Showing 1–60 of 201 results

• 

  Rare Isaac Newton Manuscript highlighting his controversial theological views, which were kept hidden for hundreds of years.

  NEWTON, Isaac.

  Isaac Newton Original Manuscript.

  Rare full page folio autograph manuscript of Isaac Newton, father of physics and modern science and author of important texts such as the Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, Opticks, and many more. While Newton is mostly known for his scientific and mathematical pursuits and is considered to be one of the most influential scientists of all time, his controversial theological views, which were kept hidden for centuries, were as brilliant as his science and an extension of his search for truth. Many believe theology was actually his first love, as he wrote more about religion than he did about science. Of Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, he stated, “When I wrote my treatise about our Systeme I had an eye upon such Principles as might work with considering men for the beliefe of a Deity and nothing can rejoyce me more than to find it useful for that purpose”. He wrote in the Principa, “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent Being. . . . This Being governs all things, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord over all. . . . The Supreme God is a Being eternal, infinite, absolutely perfect.” While he believed in a supreme God, early in his career at Trinity College, his theological research of original texts led him to believe that authentic Christianity had been perverted by corrupted by the early church fathers and that the brand of religion that was now accepted as orthodox by the Roman Catholic Church and to some extent, by the Church of England, was not completely true. He discovered that the final phrases of 1 John 5:7  ‘and these three are one’ was not present in any Greek version that he studied and came to the conclusion that it was a deliberate addition to the text to provide justification for the doctrine of the Trinity. He concluded that the orthodox notion of the Trinity was a fiction that was invented in the early fourth century. This document is very important, as its contents deal with these controversial issues. Written in English and some Latin, he writes concerning an Epistle of Emperor Constantine regarding the Arian debate and the Council of Nicea, which laid out the famous doctrinal statement, the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed was adopted to resolve the Arian controversy, whose leader, Arius, a clergyman of Alexandria, “objected to Alexander’s (the bishop of the time) apparent carelessness in blurring the distinction of nature between the Father and the Son by his emphasis on eternal generation”. In reply, Alexander accused Arius of denying the divinity of the Son and also of being too “Jewish” and “Greek” in his thought. Alexander and his supporters created the Nicene Creed to clarify the key tenets of the Christian faith in response to the widespread adoption of Arius’ doctrine, which was henceforth marked as heresy. Because of these views, Newton’s theological writings, were marked “Not fit to be printed”. They were stored and were not in the public until the economist John Maynard Keynes and Jewish scholar and businessman, Abraham Yahuda, acquired many of them in 1936. There are very few of these original writings left in private hands, as the majority of the manuscripts are being held in collection at the Cambridge University Library, at the Kings College (a gift of John Maynard Keynes), the Jewish National and University Library (now National Library of Israel), the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, the Fondation Martin Bodmer in Geneva, and the Grace K. Babson collection now housed in the Huntington Library in California. This rare piece of history is a highlight for those interested in both Newton’s scientific and theological endeavors. Matted and framed.

   

   

   

  Price: $150,000.00     Item Number: 119750

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "ALL 'CLASSES' FOR EXPERIENCE AND LEARNING – BUT I DO PREFER 'NON-LITERARY' PEOPLE LIKE WAITERS, TRUCKDRIVERS, GIRLS, CARPENTERS, CLAM DIGGERS, RAILROAD MEN, SEA MEN, OLD MILLIONAIRES, ALL THE 'CHARACTERS'”; SCARCE JACK KEROUAC AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED LETTER

  KEROUAC, Jack.

  Jack Kerouac Autographed Manuscript.

  1964.

  Jack Kerouac’s candid handwritten reply to a young man’s questions about being a “Beatnik,” his life philosophy, his thoughts on Montana, and more. Students in Robert Dodd’s ninth-grade class were given an assignment to contact their favorite writer with their own unique series of questions relating specifically to that writer. The young Dodd chose Jack Kerouac, and the author replied at length to his questionnaire, which includes queries about his classification as a “Beatnik” (his answer: “I never was a Beatnik – it was the newspapers and critics who tagged that label on me….”), life philosophy (“My philosophy is ‘No Philosophy,’ just ‘Things-As-They-Are’”), career goals (“Be a great writer making everybody believe in Heaven”), the ideal way of life (“Hermit in the woods…”), his thoughts on fame (“My name is like Crackerjacks, famous, but very few people buy my books…”), and segregation (“[t]he Irish and Italians of Massachusetts never paraded in protest, just worked hard and made it”). Interestingly, Kerouac is most expansive in response to the final question: whether he has visited Montana. His answer fills three-quarters of the page, beginning: “Great day, my favorite state! – I wrote about Montana in ‘On the Road’ but the publishers took it out behind my back… I stayed one night, but up all night, in a saloon in Butte, to keep out of the 40-below February cold, among sheep ranchers playing poker.” Two pages with Dodd’s questions type-written and Kerouac’s responses handwritten in full. The letter reads in full, “To Robert Dodd from Jack Kerouac Feb. 28^th 1964.” 1. In Town and the Country (Kerouac crosses out Country for City) your style of writing is much different from The Lonesome Traveler. Do you change your style with the type of story? Kerouac responds: “‘The Town and the City’ was my first, youngman novel when I was just starting out, trying to write like Thomas Wolfe – ‘Lonesome Traveler’ is a product of my own style which I developed in later years, ‘spontaneous writing’ with no looking back, in my own laws of story telling – OUTERSPACE PROSE! My own original invention.” 2.  Many people have referred to you as a “beatnik” or a “way out” writer. Do you feel this way about yourself? “‘Way-out’ yes, but I never was a beatnik – it was the newspapers and critics who tagged that label on me – I never had a beard, never wore sandals, avoided the company of Bohemians and their politics and always had a job on the road like in ‘Lonesome T.’ on railroad, ships etc.” 3. Some people refer to your thinking as existentialism where man makes his own destiny. Just what is your philosophy of life? “My philosophy now is “no-philosophy,” just “Things – As – They – Are”. 4. What goal are you trying to reach in your career? “Be a great writer making everybody believe in Heaven.” 5. What do you think is the ideal way of life? “Hermit in the woods, one-room cabin, wood stove, oil lamp, books, food, outhouse, no electricity, just creek or brook water, sleep, hiking, nothing-to-do-(Chinese Wu Wei).” 6. Do you like fame or would you rather write and have only your works become famous? “My name is like Crackerjacks, famous, but very few people buy my books because they’ve been told by newspapers and critics that I’m crazy, so I’m almost broke now 1964 – I hate fame without fortune, which is really INFAMY AND RIDICULE, in my case.” 7. From your many books I see that you must travel a lot. Do you try to mix in with different classes or do you stick to one? “All ‘classes’ for experience and learning – but I do prefer ‘non-literary’ people like waiters, truckdrivers, girls, carpenters, clam diggers, railroad men, sea men, old millionaires, all the ‘characters’.” 8. Does the West coast influence an author’s style differently than the East coast? “No – I and the “Beats” came from the East Coast and just rode out there, no special difference in style except a little on subject matter, i.e. open-spaces country.” 9. What is your favorite subject matter? “That everybody goes to Heaven – read “Visions of Gerard” (about Lowell in 1926).” 10. Here in Boston there is much controversy over segregation of the negroes. What is your stand on the issue? “They need jobs, naturally, and education for better jobs – But the Irish and Italians of Massachusetts never paraded in protest, just worked harder, and made it.” 11. Do you plan to visit the East coast, especially the Boston area soon? “Yeh – “lecture” dinner at Harvard soon – I live in Long Island since 1958 so I can’t exactly “visit” the Ease Coast, hey,” –  12. Have you ever been to Montana and, if you have, what were your views on it? “Great day, my favorite state! – I wrote about Montana in “On the Road” but the publishers took it out behind my back – I stayed one night, up all night, in a saloon in Butte, to keep out of the 40- below February cold, among sheep ranchers playing poker (with sheep dogs at their feet), red-eyed drunken Indians drinking out of bottles in the john, Chinese gamblers, women, cowboys, miners – And outside of Butte, at Three Forks Montana, I saw the source of the Missouri River in the snowy valley – I also heard wolves howl in the Bitterroot Mountains – But I didn’t like Missoula much (skiers etc.) – I would like to have a summer cabin in Montana some day, the last truly “Western” state. Sincerely, Jack Kerouac.” In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 31 inches by 18 inches. A rare and intimate glimpse into the thought an literary progression of one of the formative writers of the 20th century.

  Price: $75,000.00     Item Number: 79098

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "My aim is, though I will of course not announce it, to make people feel intellectually superior if they 'see through' socialism": Exceedingly rare original manuscript of Hayek's The Reactionary Character of the Socialist Conception

  HAYEK, Friedrich August von. [F.A.].

  A Disquisition on the Reactionary and Counter-Scientific Character of the Socialist Conception F. A. Hayek Autograph Manuscript.

  1978.

  Exceedingly rare original manuscript of Nobel Prize-winning economist F.A. Hayek’s The Reactionary Character of the Socialist Conception, 29 pages entirely in Hayek’s hand with his edits in a blank handmade Japanese journal. Octavo, original stiff Japanese floral paper wrappers stitched as issued, paper title label affixed to the front wrapper in Hayek’s hand which reads, “Disquisition on the Reactionary Character of the Socialist Conception.” The entire document is written in Hayek’s hand including a Table of Contents and page numbers. With Hayek’s library stamp to the front free endpaper and his notation, “Mostly written in Japan and Freiburg October to December 1978.” Hayek has also noted on the page containing the Table of Contents: “[My aim is, though I will of course not announce it, to make people feel intellectually superior if they ‘see through’ socialism.]” The manuscript was published the same year Hayek completed it by the Hoover Institution at Stanford University as The Reactionary Character of the Socialist Conception. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. In fine condition.

