Literature
Adamov, Arthur (1908-1970)
Program signed
Arthur Adamov was a playwright, one of the foremost exponents of the Theatre of the Absurd. Signed and inscribed program page “Spectacle Strindberg”. Signed and inscribed “Arthur Adamov”. 1p., 5.25 x 7.0 inch, n.p., n.d. Additional signed and inscribed by “Michel Arnaud” and signed “Michel Etcheverry”. Handling wear, else fine.
Price: $ 120 / € 110
Barrie, James M. (1860-1937)
Autograph letter signed with Peter Pan reference
Scottish novelist and playwright, best remembered today as the creator of Peter Pan. Autograph letter signed. 1p., card, 4.5 x 3.5 inch, Lancaster Gate, 13 Dec., no year. To a Mrs. Pogson. In full: "Dear Mrs Pogson, There will be nothing doing on Friday evening on Peter Pan except odds & ends with a Manchester company. Our dress rehearsals will be on Saty from 6pm onwards (probably late in beginning) so come there instead if possible, I shall be there. Will tell Chris in front of house that you are to come in.” In fine condition.
Price: $ 1,620 / € 1.475
Beecher Stowe, Harriet (1811-1896)
Autograph quotation signed “Trust in the Lord …”
American abolitionist and author. She came from a famous religious family and is best known for her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852). Fine autograph quotation signed “Trust in the Lord And do good from Harriet Beecher Stowe March 7. 1888”. Card, 3.0 x 2.0 inch, n.p., 1888 March 7. The card is mounted on a beautiful engraving of Beecher Stowe by T. Johnson to an overall size of 7.5 x 11.0 inch. Card has a stain and a corner bend, engraving is fine. Excellent display item with a fine quotation that she often used.
Price: $ 875 / € 795
Björnson, Björnstjerne (1832-1910)
Autograph postcard signed (Nobel Prize Literature)
Norwegian writer who received the 1903 Nobel Prize in Literature. Autograph postcard signed “Björnson”. 1p, postcard, 5.5 x 3.5 inch, n.p., n.d. To the publisher of the "Future", O. Häring, in Berlin regarding a fee. In German: “Haben Sie die Güte Freiherr von Enzberg (Friedenau) aus meinem Honorar zu zahlen. Nicht wenig!“ Handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 420 / € 380
Björnson, Björnstjerne (1832-1910)
Autograph letter signed (Nobel Prize Literature)
Norwegian writer who received the 1903 Nobel Prize in Literature. Autograph letter signed “Björnstjerne Björnson”. 1p, 8.75 x 5.5 inch (unfolded), n.p., n.d. To the publisher of the "Future", O. Häring, in Berlin regarding a fee. In German: “Sie brauchen mir es auch nicht zu schicken. Ich habe so große Freude daran in „die Zukunft“ zu sagen, was ich da gesagt habe, dass ich diese Freude nicht verdorben haben will durch ein Honorar auf 10 – zehn – mark. Die anderen zehn nimmt nämlich mein übersetzer“. Slightly stained, two minor holes repaired with paper on verso, else good condition.
Price: $ 420 / € 380
Blyton, Enid (1897-1968)
German first edition signed
English children's writer whose books have been among the world's best-sellers since the 1930s. Signed book “Love from Enid Blyton”. Hardcover book “Die Farrellkinder” (Original title: House at the corner), 5.0 x 7.5 inch, n.p., n.d. German First edition, Verlag Die Boje, Stuttgart, 1954. Signed in blue ballpoint pen. Handling wear, pages slightly discolored, two numbers in felt tip pen written on the first page, else good condition. Books signed by Blyton are rather uncommon.
Price: $ 560 / € 450
Böll, Heinrich (1917-1985)
Photograph signed and card signed
One of Germany's foremost post-World War II. writers. Böll was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1972. Vintage glossy photograph signed “Heinrich Böll”. 6.25 x 8.25 inch, n.p., 1972 March 28 (stamp on verso and the year he awarded the Nobel Prize). A large black and white photograph of Böll holding a cigarette. Also included is a thank you card with a PRINTED text and a handwritten thank you note by Böll “Mit herzlichem Dank Heinrich Böll” at the bottom. Photograph in fine condition, card slightly discolored and with handling wear.
Price: $ 550 / € 500
Brecht, Bertolt (1898-1956)
Typed letter signed
German theatre practitioner, playwright, and poet. Typed letter signed “bertolt brecht”. 1p., 8.25 x 11.75 inch, Berlin, 1952 July 14, on “Berliner Ensemble” stationery. To actor Joseph Noerden in Berlin. In German: „Lieber Noerden, ich fasse den Sinn unserer Besprechung noch einmal zusammen: Ihre künstlerische Leistung als „Don Juan“ war hochinteressant, Wenn Sie noch zwei Jahre hier im Ensemble arbeiten, bin ich Ihrer künstlerischen Zukunft sicher.“ Translated: "Dear Noerden, I'll sum up the meaning of our discussion again: Your artistic performance as "Don Juan" was extremely interesting. If you work here in the ensemble for two more years, I'm sure of your artistic future.“ Mailing folds, slightly discolored, punch holes, else good condition. Joseph Noerden (1927-1999) was a Luxembourgish actor. In 1949 he was engaged by Bertolt Brecht to work in the newly founded Berliner Ensemble in East Berlin. Here he was also in the play Mr. Puntila and his servant Matti as well as in the premiere of Mother Courage as "Schweizerkas". Bertolt Brecht was considered his most important teacher.
