Literature, Music and the Arts

Rex Beach -author, playwright. letter discussing his work, with a signed photo. Beach was a prolific writer and playwright who saw many of his novels turned into early movies. His March 22, 1921 full page letter responds to fan's typical inquiry about favorite books. "I think when an author begins to feel any particular satisfaction in his work it is time that he quit writing. I have not hesitation in saying which is my best book. It is the the[sic] next one - the one I expect to write." He goes on to offer some background on the origins of his first book "The Spoilers", his second "The Barrier"as well as "The Iron Trail" and "The Ne'er Do Well". He also mentions "Flowing Gold" the book was working on about the Texas Oil Fields. All five of those books were made into silent movies and at least three re-made years later as talking movies.

Regarding one of his best-known works "The Spoiler" he writes "I wrote that because I had in a way lived the story and was deeply indignant at the wrong that had been perpetrated." "The Spoilers" has been produced at least five times in separate movies between 1914 and 1955 with Gary Cooper, John Wayne and Jeff Chandler playing the same character in three re-makes of the same story.

There is also an inscribed Underwood & Underwood photo with some damage: image skimming at the top left side and some less visible glue or tape marks along the left edge.

An interesting letter for literary or movie collectors. [#5590]

Boston Symphony Orchestra – the first two conductors of the Orchestra, with autograph letters signed. 1) Sir George Henschel – a single page ALS September 1887 on personal stationery from Kensington informing a friend that he and his wife moved into their new home and inquiring about summer plans. Henschel was a German born British composer and conductor. He served as the Symphony’s first Music Director/Conductor from 1881-1884. There was some minor mounting or tape remnants in the blank corners. 2) Wilhelm Gericke – an untranslated 2 page letter on a 4.5 x 7 bifolium sheet. There is a slight loss of paper on the lower right edge of the 1st page (lower left of the 2nd). Gericke was an Austrian composer and Kapellmeister of the Vienna State Opera. He served as Music Director/Conductor from 1884 -1889 with a return from 1898-1906. [#5088]

Louis Bromfield – American author, signed check, filled in by another person, for $125 on January 3, 1947. [#4995]

Brooks, Phillips – Episcopal Bishop. ALS, Dec 13, 1892, Boston, small 16vo card. Brooks asks to use a surplice (a clerical vestment) and would like it before 11:30. Apparently he was preparing for a noon service on his 57th birthday. Someone has written Dec. 13, 1835 (Brooks’ date of birth) above the date on the note. The letter is written on his familiar note card, which measures 4 ¼ x 3 ½. There is some slight smudging or feathering of the ink on a few letters, including a couple in his signature, otherwise it is in fine condition. [#2399]

William Cullen Bryant signed slip also dated in the poet’s hand “October 17th 1873”. The heavy paper stock measures approximately 4.25 x 2.25. There is some soiling but a nicely centered example that would frame well with an engraving. [#4200]

Letter signed on her personal stationery Perkasie, Pennsylvania April 5, 1958. Buck writes to Emanuel Friedman about a business proposal or request for an engagement and lets him know her business agent will be in touch with him. The letter is boldly signed “Pearl S. Buck” and is in excellent condition. [#1046]

Signed letter, 1 page, 4to cut, May 23, 1951. Caldwell responds to a speaking invitation that has since passed. She leaves open the possibility of participating next year. She signs in full “Taylor Caldwell”. The lower 1/3 of the letter has been cut and there is a thin strip of mounting tape on the lower border. [#2688]

George Cruikshank - British illustrator and caricaturist, 1 page 8vo ALS, May 14th, 1873 to Samuel Carter Hall. Cruickshank reports that his drawings for Hall’s poem “The Trial of Sir Jasper” are with the “Brothers Dalziel”. Hall’s poem promoting temperance was published in 1873 with illustrations and engravings submitted by several artists, including Cruikshank. The Brothers Dalziel, George and Edward, were prominent engravers who worked with many artists and publishers of the day. A nice example with good association to another artist, a published work and his commitment later in life to promoting temperance. [#5026]

Scottish born German pianist and composer. Signed card inscribed and dated March 19, 1892. [#4626]

Cecil B. DeMille Hollywood producer and director, signed personal check 6/16/52 with a reproduction of a Karsch portrait. Professionally framed.

