Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 366
Rosenthal, Moriz
(1862-1946). Polish pianist. Rosenthal was a pupil of Liszt and friend
and colleague of Brahms, Johann Strauss, Anton Rubinstein, von Bülow,
Saint Saens, and Massenet. Though highly talented, his work is largely
ignored today.
Autograph Note. On a single, duodecimo sheet, n.p.,
n.d. Being a personalized calling card. In black ink. With two horizontal
soft creases across the top of the card, a one inch vertical crease
beginning at upper left, and a small tear at lower left edge. In good
condition.
With simplicity, Rosenthal adds a short note to his
calling card: "With kindest regards".
Estimated Value $75-100.
Lot 367
Runyon, Damon
(1884-1946). American journalist and writer made popular by his tales
of gambling and the criminal world. Runyon was responsible for syndicated
columns "Both Barrels" and "The Brighter Side", as well as several movie
scripts, and short stories.
Typed Letter Signed ("Damon
Runyon"). On a single, quarto sheet, Beverly Hills, December 30, 1942.
On Twentieth Century-Fox stationery. In black ink. To Lt. Bob Wachsman of
Taft, California. One horizontal and two vertical creases, light toning
with an area of staining verso and a few folds at upper and lower edges. In
good condition overall.
Working for Twentieth Century-Fox, here the
investigative writer Runyon writes a cordial letter granting his aid: "I
will be glad to assist you in any way possible to achieve your ambition. I
shall make inquiry with my own people to see if they have anything of the
kind open. It is not at all improbably, as they are always looking for a
good man like yourself."
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 368
Vanderbilt, Cornelius
Jr (1898-1974) Journalist and great-grandson of railroad and steamship
baron, "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt.
Typed Letters Signed. Lot
of Three. ("Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr.") Quarto, Miami, Florida,
January 29th, 30th 1925 & March 13th 1925. On "Vanderbilt Newspapers, Inc."
letterhead. All to a Frank B. Holden of West Palm Beach, Fla., concerning a
book written by Mr. Holden. The letters have yellowed slightly due to age
and exhibit some creasing, there is a penciled notation at the top of one
of the letters. In very good condition.
Two of the letters in part:
"I have just had a few minutes to glance through your very
interesting volume "War Memories" and I want to tell you how much I
appreciate especially the things you have said in your Preface... I want
very much to editorialize on it, particularly in my Western papers, where
interest is still strong in the disabled men."
"Your bully letter of
the second instant has just been brought to my attention and I wish
to thank you exceedingly for it. I am so glad to hear that you were
interested in my review of your book. It is certainly by far the best book
on actual happenings of the World War that I have had the pleasure of
reading..."
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 369
Whittier, John
Greenleaf (1807-1892). American poet and outspoken abolitionist.
Whittier's poems reflect an appreciation for the beauties of nature and
rural life, as well as a deep religious conviction and moral strength.
Autograph Quotation Signed ("John G. Greenleaf"). One page,
6¾ x 10¾", n.p., June 14, 1869. Being a 12 line poem written on
an album leaf. Minor foxing and age toning. In fine to very fine
condition.
An exciting piece!! Apparently this is an early or
fragmentary version of Whittier's "An Autograph," published in 1882 -- 13
years after this quotation was inscribed. The similarities between "An
Autograph" and the poem offered here are unmistakable and this would be
quite a wonderful piece for any fan or student of Whittier. In
full:
The rising tide will reach
Our writing on the
beach
We trace our names in rain
On winter's frosted pane.
My
name I know must pass
As from the beach and glass
Small sorrow can it
give me--
Why should a name outlive me?
Yet while its letters
stay
May all who read it say:
'At least he strove to make
Life
worthier for his sake!'.
Estimated Value $950-1,250.
Lot 370
An Assortment of
Authors. Thirty pieces. This extensive grouping of literary ephemera
features the hands of a range of 19th and 20th century authors. Includes
Autograph Letters Signed by Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Rafael
Sabatini; Typed Letter Signed by Willima Somerset Maugham,
Herman Wouk, Upton Sinclair, Isaac B. Singer and
William Saroyan, a program signed by Isaac B. Singer; and the
Signatures of Arthur C. Clark, Oliver Wendell Holmes,
Henry Miller, Norman Mailer, Longfellow, and Edward
E. Hale. A variety of additional materials accompanies this lot.
Conditions range from fair to very good. Bidders are strongly encouraged to
view this lot.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.
Lot 371
Vintage Autograph Book
of Authors & Artists. Here we offer a large collection of signatures
and autographed letters signed by a variety of authors, artists and
cultural notables. Featuring autographed letters signed by artist F.
Millet, Pulitzer Prize novelist Hamlin Garland, Charles J.
Pike, war correspondent Richard Harding Davis, artist Henry
Mosler, and sculptor Lorado Taft; signatures of John
Sartain, first lady Frances F. Cleveland, authors Bill
Nye, Oliver W. Holmes, and William Dean Howells, and
evangelist Dwight L. Moody; autographed notes signed by composer
John Philip Sousa; and a card signed by Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow. Some one hundred and twenty-three pieces in all. Each
tipped into a bound, fabric covered book. A few pages of the book have come
loose, cover is soiled, several pieces toned. Overall, in very good
condition.
Estimated Value $500-750.