neale. “Enclosed is Newbegin’s check for $278.47. I hold also his note to you at four months for $536.54 which, with your bill for the books, I will send on your … [ Read More ]

Bizet, Georges

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GEORGES BIZET. French composer of “Carmen.” Autograph Letter Signed, one page, octavo, undated. “Here you are — you only need to have the last chorus translated, which had been suppressed and which was successfully reinstated at the last moment. As to the rest, you could request the translation from the Italians.” Framed in soft blue, … [ Read More ]

Borodin, Alexander Porfir’yevich

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  RUSSIAN COMPOSER Autograph Letter Signed, A. Borodin, two and one-half pages, octavo, St. Petersburg, May 6, 1884. To My dear Monsieur Jadoul. “I have just received your letter accompanied by two programs at once. I thank you infinitely for the kindness of having performed my piece and having notified me of its success. I … [ 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, 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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  “A PETITION…ON THE AMERICAN AFFAIRS IS SENT TO ME TO BE PRESENTED TO THE KING I…AM…VERY UNFORTUNATELY, IGNORANT OF ALL OF ALL THE FORMS  OF COURT & OF OFFICE….” British statesman and orator; gained a high position among the Whigs through his eloquence on the American question and vigorous opposition to George III’s policy … [ 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 ]

Byron, George Gordon

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GEORGE GORDON BYRON. English poet; wrote Childe Harold. Autograph Note Signed, initials, one page, oblong octavo, July 28, 1813. [To John Murray.] “The enclosed lines you will insert in paragraph named after the line ‘That wakes and wafts the fragrance there.’” The verse quoted by George Byron comes from his poem, The Giaour, which was … [ Read More ]

Cagney, James

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  AMERICAN FILM ACTOR STARRED IN  “THE PUBLIC ENEMY AND YANKEE DOODLE DANDY” Typewritten Letter Signed, Jim, one page, quarto, April 17, 1974. On his name imprinted stationery, Beverly Hills, California, to Ann Ford in Huntington, Massachusetts. “I assume by this time you are happily ensconced at The Wrens. It would be just the right … [ 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 ]

Cezanne, Paul

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French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, Paul Cezanne, November 30, 1896, two pages, octavo. In French. To Emile Solari. “I am so very sorry I was not at Rue des Dames when you came by. There’s only one way to make up for that, and that is to give me a rendezvous for tomorrow, for example. … [ Read More ]

Chagall, Marc

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  RUSSIAN PAINTER WRITING ABOUT BELLA HIS WIFE AND MUSE Autograph Letter Signed, one full page, quarto, New York, 1945. In Russian. “She always spoke of you with affection. I always feel your sincerity. I will be happy to see you. I sent you a book. Modesty prevented me from getting in touch with you … [ Read More ]

Chandler, Raymond

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  AMERICAN NOVELIST OF CRIME FICTION CREATOR OF THE PHILIP MARLOWE DETECTIVE SERIES Typewritten Letter Signed, Ray, one page, large quarto, La Jolla, California, December 15, 1950.  On his name-imprinted stationery, to his literary agents, Swanie [H. N. Swanson] and Eddie [Edward Carter]. “Evidently Swanie has not yet heard from Carl Brandt, although I told him … [ Read More ]

Chekhov, Anton

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Russian dramatist and novelist. “MY PETITION WAS JUST A CRY IN THE DESERT.  I AM NOT A FIGHTER, IT’S NOT IN MY NATURE.” Autograph Letter Signed, A. Chekhov, two and one-half pages, octavo, February 11, [no year, but after 1897]. In Russian. To Nikolai Nikolaevich. “Due to my sickness, I am a little delayed in … [ 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 ]

Christie, Agatha

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  ENGLISH MYSTERY WRITER; CREATOR OF MISS MARPLE AND HERCULE POIROT Typewritten Letter Signed, Agatha Christie, two pages, quarto, Winterbrook House, Wallingford, Berkshire, October 23, 1972. To Michael Underwood, Esq., Riverbank, Datchet, Bucks. “I got your letter this morning. As far as my own personal feelings are concerned I have always enjoyed the private quality … [ 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, PRODUCER AND ACTOR Autograph Letter Signed, one page, quarto, October 3, 1925.  To Julius [Witmark].  “This will introduce Mr. Murphy of Boston a friend of mine who has written and is writing songs, words and music.  He has played over several of his numbers for me and there might be something in … [ Read More ]