Price: $ 1,650 / € 1.500
Brecht, Bertolt (1898-1956)
Autograph letter draft
German theatre practitioner, playwright, and poet. Autograph letter draft, UNSIGNED, 1p., 6.0 x 8.25 inch, very likely Berlin, 1952 July 14, piece of paper with printed questions on verso. A handwritten letter draft in red ink by Brecht, later typed by a secretary and forwarded by mail to actor Joseph Noerden in Berlin and the draft was probably sent to Noerden by mistake. The typed letter signed with the same text is also available for sale. In German: „Lieber Noerden, ich fasse den Sinn unserer Besprechung noch einmal zusammen: Ihre künstlerische Leistung als „Don Juan“ war hochinteressant, Wenn Sie noch zwei Jahre hier im Ensemble arbeiten, bin ich Ihrer künstlerischen Zukunft sicher. “Translated: "Dear Noerden, I'll sum up the meaning of our discussion again: Your artistic performance as "Don Juan" was extremely interesting. If you work here in the ensemble for two more years, I'm sure of your artistic future.“ Mounted at the top to a slightly larger piece of paper, handling wear, else good condition. Joseph Noerden (1927-1999) was a Luxembourgish actor. In 1949 he was engaged by Bertolt Brecht to work in the newly founded Berliner Ensemble in East Berlin. Here he was also in the play Mr. Puntila and his servant Matti as well as in the premiere of Mother Courage as "Schweizerkas". Bertolt Brecht was considered his most important teacher. Anything handwritten by Brecht is rather scarce.
Price: $ 1,650 / € 1.500
Brecht, Bertolt (1898-1956)
Typed letter signed “Brecht the stenographer”
German theatre practitioner, playwright, and poet. Typed letter signed “brecht”. 1p., 8.25 x 11.75 inch, Berlin, 1951 April 6, on “Bertolt Brecht” stationery. To actor Joseph Noerden in Berlin. A short thank you letter for a premiere gift. In German: „Lieber Noerden, ich danke Ihnen für das Premieren-geschenk, den stenografischen „Wildenbruch“. Wenn ich nur auch erst so weit wäre!“ Translated: "Dear Noerden, thank you for the premiere gift, the stenographic "Wildenbruch". If I were only that far!” Slightly discolored, else good condition. Joseph Noerden (1927-1999) was a Luxembourgish actor. In 1949 he was engaged by Bertolt Brecht to work in the newly founded Berliner Ensemble in East Berlin. Here he was also in the play Mr. Puntila and his servant Matti as well as in the premiere of Mother Courage as "Schweizerkas". Bertolt Brecht was considered his most important teacher. Ernst von Wildenbruch (1845-1909) was a German poet and dramatist. Brecht was very interested in shorthand and was an excellent stenographer.
Price: $ 1,320 / € 1.200
Brecht, Bertolt (1898-1956)
Typed letter signed: Stage directions for “The Tutor”
German theatre practitioner, playwright, and poet. Typed letter signed “b”. 1p., 8.25 x 6.0 inch, Berlin, 1950 June 2, on “Berliner Ensemble” stationery. To actor Joseph Noerden. In German: „Lieber Noerden! Ein paar kleine Notierungen! 4.Szene: Bitte nicht die Hand nach Läuffer ausstrecken, wenn Sie am Boden liegen. Das Apfelessen bitte diskreter. Es ist jetzt zu viel. Dann ist es wichtig, dass Sie nicht zu früh aufstehen, sondern erst im letzten Moment, wenn Läuffer von seinem versteckten Annäherungsversuch zurückkommt, hochkommen. 5.Szene: Bitte beim Abgang nicht laut werden. 16.“ Bitte, das Kind nur ganz kurz und zarter wiegen. Sonst ist alles in Ordnung.“ Translated: „Dear Noerden! A few small notes! Scene 4: Please don't reach for Läuffer when you're lying on the ground. Eating apples more discreetly, please. It's too much now. Then it's important that you don't get up too early, but only get up at the last moment, when Läuffer returns from his hidden advance attempt. Scene 5: Please don't raise your voice when leaving. 16.“ Please rock the child very briefly and more gently. Otherwise everything is fine.” Also included is a signed card with a short thank you note by Helene Weigel to Noerden. Mailing fold, punch holes, handling wear, else good condition. Joseph Noerden (1927-1999) was a Luxembourgish actor. In 1949 he was engaged by Bertolt Brecht to work in the newly founded Berliner Ensemble in East Berlin. Here he was also in the play Mr. Puntila and his servant Matti as well as in the premiere of Mother Courage as "Schweizerkas". Bertolt Brecht was considered his most important teacher. The Tutor is the 1950 Adaptation by Brecht, of an 18th-century play by Lenz. The play was Brecht's first production which featured work from the German Classical Era for the Berliner Ensemble. Overall, it was the third production the Berliner Ensemble performed. Brecht himself directed this production. Helene Weigel (1900-1971) was a German actress, artistic director and the second wife of Brecht.
Price: $ 1,100 / € 1.000
Buck, Pearl S. (1892-1973)
Signature mounted with photograph
Pearl Sydenstricker Buck was an American writer and novelist. In 1938 she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature "for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China and for her biographical masterpieces”. Signature “with greetings and good wishes, Pearl S. Buck”. Card, 4.25 x 5.75 inch, n.p., n.d., written and signed in dark blue ink. Newspaper photograph mounted. “B” slightly blurred, else fine condition.
