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1. ABARBANELL, J.R. (1852-1922). Autograph Note Signed.
Long-time editor of Norman L. Munro's "The New York Family Story Paper" (1873-1905), which ran again from 1905 to 1921 as "Family Story Paper"; also a playwright and lyricist ("I Wouldn't -- Would You?" with composer Harry Von Tilzer, 1902). ANS, 1p, 8½" X 5½", New York, NY, 1906 May 16. Addressed to Mr. Benners. Very good. Light even age toning. Writing on "Munro's Publishing House" letterhead, Abarbanell discusses a new play with a producer. "I have the revised copy of my play now," he begins. "... please return, at my expense, the copy I gave you, with your opinion on it & the likelihood of your getting a production at Atlantic City during the season. If you succeed we will share the royalties on a basis of 1/3 to you & 2/3 to me...." Unusual.
Price: $50.00

2. ADAMS, Andy (1859-1935). Signature.
One of the few bona fide cowboys to take pen in hand and write of cowboy life, this rancher authored the classic 1903 "Log of a Cowboy," described by J. Frank Dobie thusly: "If all other books on trail driving were destroyed, a reader could still get a just and authentic conception of trail men, trail work, range cattle, cowhorses, and the cow country in general from The Log of a Cowboy"; his other titles include "Cowman," "Texas Matchmaker," "Cattle Brands" and others. Scarce signature, 5" X 3" (tipped to 5" X 3" black leaf), Colorado Springs, CO, 1925 February 20. Very good. Bold, handsome "Sincerely yours / Andy Adams / Colo. Sp'g's. Colo. 2/20/'25." A seldom seen autograph.
Price: $95.00

3. ADAMS, Andy (1859-1935). Typed Note Signed.
One of the few bona fide cowboys to take pen in hand and write of cowboy life, this rancher authored the classic 1903 "Log of a Cowboy," described by J. Frank Dobie thusly: "If all other books on trail driving were destroyed, a reader could still get a just and authentic conception of trail men, trail work, range cattle, cowhorses, and the cow country in general from The Log of a Cowboy"; his other titles include "Cowman," "Texas Matchmaker," "Cattle Brands" and others. Uncommon TNS, 1p, 8" X 4¼" lightly tipped to slightly larger sheet, Colorado Springs, CO, 1925 February 20. Very good. On letterhead that titles him "Western Correspondent" and lists several of his books, the cowboy sends his signature "to the boys and girls of Grimes' School, Burlington, Iowa."
Price: $195.00

4. ADAMS, Franklin P. "F.P.A." (1881-1960). Signature and Inscription.
Witty and erudite "New York Herald Tribune" columnist ("The Conning Tower") known as "F.P.A." who went on to further fame on "Information Please" on radio. "Dear Mary: / Love to you / from / Frank" pencilled large and bold in F.P.A.'s unusual script on a 6¼" X 4" slip, n.p. [Chicago, IL], n.y. [1940]. Very good. Couple of light vertical folds. Accompanied by a heavy stock 8½" X 11" facsimile of Gene Markey's delightful caricature of F.P.A. (as it appears in his 1923 compilation "Literary Lights: A Book of Caricatures"). Also present is an ALS from a friend of Mary Day's named Evelyn (dated Chicago, 1940 July 31) transmitting this F.P.A. signature (and noting, "I was with him on a drive which included Douglas School and Armour Institute and parts of the old neighborhood, in which he takes a tremendous interest.") and a clipped January 1948 "Atlantic Monthly" article by F.P.A. titled "Literary Memories" in which he discusses these Chicago sites.
Price: $40.00

5. ADE, George (1866-1944). Autograph Note Signed.
Hoosier humorist and playwright, long a fixture on the Chicago literary scene, whose many titles included "Fables in Slang" (1899). ANS, 1p, 8½" X 5½", Miami Beach, FL, 1939 April 5. Addressed to Mr. Tipton. Very good. Mild even age toning. Brief, cryptic note: "I am enclosing a letter addressed to Mr. Tipton and will ask you to deliver it to him if you approve of it...."
Price: $55.00