Samuel Adams Drake Union General and historian. ALS, 2 pages Kennebunkport, Maine 11/13/05. Drake tries to answer a source question about the location of a proposed Susquehanna Fort from one of his earlier histories. He explains he was still in his summer home “convalescing from a protracted illness.” He died three weeks later. Excellent condition with the envelope. [#4795]

American author, single page ALS, Oct 9, 1929 on his personal stationery to Leah Ruth, arranging a meeting. There is a small pencil notation in one corner, minor paper clip mark in the other but generally a fine example. [#4792]

Russian violinist, signed program on photo cover. The eight page program is for a December 23, 1919 recital at City Hall in Bangor, Maine. Some soiling and scuffing on the cover, away from the autograph and a flattened center vertical fold. [#4528]

Edna Ferber - Novelist and Pulitizer prize winner, signed leter on 8vo personal letterhead November 16, 1926. Ferber allows someone to quote one of her characters but asks they the attribution be to the charcer not herself. [#4635]

American writer, one page ALS frin Chicago, Nov 26, 1888. In his typically tiny neat handwriting, Field acts on behalf of the Chicago Daily News asking a presumed critic to offer an opinion on a performance. The 4to sheet of toned paper is in very good condition with a single mailing fold running through a couple letters of his first name. [#4793]

Zona Gale, author 2 ½ page ALS Dec. 13, 1934 on a folded four page sheet of stationrry from The Gotham hotel in New York. A brief thank you note for sending some material and mentions she is on her way home to Portage Wisconsin. Gale was a playwright and the first woman to win a Pulitzer for Drama. [#4889]

Charles Dana Gibson – artist. Autograph letter signed, 2 sheets front and back, dated in pencil in an unknown hand Sept. 2, 1897. Gibson writes of a brief visit to Bristol (Rhode Island) and looking to buy property there. He asks the recipient for an idea of the price of a couple of lots, one 16 acres the other 13 acres near the point. It is unclear if he actually bought any property there but it was a place he would have visited often. His grandmother lived there and her home was passed down to Gibson's sister.

The letter is written on the front and back of two 8vo sheets of blue paper. The final page with Gibson's signatures shows some lightness either from the pen going a bit dry or some slight fading but still excellent.

Gibson was America's foremost illustrator at the turn of the 19th and 20th Century. He is most famous for his illustrations of savvy, sophisticated women in control of their surroundings and their men. The iconic portrayal was known as a Gibson Girl and the images defined women in the late American Victorian period.

Johnny Green, composer and pianist. Signed letter, September 13, 1965 to Michael Daily sending two autograph cards, not present, and correcting the recipients information and pointing out that he has four not three Oscars. Green won Oscars for Best Score of a Musical for Easter Parade in 1948, An American in Paris in 1951, West Side Story in his final one, after this letter was written for Oliver in 1968. He also won and in Oscar in 1953 as Producer for The Merry Wives of Windsor. He was nominated an additional nine times for other works between 1947and 1969. [#4269]

Kate Greenaway British illustrator and author or children’s books. Three page ALS on a small 8vo four page sheet, no date, Holloway London. The famous Victorian illustrator invites someone to visit. [#4784]

Author best known for his prolific works of fiction about the Old West. Signed check filled in and made out to “myself” for $500 on Nov. 16, 1928. He has both signed the front and endorsed it with a full signature on the back. [#4990]

âAC;“ poet and author, 1 page ALS, Dec. 19, 1892 to Edward Clement, Editor of the Boston Evening Transcript, correcting statements from another contributor or reporter "on an interesting literary topic with which I happen to be more familiar than she is." Unfortunately the corrections are not present but this wonderful one page example of her handwriting is in excellent condition and easily displayable.