Price: $ 220 / € 200
Busch, Wilhelm (1832-1908)
Autograph poem signed
German humorist, poet, illustrator and painter. Autograph poem signed “W.B.”. 3 pages, 4.5 x 7.0 inch, (Mechtshausen), (1902), June 14. Five lines in pencil from Busch at the end of a letter from an admirer. In German, in full: “Wie er vor- und zubenannt, Schreibt, wie folgt, mit eigner Hand W.B. 14. Juni”. The Busch admirer Walter Pissin, Berlin had asked the famous artist for an autograph in his three-page autograph letter. It is known that Busch did not answer every request for an autograph and Walter Pissin was lucky that he could get Busch to write this little poem. This autograph comes from Busch's personal correspondence filing and shows the effort he made with inquiries of this kind. Mailing fold, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,380 / € 1.250
Busch, Wilhelm (1832-1908)
Autograph note signed “Photo session”
German humorist, poet, illustrator and painter. Autograph note signed “W.B.”. 3 pages, bifolium, 6.0 x 7.5 inch, (Mechtshausen), 1907 March 9. Busch’s note at the end of a letter from the photographer Filip Kester in Berlin. Handwritten by Busch in pencil: “den 12ten oder 19ten März bestimmt. W.B. 9ter März“. Interesting document regarding a photo session. In his letter of March 6, 1907, the Berlin journalist and photographer Filip Kester (1873-1958) asked Wilhelm Busch if he could photograph him. He introduces himself as a photographer who has become so well known that the pictures he has taken have been published in various magazines ... Kester further promises to take the pictures in such a way that he does not disturb Busch ... At the end of the letter Wilhelm Busch noted the possible dates and the date of his answer. This autograph comes from Busch's personal correspondence filing. Provenance: Otto Nöldecke, Nephew of Wilhelm Busch. Mailing fold else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,020 / € 925
Cocteau, Jean (1889-1963)
Autograph letter signed
French poet, playwright, novelist, designer, filmmaker, visual artist and critic. Autograph letter signed “Jean Cocteau”. 1p., 5.25 x 8.25 inch, 1962 June 11. A fine handwritten letter from Jean Cocteau's correspondence with composer Yves Claoué (1927-2001) as part of the creation of their oratorio Patmos which will be presented at the Château de Versailles in May 1962. In French, in parts: “… mais il est possible que je change quelques passages, entre guillemets - sans que cela ne change rien à ton œuvre…”. Cocteau asks Claoué to bring him the typed text of the oratorio so that he can make it publishable, specifying that he will keep his order: "… but it is possible that I change a few passages, between quotes - without that changing nothing in your work…”. Mailing fold, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 540 / € 490
Dickens, Charles (1812-1870)
Handwritten envelope signed
English writer and social critic. He created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. Desirable hand-addressed and signed envelope “Charles Dickens”. Envelope, 5.0 x 3.0 inch, n.p. (London), 1854 February 23, stamp removed. Hand-addressed by Dickens to “Mr. Joseph Ellis Bedford Hotel Brighton”. Handling war, tear from opening the envelope, else good condition. A CARBON COPY of the letter that was sent in the envelope is enclosed.
Price: $ 1,100 / € 1.000
Dumas (père), Alexandre (1802-1870)
Carte de visite photograph signed
French novelist of such historical classics as The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers and The Man in the Iron Mask. Carte de visite photograph signed “Al. Dumas”. 2.5 x 4.5 inch, n.p., n.d. Photograph featuring an oval image of Dumas in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Pierre Petit, Paris as printed on verso. Signed in bold black fountain pen ink to the lower border. Upper left corner very slightly clipped with small toning stain to the upper edge, otherwise good condition.
Price: $ 2,350 / € 2.140
Dumas (père), Alexandre (1802-1870)
Autograph note signed
French novelist of such historical classics as The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers and The Man in the Iron Mask. Autograph note signed “Alex Dumas”. 1p., 9.0 x 3.75 inch, n.p., n.d. A fine note in French written and signed in dark black ink. Handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 780 / € 700
French Literature / Paul Claudel & Marcel Achard
Portraits signed
Paul Claudel (1868-1955) was a French poet, dramatist and diplomat and the younger brother of the sculptress Camille Claudel. Fine magazine page signed “a Madame Val Claudel”. 1p., 8.0 x 10.5 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in dark black ink. Marcel Achard (1899-1974) was a French playwright and screenwriter whose popular sentimental comedies maintained his position as a highly recognizable name in his country's theatrical and literary circles for five decades. Fine magazine page signed “très cordialment Marcel Achard”. 1p., 8.0 x 10.5 inch, n.p., n.d. Signed in dark blue ink. Both magazine pages in fine condition.
Price: $ 210 / € 190
Gide, André (1869-1951)
Typed letter signed by the winner of the Nobel Prize
French author and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947. Typed letter signed “Andre Gidé”. 2pp. (bifolium), 4.5 x 7.0 inch, Cuverville, n.d. (1927). To Gustave Pigot, director de la revue Le Capitole. Fine untranslated letter in French, in full: “Pour l’amour du ciel, laissez B. tranquille. Il s’amuse de vous et de moi. Je me mordais les doigts de l’avoir sollicité, et suis extrèmement heureux qu’ill s’abstienne; et d’autent plus que sa défection va permettre la collaboration de Valéry. Si donc maintenant, se ravisant, il vous envoie le manuscrit, ayez le courage de le lui renvoyer en lui disant: “trop tard”, la première place est promise. Aviez-vous déjà payé?? Je consen à vous couvrir cette fausse avance. Vous n’avez rien à répondre à Rouveyre, avec qui j’ai correspond. Laissez tomber cela. Pour Valéry, laissez-moi faire. et Jaloux? Vous ne me dites rien de Giraudoux. Ni de Mauriac, ni de Thibaudet, don’t vous annoncez la collaboration d’une manière peut-etre un peu imprudente, avant d’avoir recu leur “copie”. Et pour quoi mettre sue l’annonce “Etudes complement”, qui est “complètement” ridicule. Et “des documents rares” … Qu’entendez-vous pa là? Persuadez – vous que ces inutiles battages mècontentent les lecteurs autent que moi. Au revoir et croyez à mes sentiments bien cordiaux.” Mailing fold, handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 480 / € 440
Gorky, Maxim (1868-1936)
Excellent signature on a card
Russian and Soviet writer and a founder of the socialist realism literary method, a political activist and also a five-time nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Signed card “M. Gorki” and additional in his hand “9.10.24 Sorrento”, written in dark blue ink and Cyrillic. 5.0 x 3.25 inch, Sorrento (Italy), 1924 October 9. Together with a fine and large portrait, 8.25 x 10.5 inch, Hofkunstverleger G. Heuer & Kirmse, Berlin-Halensee. Card in fine condition, portrait slightly discolored, else fine. Perfect example of a Gorky signature.