  Price: $60,000.00     Item Number: 108246

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Exceedingly rare new and revised edition of M. de Bourrienne's Life of Napoleon extra-illustrated with  additional portraits and views and over 50 autograph letters and notes signed by Napoleon I,  members of his family, and royal associates

  DE BOURRIENNE, Fauvelet. [Napoleon].

  Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte.

  London: Richard Bentley and Son, 1885.

  Exceedingly rare edition of M. de Bourrienne’s Life of Napoleon extra-illustrated with additional portraits and views and over 50 autograph letters and notes signed by Napoleon I,  members of his family, associates, and the author bound in. Octavo, bound in three quarters scarlet morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt with others uncut, tissue-guarded frontispiece and full color portrait to each volume, illustrated with engravings issued in the initial publication and over 100 extra portraits and views bound in. With over 50 autograph letters signed bound in including 3 autograph letters signed by Napoleon I (bound into Vol. I page 201, Vol. I page 369, and Vol. III page 530), and autograph letters signed by Charles J. Bernadotte, King of Spain; Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain; Fauvelet de Bourrienne; A.A.L. Caulincort, Duc de Vicenza; Marquis Emmanuel Grouchy; Napoleon’s second wife Marie Louise. Duchess of Parma; Joachim Murat, King of Naples; Comte Horace Sebastiani, and Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington among others. With the original compiler’s printed catalog of extra material detailing the location (volume and page number) of each added engraving and autograph letter signed.  In near fine condition. Accompanied by an additional military endorsement signed by Napoleon during the Peninsular War, “Approuvé  Np.” An exceptional collection of significant Napoleonic era signatures.

  Price: $45,000.00     Item Number: 117078

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Autographed Signed Letters From Mohandas Gandhi

  GANDHI, Mohandas K. [Mahatma].

  Mohandas K. Gandhi Autograph Note Collection.

  1926.

  Rare autograph note collection in the hand of the Father of the Nation of India, Mahatma Gandhi, written at the height of the struggle for Indian Independence. The collection includes two autograph notes, two autograph letters, and three autograph postcards with Gandhi’s “Blessings” inscribed at the conclusion of each. The postcards are postmarked May 27, June 26, and July 25 1926. Gandhi took leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921 and led nationwide campaigns to ease poverty, expand women’s rights, and, above all, achieve Indian independence from British rule. In the wake of World War II, Gandhi opposed providing any help to the British war effort and campaigned against any Indian participation in the war. As the war progressed, Gandhi intensified his demand for independence, calling for the British to Quit India in a 1942 speech in Mumbai, hours after which he was arrested by the British government. Gandhi’s imprisonment lasted two years, although he was initially sentenced to six. He was released in May of 1944 due to failing health. Following the end of WWII, the new British government passed the Indian Independence Act of 1947, partitioning the British Indian Empire was into two dominions, a Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. In very good condition.

  Price: $40,000.00     Item Number: 114068

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "High School introduced at young age (15 & 16) to Emily Dickinson, who is probably greatest American poet I realize now": Rare Graduate Student Questionnaire Completed and Signed by Jack Kerouac with a lengthy inscription

  KEROUAC, Jack.

  Jack Kerouac Autograph Questionnaire Signed.

  1960.

  Rare mimeographed questionnaire sent by a graduate student of City College of New York to Jack Kerouac; completed and signed twice by him with a lengthy inscription in conclusion. Two pages, partially printed the questionnaire begins with a typed letter signed by James A. Sherlock politely requesting Kerouac’s response which reads in part: “Dear Mr. Kerouac, I am a graduate student of City College of New York, working upon an original research project aimed at uncovering certain educational factors in the lives of successful writers. As you undoubtedly know, there always has been considerable interest in analyzing the psychological make-up of the writer, but seldom has the more prosaic factor of the writer’s education been taken into consideration. Through this questionnaire, I would like to find out if the average successful writer considers his high school education in English a help or a hindrance in preparing him for his profession. Did frequent composition assignments aid the writer in improving his skill? Did reading – either outside reading or reading assigned in the classroom – play a small or large part in preparing the writer for his work?” Completed by Kerouac, in his hand, the questionnaire reads: Reading During High School: 1. In your high school days, did you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction? “Both” 2. If you preferred fiction, what type did you prefer? (Novels, short stories, plays, poetry, etc.) “Novels (from Bronte to ‘pulp’ novels)” 3. If you preferred non-fiction, what subjects did you prefer to read about? “Encyclopaedias [sic], Atlases, Harvard Classics (of Elliot)” 4. Was most of your reading matter of your own choosing or reading material assigned in the classroom? “My Own Choosing mostly (cut classes to spend schooldays in Library)” 5. Did you favor one or two authors at this time in particular in your high school reading? If so, whom? “Just general” 6. As nearly as you can remember, approximately how many books did you read each month during your high school days? “Depended on activities (of course)” High School Instruction: 7. As nearly as you can remember, how often were written compositions assigned in your high school English classes? “Can’t remember” 8. In your opinion, what facet of English instruction did most to develop your skill as a writer? (Literature, composition, spelling, grammar, vocabulary study, others) “Literature” The least? “Composition” 9. As you recall, were your grades in English composition on the whole very good, good, average, fair, or poor? (Kerouac has checked good) 10. Do you recall ever having received special encouragement in your writing from a high school English teacher? “Yes, Joseph Pyne of Lowell High School (Mass.)” Early Writing: 11. At approximately what age did you first seriously consider becoming a writer? “17 (That is, a ‘serious’ writer) (wrote since 11)” 12. Did you engage in outside writing – above the usual writing required in every day life – to any degree at this time? “Yes – from 11 yrs. old on.” 13. Did you at this time consciously imitate the style of any particular author or authors in your writing? “Yes” If so, who? “Saroyan & Hemingway (at 17)” 14. In your opinion, how much did your high school English courses contribute to your success as a writer? (Kerouac has checked all four options: Very much, Some, Little, and Very Little) 15. What factor or factors, if any, would you say contributed more that your schooling to your success as a writer? “SELF IMPOSED READING SCHEDULES OUTSIDE CLASSROOM” Note: If you have additional ideas on the value or inadequacies of your high school English instruction, please feel free to state them on the back of this questionnaire. Name: “Jack Kerouac”. In response to the final question, Kerouac has added a full page signed inscription to the verso of the third page of the questionnaire, “English & American Lit course in High School introduced at young age (15 & 16) to Emily Dickinson, who is probably greatest American poet I realize now (at least equal to Melville & Whitman for sheer mental beauty & brilliance of emotion – description) – High School crucial time to teach Jack K. But writers are born, not made (ask Balzac).” In near fine condition. An exceptional example offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the education and influences of one of the formative writers of the 20th century.

  Price: $38,000.00     Item Number: 117950

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Exceptionally Rare Hand-written Letter Signed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a graduate student at Boston University in 1952

  KING, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther.

  Martin Luther King, Jr. Hand-Written Autograph Letter Signed.

  Boston: 1952.

  Hand-written autograph letter signed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to his academic adviser at Boston University Graduate School. The letter, dated September 1952 on an official Registrar Petition form addressed to the faculty reads: “I am desirous of taking twelve hours towards the PhD degree this semester in the Boston University Graduate School. My major field is Systematic theology. At present I have completed twenty-eight hours toward the degree, and passed the French examination. I plan to take the German examination in October, 1952. I would have taken the examination before now, but I wanted to make sure that I had an adequate background in German before taking it. For the past two years I have been a close student of German. In the light of this I am fairly certain that I can pass the examination in October. Martin L. King Jr. Graduate Student.” With faculty notes beneath signed by King’s academic adviser, “1952 L. Harold DeWolf. Approved. Granted for fall semester only.” King has also clearly printed his name on the verso, visible though an opening at in the back of the frame. Double matted and framed with a photograph of a young King. The entire piece measures 19 inches by 15 inches. An exceptionally rare example providing a remarkable glimpse into the iconic leader’s education.

  Price: $25,000.00     Item Number: 82602

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  “I’VE JUST HAD THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE”: Exceptional letter signed by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Nobel Prize-winning economist Friedrich von Hayek

  THATCHER, Margaret. (Friedrich von (F.A.) Hayek).

  Margaret Thatcher Autograph Letter Signed to Friedrich von Hayek.

  1984.

  Exceptional letter signed by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Nobel Prize-winning economist Friedrich von Hayek. One page, on Thatcher’s official 10 Downing Street letterhead and dated May 22nd 1984, the letter reads, “Dear Professor Hayek,” I have it in mind on the occasion of the forthcoming list of Birthday Honours to submit your name to The Queen with a recommendation that Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to approve that you be appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour. I should be glad to know if this would be agreeable to you. I shall take no steps until I have your reply. “Yours sincerely, Margaret Thatcher.” Accompanied by a large original black and white photograph of Hayek taken at the honorary appointment at Buckingham Palace in which, he was in fact, awarded the Companion of Honour Medal by Queen Elizabeth II. In fine condition. Matted and framed, the entire piece measures 24.5 inches by 19 inches. An exceptional piece of history.

  Price: $22,500.00     Item Number: 96254

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "Love, Jerry Salinger": Scarce autograph note signed and entirely in the hand of J.D. Salinger; signed by him two months and two days before he saw combat at Utah Beach on D-Day

  SALINGER, J.D.

  J.D. Salinger Autograph Letter Signed.

  1944.