Collins, Wilkie

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  ENGLISH NOVELIST; WROTE “THE WOMAN IN WHITE”. Autograph Quotation Signed, one page, octavo, London, February 17, 1883. From The Woman in White, Collins writes: “Women can resist a man’s love, a man’s fame, a man’s personal appearance, and a man’s money; but they cannot resist a man’s tongue when he knows how to talk … [ Read More ]

Cooper, James Fenimore

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American author of The Last of the Mohicans. Autograph Letter Signed, J. Fenimore Cooper, four full pages, legal folio, [May 20-27, 1848]. To Messrs Editors [George Pope Morris and Nathaniel Parker Willis] of The Home Journal. The Battle of Long Island that James Cooper discusses in the present letter took place on August 27, 1776. … [ 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 ]

Crawford, Joan

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  AMERICAN MOTION PICTURE ACTRESS Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, April 23, 1955.  On her address-imprinted stationary, to Sally and Bob Roberts in Forest Hills, New York.  With the original envelope. “Thank you so much for your lovely birthday card.  I am so deeply grateful to each of you for remembering.  “I did enjoy … [ Read More ]

Cushing, Harvey

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American neurosurgeon and a pioneer of brain surgery. Typewritten Letter Signed, Harvey Cushing, quarto, one page, November 11, 1936, on his letterhead for The School of Medicine at Yale University. To Dr. Glanville Y. Rusk, Mount Zion Hospital, San Francisco, California. With two photographs of brain lesions, mounted on heavy card stock. “Dear Rusk / … [ Read More ]

Custer, George Armstrong

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Union general in the Civil War and Indian fighter; killed at the battle of Little Big Horn. Autograph Letter Signed, G.A. Custer, full page, quarto, West Point Barracks, [New York], September 20, 1857. As a cadet of the U.S. Military Academy, to Cha[rle]s C. Wil[l]son. “In my conversation with you on the cars between Cleveland … [ Read More ]

Dietrich, Marlene

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  ACTRESS; STARRED IN “THE BLUE ANGEL”. Typewritten Letter Signed, Marlene Dietrich, two pages, quarto, Paris, April 23, 1987. With the word “COPIE” stamped in orange in the top right corner of the first page, and a phone number handwritten on the top left corner of the first page. Addressed from Marlene Dietrich to Mr. … [ Read More ]

Dillinger, John

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American gangster and bank robber; known as “Public Enemy Number One,” killed by police as he was leaving Chicago’s Biograph Theater, subject of the blockbuster movie, “Public Enemies,” starring Johnny Depp. Extremely rare Autograph Letter Signed, “John Dillinger #14395,” one page, small oblong octavo, undated [circa 1929-1933]. Written while in the Indiana State Prison at … [ Read More ]

Donizetti, Gaetano

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“I SHALL SAY, AS DOES RODRIGO IN THE OPERA OTHELLO, ‘AN AWAITED PLEASURE IS ALL THE MORE SO,  WHEN IT IS EAGERLY DESIRED.” Autograph Letter Signed, Donizetti, Italian operatic composer, page, quarto, Monday, undated. “Last night, Mr. Scribe set the rehearsal of the production of my opera for tomorrow night; you find me thus forced … [ Read More ]

Doyle, Arthur Conan

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“FROM THE UNCLE REMUS STORY OF TALKING SNAKES AT THE BEGINNING OF GENESIS DOWN TO THE ABSOLUTE RAVING LUNACY OF THE APOCALYPSE AT THE END OF THE VOLUME” Autograph Manuscript, unsigned, one page, octavo, undated. English novelist and detective story writer; creator of Sherlock Holmes. “From the Uncle Remus story of talking snakes at the … [ Read More ]

du Pont de Nemours, Pierre-Samuel

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A LETTER FROM AMERICA “AN ENERGETIC AND ACTIVE NATURE IS A PREREQUISITE OF MY TYPE OF BUSINESS.  THIS COUNTRY’S DRY CLIMATE AND OXYGENATED AIR HAVE REJUVENATED ME.” PIERRE-SAMUEL DU PONT DE NEMOURS.  French economist; leading member of the Physiocratic school and author of many economic treatises. Autograph Letter Signed, “du Pont de Nemours”, one full … [ Read More ]