Guiney's was a well-recognized author of the late 19th century whose work was more critically acclaimed than commercially successful. She wrote several books and volumes of poetry as well as a biography of Henri de la Rochejaquelein, the French general who helped lead the rebellion against the French Republic. [#3496]

Francis Seymour Haden, English artist, author on art, brother –in-law of James Whistler. Three page ALS on a folded sheet, January 1881 May Fair, Westminster. Haden writes to Lady Elizabeth Eastlake, also an author and art historian, asking about some sketches published in her book “Letters From The Baltic.” [#4900]

Edward Everett Hale, author and influential clergyman, brief ALS on personal stationery Oct. 14,1905 acknowledging a note but explaining he needs to defer an answer—probably for a speaking engagement. [#4880]

Sarah Josepha Hale author, poet and influential editor. One page ALS Febry, 3, 1848(?), to one of her publishers Carey & Hart suggesting that it might be better if they sent her poems to editors in her city than other cities. Hale wrote “Mary Had A Little Lamb” and is credited with pushing Abraham Lincoln to declare a national day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in 1863.

Julian Hawthorne - author, son of Nathaniel. Signed letter, July 31, 1902 to Josiah Drummond or Portland Maine, 1 page on a folded 5.5 x 8.5 bifolium page. Building interest in an upcoming work Hawthorne offers to send a bound index of art and literature in European Galleries. The index will be complimentary. The biographies and descriptions will be by subscription. The third page of the folded sheet contains engravings of eight Scholars who participated in the project. It is nicer marketing piece for subscriptions to books than normally seen. Hawthorne also wrote his own address in NY at the conclusion of the letter. [#5618]

American playwright best known for Porgy, later adapted to Porgy and Bess. Check for $5 on Dec. 24, 1948 filled in and signed by Heyward. [#4994]

Oliver Wendell Holmes - poet, two page ALS, front and back of 8vo sheet. Holmes offers thanks for “…a little memento in the familiar hand-writing of my father. I cherish all such memorials and am gratified to add this to my collection of them. Abiel Holmes was a prominent colonial clergyman and early historian. Abiel of course had a more famous son and grandson. The letter is in excellent condition but the penmanship is quite fine and lighltly penned. [#4786]

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. – poet and physician. ALS, “O W Holmes”, Boston, 1st page of a 4.5 x 6 bifolium sheet, December 4, 1888. Holmes asks Leverett Saltonstall, if he can arrange for a shipment of his China plates delivered by the Cunard Line be delivered to him. The Saltonstalls were one of Boston’s famous Brahmin families. The Saltonstall to whom Holmes was writing was the grandfather of future Massachsuetts Governor (1939-1945) and U.S. Senator (1945-1967) Leverett Saltonstall. The letter is in excellent condition with nice association between two leading Boston families. [#5430]

296 Beacon St./ December 44th 1888/ Dear Mr. Saltonstall,/ I learn at the Cunard Office that my China plates are at the wharf at Eat Boston. Can you order/ them sent to me, at my expense,/ or must I send over for them?/ Very truly yours/ O W Holmes”

British Author and Member of Parliament, undated one page ALS of introduction of two young men. The letter is in black border House of Commons mourning stationery. Hughes wrote Tom Brown’s School Days and Tom brown at Oxford. There is one slight fold tear beginning at the margin in one spot and mounting remnants on the back. [#4544]

Henry Irving – One of England’s most famous actors. A brief 3 page ALS, July 1876, on a small sheet of personal stationery from 15A Grafton St, in Mayfair, London. The printed address is crossed out and he wrote his location for that day– which I can’t make out. The paper is a folded sheet forming 4 pages measuring 4 x 6. Irving’s difficult penmanship runs on the front page and two inside pages. He is re-arranging his schedule and moving an appointment.
Irving was a leader in British theatre not just as a famous actor but as manager of the Lyceum Theatre, one of London’s most successful and vibrant theatres of the late 19th Century

Otto H. Kahn - financier. LS, 5-3-23 on Kuhn, Loeb & Co letterhead. Kahn offers some encouragement to playwright Augustus Thomas and the Producing Manager's Association in establishing a National Theatre. "Rome was not built in one day, neither will the National Theatre be. I am delighted that you mean to go on building." He signs it "O. H. Kahn". The paper has some marks and rust spots from old paperclips.
In 1919 the stage actors waged a one-month strike against the Association of Production Managers. Thomas was one of the key figures who helped mediate, resulting in new contracts more favorable to the actors. In 1922, as a leader in the APM, Thomas led one of the first efforts to establish a National Theatre program in the United States.
Kahn was one of the wealthier financiers of the early 1900's. He had a passion for the arts was a generous underwriter and leaders of the Metropolitan Opera, New York Phil and supported individual artists.
This is a better than average content letter from Kahn with nice association and reference to early 20th Century theatre and the still unsuccessful efforts of building a national theatre program. [#5589]

