11. Congo / Kongo – Leopold II of Belgium (1835-1909) – King of the Belgians and Owner / Absolute Ruler of the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908.

Collection of four very important and meaningful manuscript letters by Leopold II to his administrator and Foreign Minister of the Congo – Free-State, Baron Adolphe de Cuvelier (1860-1931) with a total of 16 pages filled with Leopold’s instructions on pressing issues regarding a warning about an imminent visit by the Rector of the Mill-Hill Missionaries [probably Herbert Alfred Henry Vaughan (1832 – 1903)] and Leopold’s qualification of the visit of being detrimental to the Congo Free State (″ne travaillent pas pour l’État”). Leopold continues in another letter to talk about the hostile positions of english officials (consuls) and missionaries (″que les consuls anglais et les missionnaires anglais se conduisent bien mal envers l’État”). Interestingly, Leopold also touches on the nuisance of the german press criticizing Belgian Railway Lines and he is of the opinion that this is all happening in order to force the german parliament [″Reichstag”] to finance the building of the Tanganyika Railway [between Dar es Salaam and Kigoma]: (″cherche à effrayer l’opinion [en] Allemagne à propos de mes chemins de fer afin d’obtenir du Reichstag des fonds pour la ligne allemande vers le Tanganika”.

16 pages of MLS, Manuscript Letters (signed) on 10 leaves of Leopold’s official stationery “Château de Laeken” and “Palais de Bruxelles”. Laeken / Brussels, Château de Laeken [Palace of Laeken], 1901 – 1906. The leaves with different sizes (13,5 cm x 9 cm) and (18 cm x 11,5 cm). Excellent condition. Unsigned. Tremendously rare to find original letters by Leopold II on the open market in which the Colonial Free State and the protection against inquisitive visitors is discussed in such clear and instructive fashion. Leopold’s correspondence with Adolphe de Cuvelier shows how he is very much trying to still protect and influence the narrative of his Colonial Slavery Outpost even in the final years of his life.

12. [McAfee, Mildred Helen] de la Mare, Walter.

Ding Dong Bell.

London, Selwyn & Blount Ltd., 1924. 13 cm x 19 cm. IX, 76 pages. Original Hardcover with the rare illustrated dustjacket in protective collector’s Mylar. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Inscribed and fully signed by de La Mare to American academic Mildred Helen McAfee Horton on front free endpaper: “Helen McAfee with all good wishes from Walter de la Mare – June 1924”.

13. Medical Illustration in Dermatology – Goldschmid, Edgar / [Georges Sarton].

Entwicklung und Bibliographie der Pathologisch-Anatomischen Abbildung. [Mit Autograph: TLS – Mit einem zweiseitigen Brief an Dr.Krieg in Wien, der von Goldschmid den Entwurf eines Nekrologs zu Georges Sarton erhofft hatte und diesen in Form dieses Briefs bekommt (von Goldschmid voll signiert) / Typed Letter (two pages, signed) by Edgar Goldschmid; the letter being a draft of an obituary on Georges Sarton (in german)].

Leipzig, Karl W. Hiersemann, 1925. Quarto (25 cm x 31 cm). 301 Seiten text plus 44 fantastisch-farbige Tafeln in Lichtdruck mit den original-bedruckten Schutzfolien / 301 pages plus 44 fantastic colour-plates with their original tissue-guards. Originales Ganzleinen des Hiersemann-Verlags / Original publisher’s cloth. Sehr guter Zustand mit nur geringen Gebrauchsspuren. Offensichtlich Handexemplar von Dr.Krieg (Wien) mit Anmerkungen in Bleistift auf dem Vorsatz (″Bei G[oldschmid] zufragen”) und gelegentlich im Text mit Korrekturen und Anmerkungen neben den von Goldschmid verfassten Bibliographien, moeglicherweise fuer eine nie erschienene zweite Auflage. / Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Extremely important landmark-publication in medicine, focusing on the importance of colour-illustration in dermatological diagnostics. This being the personal copy of Dr.Krieg (Vienna), with some annotations in pencil, reflecting questions and additional suggestions to some of the bibliographical entries, possibly for a second edition of the work.

14. Taylor, Tom / [Abraham Lincoln].

Exquisite collection of six (6) items/original, vintage and personal materials by/of Tom Taylor. The collection includes a 2 1/2 page, signed manuscript letter [MLS] by Tom Taylor to an unknown recipient , discussing a memorial he sent to Robert Browning’s patron, John Kenyon and mentioning former Prime Minister Lord Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen]. The collection also includes two vintage 19th century cabinet photographs [Carte de Visite’s] of Tom Taylor, a later edition of Ballads and Songs of Brittany and two beautifully inscribed and signed presentation copies of his major works: 1. The first edition of Ballads of Brittany – London/Cambridge, MacMillan and Co.,1865 with many illustrations by Tissot, Tenniel etc. (This first edition is signed and inscribed by Tom Taylor to Emilia Ventana at Xmas 1864, before the publication of the book commenced) and 2. Tom Taylor’s Historical Dramas. London, Chatto & Windus, 1877. Signed and inscribed by Tom Taylor to Marie de Beauvoisier in March 1879.