Price: $ 1,740 / € 1.580
Hauptmann, Gerhart (1862-1946)
Uncommon early postcard portrait signed
German dramatist and novelist. He is counted among the most important promoters of literary naturalism, though he integrated other styles into his work as well. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1912. Postcard portrait signed “Gerhart Hauptmann” and dated in his hand “Rovio d 26.4.99.”. Postcard, 5.5 x 4.0 inch, signed and dated in purple ink, a fine 1899 postcard reproducing an engraved portrait of Hauptmann. The portrait (by Hans Weyl, 1899) is captioned with Hauptmann's name, misspelled “Gerhard”, he has corrected this in the same purple ink. The verso of the card, addressed in another hand, is stamped and postmarked at Rovio, Switzerland the day it was signed. It has been mounted on a slightly larger piece of card, with a window cut in the verso displaying most of the verso of the postcard. One corner of the window frame has a postmarked stamp commemorating Hauptmann, this was issued in 1950. Minor handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 390 / € 350
Herrmann-Neisse, Max (1886-1941)
Two poems and three cards signed
German expressionist writer. (1) Two autograph poems “Frage an das neue Leben” and “Absage ans vergangene Jahr”. 2 pages, recto and verso, 7.0 x 9.0 inch, n.p., n.d. UNSIGNED. (2) Autograph postcard signed “Max Herrmann”, Berlin, 1930 October 29. A fine card with a George Grosz portrait of Herrmann-Neisse. (3) Autograph postcard signed “Max Herrmann(=Neisse), Berlin, 1921 January 16. (4) Autograph card signed “Max Herrmann”, Berlin, 1932 January 16. Handling wear, else good condition. Fine collection!
Price: $ 825 / € 750
Hesse, Hermann (1877-1962)
Personal content typed letter signed
German-Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. His best-known works include Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, and The Glass Bead Game, each of which explores an individual's search for authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality. In 1946, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Typed letter signed “H Hesse”. 1p., (recto and verso), printed page from his diary “Aus dem Tagebuch des Jahres 1920 von Hermann Hesse”. N.p., n.d., addressed to Werner Boeck, Barsighausen bei Hannover. In full: “Da schicke ich Ihnen einen Gegengruß. Ihre Gedichte kann ich nicht beurteilen, ich bin ein kranker alter Mann und seit Jahr und Tag immerzu mit ganz unliterarischen Pflichten und Lasten überbürdet; die Spürkraft eines Kritikers muß feiner und wacher sein als die meine es heute noch ist. Aber ich habe aus Brief und Versen doch eine Vorstellung von Ihnen bekommen, und gebe Ihnen Ihren Gruß von Herzen zurück“. Signed in pencil by Hesse. Fold, corner wear, punch holes, else fine condition.
Price: $ 480 / € 440
Heyse, Paul (1830-1914)
Autograph poem signed
German writer and translator. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1910. Wonderful autograph poem signed “Paul Heyse”. 1p., 5.25 x 8.25 inch, n.p., n.d. A fine poem in German, in full: “Lied. Was suchst Du Glück von Mund zu Mund, und deiner ach, ist bleich und kühl? Es treibt dich um, Dein Herz bleibt stumm, Und Lieben ist kein Kinderspiel. Die schönen Flammen sind verglüht, noch eh der Tau des Abends fiel. Die Nacht bricht ein, Du bist allein, Und Sterben ist kein Kinderspiel“. Minor handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Hugo, Victor (1802-1885)
Autograph letter signed
French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. He is considered one of the greatest and best-known French writers. Outside France, his best-known works are the novels Les Misérables, 1862 and Notre-Dame de Paris, 1831 (known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame). Autograph letter signed “V. Hugo”. 1p., 4.5 x 7.25 inch, Paris, 9 rue Jean Goujon Champs-Elysées, (1830) May 28. Addressed on verso in Hugo’s hand to Antony THOURET (1807-1871), law student, 3 rue de cluny near the Sorbonne. He was a political journalist from 1828, lawyer, writer and French politician. In French: “Je vous remercie, Monsieur, de ce qu'il y a d'amical et d'obligeant dans votre lettre. Je serai à votre disposition le jour où il vous conviendra. Je suis presque toujours chez moi le matin entre onze heures et midi et le soir après huit heures. Votre bien cordialement dévoué serviteur. V. Hugo. 9 rue Jean Goujon Champs Elysees.” Translated: “I thank you, Sir, for what is friendly and obliging in your letter. I will be at your disposal when it suits you. I am almost always at home in the morning between eleven o'clock and noon and in the evening after eight o'clock. Your most cordially devoted servant.” Mailing folds, else fine condition. Hugo lived on the second floor of a modest house isolated in the middle of the market gardens and meadows at 9 rue Jean Goujon Champs Elysees. Here he wrote Notre-Dame de Paris.