Eames, Charles and Ray

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CHARLES AND RAY EAMES. Inventive designers of the post World War II period; created the “Eames Chairs.” Typewritten Letter Signed by Charles, C, one page, quarto, May 14, 1952. To Alexander Girard (in Grosse Pointe, Michigan). With one word and two corrections in his hand, and one sentence, written in red crayon, in Ray’s hand: … [ Read More ]

Einstein, Albert

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German-born theoretical physicist; enunciated Theory of Relativity. “THE THOUGHT OPPRESSES ME; HOW SMALL MUST BE THE SELECTION, IF IN THE PURSUIT OF YOUR HUMANITARIAN WORK YOU BECOME AWARE OF [ME]….” Typewritten Letter Signed, A. Einstein, one page, quarto, Huntington, Long Island, June 21, 1937. In English, to members of the Rho Pi Phi Fraternity, Boston. … [ Read More ]

Faraday, Michael

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  ENGLISH INVENTOR AND SCIENTIST; NOTED FOR HIS EXPERIMENTS WITH ELECTRICITY.  MICHAEL FARADAY.  Autograph Letter Signed, M Faraday, one and two-third pages, octavo, Royal Institution, June 2, 1843. To John Hennell. “The water you describe must I conclude be very hard principally from Carbonate of lime. I do not remember what Lep[uan]tes Patent filter is … [ Read More ]

Farragut, David G

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American admiral; served extensively in the Civil War. Autograph Letter Signed, D.G. Farragut, two full pages, quarto, U.S. Ship Brooklyn Pensacola N[aval] Yard, July 19, 1859.  To Ed. G. Tilton, with the integral blank leaf attached and the original envelope.  Together with Tilton’s letter to T. Carroll’s father informing him of David Farragut’s concern.  Fine … [ Read More ]

Fleming, Ian

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Creator of James Bond. “I BARELY BUDGE WHEN I AM WRITING.  OTHERWISE I JUST DON’T GET ON WITH IT.” Autograph Letter Signed, “Yours Ever, Ian,” one page, quarto, undated. On imprinted stationery, Goldeneye, Oracabessa, Jamaica, to “Dear Allou”. “A thousand thanks but I barely budge when I am writing. Otherwise I just don’t get on … [ 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 ]

Frederick II

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  FREDERICK II the Great; King of Prussia. Letter Signed, Frederic, one quarter page, quarto, Potsdam, February 24, 1749. With the integral blank leaf attached. In French. “The King having received the presentation of the [Berlin] bookseller Neaulme of the 18th of this month regarding a bill for books he purports to have delivered to … [ Read More ]

Gauguin, Paul

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  PAUL GAUGUIN. French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, full page, octavo, n.d. In French, to Monsieur Dolent. “…Naturally I am pleased by your choice of a sketch-maker. I am going to start reading the work in question, otherwise it would seem difficult for me to suggest an idea, knowing nothing about it. I hope I … [ Read More ]

Gauguin, Paul

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French painter. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, small octavo, n.d. In bold pencil to the painter Camille Pissarro. “Upon receiving your letter I set off for the Grande Athenes, hoping to meet you. Since I am busy tomorrow until Wednesday, I will not be able to make a date with you. Anyhow, I’m not in … [ Read More ]

George III

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GEORGE III PROVIDES FUNDS  TO SEND FREED BLACK SLAVES IN BRITAIN TO WEST AFRICA GEORGE III.  King of England. Document Signed, one page, oblong quarto, undated [between July and November 1791]. With two tax revenue stamps, in blind, in the left margin. The document, canceled with an “X,” is complete in its text and its … [ Read More ]

Hammett, Dashiell

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“…COULD I SAY ‘THAT MAN’ WITHOUT YOUR THINKING I MEAN ROOSEVELT?” DASHIELL HAMMETT. American writer; creator of ‘hard-boiled’ school of detective fiction, which included novels that were made into movies such as The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man. Typewritten Letter Signed, Dash, one page, legal folio, [Aleutian Islands], Alaska, October 23, 1943. To Florence … [ 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 ]

