STEPHEN (Sir Leslie, 1821-1904, First Editor of the Dictionary of National Biography, Father of Virginia WOOLF)

Pair of Autograph Letters Signed to Miss Merivale, daughter of the very Reverend Charles MERIVALE (1808-1893, Historian, from 1863 Dean of Ely) the first thanking her for "the book and the pamphlet ... I shall, I think, find in them everything that I require, but if anything occurs upon which I need more information I will apply to you. The short Life by the Dean of Ely seems to be written as if he had wished to provide for our requirements and it is not often that they are so well met. I will return the memoir & 'family memorial' as soon as I have finished. You know, I dare say, that a life in my dictionary has to be as compressed as possible, and I can give little beyond the bare facts. I will, however, do what I can. I shall never, I hope, forget your brother's exceeding kindness to Thackeray's children. There was no one whom they respected more and after my marriage, I shared some of the kindness & learnt to admire him. I shall be very glad, therefore, to show such respect to his memory as is possible ...", 3 side 8vo., the second letter thanks her for her note and says that he had "so far anticipated the suggestion that I had given in the beginning of your brother's life a short account of your father, derived from the interesting 'family memorials' wh. you kindly send me. The newspaper cutting will enable me to add a fact or two. I think that in this way I shall be able to give a sufficient notice, as I suppose that the 'Memorials' contain all the essential facts, and I think that the articles will be better combined than separated. I will send you a proof when I get one, ...", 2 sides 8vo., both from 22 Hyde Park Gate, 10th and 21st December



Item Date:  1891

Stock No:  40580      £275

             Add to Wish List     Order/Enquire