Price: $ 1,550 / € 1.400
Hugo, Victor (1802-1885)
Autograph letter signed
French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. He is considered one of the greatest and best-known French writers. Outside France, his best-known works are the novels Les Misérables, 1862 and Notre-Dame de Paris, 1831 (known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame). Autograph letter signed “Victor Hugo”. 1p., bifolium, 4.75 x 7.0 inch, n.p., 16 7bre, no year (September 9) and about 1850. To an unknown author who sent him his work. In French: „Je m'empresse, Monsieur, d'avoir l'honneur de vous remercier, je lirai avec le plus vif intérêt l'ouvrage que vous voulez bien m'en voyer et que votre suffrage recommande hautement à mes yeux. je connais, Monsieur, vos beaux travaux et votre esprit élevé, et je suis heureux à cette occasion de vous offrir la vive assurance de mes sentiments les plus distingués.“ Translated: “Sir, I have the honor of thanking you, I shall read with the keenest interest the work which you kindly send me and which your vote highly recommends to me. I know, Sir, your fine works and your high spirit, and I am happy on this occasion to offer you the strong assurance of my most distinguished feelings”. Mailing folds, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,550 / € 1.400
Hugo, Victor (1802-1885)
Autograph letter signed to French journalist Émile de Girardin
French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. He is considered one of the greatest and best-known French writers. Outside France, his best-known works are the novels Les Misérables, 1862 and Notre-Dame de Paris, 1831 (known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame). Autograph letter signed “Victor Hugo”. 1p., 5.25 x 7.75 inch, n.p., n.d. (about 1850). To Émile de Girardin (1802-1881). In French, in full: “Voici un brave jeune home qui a beaucoup de talent comme poète, ce qui ne lui sert à rien, et beaucoup de courage et de zèle comme homme, ce qui devrait l’empêcher de mourir de faim. Il serait heureux du plus humble emploi dans La Presse. pouvez-vous l’employer ? Y a-t-il place pour lui ? Je vous le recommande. Il s’appelle Pierre Cauwet - bien à vous et à votre coeur.” Translated: “Here is a brave young man who has a lot of talent as a poet, which is of no use to him, and a lot of courage and zeal as a man, which should prevent him from starving. He would be happy with the humblest job in La Presse. Is there room for him? I recommend it. His name is Pierre Cauwet.” Mailing folds, handling wear, else good condition. Émile de Girardin (1802-1881) was a French journalist, publisher and politician. He was the most successful and flamboyant French journalist of the era.
Price: $ 1,550 / € 1.400
Hugo, Victor (1802-1885)
Autograph letter signed
French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. He is considered one of the greatest and best-known French writers. Outside France, his best-known works are the novels Les Misérables, 1862 and Notre-Dame de Paris, 1831 (known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame). Autograph letter signed “Victor Hugo”. 1p., 4.0 x 6.25 inch, Veules, 12 7bre 1880 (September 5, 1880). To Monsieur Lhommede in Paris. In French, in full: “Votre lettre, monsieur, et votre envoi, m’ont inspiré un vif interet. Je serai charmé de vous voir et de causer avec vous. Paris convient a cela. Venez, a partir du 18 7bre, le jour que vous voudrez a 9h1/2 du soir. Vous serez le très bien venu et le tres bien recu. Agreez je vous prie, l’assurance de mes sentiments distingués.” Translated: “Your letter, sir, and your despatch, have inspired me with keen interest. I shall be charmed to see you and to talk with you. Paris suits this. Come, from 18 7 bre, the day you want at 9:30 in the evening. You will be very welcome and very well received. Please accept the assurance of my distinguished sentiments.” Mailing fold, else fine condition. Hugo arrived at Veules-les-roses on Saturday August 21, 1880 by train at the home of his friend Paul MEURICE, with whom he came to spend a few summer stays in 1879.
Price: $ 1,550 / € 1.400
Ibsen, Henrik (1828-1906)
Bookpage signed from a book of his own library matted with photograph
Norwegian playwright, poet and theatre director. Bookpage signed “Henrik Ibsen”. 1p., 4.75 x 3.5 inch (visible), n.p., n.d. (about 1894). Ibsen signs an August Strindberg (1849-1912) book: “August Strindberg - Die Beichte eines Thoren”. Second edition, Budapest, Carl Grill 1894. The bookpage is folded in the middle and glued together over the years. The book was probably part of Ibsen’s own library with his ownership ink signature at the top and the page was later removed. Minor bends, slightly discolored, handling and corner wear, else good condition. Handsomely matted in gray with a paper photograph of Ibsen to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Uncommon!
Price: $ 925 / € 840
Kästner, Erich (1899-1974)
Signature matted with photograph
German author, poet, screenwriter and satirist, known primarily for his humorous, socially astute poetry and children's literature. For the latter contributions he received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1960. Signature “Erich Kästner”. 1p., 4.0 x 1.75 inch, n.p., n.d. Removed from the book “”Die verschwundene Miniatur”. Handsomely photo corner matted in gray with a photograph of Kästner to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Fine.