  Scarce autograph note signed by J.D. Salinger on April 4, 1944, two months and two days before he saw combat at Utah Beach on D-Day. One page from an oblong octavo autograph album bound in full leather, the note is dated 4/4/44 and reads, “Dear Molly – I just don’t have anything bright to say. But I’d like to send you some of my work, and I’d like to take you to a nice place in London where we might get pretty drunk and mellow. Maybe later in The War or after. I’d like that. You remind me of very real things. There aren’t many left. – Love, Jerry Salinger.” The recipient, Molly Bocock was stationed at the School for Military Intelligence in Smedley’s Hydro, Matlock, Derbyshire where she befriended a number of American servicemen training at the school, including Salinger, then a young writer who had submitted several short stories to The New Yorker, all of which were rejected with the exception of his Manhattan-set story, Slight Rebellion off Madison, about a disaffected teenager named Holden Caulfield with “pre-war jitters”. Salinger was drafted into the army in the spring of 1942, several months after the United States entered World War II, where he saw combat with the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. He was present at Utah Beach on D-Day, in the Battle of the Bulge, and the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. During the campaign from Normandy into Germany, Salinger arranged to meet with Ernest Hemingway, who was then working as a war correspondent in Paris. The meeting had a profound effect on Salinger and the development of his writing style; Hemingway was impressed by what Salinger shared with him of his early writing and the two corresponded frequently throughout the war. Salinger was later assigned to the 4th Counter Intelligence Corps in which he used his proficiency in French and German to interrogate prisoners of war and later witnessed the liberation of one of the Dachau Concentration Camps. Salinger continued to write and submit stories to the New Yorker throughout his wartime years, which would have a lasting effect on his life and writing. It was not until 1952 that Salinger’s first, and best-known, work The Catcher in the Rye was published to mixed initial reactions. The autograph album includes several additional signatures and inscriptions from American servicemen training at the School for Military Intelligence as well as a number of signatures from guests at the Cumberland Hotel, including the signature of Beverley Nichols. Laid in is a newspaper clipping from the March 5, 1968 issue of the Evening Standard featuring a book review of Salinger’s Raise High the Roofbeam, Carpenters and Seymour, An Introduction by Richard Lister. An exceptional note, signed by Salinger at a pivotal time in his life, before the wartime experiences that would plague him later in life and contribute to his withdrawal from society.

  Price: $20,000.00     Item Number: 117208

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "All my time is now taken up with very pressing work and I can only hope for a more favourable opportunity": Exceptionally rare autograph note signed by Nikola Tesla

  TESLA, Nikola.

  Nikola Tesla Autograph Note Signed.

  1904.

  Rare autograph note signed by and entirely in the hand of brilliant inventor, Nikola Tesla. On Waldorf Astoria letterhead, the letter is dated December 2, 1904 and reads in full, “Dear Mrs. Dodge, Please accept my thanks for your kind thought. I’m very sorry to miss the pleasure yesterday. All my time is now taken up with very pressing work and I can only hope for a more favourable opportunity. Yours sincerely, N. Tesla.” From 1900 to 1922, Tesla resided at the Waldorf Astoria and made the rounds of New York looking for investors for what he thought would be a viable system of wireless transmission using electrical energy, wining and dining them at the hotel’s famed Palm Garden, Players Club and Delmonicos. In March of 1901, he was successful in obtaining $150,000 from J.P Morgan in return for a 51% share of any generated wireless patents and so began the race between Tesla and rival Guglielmo Marconi to develop the first wireless transmitter, a race Tesla would lose in December of that same year when Marconi successfully transmitted the letter ‘S’ from England to Newfoundland using a radio-based system. In fine condition. Exceptionally rare and desirable.

  Price: $20,000.00     Item Number: 114948

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  “I’ve just had the happiest day of my life": Royal Companion of Honour Appointment: Presented to Friedrich von Hayek by Queen Elizabeth II and signed by her

  HAYEK, Friedrich von [F.A.]. [Queen Elizabeth II].

  Royal Companion of Honour Appointment: Presented to Friedrich von Hayek by Queen Elizabeth II.

  Original Royal Companion of Honour Appointment presented to Friedrich von Hayek by Queen Elizabeth II. One page, with the Royal Companion of Honour Seal stamped in the upper right corner. Signed by Queen Elizabeth II at the head of the appointment, “Elizabeth R.” In fine condition.

  Price: $20,000.00     Item Number: 100139

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "I have been accepted in Boston University Graduate School as a regular student and a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Systematic Theology": Exceptionally Rare Autograph Letter Signed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before beginning graduate studies at Boston University in 1951

  KING, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther .

  Martin Luther King Autograph Letter Signed.

  Boston: 1951.

  Typescript autograph letter signed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. requesting housing upon his acceptance to Boston University Graduate School. The letter, dated June 15th 1951 and addressed to Dean Charles W. Alter, Boston University Graduate School, reads, “Dear Dean Alter, I have been accepted in Boston University Graduate School as a regular student and a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Systematic Theology. I am now interested in finding living accommodations on the campus, or at least very near by. A single room would be preferable. If such is possible I would appreciate having it reserved. I am also interested in applying for a graduate Fellowship. Please send me the necessary information at this point along with an application blank. Thanks in advance for your cooperation, I am Sincerely yours, Martin L. King, Jr.” King later recalled his experience with housing bias in 1951 Boston in an interview with the Boston Globe in 1965, “I remember very well trying to find a place to live. I went into place after place where there were signs that rooms were for rent. They were for rent until they found out I was a Negro, and suddenly they had just been rented.” Double matted and framed, with a photograph of a young King. The entire piece measures 14 inches by 21.75 inches. This letter offers an extraordinary glimpse into the education of the great African-American Civil Rights leader, exemplifying his own experiences with the systemic racism in 1950s American society.

  Price: $18,500.00     Item Number: 82416

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Autograph Letter Signed and entirely in the hand of George Orwell; sent months after he took up residence on the isle of jura where he would write his masterpiece nineteen eighty-four

  ORWELL, George.

  George Orwell Autograph Letter Signed.

  Rare autograph letter signed and entirely in the hand of great English author George Orwell. One page, the letter reads, “Barnhill Isle of Jura Argyllshire Scotland 31.5.46 Dear Sir, I of recently received your letter dated the 22nd, as I was travelling for some days before coming here. I am afraid I cannot make any engagement to speak for you, as I intend to be at the above address until October and am not certain of my movements after that. Please forgive me. Yours truly, Geo. Orwell.” In fine condition. Double matted and framed with a portrait of Orwell. The entire piece measures 23 inches by 13.5 inches. Scarce and desirable, written only days after Orwell took up residence at Barnstable where he would compose his masterpiece, Nineteen Eighty-Four.

  Price: $18,500.00     Item Number: 104068

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "I share entirely your view that it is vitally necessary for everyone in the Middle East to live in peace": Autograph Letter Signed by David Ben-Gurion

  BEN-GURION, David.

  David Ben-Gurion Autographed Letter Signed.

  1970.

  Autograph letter signed by the founder of modern day Israel and first prime minister David Ben-Gurion. It reads, “Sdeh. Boker,  28. 2.  70 Dear Mr. George P. Viegelmann, Jr. I share entirely your view that it is vitally necessary for everyone in the Middle East to live in peace. I am expressing a private view: I would be ready to give up a great Part of the areas which we hold since the six day war, if this would bring peace; by peace I mean friendship with our Arab neighbors and cooperation politically, economically and culturally, but perhaps only Russia can bring this about. I even doubt whether the American Gov. can achieve that. In the future there may be a change in Egypt. David Ben-Gurion.” This letter is a very unique piece of history, particularly in regards to Israeli-Arab relations and the study of peace in general. While publicly Ben-Gurion was the undoubted leader in Zionism, privately at the end of his life, he began to have other opinions. He desired peace even if it meant giving up land that they had fought to obtain. Ben-Gurion’s thoughts on peace in his latter years is corroborated by the recent documentary, Ben-Gurion, Epilogue. This movie features footage that was taken in 1968 and only recently discovered. In the footage he explains that Israel’s moral compass was inexorably tied to its treatment of the non-Jews living under its rule. Double matted and framed opposite a photograph of Ben-Gurion. The entire piece measures 15 inches by 16.5 inches.

  Price: $16,000.00     Item Number: 82248

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Presidential Commission appointing Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Dimaggio as a member of the Conference on Physical Fitness and Sports; signed by President Richard Nixon

  NIXON, Richard; Joe DiMaggio.

  Joe DiMaggio Presidential Commission Signed by Richard Nixon.

  Washington, D.C: 1970.

  Rare Richard Nixon Presidential Commission appointing Baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio as a “Member of the Conference on Physical Fitness and Sports.” Dated September 25th, 1970 the appointment is signed by President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State William Rogers with the Presidential seal. Double matted and framed. In fine condition. From the personal collection of Joe DiMaggio. Included is letter of provenance from DiMaggio’s estate signed by his two granddaughters. An exceptional association linking two American icons. Double matted and framed.

  Price: $15,000.00     Item Number: 95202

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare original drawing signed by Beat Icon Jack Kerouac

  KEROUAC, Jack.

  Jack Kerouac Original Signed Drawing.

  Rare original drawing drawn and signed by Beat icon Jack Kerouac. One page, the pencil and ink drawing depicts the soul of a deceased man radiating from a coffin flanked by a female figure, trees, and candles. Signed in the lower left corner by Kerouac, “Jean-Louis Kerouac.” Kerouac filled his notebooks and journals with spontaneous sketches and left a valuable trove of portraits, doodles, and Pollock-like abstract paintings behind when in died in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1969. In near fine condition. Framed. With a  letter of provenance signed by Kerouac’s executor John Shen-Sampas. The entire piece measures 14 inches by 11.5 inches.

  Price: $15,000.00     Item Number: 119350

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare large format photograph of Ernest Hemingway at his Key West home; inscribed by him to his best friend and biographer A.E. Hotchner

  HEMINGWAY, Ernest. [A.E. Hotchner].