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 ]

Hughes, Langston

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“…A SONG I HAVE JUST WRITEN…‘YOUNG BLACK JOE’ – Black American author. Typewritten Letter Signed, Langston, one page, quarto, Los Angeles, California, November 29, 1940.  To Dan Burley, as accomplished musician and journalist with a lengthy career in the African-American press.  With a handwritten postscript, and a few handwritten corrections.  Fine condition. “Our letters must … [ Read More ]

Isabella I

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Queen of Castile; joint sovereign with Ferdinand V; patron of Columbus. Document Signed, yo la Reyna, [I the Queen], one page, legal folio, May 17, 1501. The Queen orders her chamberlain, Sancho de Paredes, to pay the sum of 530 maravedis, or two florins, to a silversmith named Anton de Carrion for work on a … [ 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 ]

James II

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King of England. Autograph Letter Signed, “J”, two full pages, quarto, Windsor, July 9, [1682]. To his niece, the Countess of Lichfield, the illegitimate daughter of Charles II. “I had but yesterday yours…and came away from London so soon after dinner that I could not till now let you know I had received it. I … [ Read More ]

James IV

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King of Scotland. Letter Signed James IV, one page, 11 by 13 3/4 inches, Edinburgh, June 14, 1494. To Pope Alexander VI. The King writes a letter of recommendation for his ambassador, William, Archbishop of St. Andrews, Primate of Scotland. Despite the rebellion of the Scottish nobility, the eleven-year old James IV succeeded his murdered … [ Read More ]

James, Frank

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FRANK JAMES.  Desperado; robbed banks and trains together with his brother Jesse. Letter Signed, Ben, one half page, at the conclusion of a five and a half page letter from his friend, Mrs. Sam Gilkey written to Mr. and Mrs. James, octavo, Gallatin, Missouri, July 7, [1883]. To his wife, Annie James. With original envelope. … [ Read More ]

Jay, John

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AS CHIEF JUSTICE, BEGINNING HIS VOYAGE TO LONDON TO NEGOTIATE THE TREATY THAT SETTLED THE WESTERN ISSUES JOHN JAY.   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, May 13, 1794. To his wife Sally. … [ 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 ]

Jay, John

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President of the Continental Congress; first Chief Justice of the United States; first Minister of Foreign Affairs; negotiated with Franklin and Adams the Treaty of Paris which ended the American Revolution; co-authored the Federalist Papers; negotiated the Jay Treaty of 1794; governor of New York. Autograph Manuscript, one and a half pages, legal folio, undated. … [ Read More ]

Jenner, Edward

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English founder of immunology; discovered vaccination for smallpox. Autograph Letter Signed, Edwd. Jenner, one page, small octavo, Berkeley, May 21, 1813. To Dear Madam, possibly a fellow fossil hunter and member of the Barrow Hill Club. “The turbulent state of the weather has prevented me from taking a walk over to Stowe in the course … [ 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 ]

Kipling, Rudyard

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KIPLING’S PLAY-BY-PLAY OF AN ICE HOCKEY GAME “IT WAS GLORIOUS. PLAIN, STRAIGHT, HAMMER & TONGS, BELL FOR LEATHER – HOCKEY….” RUDYARD KIPLING.  English writer. Autograph Letter Signed, six and one-half pages, octavo, Engelberg, [Switzerland], June 14, 1911. On imprinted stationery of the Hotels Cattani, to [C. H. S.] Taylor. “Our honour has been saved! I … [ 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 ]

Leger, Fernand

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  FERNAND LEGER.  French painter; identified with the Ultra-modern school, especially the Cubists. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, oblong octavo, New York, March 10, 1945. In English. “I want to acknowledge…that I have received your check $600.00 for my painting France reborn. Will you please note that I have left 80 W. 40th St. (the … [ 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 ]

Liszt, Franz

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  FRANZ LISZT.  Hungarian composer. Autograph Letter Signed, three pages, octavo, March 11, 1841. In French, to Monsieur Kuranda. “…I was wrong…to ask you to come to me on Saturday at 3 o’clock. My business manager, Monsieur Billon, will send you what we agreed on. If, however, you have a moment free on Saturday, I … [ Read More ]