Price: $ 225 / € 180
Lagerlöf, Selma (1858-1940)
Autograph letter signed
Swedish author. She was the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and is best remembered for her children's book “The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Holgersson”. Autograph letter signed “Selma Lagerlöf”. Postcard, 4.0 x 5.75 inch, Stockholm, 1928 May 19. Addressed on verso in Lagerlöf’s hand to Mr. Gohlke in Breslau. Lagerlöf apologizes that she cannot provide anything unprinted for the October issue. In German, in full: “Entschuldigen Sie, bitte, dass ich so lange verschoben habe, Ihre freundliche Bitte um einen Beitrag für Ihr Oktoberheft zu beantworten. Leider habe ich nichts bisher ungedrucktes, das ich senden könnte, und meine Zeit ist so furchtbar ausgenommen, dass es mir ganz unmöglich ist, etwas neues für Ihre Rechnung zu schreiben. In vorzüglicher Hochachtung.“ Vertical bend on the left, mounting residue on verso, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 730 / € 665
Lessing, Theodor (1872-1933)
Autograph postcard twice signed
German Jewish philosopher. On the night of 30 August 1933, he was assassinated by Sudeten German Nazi sympathizers. Autograph postcard signed “Lessing”. Postcard, 4.25 x 5.75 inch, Seewalchen am Attersee (Austria), no date (poststamp illegible). Return address: „Prof Lessing (second signature) Seewalchen am Attersee beim Holzinger“. Addressed in Lessing’s hand to: “Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schöndorfer in Steyr” regarding an appointment. In German, in full: “Sehr geehrter Herr Professor. Ich muss am 15ten Juli über Salzburg heimfahren. Ich würde Sie sehr gerne sehn. Wenn Sie bis dahin schon hier sind, so komme ich gern nach Vöcklabruck hinüber; ich weiss nicht wie weit es bis Steyr ist; vielleicht auch könnten wir uns in der Mitte treffen. Verzeihen Sie dass ich erst heute sicher antworten konnte. Viele frohe Grüße“. Handling and corner wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 660 / € 600
Mann, Thomas (1875-1955)
Signed books/ TWO Volumes both signed “The Magic Mountain”
German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist and 1929 Nobel laureate. Two volumes of the literary classic and Thomas Mann’s masterpiece. Both volumes signed “Thomas Mann”. Volume One and Volume Two of “The Magic Mountain” (Der Zauberberg). Hardcover, Alfred A. Knopf New York 1938. Octavo (5.5 x 7.75 inch), English, First and second volume of the two Volume edition reissued February 1938. Translated from the German by H.T. Lowe-Porter. Both signed by Mann in dark black ink. Discolored, handling wear, else good condition. The Magic Mountain is a novel by Thomas Mann, first published in German in November 1924. It is widely considered to be one of the most influential works of twentieth-century German literature.
Price: $ 1,925 / € 1.750
Mann, Thomas (1875-1955)
Book signed “Three Essays”
German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist and 1929 Nobel laureate. Book signed “Three Essays”. Hardcover, Alfred A. Knopf Inc., New York 1932, octavo (5.25 x 7.75 inch), English, translated by H.T. Lowe-Porter. Signed by Mann in dark black ink. Discolored, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 770 / € 700
Mann, Thomas (1875-1955)
Book signed “Past Masters”
German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist and 1929 Nobel laureate. Book signed “Past Masters and other papers”. Hardcover, Alfred A. Knopf Inc. 1933 Printed in Great Britain, octavo (5.25 x 7.5 inch), English, translated by H.T. Lowe-Porter. Signed by Mann in dark black ink. Water stained front and back cover inside, discolored, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 770 / € 700
Mann, Thomas (1875-1955)
Book signed “Joseph and his Brothers”
German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist and 1929 Nobel laureate. Book signed “Joseph and his Brothers”. Hardcover, Alfred A. Knopf Inc. 1936, fourth printing April 1936, octavo (5.5 x 7.75 inch), English, translated from the German for the first time by H.T. Lowe-Porter. Signed by Mann in dark black ink. Some pages minor water stained at the top and bottom, discolored, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 770 / € 700
Mann, Thomas (1875-1955)
Book signed “Young Joseph”
German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist and 1929 Nobel laureate. Book signed “Young Joseph”. Hardcover, Alfred A. Knopf Inc., New York 1935, octavo (5.25 x 7.75 inch), English, translated by H.T. Lowe-Porter. Signed by Mann in dark black ink. Small note erased at the top of the signature page (page slightly abraded), discolored, handling wear, else good condition.
Price: $ 770 / € 700
Mitchell, Margaret (1900-1949)
Handwritten return address
American author and journalist. One novel by Mitchell was published during her lifetime, the American Civil War-era novel, Gone with the Wind. Handwritten return address, part of an envelope “Mrs. John March 1268 Piedmont Ave. N.E. Atlanta Ga.” 4.25 x 2.0 inch, written by Mitchell in dark black ink. Margaret Mitchell Marsh moved to the Della Manta Apartments at Piedmont Ave. in 1939, shortly before the movie debut of "Gone With the Wind" and lived there until her death Aug. 16, 1949. Handsomely matted in gray with a photograph of M. Mitchell to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. Fine condition.
Price: $ 590 / € 540
Rilke, Rainer Maria (1875-1926)
Fine autograph letter signed
Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist, widely recognized as one of the most lyrically intense German-language poets, writing in both verse and highly lyrical prose. Autograph letter signed “Rainer Maria Rilke”. 2 pages, bifolium, 5.5 x 7.0 inch, on “77, RUE DE VARENNE” (Paris) stationery, but written from Bad Rippoldsau (Germany), 1909 September 10. A fine letter written in Rilke’s neat hand and addressed to “Dear Sir” (the student of philosophy Moritz Morgenthal, 1889-1971, in Heidelberg, later teacher u. Pacifist, published "The Academic Community Heidelberg"). In German, in full: "entschuldigen Sie den großen Abstand, den ich genommen habe, Ihr aufmerksames Schreiben vom 27. August zu beantworten. Ein Kuraufenthalt, der mich zu Briefen kaum kommen läßt, ist die Ursache meiner Verspätung. Was Ihre freundliche Aufforderung angeht, so bedauere ich sehr, Ihr nicht nachgeben zu können. Ich halte mich konsequent von allen Sammelbüchern, Anthologien u.s.w. fern; aber selbst wenn ich in Ihrem sympathischen Fall eine Ausnahme machen wollte: ich habe nichts, Ihnen anzubieten...". Mailing fold, else fine condition.
Price: $ 4,150 / € 3.750
Sade, Donatien Alphonse Francois, Marquis de (1740-1814)
Autograph letter signed
French nobleman, revolutionary politician, philosopher and writer, famous for his libertine sexuality. Autograph letter signed “Sade”. 1p., bifolium, 6.75 x 8.5 inch, n.p., 1809 December 5. Addressed on verso in Marquis de Sade’s hand to “Monsieur Niepert - pere in Carpentras”. A fine letter regarding a payment of 410 frcs. In French, in parts: “…il m’est absolument impossible d’attendre davantage, et vous m’affligerez véritablement si vous me faites éprouver de plus longs délais…”. Mailing folds, minor hole from opening the wax seal on verso, handling wear, else fine. Provenance : collection Aristophile.