6. ADE, George (1866-1944). Printed Document Signed.
Noted Hoosier humorist remembered for "Fables in Sland" (1900), among many other titles. Partly-printed Document Signed, 1p, 7" X 10½", n.p., 1937 June 23. Very good. Form sent out by "Who's Who in America" for its 1938-39 edition, bearing Ade's small printed biographical entry (2" X 2½") from the previous edition affixed in the blank center area. By way of approval, Ade signs this area boldly in pencil, adding "O.K." An unusual mini-biography.
Price: $95.00

7. ALGREN, Nelson (1909-81). Signed Christmas Card.
Chicago novelist whose gritty realism is best encompassed in his bestselling "The Man With the Golden Arm" (1949) and other novels such as "Never Come Morning" (1942), "Walk on the Wild Side" (1956) and the short story collection "Neon Wilderness" (1947). Signed Christmas card, 3¼" X 7", 2pp, n.p., n.y. [ca. 1965]. Near fine. Printed on faux vellum by the American Greetings Corp. of Cleveland, the front cover features a gilt decorative border with mistletoe and large red "Season's Greetings" in red with rubricated initial letters. Inner message panel bears the printed sentiment "Wishing you / and yours / the / Happiest of Holidays," below which Algren signs boldly in blue ballpoint. A choice memento from the "Poet of the Chicago Slums." Unusual.
Price: $95.00

8. ALLEN, Willis Boyd (1855-1938). Autograph Manuscript Signed.
This American lawyer is best known as the author of popular adventures tales for young adults such as "Silver Rags" (1886) and as editor (1881-93) of "The Cottage Hearth," "The Wellspring" and "Our Sunday Afternoon." AMS, 1p, 5½" X 7", n.p., n.y. [minuscule pencilled 1922 December 17 in another hand]. Near fine. Boyd boldly pens a poem titled "Sunrise" in black ink, eight lines of verse reading: "Age calls us not to grieve our lives away / With sombre face turned toward the setting sun; / But, as the Alpine guide, at break of day, / Surmounts the rugged foothills, one by one, / Leaving the waning shadows of the night / To meet the radiant dawn but just begun, / Bids us fare onward, upward toward the light, / Climbing into the sunrise on the height." Handsomely accomplished, with large margins. Boyd published one volume of poetry, "In the Morning" (1890), but "Sunrise" is not included in that collection and it is unknown whether this piece ever appeared in print. From the collection of University of Chicago geology professor Albert Johannsen (1871-1962), author of "The House of Beadle and Adams and Its Dime and Nickel Novels" (1950), the definitive reference work on the subject. Johannsen's original 8½" X 11" file folder, bearing his printed "Collection of Albert Johannsen" label (partly filled in by Johannsen), accompanies this item.
Price: $95.00

9. ALLIBONE, S. Austin (1816-89). Autograph Note Signed.
Legendary American lexicographer and editor who compiled the mammoth "Critical Dictionary of English Literature" (1858). ANS, 1p, 5¼" X 8", n.p., n.d. [ca. January 1887]. Fine. Memo by Allibone written vertically along the left margin of a letter written to him by the secretary of the famed Library Company of Philadelphia. Thanks Allibone for donating the manuscript of his opus, the great "Critical Dictionary," to that institution. Allibone writes: "This Mss of my Dictionary of Authors was originally presented by me to Anthony J. Krexel, Esq. and by his request given to Phila. Library Co...." Interesting piece relating to the disposition of the manuscript of this giant of lexicography’s greatest work.
Price: $75.00