Livingstone, David

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  DAVID LIVINGSTONE.  Scottish explorer in Africa. Autograph Document Signed, one page, quarto, Mosambique, March 7, 1864. “I hereby certify that Thomas Ward steward served in the Pioneer from the departure from England in 1860 to 15th February 1864 and during that time his conduct has been very good.”” Signed by David Livingstone during the … [ Read More ]

Manet, Edouard

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  EDOUARD MANET.  French Impressionist painter. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, small octavo, March 20, no year. On imprinted stationery, to My dear Rodolphe. ““Go as soon as you can to Mr. Durusquec’s 6 impasse de la Madeleine. He is the owner of a manor I told you about. If you two come to an … [ Read More ]

Marshall, John

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JOHN MARSHALL. Chief Justice of the United States. Autograph Letter Signed, “J. Marshall,” one page, quarto, undated. To Walter L. Fontaine. “I have received your letter inclosing the half of a note of one hundred dollars and I now inclose one of the halves before sent.” In 1816, while Chief Justice, Marshall sold 421 acres … [ Read More ]

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix

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FELIX MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY. German composer. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, large quarto. Leipzig, May 12, 1846. In French. To Signor Marchese Domenico Capranica in Rome. “I thank you sincerely and from my heart for the translation of my St. Paul you kindly sent me; you provided me a real pleasure with this consignment and the agreeable … [ Read More ]

Mill, John Stuart

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  JOHN STUART MILLS.  English philosopher and economist; created profound impression with System of Logic. Autograph Letter Signed, J.S. Mill, two pages, octavo, Blackheath Park, April 18, 1866. To Charles J. Grece, with original envelope. Though in your letter of the 16th inst. you do not claim me as an acquaintance, I have not forgotten … [ 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 ]

Mitchell, Margaret

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MARGARET MITCHELL. American author. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, quarto, Atlanta, Georgia, September 26, 1936. To Almira B. Taylor in Hyde Park, Massachusetts. With the original envelope. “Thank you so much for your letter about ‘Gone With the Wind.’ I appreciated it so much. Authors write books and send them out into the world and … [ 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 ]

Moran, Thomas

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THOMAS MORAN.  American artist, best known for his landscapes and scenes of the American West. Autograph Letter Signed, T. Moran, one page, octavo, [April 2, 1872]. To Stedman. Fine condition. Excuse my forgetfulness but I intended to have brought your invitation to the private view when I came to varnish the pictures the other day. … [ 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 ]

Niebuhr, Reinhold

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REINHOLD NIEBUHR. American theologian who had extensive influence on political thought. Typewritten Letter Signed, RNeibuhr, one page, quarto, September 22, [1943]. A tribute letter to Walter White commemorating his 25 years of service to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “You have given a quarter of a century to the struggle of … [ Read More ]

O’Connell, Daniel

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DANIEL O’CONNELL. Irish national leader, called “The Liberator.” Autograph Letter Signed twice, at the conclusion of the letter and on the address panel, one page, quarto, Tralee, [County Kerry], December 24, 1832. To P. V. Fitzpatrick in Dublin. With the address leaf attached. “I have cut the Gordian Knot. I am member for Dublin only-I … [ Read More ]

O’Keeffe, Georgia

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GEORGIA O’KEEFFE. American painter. Autograph Letter Signed, Georgia O’Keeffe, one page, quarto, Abiquiu, July 25, 1969. To Elizabeth Monroe. With the original envelope. “Dear Elizabeth Monroe / When you are in Santa Fe drop me a note and plan to come up some morning. “If you do not have a car I could probably send … [ Read More ]

Oersted, Hans Christian

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HANS CHRISTIAN OERSTED. Danish physicist; founder of the science of electromagnetism. Letter Signed, one page, quarto, Copenhagen, May 12, 1838.  On behalf of the Danish Royal Society of Science, Oersted sends the seventh volume of their report to the secretary of the Society of Physics in Geneva.  Light discoloration in the blank left margin; otherwise … [ Read More ]