  Ernest Hemingway Signed Photograph.

  Rare large format photograph of Ernest Hemingway with one of his kittens at his Key West home. Inscribed by Hemingway to his best friend and biographer A.E. Hotchner, “To Ed, from his pal Honest Ernie.” Hemingway first met Aaron Edward Hotchner in the late 1940s when Hotchner was sent to Cuba by Cosmopolitan to solicit from Hemingway an article on “The Future of Literature.” Hemingway took an immediate liking to Hotchner and they remained close friends; Hotchner edited the manuscript of Across the River and Into the Trees, acted as Hemingway’s agent in several deals concerning screen adaptations of his novels, and edited Hemingway’s last significant original work, The Dangerous Summer. Hotchner played an essential role in trimming the excessive manuscript of 120,000 words (for the assignment which called for a 10,000-word article) down to 50,000 words and The Dangerous Summer proved to be Hemingway’s last significant original work, published in book form posthumously in 1985. In 1966 Hotchner published his profound and intimate biography, Papa Hemingway, which would go on to become a bestseller. From the personal collection of A.E. Hotchner. In fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 19.5 inches by 16.75 inches. Rare and desirable, the largest format photograph of Hemingway we have seen and with exceptional provenance.

  Price: $15,000.00     Item Number: 110606

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Photographic Portrait of Robert E. Lee and his staff; Inscribed by Civil War Photographer Mathew Brady

  BRADY, Mathew. (Robert E. Lee).

  Original Photographic Portrait of Robert E. Lee Signed by Mathew Brady.

  1865.

  Photographic portrait of General Robert E. Lee flanked by his son, General George Washington Custis Lee, on his right and Colonel Walter Taylor on his left. Inscribed by one of the earliest photographers in American history, Mathew Brady, on a mount, “To Col. Robert Alexander Compliments of his friend, M.B. Brady.” The photograph was taken at Lee’s estate in Richmond, Virginia in April of 1865, only days after his surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. This is one in a series taken by Brady in the basement below the back porch of the estate and from the original wet plates in the Brady-Handy collection. “This photograph is one of the most celebrated images produced by Brady, who established his reputation in the 1850s as the preeminent portraitist in New York and Washington, D.C. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Brady sought out General Robert E. Lee, who had returned to the Confederate capital at Richmond, Virginia, after his surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. At the photographer’s request General Lee reluctantly put on his uniform and posed at the back of his residence with his son, General George Washington Custis Lee (left), and his chief of staff, Colonel Walter H. Taylor (right). The image conveys the pathos of defeat for the Confederacy and for Lee personally. For Brady, who had been present at the first battle of the Civil War at Bull Run, this portrait completed his photographic coverage of the conflict” (WAM). Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 17 inches by 14 inches. An exceptional piece of Americana.

  Price: $15,000.00     Item Number: 89011

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "I'm wearing a necklace and ear-rings so that the mountains can enjoy looking at them!": Exceptionally rare collection of autograph letters signed by reclusive author P.L. Travers

  TRAVERS, P.L.

  Collection of P. L. Travers Autograph Letters Signed Archive.

  1974-1993.

  Exceptionally rare collection of 28 typed and hand written letters and notes signed by the author of Mary Poppins, P. L. Travers. 36 pages, the letters are a collection of 20 years of correspondence between Travers and close personal friends John and Jacqueline Rutherfurd and offer an intimate glimpse into Travers’ personal life and many travels. In one note dated August 10, 1981, Travers writes: “Dear Jaqueline, I write, with a newly overhauled portable (and see how it works and imagine what I will have to say to them when I get back to London!) from Chandolin, the highest lived-in-all-the-year-round village in Europe. Lovely high air and I try to come for a short time every year to get away from London sea level. And I’m wearing a necklace and ear-rings so that the mountains can enjoy looking at them!” Another letter, dated December 20, 1981, reads in part: “I am waiting for a photograph of me that was taken for my new book that is coming out here in the spring…I wish I could say when the book will be out in the U. S. but there are all sorts of goings on there; I’ve rewritten one of the stories, called Bad Tuesday in the first Mary Poppins book as the San Francisco library put it in the index as being ‘insulting to minorities.’” Another letter dated May 7th 1980 reads in part: “That was a lovely poem to have received at three o’clock in the morning, Jacqueline! Truly beautiful…I will certainly keep it. I put special things into books and then come upon them ages after and am refreshed all over again. That is why I don’t lend my books. I’m not going to let others see my letters, my comments in the margins; why let them into my communing with myself?” Additionally included are the original envelopes addressed to the Rutherfurds in Travers’ hand. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. An exceptional collection offering a unique glimpse into the personality of the very private author.

  Price: $15,000.00     Item Number: 92809

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "Humanity is the same the world over in whatever garb or colour she may be clothed": Signed Photograph of Mahatma Gandhi

  GANDHI, Mohandas K. (M.K.).

  Mohandas K. Gandhi Signed Photograph.

  Rare signed photograph depicting Mohandas K. Gandhi in profile with his palms pressed together, inscribed in Gujarati (“[Truth at all costs]”) and signed in English M.K. Gandhi on the image in blue ink. With an autographed letter signed from Amrit Kaur, the secretary to Gandhi and later Health Minister of India, to Sgt. John McAleer, written on Gandhi’s behalf, enclosing the signed photograph and responding to his letter (“…Humanity is the same the world over in whatever garb or colour she may be clothed…”), 2 pages, Poona, 5 March 1946, with envelope; photograph of Gandhi and another in rickshaws being pulled by a ceremonial guard, stamped and inscribed “Bhullo chien Desia” on the reverse; and a newspaper cutting; altogether five items mounted and framed together. In very good condition with the inscription faded. Matted and framed, the entire piece measures 19.5 inches by 16.5 inches. A nice collection with noted provenance.

  Price: $13,500.00     Item Number: 100048

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "As you may have noticed I have been wandering all the time": Rare autograph postcard signed and entirely in the hand of the Father of the Nation of India, Mahatma Gandhi

  GANDHI, Mohandas K. [Mahatma].

  Mohandas K. Gandhi Autographed Postcard.

  1925.

  Rare autograph postcard signed and entirely in the hand of the Father of the Nation of India, Mahatma Gandhi. The letter reads, “Dear Rev. Conley, You will please forgive one for my inability to reply to your letter earlier. As you may have noticed I have been wandering all the time. I am at present at Thithal leaving Bombay on 24th Oct for Bengal. I am afraid therefore that we cannot meet before the … Your serv MK Gandhi 25 4 25 Tithal.” The postcard measures 5.5 inches by 3.5 inches. In near fine condition. Rare and desirable.

  Price: $12,800.00     Item Number: 105860

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever": Rare Mahatma Gandhi Autograph

  GANDHI, Mohandas K.

  Mohandas K. Gandhi Autograph.

  Rare Mohandas K. Gandhi autograph, signed at the height of the struggle for Indian Independence. Signed by Gandhi, “M.K. Gandhi 28-12-38 Segaon-Wardha.” Eight miles from the city of Wardha, the Indian village of Segoan became the site of Gandhi’s Sevagram Ashram, established in 1936 when Gandhi was 67 years old. Gandhi renamed the site Sevagram, meaning “village of service”, and resided there until his death by assassination in 1948. In near fine condition. Double matted and framed with a large photograph of Gandhi. The entire piece measures 21 inches by 16.5 inches.

  Price: $12,500.00     Item Number: 89151

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare and Iconic photograph of Ernest Hemingway with best friend and biographer A.E. Hotchner; inscribed by Hemingway to Hotchner

  HEMINGWAY, Ernest. [A.E. Hotchner].

  Ernest Hemingway Signed Photograph.

  Rare and iconic photograph of Ernest Hemingway with his best friend and biographer A.E. Hotchner hunting fowl. Inscribed by Ernest Hemingway to Hotchner, “To Hotch from his pal Mr. Papa.” Hemingway first met Aaron Edward Hotchner in the late 1940s when Hotchner was sent to Cuba by Cosmopolitan to solicit from Hemingway an article on “The Future of Literature.” Hemingway took an immediate liking to Hotchner and they remained close friends; Hotchner edited the manuscript of Across the River and Into the Trees, acted as Hemingway’s agent in several deals concerning screen adaptations of his novels, and edited Hemingway’s last significant original work, The Dangerous Summer. Hotchner played an essential role in trimming the excessive manuscript of 120,000 words (for the assignment which called for a 10,000-word article) down to 50,000 words and The Dangerous Summer proved to be Hemingway’s last significant original work, published in book form posthumously in 1985. In 1966 Hotchner published his profound and intimate biography, Papa Hemingway, which would go on to become a bestseller. From the personal collection of A.E. Hotchner. In fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 15.75 inches by 12.75 inches. Exceptionally rare and desirable.

  Price: $12,500.00     Item Number: 110913

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Elaborately Illuminated nobility diploma signed by King Charles II Of Spain

  KING CHARLES II OF SPAIN. [DON CARLOS],.

  King Charles II Of Spain Autograph Signed Manuscript.

  Madrid: May 28, 1699.

  Rare elaborately illuminated nobility diploma signed by King Charles II of Spain, appointing Don Martin Damian Mendizabal the title of Marquis of Torre Gines. Quarto, bound in full red contemporary velvet covered boards with two metal clasps, containing five illuminated leaves, two fully illuminated in color with the Royal coat of arms and portrait of King Charles II, text in Spanish. Signed by King Charles II,  “Yo el Rey” and additionally signed by several Royal secretaries. Bound with a printed manuscript of the Oath of Fidelity to the King of Spain with Royal stamps dated 1701 and with two autograph letters laid in, the first dated September 17, 1701 and signed by Philip V, and the second addressed to the Marquis. Exceptionally rare.