Price: $ 3,300 / € 3.000
Saint-Exupéry, Antoine de (1900-1944)
Rare book signed “COURRIER SUD”
French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist and pioneering aviator. He became a laureate of several of France's highest literary awards and also won the United States National Book Award. He is best remembered for his novella “The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)”. Book signed “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry”. Book “Courrier Sud”. Softcover, 4.75 x 7.25 inch, Librairie Gallimard, Paris, 1929, 227 pages. Dedicated in French in Saint-Exupéry’s hand “En hommages respectueux d’ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry”. The name of the dedication recipient has been cut out. The defect has been professionally repaired. Housed in a wonderful custom made box especially for this book. Book discolored, stained, handling wear, writing dark and fine. Box in mint condition.
Price: $ 2,900 / € 2.650
Saint-Exupéry, Antoine de (1900-1944)
Rare book signed “VOL DE NUIT”
French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist and pioneering aviator. He became a laureate of several of France's highest literary awards and also won the United States National Book Award. He is best remembered for his novella “The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)”. Book signed “Antoine Exupéry”. Book “Vol de Nuit”. Softcover, 4.75 x 7.25 inch, unopened pages, Librairie Gallimard, Paris, 1931, 182 pages, preface André Gide. Dedicated in French in Saint-Exupéry’s hand “Pour Mademoiselle … En bien sympathique souvenir Antoine Exupéry”. The name of the dedication recipient has been erased. Book discolored, minor stains, handling wear, writing dark and fine.
Price: $ 2,695 / € 2.450
Sand, George (1804-1876)
Autograph letter signed
Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin, best known by her pseudonym George Sand, a French novelist and memoirist. She is equally well known for her much publicized romantic affairs with a number of artists including composer Frédéric Chopin. Fine autograph letter signed “G Sand”. 1p., 5.0 x 8.0 inch, n.p., 1850 March 30. To the businessman Gabriel Falampin who was also artistic director of Illustration. She sends him the receipt for Mr. Delatouche and asks for the agreed ticket. In French, in parts: "Je suis guérie enfin de mon mal de tête. Mais il a fallu deux saignées (…) Faites-vous saigner aussi s’il n’y a pas d’autre moyen de guérison.” Extract from the Correspondence of Sand published by G. Lubin, volume XXV. Former collection of Colonel Daniel Sickles. Mailing folds, else fine condition.
Price: $ 630 / € 575
Sartre, Jean-Paul (1905-1980)
Autograph letter signed
French philosopher, playwright, novelist, political activist, biographer and literary critic. Rare autograph letter signed “JPSartre”. 1p., 8.25 x 10.75 inch, n.p., 1971 May. A fine handwritten letter to the liberation theologian and resistance fighter Georges Casalis (1917-1987). In French, in full: “Voici la lettre que Neruda m’a envoyé. Il parait bien disposé. A-t-il fait signé à Carrera? „Il semble, si’l ne l’a pas fait, que Carrera doit il manifester lui-même à l’ambassade de Chili. Croyez à mes sentiments très cordiaux“. Carrera was probably the Ecuadorian poet and diplomat Jorge Carrera Andrade (1903-1978). Minor handling wear, else fine condition.
Price: $ 1,140 / € 1.035
Sartre, Jean-Paul (1905-1980)
Excellent signed photograph
French philosopher, playwright, novelist, political activist, biographer and literary critic. Excellent signed photograph “JPSartre”. Inscribed in blue ink in Sartre’s hand “A Monsieur Henri Foucher homage sincere de JP Sartre 12.12.46”. 3.0 x 4.0 inch bookpage photo attached on thin cardboard to an overall of 6.0 x 8.5 inch. Fine condition.
Price: $ 870 / € 790
Stoker, Bram (1847-1912)
Autograph letter as secretary to Henry Irving
Abraham "Bram" Stoker was an Irish author, best known today for his 1897 Gothic novel, Dracula. During his lifetime, he was better known as personal assistant and secretary of actor Henry Irving and business manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, which Irving owned. Letter written in the hand of Bram Stoker and signed “Henry Irving”. Two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.0 x 8.0 inch, blindstamped Lyceum Theatre letterhead, 1894, April 20. Stoker writes, in full: "Very many thanks for your cordial greeting which I heartily reciprocate, with the hope that your somewhat gloomy anticipation with regard to yourself will remain unfulfilled for many years yet”. In fine condition, with some minor show-through from mounting remnants on the back. Stoker worked as business manager for Henry Irving's world-famous Lyceum Theatre in London between 1879 and 1898, where he supplemented his income by writing a large number of sensational novels, his most famous being the vampire tale Dracula, published in 1897.
Price: $ 715 / € 650
Suttner, Bertha von (1843-1914)
One of a kind autograph quotation signed “Down with Weapons!”
Austrian-Bohemian pacifist and novelist. In 1905 she became the second female Nobel laureate (after Marie Curie in 1903) and the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Card signed “Bertha v. Suttner”. Card, 3.5 x 2.5 inch, Wien (Vienna), 1911 December. With a handwritten and one of a kind quotation of her famous book, in German: “Die Waffen nieder!” (Down with Weapons!). The book “Die Waffen nieder!” (Down with Weapons! or Lay Down Your Arms!) is the best-known novel by Bertha von Suttner, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905 for the book. The book was published in 1889 in German by the publisher Edgar Pierson in Dresden and became very quickly successful, both because of its look at war and peace and because it addressed the issue of women in society. Fine condition and surely one of the finest von Suttner autographs you can hope to find.