London / Cambridge etc., Chatto & Windus / Routledge & Sons / etc., c. 1850-1879. Octavo. Ballads and Songs of Brittany (1865 edition): Frontispice, XXII, 239 pages / Ballads and Songs of Brittany (Later Routledge edition): XVI, 176 pages / Tom Taylor’s Historical Dramas: VIII, 466, 32 pages. / Manuscript Letter: 2 1/2 pages. Original Hardcover / The manuscript letter in a Folder, it includes an A4 manuscript leaf from a 19th century autograph-collector describing the letter by Taylor. / The two vintage cabinet photographs of Taylor included in the Folder with the autograph. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear.

15. Illustrations for The Odyssey – Rössing, Karl.

Interessante Sammlung von originalen Briefen des Österreichischen Autors Karl Rössing and den künstlerischer Leiter der Bauerschen Gießerei, Dr. Konrad Bauer. Die detaillierten Briefe geben Aufschluss zur Entstehungsgeschichte der Publikation “Bilder zur Odyssee”, welche im Jahr 1955 in Frankfurt herausgegeben wurde. Karl Rössing spricht mit Bauer zum Thema Korrekturen im Satz, Einbanddecken, Mäander, Papierauswahl, Tondruck, Einbandgestaltung, Autorenexemplaren, Ausstellung in Braunschweig, Rezensionsverweigerung von Benno Reiffenberg, Verwendung des Buchs als Geschenk an den Bundespraesidenten (damals Theodor Heuss), “ganz einfach deshalb weil er ein fuer Kunstdinge aufgeschlossener Mensch ist”, etc. etc. Der Sammlung liegt eine originale Tuschzeichnung über Bleistift, sowie ein Probedruck des Titelholzstichs bei. Die fertige Buchausgabe liegt ausserdem hier im Originalschuber vor.

Stuttgart / Frankfurt, Prof.Karl Rössing / Der Goldene Brunnen / Bauersche Gießerei, 1950-1957. Octavo. 9 Briefe, davon einige auch umseitig oder zweiseitig. Zusammen 14 Seiten auf 10 Blatt plus eine Tuschzeichnung und Probedruck des Titelholzschnitts. Das fertige Buch in original Hardcover im Schuber. Sehr guter Zustand. Bedeutende Dokumentation zur Buchproduktion und enger Zusammenarbeit zwischen Illustrator.

16. Headlam, Maurice / [Arland Ussher].

Irish Reminiscences [Association – copy between Maurice Headlam and Arland Ussher, not only signed and inscribed in length by Maurice Headlam but also including two 4-page-manuscript letters by Maurice Headlam to Arland Ussher, reflecting on Ussher’s publication “The Face and Mind of Ireland”].

First edition. London, Robert Hale Limited, 1949. Octavo. Frontispiece – Photograph, 244 pages. Hardcover with original dustjacket. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear. Inscribed and signed on endpaper. Two manuscript letters loosely inserted. Manuscript entry, correction/explanation/annotations by Maurice Headlam to Arland Ussher on page 166 and page 175.

17. [Tey, Josephine / Daviot, Gordon] / [Gielgud, John].

Josephine Tey – John Gielgud Collection of stunning Association copies of Plays which crucially defined both of their careers as writers and actors. The collection includes important, signed and inscribed association – copies of the two significant productions “Richard of Bordeaux” and “Queen of Scots”, both from John Gielgud’s personal library and with manuscript inscriptions to John Gielgud [and Laurence [Larry] Olivier] by Josephine Tey, aka Gordon Daviot, aka Elizabeth MacKintosh. The collection includes: 1. Gordon Daviot [Josephine Tey] – “Richard of Bordeaux – A Play in Two Acts” – With John Gielgud’s Bookplate (Ex Libris). The ultimate Association-copy, warmly and lengthy inscribed by Josephine Tey to John Gielgud. First Edition. London, Victor Gollancz, 1933 / 2. “Richard of Bordeaux” – Original Programme of “The Streatham Hill Theatre”, 1934. Signed by John Gielgud / 3. Gordon Daviot [Josephine Tey] – “Richard of Bordeaux” – Original File-copy with dustjacket and Publisher’s wrapper “The Play of the Year” at the New Theatre” – First Edition, 1933 / 4. Gordon Daviot [Josephine Tey] Gordon Daviot – “Richard of Bordeaux – A Play in Two Acts” – [Fifth Edition, 1933] – Special Cast, Producer and Production-Signed copy and inscribed to one “Eileen Grainger”, with the most interesting dedications in manuscript signatures – Signed and inscribed by lead actor and producer John Gielgud [Richard II], Signed and inscribed by leading Lady, actress Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies, Signed and inscribed by Gordon Daviot [Josephine Tey], Also beautifully signed and inscribed with a musical score by Shakespeare-composer and Musical Director for John Gielgud, Herbert Menges OBE ! / 5. “Queen of Scots – A Play in Three Acts” – The Ultimate Association-copy, inscribed by Josephine Tey to her producer: “John Gielgud – from ‘his Gordon Daviot’ / July 1934” / 6. Gordon Daviot – “Queen of Scots – A Play in Three Acts” – Association-copy, signed and warmly and lengthy inscribed by Josephine Tey to Laurence Olivier / 7. Gordon Daviot [Josephine Tey] – “Richard of Bordeaux” – A Softcover-Version of the Play in Fourth Impression, 1933 / 8. Josephine Tey – “The Daughter of Time” – First Edition, Second Impression (Second Printing). London, Peter Davies, July 1951 [The First Edition was in June 1951]. Original Hardcover with the slightly frayed original dustjacket in Mylar / 9. John Gielgud – “Early Stages” – New and Revised Edition. London, The Falcon Press, 1948. With pages of detail about the work of John Gielgud with Gordon Daviot [Josephine Tey] / 10. Jennifer Morag Henderson – “Josephine Tey – A Life” – With a Foreword by Val McDermid. Sandstone Press, 2015 //