  Price: $12,500.00     Item Number: 107920

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Signed Endorsement From President Abraham Lincoln

  LINCOLN, Abraham.

  Abraham Lincoln Autograph Civil War Era Endorsement.

  Rare Civil War era endorsement signed by Abraham Lincoln as President. Dated March 14, 1864, the endorsement reads, “Submitted to the Sec. of War & Gen. Meade. A. Lincoln, March 14, 1864.” In fine condition. On March 14, 1864 Lincoln issued an order for the draft of 200,000 men to support the Union effort. Only two days prior, General Ulysses S. Grant assumed command of the Union armies. Matted and framed with and engraved portrait of Lincoln and gold biographical plaque. The endorsement measures 3.25 inches by 2.75 inches. The entire piece measures 22.75 inches by 19 inches.

  Price: $11,800.00     Item Number: 109638

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Maurice Ravel Signed Autograph musical quotation signed and an autograph letter signed

  RAVEL, Maurice.

  Maurice Ravel Autographed Signed Letter and Signed Musical Quotation.

  Autograph musical quotation signed and an autograph letter signed by Maurice Ravel. The quotation, 3 bars from his Chansons madécasses, notated on a two-stave system, with holograph title, lyrics, tempo directive and instrument labels. The letter in French is addressed to “My friend”, in French, stating that he received his note when leaving Geneva and mentioning two places he might be when he returns at Christmastime, dated Paris 15 December 1928 With Hotel D’Athènes” stationery. Both matted and framed together with a commemorative medallion. The entire piece measures 19 inches by 27 inches. A striking piece, rare and desirable.

  Price: $9,800.00     Item Number: 72755

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare autograph letter signed and entirely in the hand of Sigmund Freud to his colleague, fellow psychiatrist Dr. Karl Fahrenkamp

  FREUD, Sigmund.

  Sigmund Freud Autograph Letter Signed.

  1929.

  Rare autograph letter signed and entirely in the hand of Sigmund Freud to his colleague, fellow psychiatrist Dr. Karl Fahrenkamp. Dated June 9, 1929 and on Freud’s personal letterhead the English translation of the German text is as follows: “Very esteemed Doctor: I accept the photos with thanks. Basically, one cannot say anything else about their representations than what once was said in a simple way by a student in an introduction to a composition: ‘Already the old Romans knew about love.’ The most beautiful picture you sent is of a drink container of the King. I myself have such a delicate piece in my possession which Prof. Delgado brought to me from Lima. Very cordially yours. Sig. Freud.” The recipient, Dr. Karl Fahrenkamp, was recognized for his work on psychosomatic illnesses. Freud and Fahrenkamp both based their theories on the functional theory of organic disorders, or the argument that external causative factors could act as a major cause of psychological imbalance. Fahrenkamp was strongly influenced by Freudian views and explored the influence of emotions upon bodily disease in his work on psychosomatic illnesses. The letter was also, notably, written the same year Freud published one of his most important and widely read books, Das Unbehagen in der Kultur (The Uneasiness in Civilization). In near fine condition. The letter measures 9 inches by 5.5 inches. Double matted and framed with a portrait of Freud, the entire piece measures 18.5 by 15.5 inches. A significant association.

  Price: $9,800.00     Item Number: 110394

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Original Martin Luther King, Jr. Photograph; Inscribed by him

  KING, Jr. Martin Luther.

  Martin Luther King, Jr. Signed Photograph.

  Rare original photograph boldly inscribed by Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., “Best Wishes to Mr. & Mrs. Ken Browne, From Martin L. King.” The photograph measures 3.5 inches by 5 inches. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 12 inches by 13 inches. In very good condition. Photographs signed by King are rare and desirable.

  Price: $9,800.00     Item Number: 92466

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare original large format Shel Silverstein drawing; warmly inscribed by him to American playwright Herb Gardner

  SILVERSTEIN, Shel.

  Shel Silverstein Original Signed Drawing.

  1975.

  Rare original drawing inscribed and drawn by renowned children’s book author Shel Silverstein. Warmly inscribed by the author/illustrator, “For Herb Dec. 10, 75 The Last Day Love, Shel.” In Silverstein’s signature style, the drawing depicts a cluttered backstage with spotlights, film reels, ladders, electrical chords, and spotlights. The recipient, Award-winning American playwright Herb Gardner, is best known for his 1962 play A Thousand Clowns, which ran for 428 performances and was adapted into the popular 1965 film of the same name for which he received an Oscar nomination. Silverstein, here, likely refers to the final day of Gardner’s Broadway play, Thieves, which closed in January of 1975. In fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 25.5 inches by 21.5 inches.

  Price: $9,500.00     Item Number: 116953

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare original albumen photograph signed by Ralph Waldo Emerson

  EMERSON, Ralph Waldo.

  Ralph Waldo Emerson Albumen Photograph Signed.

  Rare original albumen photograph of Ralph Waldo Emerson seated with a book. Boldly signed by Emerson beneath his portrait, “R.W. Emerson.” Matted and framed. The photograph measures 7 inches 4.5 inches. The entire piece measures 11 inches by 13.5 inches. Rare and desirable.

  Price: $9,200.00     Item Number: 95206

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  First edition of Walt Whitman's Two Rivulets: Including Democratic Vistas, Centennial Songs, and Passage to India; one of only 100 copies signed and dated by Walt Whitman and with an autograph note signed by him tipped in

  WHITMAN, Walt.

  Two Rivulets: Including Democratic Vistas, Centennial Songs, and Passage to India.

  Camden, New Jersey: Author's Edition, 1876.

  Scarce first edition, first issue with the blank leaf between ‘As a Strong Bird’ and ‘Memoranda’ and single leaf of advertisements for Whitman’s books inserted between the back flyleaves. One of only 100 copies. Octavo, bound in full morocco with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentetlles, gilt top stain, marbled endpapers. With the frontispiece sepia photograph of Whitman signed and dated by him, “Walt Whitman 1881.” From the library of Richard Hoe Lawrence with an autograph note by Whitman tipped in. Addressed to Lawrence and dated March 11, 1881, the note reads, “Dear Sir yours of 10th enclosing #10 received – Walt Whitman.” Richard Hoe Lawrence served as president of the Grolier Club from 1906-1908. He was the great-nephew of Grolier Club co-founder and renowned bibliophile Robert Hoe III. With Lawrence’s bookplates to the pastedown. In near fine condition.

  Price: $9,200.00     Item Number: 114654

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Military Endorsement Signed By Abraham Lincoln as President

  LINCOLN, Abraham.

  Abraham Lincoln Signed Military Endorsement.

  1864.

  Rare Civil War era military endorsement signed by Abraham Lincoln as President. Two pages, the appointment is dated July 26th 1864, addressed to Secretary of War Edward M. Stanton and contains a request from J.M. Francis of Hudson County, New Jersey that Edward Z. Laurence be appointed Secretary of Subsistence in the Volunteer Army of the United States. The request is approved and endorsed at the conclusion by Lincoln, “Let the appointment be made, if his service can be made useful A. Lincoln Aug. 17 1864.” Framed. The entire piece measures 27 inches by 9.5 inches. In very good condition with a bold inscription from Lincoln.

  Price: $9,200.00     Item Number: 114205

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "The Guggenheim has asked me for a recommendation for the new work she wants to do...": Autographed Letter Signed by Frank Lloyd Wright to Lewis Mumford

  WRIGHT, Frank Lloyd.

  Frank Lloyd Wright Autographed Letter.

  Taliesin : 1940.

  Important autograph letter signed by Frank Lloyd Wright to friend and architectural critic, Lewis Mumford. Letter is 19 inches by 8.5 inches. It reads, "My dear Lewis: I’ve read "The Brown Decade" you so kindly sent me and it is a useful work in your splendid style. I didn’t agree in total but admire and respect. I was sorry to see so little of you in New York- intending to see you if I saw no one else. And the stupidity of wandering around in the Lehigh Starret building while you were waiting for me at 41 west 12th street rises to plague me still. Dutchy and I saw something of Catherine Bauer in New York. The Guggenheim has asked me for a recommendation for the new work she wants to do and I my best- but wrote her what I thought of her thesis. You know what I must think about that. Enclosed is a copy of what I think about it for your files if you care for it. Wright would later accept the contract to build the Guggenheim three years later in 1943, Hilla Rebay, the curator stated to Wright that he wanted to build, "A temple of spirit, a monument!” Matted and framed.

  Price: $9,000.00     Item Number: 3790

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "If your time to you is worth savin'then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin'": Rare original The Times They Are A-Changin' Vinyl; signed by Bob Dylan

  DYLAN, Bob.

  The Times They Are A-Changin’ Bob Dylan Signed Vinyl.

  Modern pressing of Dylan’s third studio album The Times They Are a-Changin’. Inscribed by Bob Dylan, “To Dino Bob Dylan ’17.” Included is a letter of provenance from the original recipient which reads in part, “On April 26, 2017, I was at the Swiss Life Hall in Hannover…to see Dylan’s concert and meet some European tour managers…I had an ‘all areas’ pass which allowed me to access the external but reserved area of the concert hall. Dylan and his band had just got off the buses heading for catering/dressing room area…At that moment I presented him the LP ‘The times they are a-changin’ and a black marker. Bob did not say a word.” Matted and framed, the entire piece measures 26 inches by 19 inches. Signed examples of this particular album do not appear often.

  Price: $8,800.00     Item Number: 96536

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare genealogical archive documenting the life and heritage of the first President of the Confederation Congress John Hanson

  THOMAS, Douglas H. [John Hanson].

