BURNABY
(Frederick Gustavus, 1842-1885, Colonel, Army Intelligence Officer)
Autograph Letter Signed to Lord Houghton
regretting that he does “not return to town before Friday next or shd have had much pleasure in availing myself of yr kind invitation...”, 1 side 8vo., The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton, 5th June no year, circa
Item Date:
1880
Stock No:
43610
£150
Add to Wish List
Order/Enquire
Full Details
|
|
BURNAND
(Sir Francis Cowley, 1836-1917, Editor of ‘Punch’ 1881-1906)
Signature and Inscription for an Autograph letter signed
“oblige. Yours faithfully’, 8” x 2”, no place, no date
Item Date:
0
Stock No:
43605
£15
Add to Wish List
Order/Enquire
Full Details
|
|
BUTT
(Dame Clara Ellen, 1873-1936, Contralto) & Robert Kennerley RUMFORD (1870- 1957, Baritone)
Vintage postcard photo by Ellis & Wallery, signed by both and dated,
showing them half length standing together, she is wearing a white dress and he is holding their baby, probably their daughter Joy (born 1901), 5½” x 3½”, no place, dated later when signed as 30th October
Item Date:
1919
Stock No:
43613
£175
Add to Wish List
Order/Enquire
Full Details
|
|
CRICHTON-STUART
(Sophia Frederica Christina, Marchioness of Bute, née Rawdon-Hastings, 1809-1859, Scottish Noblewoman, 2nd wife of John, the 2nd Marquess)
Autograph note to an unnamed correspondent
“Presented by Sophia Hastings Marchioness of Bute”, 1 side 8vo., no place, no date
Item Date:
0
Stock No:
43614
£75
Add to Wish List
Order/Enquire
Full Details
|
|
DARMESTETER
(James, 1849-1894, French Author, Orientalist and Antiquarian)
Important Long Autograph Letter Signed to Lord REAY
(Donald James Mackay, 1st Baron Reay, 11th Lord, 1839-1921, Dutch born British Administrator and Liberal Politician) saying that he has “by no means forgotten my promise to keep you informed of this scientific pilgrimage, in which you have taken such kind interest and which began under the gracious auspices of Yourself and Lady Reay. I have been somewhat slow in writing, choosing to wait until the close of this first phase of my journey — a moment which is now approaching. My travels brought me from Bombay to Peshawar in the span of about three weeks, and thanks to your letters of introduction, I received the most generous welcome whenever I was fortunate enough to encounter their intended recipients. Unfortunately — though perhaps as you anticipated — it was the season of tours for some and hunting trips for others. In Jaipur, the Resident was in Calcutta, yet he telegraphed to ensure that every facility was offered to me. In Delhi, Mr. MacNabb was preparing to depart, but nonetheless provided valuable guidance that has since served me well. I arrived in Peshawar a month ago and shall leave in a few days, driven away by the advancing heat. I go with genuine regret, for there is no place richer in resources — both in people and in books — for the study of Pashtu. There is much to be accomplished here, and yet so little is being done: the practical demands of administration consistently stifle theoretical pursuits, as inevitably occurs when pure research lacks independent support. The most intriguing works of Afghan literature remain unpublished, for local printers cater only to popular tastes — Persian or Arabic theological treatises, or Hindi tales. Everything else lies neglected and too often disappears entirely, for manuscripts are rare, and their custodians regrettably careless. Only a few days ago I believed I had stumbled upon a scholarly treasure: the Pashtu correspondence between the Afridi chiefs and Emperor Akbar — the very period in which that renowned tribe first emerges in history. The papers were said to be in the possession of an elderly mullah, whose ancestor served as Akbar’s secretary for Afghan affairs. But upon inquiry, I learned that the documents had been lost — or destroyed — some years ago, as they were falling to pieces. Had the scientific exploration of this frontier been better organised, had candidates for the Pashtu examinations been motivated by anything beyond prize money or the ability to converse with a munshi, such documents would long since have been edited, translated, and preserved. Missionaries might also contribute greatly; yet here again, practical concerns prevail to the exclusion of all else, at least for now. On my return to Bombay, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this and other matters of a similar nature with you. Here, I can find no one to whom such criticisms may be usefully addressed — and coming from a foreigner, they might easily be misinterpreted. I am certain this would not be the case with you, whose interest in pure knowledge is as great as if you were neither a statesman nor a man of action. In a few days, I shall take advantage of the last trace of cool weather and travel through the district in search of folk songs. Here — as everywhere among peoples whose literary tradition remains in formation — these songs constitute the most vivid and authentic expression of their culture. I do not yet know where I shall spend the worst of the heat and the rains, though I intend to remain in the North so that I may visit the cities of the Ganges in the autumn. I shall go either to Murree or to Simla, accompanied by a local munshi. This is, I fear, a somewhat selfish letter, in which the first person intrudes too freely; and in France, they say that self is a most detestable thing. But you asked for my impressions, and I trust you will not hold the indulgence against me. My brother has charged me, whenever I write to you, to offer the assurance of his warm and devoted regards. I hope this letter finds you fully recovered, and that Lady Reay is in the best of health...”, 6 sides 8vo., Peshawar, 27th April no year but
Item Date:
1886
Stock No:
43598
£875
Add to Wish List
Order/Enquire
Full Details
|
|