London, Victor Gollancz, 1933 – 1948. Octavo. Hardcover / Original Publisher’s cloth. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear.

18. [Aiken, Henry David] Sheffer, Henry M.

Manuscript Letter signed from eminent american logician, Henry M. Sheffer, to Philosopher Henry David Aiken, congratulating Aiken of being accepted to Harvard: “…..the Harvard Board of Overseers may not have O.K.‘d your appointment yet. However, I consider it final and official. Letme congratulate both you and Harvard on your joining the Emerson Hall First Floor Department. It will be a great pleasure to see you here again next Fall….”. Sheffer then continues ominously: “Then we can talk about a number of things one does not wish to put on paper”.

Cambridge (Emerson Hall), April 17th, 1946. Octavo. 1 pages. Softcover. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear. Original Letters or anything published by Sheffer, is exceedingly rare !

19. Toulmin, Stephen.

Manuscript Letter Signed to his friend, professor of Philosophy, Henry Aiken. The letter was sent from Sussex in England and includes information about Toulin’s latest book and his dedication to tirelessly writing together with his wife June Goodfield. June Goodfield has added to the letter as well by alerting Aiken and his wife of Stephen and her coming to Boston again.

Sussex / England, no year [c.July 1968 ?]. Octavo. Two pages. Softcover. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear. Corners torn and some fraying.

20. [West Highland Line] / [Scottish Railway Line Glasgow to Mallaig] / [Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean – “Iron Road to the Isles”]

Massive Photographic Documentation of The Western Highland Line [Glasgow to Mallaig] in 900 [ninehundred] vintage Photographs, taken over a period of 30 Years by a Railway and Nature-Explorer and placed in four massive XXL Folders with extensive, beautiful and detaild annotations and explanations. The photographs range from smaller formats (10 cm wide x 15.2 cm high) to a huge amount of Extra-Large Vintage Photographs (39.2 cm wide x 29.4 cm high) and many even measure 40 cm x33 cm, filling entire leaves. Many of the photographs are impeccably applied inside these High-End-Archival-Folders with often numerous captions in the handwriting of the Photographer / Highland Explorer. An inexplicably stunning and absolutely unique documentation of the scottish landscape along the West Highland Line between the years 1974 – 2002. The images document Scottish rivers, Lochs and Roads, Mountains and Hills alongside the Railway-Lines but landscapes are also often shown without the Railway present. Besides the nature we also find photographs of architectural features like overpasses or industrial buildings and railway-track-imagery masterfully photographe, bordering on the abilities of a New Objectivity – photographer like Albert Renger-Patzsch. An important, maybe even singular photographic Impact-study of Railway to the Scottish Highlands. The anonymous photographer has injected himself occasionally in the images, beautifully showing his pitched tent and motorcycle in order let the viewer understand the dedication his travels have cost him. The masterful photographer also showcases his love for detail and artistry by ever so often partially and sparsely coloring Railway-Waggons or Locomotives within his black-and-white-photography, highlighting the technology in the vulnerable landscape, giving the whole collection an artistic and critical component of focusing the viewer on the object of his desire, yet contrasting how lost even a magnificent Locomotive and its carriages seems when vanishing in front of the majestic scottish landscape. The documentation is meticulous, often allowing for multiple vintage photographs on one page showing the same location during different times, exhausting all questions of functionality of the Railway opposed to the landscape with or without Railway in the shots. For the conservation-movement of the Scottish Highlands this collection is an unbelievable chance to preserve the memory of this landmark Railway-Line, connecting the extreme remote with the urban. For those who research the scottish landscape this is a unique opportunity to acquire the life’s work of one man’s obsession with “Railway and Landscape” in the Scottish Highland.

Scotland, 1974-2002. Oblong-Folio (44 cm wide x 36 cm high). Hardcover / Original Full-Leather Folders with stong, black cardboards and original tissue-guards. Excellent condition with only minor signs of wear. With hundreds of manuscript annotations on the photography, the photography-technique, film used and with extensive elaborations on each photograph in these albums. More images on request !