  John Hanson Genealogical Archive.

  c. 1880-1885.

  Rare genealogical archive documenting the life and heritage of the first President of the Confederation Congress John Hanson, whose biographers have argued to be the true first President of the United States. The archive is composed primarily of letters, historical records and biographical documents prepared by Hanson’s ancestors, most notably several biographical volumes composed by his descendant Douglas H. Thomas who, in his numerous biographical papers, promoted Hanson as the the true first President of the United States. Contents also include biographical accounts of Hanson’s father Philip Thomas, and his descendant John Hanson Thomas who served in the American Civil War. In near fine condition. A fascinating archive of first-hand accounts documenting the life, career, and heritage of one of America’s least recognized Founding Fathers.

  Price: $8,800.00     Item Number: 116321

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "A man's Self is the sum total of all that he can call his, not only his body and his psychic powers, but his clothes and his house": First Edition of Williams James' The Principles of Psychology; with an Autograph Letter Signed by Him Tipped In

  JAMES, William.

  The Principles of Psychology.

  New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1890.

  First edition, first printing of James’ vastly influential textbook on psychology. Octavo, two volumes, original cloth with gilt titles to the spines, illustrated with numerous tables and diagrams, 8 pages of advertisements. First state with the hyphenated ‘Psy-chology’  in the advertisement opposite the title page of vol. I and misprints on page 10 of vol. I and page 101 of vol. II. Tipped in to the front pastedown of vol. I is an autograph note signed and entirely in the hand or James on his Irving Street letterhead which reads, “Dec. 16, ’90 My dear Croswell, I thought I had answered your letter of the other day, but found to my surprise the empty envelope in my envelope reservoir – what you say does equal credit to your head and heart and proves to be an honour to American Criticism! Seriously speaking, you warm my heart, for it is only by such responses that a fellow gets the feeling that his book has any reality. They haven’t begun to come in in any number yet nor will they I fear, although the friends to whom I have sent the vols. call them noble…Good luck to you and & yours! W.J.” With the recipient’s bookplates to the pastedowns of each volume. In very good condition with light rubbing to the crown and foot of the spines, some annotations throughout. Rare and desirable, offering an intimate glimpse into the author’s thoughts on the initial reception of what would become a seminal work in the history of modern thought. A superior example of this notoriously fragile set.

  Price: $8,800.00     Item Number: 105105

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  “Competitive golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course: the space between your ears": Bobby Jones Signed Portrait

  JONES, Bobby (Robert Tyre Jones.

  Bobby Jones Signed Portrait.

  1930.

  Rare signed portrait of Bobby Jones seated with his golf clubs after a painting by Margaret Fitzhugh Browne. Signed and dated by Bobby Jones beneath the portrait in the year the portrait was published in Golf Illustrated Magazine, “Robert T. Jones Jr. Dec 29, 1930.” In fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 17 inches by 14 inches. Unique and desirable.

  Price: $8,800.00     Item Number: 95821

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  “ALL THAT HITCHHIKIN. ALL THAT RAILROADIN. ALL THAT COMIN BACK TO AMERICA”: FIRST EDITION OF JACK KEROUAC’S LONESOME TRAVELER; WITH A RARE AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED BY JACK KEROUAC LAID IN

  KEROUAC, Jack.

  Lonesome Traveler.

  New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1960.

  First edition of Kerouac’s deeply personal collection of autobiographical vignettes. Octavo, original half-cloth, illustrated with drawings by Larry Rivers. Laid in is an autograph letter signed by Kerouac which reads, “Dec. 3 1962 Dear Louis, Voila, contracts signed – Glad to hear too of Deutsch London reprint contract which means I can pay for my Sins – Jack Kerouac Tell Sterling I see him Dec. 29 or 28 & You too J.” Here, Kerouac refers to his novel Big Sur, first published in September of 1962 by Farrar, Straus and Cudahy, and subsequently by Deutsch in London. He also refers to Kerouac’s literary agent, Sterling Lord, who was responsible for the publication of Kerouac’s masterpiece On the Road (which took him four years to sell) and represented several other major names in American writing including Ken Kesey, Howard Fast, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Larry Rivers. The letter is in fine condition and measures 8 inches by 5 inches. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. Rare.

  Price: $8,800.00     Item Number: 117094

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare General George S. Patton Signed Photographic Print

  PATTON, George S.

  General George S. Patton Signed Photograph.

  1945.

  Black and white photographic print of Commanding General George Smith Patton, signed by him. One page, taken from the “Third Army: A Brief History of Operations in Europe” historical booklet, signed by Patton in the upper right corner and annotated below his image “Autographed Nov. 1945.” From the collection of 2nd Lt. John Papay, the officer in charge of security at Patton’s headquarters with a gold plaque commemorating the association. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 14.25 inches. Accompanied by the Third Army booklet from which the portrait was removed. In near fine condition. A rare and desirable association, signed to Patton’s security officer in the month prior to Patton’s tragic death in December 1945.

  Price: $8,800.00     Item Number: 118024

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Musical Quotation Signed by Russian Composer and Pianist Dmitri Shostakovich

  SHOSTAKOVICH, Dmitri.

  Dmitri Shostakovich Autograph Musical Quotation Signed.

  1947.

  Handwritten musical quotation inscribed by Russian composer and pianist Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich in Russian above the opening three bars of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor (Op. 47) on a two-stave system with holograph tempo directive and title, “To Lionel Okvin from Dmitri Shostakovich 17th February 1947.” Double matted and framed with a photograph of Shostakovich. The entire piece measures 14.75 inches by 15.75 inches. Rare and desirable.

  Price: $8,800.00     Item Number: 82418

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "My Dear Stoker.....I don't know how to thank you enough. Sincerely Yours S.L. Clemens": Mark Twain Autographed Letter Signed To Bram Stoker

  TWAIN, Mark [Bram Stoker].

  Mark Twain Autographed Letter Signed To Bram Stoker.

  1893.

  Autograph letter signed from Mark Twain to Bram Stoker, who he thanks for a photograph of Henry Irving, “My Dear Stoker: It is a wonderful picture. I have never seen one of Irving before that could at all compare with it. I don’t know how to thank you enough. Sincerely Yours S.L. Clemens December 27, 93.” With the transmittal envelope in Twain’s, signed “From S.L. Clemens To Bram Stoker, Abby’s Theatre.” The famous British actor Henry Irving was one of the inspirations for Count Dracula, the title character of the 1897 novel Dracula. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 14 inches by 18 inches. A nice association linking these two great writers.

  Price: $7,800.00     Item Number: 31008

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare baseball signed by President Richard Nixon; from the collection of Baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio

  NIXON, Richard (Joe DiMaggio).

  Richard Nixon Autographed Baseball Presented to Joe DiMaggio.

  Rawlings Official Ball National League, .

  Rare baseball signed by President Richard Nixon on the sweetspot. From the personal collection of Baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio. Accompanied by an original black and white photograph of DiMaggio and Nixon shaking hands in the White House, also from DiMaggio’s personal collection. In near fine condition. Included is letter of provenance from DiMaggio’s estate signed by his two granddaughters. An exceptional association linking two American icons.

  Price: $7,800.00     Item Number: 95226

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Signed Photograph of Sir Winston Churchill

  CHURCHILL, Winston S.

  Winston S. Churchill Signed Photograph.

  1905.

  Portrait of the seated Winston Churchill taken in 1920 by Edward Russell of Russell and Sons, boldly signed “Winston S. Churchill, 1921.” In February 1921, Churchill was appointed by Prime Minister David Lloyd George as Secretary of State for the Colonies, during which time he was a signatory to the Anglo-Irish Treaty that established the Irish Free State. Double matted and framed. The photograph measures 21 inches by 17 inches. The entire piece measures 13.5 inches by 11.25 inches. A very nice presentation.

  Price: $7,800.00     Item Number: 102875

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "Dear Mr. President, Barb and I sing 'Happy Birthday to you' - with many happy returns! All Bushes join in": Rare autograph birthday note warmly inscribed by George H.W. Bush as Vice President to Ronald Reagan as President

  BUSH, George H. W. [Ronald Reagan].

  George H. W. Bush Autograph Birthday Note Signed to Ronald Reagan.

  Autograph note signed and inscribed by George H.W. Bush as Vice President to Ronald Reagan as President on his birthday. One page, with the official emblem of the Vice President, the note reads, “Feb. 6, 1984 Dear Mr. President, Barb and I sing “Happy Birthday to you” – with many happy returns! All Bushes join in – George.” In fine condition. Double matted and framed with a portrait of Bush and Reagan. The entire piece measures 20 inches 16.5 inches. A remarkable association.

  Price: $7,500.00     Item Number: 114005

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  EXCEPTIONALLY RARE ORIGINAL DRAWING OF SNOOPY'S COMPANION WOODSTOCK; DRAWN AND SIGNED BY CHARLES M. SCHULZ

  SCHULZ, Charles M.

  Charles Schulz Signed Woodstock Drawing.

  Exceptionally rare original drawing of beloved Peanuts character Woodstock in military attire. Drawn and signed by Charles Schulz , “For SPC 4 Britt Weise, best wishes – Schulz.” In near fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 14 inches. Original drawings of Woodstock are scarce.

  Price: $7,500.00     Item Number: 119508

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Five-page autograph letter signed and entirely in the hand of beat icon Allen Ginsberg regarding his favorite musical compositions from Bach to Bob Dylan

  GINSBERG, Allen.

  Allen Ginsberg Autograph Letter Signed.