10. ALSOP, Joseph (1910-89). Typed Note Signed.
American political columnist and author credited with coining the phrase "brain trust" to name FDR's circle of advisors. TNS, 1p, 7" X 10¼", Washington, DC, 1977 November 14. Addressed to Richard C. Laade. Near fine. Complies with an autograph request. Large salutation and "Sincerely" also in Alsop's sloppy script. With original envelope.
Price: $20.00

11. AMMONS, A.R. (1926-2001). Autograph Note Signed.
This notable American poet hit the literary scene with his 1955 "Ommateum, with Doxology," producing many more poetry collections for the next four decades; his "Collected Poetry 1951-1971" won the 1973 National Book Award, as did his "Garbage" in 1993; in 1981 he won the first MacArthur "Genius Grant" Fellowship and his collection "A Coast of Trees" won the National Book Critics Circle Award. ANS ("Archie"), 1p, 6" X 9", Ithaca, NY, 1983 April 7. Addressed to noted Lincoln scholar Arnold F. Gates (1914-93). Near fine. A cryptic and cordial note on Cornell University letterhead, reading in part: "...thank you for telling me about George McMillan. I'm afraid I can't deal with that 'log' right now -- but maybe someday...." Boldly penned in blue ballpoint. With original envelope, addressed in Ammons' hand. A lovely example.
Price: $75.00

12. ARBUTHNOT, John (1667-1735). Signature and Salutation.
Queen Anne's physician in ordinary (1705-14) is better known as a close friend of Swift, Gay and Pope, with whom he founded the Scriblerus Club; among his many political pamphlets was "The History of John Bull," 1727, which created the stereotype of John Bull the typical Englishman. Signature and salutation clipped from an ALS, 1p, 4½" X 2¼", n.p., n.y. Near fine. Typical light brown ink. Reads in full: "and I remain / My Dear Sir / Your very trusty / Arbuthnot" on the recto, while the verso bears about 19 words in his hand -- obviously an excerpt from a letter. A most attractive example, and rather uncommon.
Price: $125.00

13. ATKINSON, Edward (1827-1905). Signature and Inscription.
This American economist, industrialist and economics writer helped found and direct the Boston Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company. Striking AQS, 1p, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, Brookline, NY, 1899 July 4. Very good. Minor mounting traces on verso. Bold, handsome signature preceded by "For Free Speech / and Free Mail," a nice patriotic sentiment appropriately dated.
Price: $40.00

14. BACHELLER, Irving (1859-1950). Typed Letter Signed.
American newspaperman and novelist whose best-seller "Eben Holden" (1900) sold over 1,000,000 copies. TLS, 1p, 6" X 8", "Gate o' the Isles," Winter Park, FL, 1941 February 11. Addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Very good. Invitation to a tea given in honor of President Hamilton Holt of Rollins College.
Price: $40.00

15. BAGNOLD, Enid (1889-1981). Signature.
The British novelist's novel "National Velvet" (1935) was turned into the popular 1944 film. Uncommon signature and date (1977 March 18), heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. Fine. With original envelope.
Price: $35.00

16. BAKER, Ray Stannard (1870-1946). Typed Letter Signed.
Woodrow Wilson's authorized biographer ("Woodrow Wilson: Life and Letters," 1927-39, awarded the 1940 Pulitzer Prize) was a versatile journalist and editor, cofounding "American Magazine" with Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens and others; under the pseudonym "David Grayson," he authored several essay collections that still enjoy a following today -- "Adventures in Contentment," "Adventures in Friendship," "Adventures in Understanding" and "Adventures in Solitude." TLS, 1p, 7¼" X 9½", New York, NY, 1913 March 6. Addressed to Charles E. Rice. Very good. A bit close cropped on left margin, not affecting text. On letterhead of "The American Magazine," Baker comments on Jacob Coxey's famed 1894 march on D.C. to protest unemployment and urge legislation to provide funds to pay the unemployed for public improvements work. "I was with Coxey's army during the entire march from Massillon to Washington as correspondent for the Chicago Record. I don't think that Jack London was with Coxey's army but I am under the impression that he did have some experience with one of the Western armies which moved about the same time. I think Kelly's. Of course I wrote a daily despatch to my paper with regard to the movements of the army." Large full signature. Accompanied by an ALS from Baker's wife, JESSIE B. BAKER, 2pp, 5" X 6½", Amherst, MA, 1913 February 7. Same recipient. Very good. Second leaf has jagged left margin. Assures White that her husband was indeed with Coxey's army and that "he will be very glad to communicate with you on his return" from Panama.
Price: $100.00