Rockwell Kent, illustrator and artist signed limited edition of N by E published in 1930 by Random House. This is # 283 of a limited signed edition of 990, signed by Kent on the limitation page in the back of the book. There is some separation of the back end paper from the cover. The binding while intact is loose and there is some sunning to the cover. There is some soiling or smudging of ink other than the signatureâAC;™s ink around the signature. Priced accordingly. [#4460]

- ALS, one page Cambridge Feb 21, 1878 declining an invitation because he has so many engagements. It is mounted with a large oval photograph and framed from Charles Hamilton Autographs with Hamilton's "certificate of authenticity" and red wax seal on the back. Hamilton was one of the leading autograph experts in the mid to late 20th Century. This is a nice representation of a framed piece from his business.

Lowell, James Russell poet and author of The Bigelow papers. Autograph quotation signed dated and signed. Lowell pens the last stanza from his poem Fancy’s Casuistry

These obstinate self questionings spare,
Leave what to do & what to dare
To the inspiring moment's care,
Nor ask for payment
Of fame or gold, but just to wear
Unspotted raiment.

J. R. Lowell
Elmwood
27th Oct, 1854

Published accounts of the poem have a different first line: “Such questionings are idle air:” so Lowell may have actually forgotten part of his own work or substituted a line with something he thought better fit a partial quotation from a longer work.

along wit an original cabinet photo.

Percy MacKaye poet and playwright, ANS 1923 on his personal stationary, which appears trimmed, from Hill-Top in Cornish NH thanking someone for a book. [#4884]

Composer and musician. An original poem honoring Sara D. Roosevelt’s (FDR’s mother) 80th birthday with an inscribed dedication by Madison to Mrs. Roosevelt, along with a signed cover letter from Madison to Mrs. Roosevelt. Madison was a prolific songwriter in the first half of the 20th Century. Although somewhat overlooked today he had a rather unusual body of work putting poems written by presidents and their family to music. Interesting and different for the FDR collector. [#4537]

Edwin Markham – poet. Autograph letter signed, July 3, 1900 on blank paper with rubber stamp return address. Markham sends Charles Arthur a book of verse for his two little girls in hopes they "will learn to love all poetry and live it." One of Markham’s better known works was his poem “Lincoln the Man of the People” which he read at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial. [#4147]

Henry Miller— American writer, payroll check to Albert Wiggins for $30, February 22, 1978 personally signed by Miller. His works included Tropic of Cancer which was part of the 1960’s Surpeme Court cases on obscenity and literary freedom of speech. [#4988]

Set of three signed books – two signed by Miller: limited addition of Henry Miller’s Book of Friends published by Capra Press bound in imitation leather and an acetate cover. This is #34 of 250 copies signed by Miller on the limitation page. In fine condition with a tear along one corner of the acetate cover. Also includes a signed copy of Reflections on the Maurizius Case. This is a softcover 1974 edition by Capra Press. There is some discoloration on the covers. Finally a privately published book Henry Miller and Anais Nin Frolic in the Villa Seurat, signed by the author “38/120 Rene Mayoux”, in the original illustrated envelope. [#2192]

Poet and author (1835-1908) ALS April (n.y.) on the front and back of a small folded sheet sending a small donation to a charity. [#4657]

Author, playwright, actor, Diplomat. ALS, June 7, 1840 on plain light blue stationery to Joseph Goldsborough Bruff. The author of Home! Sweet Home rejects a drawing offered by the artist.
Bruff would achieve some fame for his drawings and stories of the western gold miners as well as his skills as a cartographer. But that would all be later. His early work apparently did not impress Payne who had already achieved notoriety for his acting and the song "Home! Sweet Home". After offering some criticism of a sketch offered by mutual friends, Payne writes "All these things considered, I have thought you would rather be obliged to me for not sending it where it would meet critical eyes, accustomed to the most finished & refined sights."