Olivier, Sir Lawrence

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SIR LAWRENCE OLIVIER. British actor. Autograph Letter Signed, Larry, four full pages, octavo, Brighton, “Mon. 5th or 4th or something Sept.,” n.y. To “Darling Angel Girl,” [Madeline Sherwood, wife of screenwriter Robert Sherwood]. “How lovely to hear from you, and thank you my darling for such an angelic letter. It was so sweet of you … [ Read More ]

Osler, William

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WILLIAM OSLER. Physician and professor of medicine who practiced and taught in Canada, the United States and Great Britain. Autograph Letter Signed, Wm. Osler, [September 22, 1909], on a postcard measuring 4 1/2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches high. To Hampton L. Carson. “Many thanks — bon voyage. Greetings to the family. Tell the … [ Read More ]

Pasternak, Boris

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BORIS PASTERNAK. Russian poet and author; wrote Doctor Zhivago. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, quarto, [Moscow], July 12, 1959. In English. “I was unfeignedly sorry to learn [of] our mutual unsuccess. Please kindly accept this little reparation. I thankfully return you the cheque (I’ve torn the precedent), since it is unrealisable[sic.] in our conditions and … [ Read More ]

Pasteur, Louis

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LOUIS PASTEUR. French chemist; developed Pasteurization and an inoculation for rabies. Autograph Letter Signed, ‘L. Pasteur,” March 9 [no year]. One page, octavo. In French. “I want to thank you right away for your information on the subject of Mr. Eastlake’s work. I had already seen an interesting summary of it in your fine book … [ Read More ]

Peter I

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  “…WE SAW WITH SPECIAL SATISFACTION…OUR ILLUSTRIOUS BROTHER…WAS DELIVERED OF A CHILD” Peter the Great.  Russian Czar. Letter Signed, Pyotr, one page, legal folio, Astrachan, October 2, 1722. In Russian. To the Illustrious Sovereign King / Dearest Brother, Cousin, and Friend. “From the letter of Your Royal Majesty, which you sent Us so kindly and … [ 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 ]

Ravel, Maurice

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MAURICE RAVEL. French composer. Autograph Letter Signed, two full pages, octavo, June 7, 1916. Written during his World War I service to his “Marraine” [de guerre], Mme Fernand Dreyfus, mother of the composer Roland-Manuel. Fine condition. “Your label didn’t surprise me; since arriving here I have been having a misperception that packages and perhaps letters … [ Read More ]

Redoute, Pierre-Joseph

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PIERRE-JOSEPH REDOUTE. French painter of flowers (sometimes called the “Raphael of Flowers”) and lithographer. Autograph Letter Signed, full page, quarto, December 10, 1811. To Aimé Bonpland, Josephine’s botanist, enclosing a bill that you have been asking me for so long a time, but I don’t at all remember what you spent yourself because I didn’t … [ Read More ]

Ricardo, David

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BRITISH ECONOMIST CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL OF THE CLASSICAL ECONOMISTS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS DOMINATED ECONOMIC THINKING THROUGHOUT THE 19TH CENTURY DAVID RICARDO. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, quarto, February 24, 1822. “Please to give Mr. David Wilkinson a ticket of admission to the Lectures to be delivered at the London Institution on his producing … [ Read More ]

Rimsky-Korsakow, Nicolai

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NICOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOW. Russian composer. Printed Letter Signed, N. Rimsky-Korsakow, two pages, quarto, St. Petersburg, November/December 1906. As president of the committee organizing the celebration of Glazunov’s 25th anniversary as a composer, to an unnamed “leading person connected with music and art.” Also signed by two of the committee members, A. I. Siloti and A. K. … [ Read More ]

Rontgen, Wilhelm C.

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WILHELM C. RONTGEN. German physicist; awarded first Nobel prize for physics n 1901 for his discovery of X-rays. Autograph Letter Signed, W.C. Röntgen, two pages, small octavo, Hotel Miramare, St. Margherita Ligure, March 19, 1903. On his personal correspondence card, to a colleague. “Although you have learned through the State Institute why I could not … [ 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, Eleanor

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ELEANOR ROOSEVELT. First Lady of the United States. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, octavo, February 20, 1936. On White House stationery, to her literary agent George Bye. “I would consider any radio contract that was perfectly all right and brought in sufficient return to make it worthwhile, but I would want to be sure that … [ Read More ]

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