  Rare five-page autograph letter signed and entirely in the hand of beat icon Allen Ginsberg regarding his favorite musical compositions, from Bach to Bob Dylan. Five pages, the letter is is dated Feb, 10, 1971 and reads, “Dear Symphony School & Mr. Loratz & Students: My favorite musical compositions in ear/mind for several decades to present include, since you asked: A. Jannequin [sic] 0 des oiseaux (See Ezra Pound’s 1970 edition Cantos); Alphonse De Mudarra – David’s Lament ‘Triste Estaba El Rey David’; Bach – Unaccompanied poitras (Esp. #2) Mass in 5 minor & St. Matthew’s Passion; Beethoven – Grosse Fuge, Piano Sonata Op. III, Quartet op 116 (?) the one so strain’d, Missa Solemnis; Schubert – Op. posthumous piano sonatas & forget which number – A Major?; Brahms – Trio no. 1 – youthful tender lyric nostalgia; Prokofieff – Good old Alexander Nevsky (a favorite of poet Kerouac’s); Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht, or Stockhausen’s Kontakt. B. Prajnaparamita Sutra [Highest perfect Wisdom] – as chanted by Eino-Japanese presently in USA by S.F. Soto Zen Temple – by Rothi Suzuki & Disciples – Send someone to learn from them and you can perform it as a musical presentation of chanting which will turn everyone on!; Hare Krishna Mantra – Any ISKON version… on George Harrison’s record “My sweet Lord, or as done by Swami Shaktuvedanta’s groups around USA & London. It would be fine for improvisational choral & lead also joyying it up ecstatically – either spontaneous or arranged, but rehearsed so everyone knows the words… C. Scott Joplin – Maple Leaf Rag (& others), Opera: Treemonisha (can get score & recorded version from scholars Sam & Ann Charters c/o Gotham Bookmart); Ma Rainey’s version of Easy C.C. Rider blues “See, See what you done” etc., and other (forget names) – “I’m gonna buy me a pistol, just as long as I am tall, Lord Lord Lord Kill my man and Hit the Cannonball…. Bessie Smiths Version of – Empty Bed Blues, At the Christmas Ball, Gimmie a pegfoot & a Bottle of Beer, Young Woman’s Blues especially; Leadbelly’s versions of Boll Weevil, Black Girl, Irene; Ray Charles version of “Feel all Right” I got a Woman; Billie Holidays Version of Strange Fruit, Fine & Mellow, I for a right to Sing the Blues, Easy Living; Thelonius Monk: Mysterioso, Round about Midnight; Charles “Bird” Parker — Ornithology; Lester Young’s Lester Leaps In. I put these, listed above, as examples of Classical American Music which, if singers & musicians have proper training, they can approximate, imitate, or improvise in the spirit of original, for mind’s historical pleasure, & for cultural revolution’s acknowledgement as “classic U.S. art. Opera: Bertolt Brecht/Kurt Weill, MAHOGONY, Greatest of XX Century operas, perform as much of it as possible. Pop addenda: Some Version of Rolling Stones’ Let’s Spend the Night Together; Beatles: I Wanna Hold Your Hand (Early Beatles), I heard the News today Oh Boy (Pepper), I am a Walrus (Difficult composition), Strawberry Fields; J. Lennon – Give Peace a Chance; Geo. Harrison (as before) – My Sweet Lord (Extended & improvised with varying mantras chorused in background); Bob Dylan – Masters of War & Hard Rain, Tambourine Man, Sad Eyed Lady of Lowland, Gates of Eden. I ask your students to check out, hear, my own recorded versions, tuned to music, of Blake’s Songs of Innocence… recorded last year 1970 – to see if they are singable by others than myself – especially Nursed Song and The Grey Monk – That is all I can think of, fast – Love Allen Ginsberg.” Ginsberg has added a drawing of a daisy at the tail of the final ‘g’ in ‘Ginsberg’. In near fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope printed in the defense of John Sinclair, John W. Forrest and Lawrence, three members of the White Panther Party charged in September of 1968 with the bombing of a CIA office in Ann Arbor. Ginsberg testified in the pretrial hearings in Detroit one month prior to sending the present letter. A scarce and intimate glimpse into the great Beat poet’s influences and eclectic musical taste.

  Price: $7,500.00     Item Number: 117347

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare 1957 financial statement signed by both Hollywood Icon Marilyn Monroe and playwright Arthur Miller

  MONROE, Marilyn and Arthur Miller.

  Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller Signed Financial Statement.

  Rare original 1957 Woodbury Savings Bank financial statement signed by both Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller in the beginning of their five-year marriage. One page, partially printed, the statement is dated September 9, 1957 and lists the couple’s joint annual income as $50,000+, total expenses as $30,000+ or -, and amount of life insurance as $50,000+. The preparer has also listed Monroe as self-employed and President of Marilyn Monroe Production with a suit pending against the company as a corporation. Monroe and Miller’s ages are also listed respectively as 31 and 41. Signed at the conclusion of the document, “Arthur Miller” and “Marilyn Monroe Miller.” In very good condition. Accompanied by a mimeograph of the loan agreement for $35,000 for which the statement was prepared.

  Price: $7,500.00     Item Number: 114025

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare selection of letters and documents from the personal collection of F.A. Hayek; presented by him to his children with an autograph letter signed by him

  HAYEK, Friedrich August von [F.A.] [Laurence Hayek].

  Friedrich August von Hayek Autograph Letter and Personal Document Collection.

  Rare collection of documents, letters, photographs, speeches, and invitations collected by Hayek throughout his career, with an autograph letter signed by him presenting the collection to his children. Dated March 3, 1965, the letter reads, “Dear children, Here is a selection from the presentation at the celebration of mother’s birthday which I pity you were not there! It is even worse of a pity that I shall not see you though I shall be in and out on the day before Ann’s birthday. I must fly to New York on the 10th and have arranged to stop over at London for 36 hours to attend the British Academy Dinner on the 8th. But I shall telephone on the 9th to learn how you are all doing. Love, Father.” Included in the collection are a large format portrait of Hayek, a ticket to the 1974 Nobel Laureates Reception, a photograph of Hayek meeting with Ronald Reagan, a photograph of his son Laurence meeting with George H.W. and Barbara Bush, several letters including four signed by Hayek’s children, papers, and programs, and a cancelled check signed by Hayek. In near fine condition.

  Price: $7,500.00     Item Number: 114208

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing": Autograph Transcription of classic American anthem My Country 'Tis of Thee; Hand-written and signed by lyricist Samuel Francis Smith

  SMITH, Samuel Francis.

  Autograph Transcription Signed of My Country ‘Tis of Thee.

  Autograph transcription of the first four stanzas of the American patriotic song My Country ‘Tis of Thee, which served as one of the de facto national anthems of the United States before the official adoption of The Star Spangled Banner in 1931. Transcribed and signed by lyricist Samuel Francis Smith all in his hand, “My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride, From ev’ry mountainside, Let freedom ring! My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills, Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom’s song; Let mortal tongues awake; Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright, With freedom’s holy light, Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King. Samuel Francis Smith.” Double matted and framed with a portrait engraving of Smith. The entire piece measures 18.5 inches by 18 inches. In near fine condition. A unique piece of American history.

  Price: $6,800.00     Item Number: 82414

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "THE BUCK STOPS HERE": Rare 1935D silver certificate one dollar bill; boldly signed by Harry S. Truman and framed with a typed letter signed by him as President to Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder

  TRUMAN, Harry S.

  Harry S. Truman Signed Dollar Bill and Typed Letter Signed.

  1935.

  Rare series 1935D silver certificate one dollar bill, boldly signed by Harry S. Truman on the portrait side. Double matted and framed with a portrait of Truman, plaque reading “The Buck Stops Here!” and a typed letter signed by Truman as President on White House letterhead to Secretary of the Treasury John Snyder. Dated April 19, 1948 the letter reads: Memorandum for: John W. Snyder Secretary of the Treasury From: The President I am returning the copy of Mr. Cooley’s letter which you handed to me. It certainly is most interesting and I appreciate your bringing it over. It’s these things that help. “H.S.T.” The recipient, John Wesley Snyder was a close personal friend of Truman and served as Secretary of the Treasury from 1946 to 1953 in the Truman administration. He is the first native-born Arkansan to hold a US Cabinet post. In fine condition. An attractive presentation.

  Price: $6,800.00     Item Number: 117087

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "I hope you will live to be a hundred, because guys like you come along so seldom": Autograph Letter Signed by Bobby Jones to fellow golf legend Walter Hagen

  JONES, Robert Tyre [Bobby]. [Walter Hagen].

  Bobby Jones Autograph Letter Signed to Walter Hagen.

  1965.

  Autograph letter signed by Bobby Jones to golfing rival and friend Walter Hagen. One page, typescript the letter is dated December 17, 1965 and reads, “Dear Walter: A little bird (not to be confused with birdie) whispered to me that on December 21st you are celebrating your seventy-third birthday. I very definitely want to be counted among those sending best regards and best wishes for many happy returns. I hope you will live to be a hundred, because guys like you come along so seldom. I sent a message to you not long ago by young Walter. I hope he remembered to deliver it. I was much concerned about you while you were in the hospital and have been thinking of you very often since that time. My wife, Mary, last February had an operation similar to yours. I am happy to say her results have been most satisfactory, but at least I got an education in these matters to know something of what you went through. I see nothing in all this to interfere with your enjoyment of those lakes and big pines you once told me about. Knowing you as I do, I am sure you will not miss a minute of this enjoyment. My warmest regards and all best wishes. Sincerely, “Bob.”‘ In near fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. A fine association.

  Price: $6,500.00     Item Number: 114012

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Letter from Bobby Jones regarding the genius of Clifford Roberts

  JONES, Robert T. (Bobby Jones) (Clifford Roberts).

  Autographed Letter Signed From Bobby Jones Regarding Clifford Roberts.