17. BALDWIN, Faith (1893-1978). Autograph Letter Signed.
Popular and prolific sentimental novelist well known from the 1930s through the 1960s. ALS "Faith," 2pp, 6" X 8", Norwalk, CT, [1962] March 27. Addressed to Ruth Reiter. Near fine. Single vertical fold. Chatty note to a long-time correspondent, mentioning a recent vacation ("Florida was sunny, windy so very cold. Bermuda was cold, windy & rainy -- I picked up a chest bug....") and her portrait on her latest book: "They rearranged it a bit but you can see a small double frame on it. My husband's pictures & also some of the grandchildren. Gladys [Taber, no doubt] gave me the cranberry glass mug (cigarettes) & the footed milk glass (holds pens). I'm sure that's her picture across room -- much foreshortened. There's a big table there by the bookwall, her picture is on it & others...." Always interesting when author's describe their work space. With original envelope, addressed in Baldwin's hand. Accompanied by a 12mo (5" X 7¼") 23pp promotional booklet issued by her publisher, Farrar & Rinehart, an essay titled "Faith Baldwin and Her American Family" by Page Cooper. Front wrapper features a closeup portrait of Baldwin. Ownership signature (dated 8 July 1940) on inside front wrapper of noted Lincoln and Civil War scholar Arnold Gates (1914-93). Rather uncommon.
Price: $75.00

18. BANNING, Kendall (1879-?). Typed Quotation Signed / Typed Note Signed.
American editor and prolific author on a variety of subjects; his books include "Mother Goose Rhymes" (1926), "Annapolis Today" (1938), "Copy: A One-Act Newspaper Play" (1910), "Bypaths in Arcady" (1915), "Flotsam" (1903), "How to Build Your Radio Receiver" (1924), "Our Army Today" (1943) and many others. Two items: First, a TQS, 1p, 8½" X 11", n.p., n.y. Near fine. Faint original mailing folds. Brief two-stanza poem titled "Beyond," which goes as follows: "When all my little worldly tasks are done, / And life is through, / Shall I, my love, lie down in sleep at last / To dream with you? / Or shall I find, when you and I shall rest / In peace supreme, / That death is Life but of a larger plan, / And Life the dream?" Boldly signed at the conclusion. Second, a TNS, 1p, 7¼" X 10¼", New York, NY, 1923 February 2. Addressed to Dr. Albert Johannsen. Near fine. On "Popular Radio" letterhead, listing him as editor, Banning thanks this University of Chicago professor for "my unpardonable delay in responding more promptly to your flattering suggestion of over a month ago" and transmits this typed poem. Boldly signed. Johannsen authored "The House of Beadle and Adams and Its Dime and Nickel Novels" (University of Oklahoma Press, 1950), the definitive reference work and bibliography on the subject. His original 8½" X 11" file folder, bearing a printed "Collection of Albert Johannsen" label (partly filled in by Johannsen), accompanies this attractive pair.
Price: $75.00

19. BARBEE, David Rankin (1874-1958). Typed Letter Signed.
This southern journalist, famed for his "Profiles" column in the "Washington Post," in later years turned to historical research on Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth and southern history. TLS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Washington, DC, 1936 September 10. Addressed to Owen Davies. Near fine. On letterhead of the "Treasury Department Federal Alcohol Administration Division," Barbee presents an unusual request to this Chicago bookseller: "The Federal Alcohol Administration is interested in buying old and new books of any sort or kind, which have to do with alcoholic beverages (spirits, wine and beer), or with problems growing out of their manufacture and sale...." Usual full, miniscule signature. Barbee served as public relations counsel for this agency between his journalism career and his research career.
Price: $25.00