Price: $ 925 / € 840
Tagore, Rabindranath (1861-1941)
Fine ink signature matted with photograph
Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Fine fountain pen signature in Bengali on an off-white 3.5 x 2.75 inch (visible) album page, dated September 14, 1926. Handsomely matted in gray with a photograph of Tagore to an overall of 7.75 x 11.75 inch. Both items removable affixed with photo corners. On verso signature of composer Prince Joachim of Prussia (1876-1939). Fine condition. Tagore visited Europe in 1926 and met with many famous people, i.a. Albert Einstein.
Price: $ 870 / € 790
Verne, Jules (1828-1905)
Fine autograph letter signed “… your old unknown friend”
French novelist, poet, and playwright. Bestselling adventure novels including Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (1870), and Around the World in Eighty Days (1872). Fine autograph letter signed “Jules Verne”. 1p., bifolium, 4.25 x 5.25 inch, Amiens, (18)91 April 20. To an unidentified correspondent. A kindly letter, evidently written in response to a request from a young lady to the famous and hugely popular author. In French, translated: “I think you must have a very good nurse in the person of Miss Mitzi Duschuh (?). She has asked me to write you a few words. I am doing so, telling you that you must get better, and as soon as possible, if you do not wish to be uncivil to this young lady who is all heart. Kindly present her with my compliments and assure her that I wish I could write in her language as well as she does in mine and believe me, your old unknown friend.” Slightly discolored, else good condition. Towards the end of his life, Verne served for many years as town councillor of Amiens. This does not appear to have hampered his literary output, which consisted of well over fifty novels and novellas.
Price: $ 3,500 / € 3.175
Voltaire, François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778)
Excellent letter signed with handwritten postscript “le Suisse V”.
François-Marie Arouet known by his nom de plume Voltaire, a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher famous for his wit, his attacks on the established Catholic Church and Christianity as a whole, and his advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. Letter signed “le Suisse V”. With a fine three line handwritten postscript by Voltaire “Pour le reste de ma vie et avec tous les sentimens d'un homme qui vous respecte et qui vous aime, le Suisse V”. Translated: “For the rest of my life and with all the feelings of a man who respects you and who loves you, the Swiss V”. 2 ½ pages, 7.25 x 9.0 inch, bifolium, Les Délices near Geneva, 1759 March 14, letter written by his secretary Jean-Louis Wagnière. Handwritten note in unknown hand at the top of first page. To Bernard CHAUVELIN about his conflict with the fermiers généraux. In French: “… avec le mémoire de mes ennemis les fermiers generaux, et l'extrait de la déclaration du Roy … Je ne puis trop vous remercier de la bonté avec laquelle vous daignez entrer dans mes petites peines, et me rendre raison des refus du conseil … Permettez donc à votre serviteur le Job des Alpes de rebecquer encore contre son seigneur, et de lui envoïer cette fois cy un mémoire très sérieux. Ce n'est qu'en qualité de bon français que j'ai eu la bêtise de faire grifonner mon contract par un notaire de Gex ; je pouvais également emploïer un Tabelion suisse ; et alors les fermiers generaux n'auraient jamais entendu parler de moi ; je pouvais encor vous lacher les treize Cantons et les ligues grises ; nous sommes jaloux de notre liberté, nous autres Helvétiens, et nous sommes de bonnes gens, qui croïons que les traittés doivent être exécutés à la lettre ; ainsi, Monsieur, en qualité de Suisse, de Français et de votre ancien courtisan, j'ose encor vous supplier de revoir mon affaire pour la dernière fois. Made Denis est très sensible à l'honneur de votre souvenir ; nous sommes tous également attachés à votre personne et à tout ce qui porte votre nom ; mais, malgré toute ma sensibilité pour vous, je pense que l'eau du Rhône est aussi bonne que l'eau de la Seine et qu'il importera très peu à ma figure légère d'être mangée des vers du mont Jura, ou de ceux de la paroisse de St Roch ; tout ce qu'on a fait dans Paris depuis quelques années me parait le comble de la folie humaine, et je me croirais plus fou que tout Paris si à mon age je ne savais pas vivre dans la retraitte ; il est vrai que je regretterai toujours votre société et vos bontés; mais il faut savoir se retirer quand on n'est plus propre pour le monde. Au reste, que les fermiers Generaux m'assomment, ou non, mea virtute me involve…”. Mailing folds, slightly discolored and handling wear, else good condition. Correspondance (Pléiade), t.V, n° 5448. François Claude Bernard Louis, Marquis de Chauvelin (1716-1773) - Diplomat and statesman; lieutenant-general of the armies of the King (1749), named ambassador in Genoa and Turin in the 1750s, and master of the King's wardrobe in 1760. Corresponded with Voltaire.
Price: $ 6,050 / € 5.500
Voltaire, François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778)
Letter signed regarding his biblical tragedy “Saul”
François-Marie Arouet known by his nom de plume Voltaire, a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher famous for his wit, his attacks on the established Catholic Church and Christianity as a whole, and his advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. Letter signed “Voltaire”. 1 page, 7.25 x 3.75 inch, mounted on a nearly similar size of paper, Geneva, 1763 August 13. Written by his secretary Jean-Louis Wagnière and signed at the end by Voltaire. About a forgery of his biblical tragedy "Saul". In French: "Ayant appris qu'on débite à Paris sous mon nom, et sous le titre de Genêve, je ne scais quelle farce intitulée, dit-on, Saül et David; je suis obligé de déclarer, que l'éditeur caloménieux de cette farce abususe de mon nom - qu'on ne connait point a geneve cette rapsodie i qu'un del abus n'y serait pas tolere, et qu'il n'y est pas permis de tromper ainsi le public.” Slightly discolored and handling wear, else good condition. “Saul”, also known as “Saül and David” in later editions, is a prose tragedy in five acts by Voltaire. The play was completed in 1763.
Price: $ 4,950 / € 4.500