  1967.

  Two page autographed letter signed by golfing legend Bobby Jones regarding Clifford Roberts. A significant letter in which Jones writes to Richard Gordin at the Ohio Wesleyan University regarding his dissertation on the influence of the design of the Augusta National golf course and on the genius of Clifford Roberts in organizing the Masters Tournament. Matted and framed with a photograph of Jones and Roberts. The entire piece measures 24 inches by 31 inches. An exceptional piece of golf history.

  Price: $6,500.00     Item Number: 76540

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare autograph letter signed by and entirely in the hand of American Founding Father John Jay as Governor of New York to Theophilus Parsons

  JAY, John.

  John Jay Autograph Letter Signed.

  1800.

  Rare autograph letter signed by and entirely in the hand of American Founding Father John Jay as Governor of New York to Theophilus Parsons. One page, folded, the letter reads in full, “Albany, 1 July 1800 Sir, On my return from New York on Friday last, your obliging letter of the 5th of May, which arrived during my absence was delivered to me. I am much gratified by the Information it contains & thank you for it as serious apprehensions were entertained that anti-federalism had gained considerable ground in Massachusetts; but I am happy to find… that appearances do not warrant the conclusions which have been drawn from them. The present aspect of our affairs is far from being agreeable – altho’.. having abundant Reason for Content & Gratitude, our nation is permitting their happiness to be part in Jeopardy by their worst passions inflamed and directed by the most reprehensible means. Whether the good Sense of the People will avert the Dangers which threaten them, is not to be seen… but unfortunately their is too little unanimity on many points and the want of it exposes is to the Hazard of many Evils – It really appears to me that the… of our Envoys to France has been treated with too much asperity. The President declared to the congress that he would never send another Legation to Paris… as that declaration seems to imply that when he should receive such appearances, he would again send Envoys. It was not unnatural that he should conceive himself bound in Honor to do so. Whether that Declaration was advisable and whether the nomination of the Envoys was made exactly in Reason are questions which , like other of the same kind, may receive different answers from different men. But having nominated the Envoys and received the requisite appearances, I for my part consider the sending them as a Matter of Course; and do not concern in opinion with those Gentlemen who think they should nevertheless have been detained. I regret that my absence deprived me of the pleasure of seeing the Rev. Mr. Andrews, all the more so, as he would have answered my inquiries respecting many of my friends at Boston, and informed me of you Health – With the best wishes that you may now and ever enjoy that valuable Blessing. I am Sir your most obt. sevt. John Jay. Theop Parsons Esq.” The recipient, Theophilus Parsons, was  a member of the state constitutional convention of 1779-1780 and one of the committee of twenty-six who drafted the constitution. He was also a delegate to the state convention of 1788 which ratified the Federal Constitution. His Commentaries on the Laws of the United States (1836) contains some of his more important legal opinions. In the present letter, Jay refers to President John Adams’ failed mission in 1797 to make negotiations with France following the French Revolution which the Federalists viewed as the cause of the undeclared naval war fought from 1798 to 1800 between the United States and France. Anti-federalists and many contemporary historians, however, view the 1794 Jay Treaty as the initial cause of hostilities between France and America. In near fine condition. Rare and desirable.

  Price: $6,500.00     Item Number: 117791

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare Gelatin Silver Photograph of "the father of American literature" Mark Twain

  TWAIN, Mark. [Samuel L. Clemens].

  Mark Twain Signed Photograph.

  Rare gelatin silver printed photograph of Mark Twain by A. F. Bradley. Signed by Twain on the mount with Bradley’s imprint dated 1907. A contemporary of Twain, American poet Ina Coolbirth  was a prominent figure in the San Francisco Bay Area literary community. In 1906, her home in California was destroyed in a fire and subsequent earthquake. Twain sent her three autographed photographs of himself which sold for $10.00 each and was subsequently convinced by New York photographer A. F. Bradley to sit for 17 more studio photographs to add further to the fund. Framed. The entire piece measures 11.5 inches by 15 inches. In near fine condition.

  Price: $6,500.00     Item Number: 116026

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare visitor's log from the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910 signed by Winston S. and Clementine Churchill, David Lloyd George, Raymond and Violet Asquith among others

  CHURCHILL, Winston S.; Clementine Churchill; David Lloyd George; Raymond Asquith.

  Winston S. Churchill and David Lloyd George Signed Japan-British Exhibition Visitor’s Log.

  1910.

  Rare visitor’s log from the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910 signed by Winston S. and Clementine Churchill, David Lloyd George, Raymond and Violet Asquith among others. Oblong quarto, bound in full leather with gilt inner dentelles. Signed and dated on the first several pages of the logbook by David Lloyd George, Louis Brennan (the inventor of the gyro monorail which won the exhibition’s Grand Prize), Raymond Asquith, Clementine S. Churchill, Violet Asquith, Winston S. Churchill, Brazilian President Hermes de Fonseca, and several others dated May 16, 1910 to February 18, 1911. Accompanied by a collection of original photographs from the exhibition and a Farewell Dinner Program. The Japan-British Exhibition of 1910 was a celebration of Japanese culture and manufacturing designed to cement the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. The exhibition was held in White City and attended by more than 8 million guests including Churchill, then Home Secretary, who invited Asquith and other members of the Cabinet. In very good condition. A fine collection of signatures.

  Price: $6,500.00     Item Number: 119055

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Rare 1951 New York Yankees World Series Championship Team Signed Baseball; signed by Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and many other members of the legendary team

  DIMAGGIO, Joe; Mickey Mantle.

  1951 New York Yankees World Series Championship Team Signed Baseball.

  1951.

  Rare OAL Reach baseball signed by 21 members of the 1951 New York Yankees World Series Championship Team including four Hall of Famers. Signed by Joe DiMaggio on the sweetspot; Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Bobby Brown, Charlie Silvera, Joe Ostrowski, Hank Bauer, and Allie Reynolds on the east panel; Phil Rizzuto, Johnny Sain, and Jim Turner on the west panel; Johnny Mize, Stubby Overmire, Gene Woodling, and Casey Stegnel on the north panel; and Jerry Coleman, Spec Shea, Gil McDougald, Tom Morgan, Joe Collins, Frankie Crosetti, and Tommy Henrich on the south panel. In near fine condition, an exceptional example featuring an impressive array of signatures from one of the Yankees’ most legendary teams, with the Joe DiMaggio signature particularly strong.

  Price: $6,200.00     Item Number: 96557

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  "I am afraid there can be no question of my releasing Volume I before the 15th November": Excellent typed letter signed by Winston S. Churchill to friend and publisher Desmond Flower regarding the publication of A History of the English-Speaking Peoples

  CHURCHILL, Winston S.

  Winston S. Churchill Typed Letter Signed.

  1955.

  Excellent typed letter signed by Winston S. Churchill. On Churchill’s Chartwell letterhead, the return address of which has been corrected to La Cappocina, Cap d’Ail, A.m. The letter is dated 27 October, 1955, addressed to Desmond Flower, and reads: My dear Desmond, I am afraid there can be no question of my releasing Volume I before the 15th November. I have had Hodge and Kelly out here, and we have been working very hard. There is plenty of time. I am sorry if this should cause you inconvenience. Yours very sincerely, “Winston Churchill P.S. I have to read page 2 to 4.” The recipient, Desmond Flower, was a close personal friend of Churchill’s and published two of his most enduring works: The Second World War and A History of the English-Speaking Peoples, the publication of which Churchill is referring to in the present letter. In fine condition. Double matted and framed with a bas relief portrait plaque of Churchill in profile. The entire piece measures 24 by 14.25 inches.

  Price: $6,000.00     Item Number: 119601

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Signed Photograph of Sir Winston Churchill

  CHURCHILL, Winston S.

  Winston S. Churchill Signed Photograph.

  1905.

  Black and White Rotary Photograph of Winston Churchill, while he was the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. Boldly Signed “Winston S. Churchill.” Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 13.5 inches by 11.25 inches. A very handsome presentation.

  Price: $6,000.00     Item Number: 99834

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details
• 

  Letter Signed by Winston S. Churchill to his editor C.C. Wood regarding his monumental work Marlborough: His Life and Times

  CHURCHILL, Winston S.

  Winston S. Churchill Autograph Letter Signed.

  1935.

  One page typed letter signed by Winston S. Churchill, on this Chartwell letter dated, August 6, 1935. The letter to his proofreader and editor C. C. Wood relating to the publication of the monumental biography Marlborough: His Life and Times. It reads in full, “I send you herewith chapters V and VI which have been completely reconstituted and a new chapter, VIII. For your convenience I append a list of the chapters; VII ‘The Year of Triumph’ is nearly done. It may be possible to cut down the correspondence later. I also send you chapters I, II and III for second revise, leaving only for revise ‘The Battle of Ramillies’ which I will send in a few days. Pray let me have six copies of all these as they come through. I will send you very shortly a number of maps and I shall be glad if your man would draw them out and let me have them in draft. Please therefore make the arrangement you proposed with him. I will not worry about Swain’s.” Churchill was commissioned to write a biography of his ancestor, John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in 1929. He began writing it in earnest in 1932, and ultimately published four volumes between 1933 and 1938. He began the work in an effort to refute earlier criticisms of Marlborough by the historian Thomas Babington Macaulay. This exquisite letter reveals Churchill’s meticulousness and attention to detail as a writer, which would ultimately lead to his receipt of the 1953 Nobel Prize in Literature for “his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values.” Double matted and framed with an original photograph of Churchill. The entire piece measures 19.25 by 15.25 inches. In fine condition.

  Price: $6,000.00     Item Number: 116948

  Add to wishlist

  Add to cartAsk a Question Details