20. BARING-GOULD, Sabine (1834-1924). Autograph Letter Signed.
English novelist, theologian, travel writer, author of hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers." ALS, 1p, 4½" X 7", n.p., 1906 February 5. Addressed to his publishers, Chatto & Windus. Very good. Fine content transmitting (not present) the short story "Eve." Reads: "I have corrected the naive Zelta into Eve the roughcut. I think you will find it vastly preferred to Red Spider it is a far better story. I accept your offer for it of L150, reserving to my self the right of disposing of the German & French translations & Tauchnitz Edition." ("Red Spider" was Baring-Gould's sole published opera.) A handsome example penned in his usual purple ink.
Price: $275.00

21. BARRACLOUGH, Geoffrey (1908-84). Signature.
"The Mediaeval Empire" (1950) is among this British historian and educator's best-known works. Uncommon signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1979 May 23. Fine. With original envelope.
Price: $25.00

22. BEACH, Rex (1877-1949). Signature and Inscription / Unsigned Photograph.
This American novelist and playwright often used his experiences in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush as the basis for his adventure tales such as "The Spoilers" (1906); a household name in the early 20th century because of bestsellers such as "The Net" (1912), "Don Careless" (1928), "Jungle Gold" (1935) and many others, he committed suicide at age 71. Bold, quite handsome "With pleasure, / Rex Beach" on a 5" X 2½" slip, n.p., n.y. Near fine. Accompanied by a superb sepia-tone full-length portrait, heavy stock 7" X 9½", published by The Mentor Association in 1918 (Vol. 6, No. 14, Serial 162) as part of a "Makers of Modern American Fiction" portfolio. Near fine. Beach stands rugged he-man outdoor garb, both hands in pockets, his hat cocked jauntily, with a studio backdrop of woods and fields; verso is a full-page printed biographical statement.
Price: $50.00

23. BEERS, Henry A. (1847-?). Autograph Letter Signed.
American literary critic whose books include "Introduction to Readings from Ruskin" (1885), "An Outline Sketch of English Literature" (1886), the verse collection "Odds and Ends" (1878) and others. ALS, 8pp, 5" X 8", New Haven, CT, 1889 April 8. Addressed to Moss. Very good. Light and even age toning; slight separation along one fold. Apparently writing to a former schoolmate, Beers here offers up a lengthy reading list of English history titles, reading in small part: "I am not an authority on English history -- pragmatic or general political history, I mean -- but I can speak with confidence of some few works in that department. J.R. Green's 'Short History of the English People' in one volume, is the best outline of the whole subject & is better than his larger book in four volumes. For the earliest period Kember's 'Saxons in England' Green's 'The Making of England' & Freeman's 'Norman Conquest' are the best. Sharon Turner's 'History of the Anglo Saxons' is a standard, but somewhat antiquated...." Then does the same for the medieval period, individual reigns, the 16th century, the Stuart period, the 18th and 19th centuries, historical novels, and English literature. An interesting tutorial from the noted academic.
Price: $40.00

24. BELLOC-LOWNDES, Marie (1868-1947). Typed Note Signed.
The sister of English writer Hilaire Belloc authored historical potboilers such as "The Chink in the Armour" (1912) and "Who Rides on a Tiger" (1936). TNS, 1p, 7" X 9", Westminster, England, 1932 March 10. Addressed to Mr. Trevilian. Fine. Nice note to a fan. Large 5" signature.
Price: $50.00