The letter has typical folds, the adjoining cover sheet is address in Payne's hand and there is small loss of paper on the blank sheet from the intact wax seal. It might be worth some additional research to learn if Bruff's work was revised and included in some of Payne's work. [#5580]

Irish writer and dramatist, chess expert. Signed letter, 3 pages, July 10, 1922 on Dunstall Priory about a chess problem. Signed “Yours very truly Dunsany”. It is in excellent condition. [#4532]

Three page ALS April 30,1889 from Castle Hill in Virginia. In response to a request for a signed photograph the then popular author explains that her supply is gone. In another hand is an initialed postscript that she will send the photograph when she gets a new supply but the photographer is a “crank” and apparently not very good at filling orders. There is some toning to the letter with mounting remnants on along the fold of the 2nd and 3rd pages.

Rives was an author and poet whose fame and popularity may have been driven by her personality as much as her writing. Her first marriage, to a descendent of John Jacob Astor ended in divorce and her second marriage was to the artist Prince Pierre Troubetzkoy of Russian nobility.

Rives’ godfather was Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Her father Alfred was a Colonel in the Confederate Army and the Chief of Engineers to Lee. She eventually inherited and lived in Castle Hill, a plantation near Monticello which is now listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.

[#4174]

One page letter, Burlinton VT, 1851. The poet and author of The Blind Men and The Elephant discusses the proper role of a poetry reading in an evening speaking program. Some toning and spots in a few places with some mounting remnants in the corners. [#4175]

Playwright, screenwriter, FDR speechwriter. Signed letter, Dec. 1947, mentioning his firend the poet Arthur Guiterman. #4145

British author, friend of Dickens, leader in parliament who helped pass England’s copyright protection. ALS, possibly to Dickens, mentioning the House of Commons. [#4603]

Signed letter, October 11, 1923 on Seawood, Kennebunkport, Maine stationary responding to a request for his autograph. Signed in full "Booth Tarkington". There is a small rust mark from an old paper clip at the top of the letter and some minor brushing of the ink to a letter in his signature, otherwise a fine example.[#4081]

Autograph letter signed, May 8, 1839, Wilton Place in London. He declines an invitation to the annual Artists’ Benevolent Fund dinner due to another engagement, signing the letter “Rich Westmacott”. This is a very nice one page example with a light vertical fold. His works are still very much a part of London’s landscape with examples in Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace Gardens and in the British Museum.

Kate Douglas Wiggin - author of children's stories and composer. Autograph letter signed on personal stationery, one page on a 5 x 8 bifolium sheet. She accepts an offer of tickets to the play The Basker. She didn't accept the offer too soon: The Basker had a short Broadway run of just two months at the Empire Theatre. The play was written by British playwright Emile Clifford. Believing her work would be more widely accepted if written by a man she adopted the pen name of Clifford Mills.

Wiggin's heavy black ink provides nice contrast against tan or beige paper. She signs with her later married name Kate Douglas Riggs, although professionally she wrote under her own name of Wiggin. Her most famous work was Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. [#5586]

Nov. 28, 1916
Dear Mr. Thomas:
I will call up your office (if I can find it) tomorrow, Wednesday morning & see if it is convenient for you to give us seats for the Basker in the evening, as you so kindly suggested.
Sincerely,
Kate Douglas Riggs

Ella Wheeler Wilcox - poet and author (1850-1919). Although not a household name today her work was significant. Her poem "Solitude" opens with lines most people do recognize today "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone."

Handwritten letter on her personal stationery of The Bungalow in Shore Beach Conn. Responding to a fan on June 15, 1901 she mentions several of her books: "I enclose a circular of my books. My latest is "Three Women", "Custer & Other Poems" & ____ preceded it. --- 100 of my journal articles is now in press. Sincerely yours Ella Wheeler Wilcox."
The book at print was probably "Everyday Thoughts in Prose and Verse"
[#5583]

American playwright, signed check April 16, 1947 to the Plymouth Theatre Box Office for a pair of opening seat tickets to James Parish’s play “Message For Margaret”. This is a nice association and piece of Broadway history with one of the most famous playwrights buying tickets to another writer’s play, perhaps Parish’s most successful work. Williams’ own play A Streetcar named Desire hit Broadway later that year. [#4896]