25. BENCHLEY, Nathaniel (1915-81). Typed Letter Signed.
The son of humorist Robert Benchley was himself the author of many humorous and historical novels. TLS, 1p, 7¼" X 10¼", Siasconset, MA, 1962 September 25. Addressed to Mrs. Peter J. Scott. Near fine. Regrets he probably cannot provide a copy of "One to Grow On" ("which... is still in print but I think is in a warehouse out of town") for a Brandeis University book auction. With his usual miniscule signature. Comes with a carbon copy of Scott's reply to him.
Price: $45.00

26. BEST, Gerald M. (1895-1985). Typed Letters Signed (4).
The dean of American railroad historians, author of numerous railroad line histories as well as general studies such as "The Pacific Coast Company," "Snowplow," "Mexican Narrow Gauge," "Nevada Narrow Gauge," "Railroads of Hawaii," "Iron Horses to Promontory" and others; also noted as a rail cinematographer, Best is remembered for many early films of Western railroads. Collection of four TLsS, all 8½" X 11", all Beverly Hills, CA, dated between 1946 December 11 and 1947 October 22. All addressed to Chicago bookseller Owen Davies. Overall very good. Bit of occasional soiling, couple of minor edge tears. All but one are on his pictorial (locomotive, of course) letterhead. Interesting content on Best's pursuit of various railroading books from Davies' catalogues. "I am a pushover for Erie items," he notes at one point. Large, bold "GMBest" signature on each. Nice look into one feature that made the dean "The Dean" -- aggressive book research.
Price: $60.00

27. BOK, Edward W. (1863-1930). Typed Letter Signed.
Inventive editor of "Ladies Home Journal" (1889-1919), where he introduced many innovations that are standard practice today; his Horatio Alger-type story is recounted in his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, "The Americanization of Edward Bok" (1920). TLS, 2pp, 5" X 6½", Philadelphia, PA, 1926 February 27. Addressed to Jon G. Leiser. Near fine. To a music school founder and teacher, Bok advises: "'The Americanization of Edward Bok' is a truthful record of those portions of my life which are presented in it, and while I made no notes in connection with it, I would not recommend that method as the best to be followed in writing...." With original envelope. Comes with a handsome 5" X 7" printed book portrait.
Price: $75.00

28. BOK, Edward W. (1863-1930). Autograph Letter Signed.
Inventive editor of "Ladies Home Journal" (1889-1919), where he introduced many innovations that are standard practice today; his Horatio Alger-type story is recounted in his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, "The Americanization of Edward Bok" (1920). ALS, 1p, 6" X 9", pictorial Hotel Ormond letterhead, Ormond Beach, FL, 1916 February 21. Addressed to Barlow. Fine. Thoughts on letter writing: "It is a pet idea of mine: that one's stationery and the pysical aspect of letters proclaim the person. So I have always tried for good looks for our correspondence...." Bok ALsS are far scarcer than his common TLsS.
Price: $115.00

29. BOLITHO, Hector (1897-?). Typed Note Signed.
New Zealand author of such books as "The Reign of Queen Victoria" (1948) and "No. 10 Downing Street" (1957). TNS, 1p, 7" X 9", Windsor, England, 1931 August 18. Addressed to H.D. Trevelyan. Fine. "I thank you most sincerely for your interest and kind comments," etc. With original envelope.
Price: $40.00

30. BOURKE-WHITE, Margaret (1906-71) and CALDWELL, Erskine (1903-87). Signatures.
Husband and wife photographer and novelist team -- she renowned for her Depression scenes, he for "Tobacco Road" and other racy novels. Signatures of both on title page only of the first edition of "You Have Seen Their Faces" (New York: Viking Press, 1937), 1p, 8¼" X 10 3/4", n.p., n.d. Good. Caldwell signs in full, while Bourke-White writes, "For Ceraffie: / One of the angles / from two of the angles. / Peggy." An uncommon pair, as their collaboration (and marriage) was brief and turbulent. This is the TITLE PAGE ONLY, note -- NOT the entire book.
Price: $100.00

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