BESANT (Sir Walter, 1836-1901, Novelist, Biographer & Social Reformer)

Typed Letter Signed with autograph alterations, to Miss E. E. Cohen saying that “it is a long way back to remember a conversation in an omnibus in November 1896 - nearly three years. Oddly enough, however, I do remember the conversation to which you refer that is to say, I remember talking with a friend in an omnibus about Mark Twain’s ‘Joan of Arc’, and I remember expressing the opinion that in his book the character had been treated with an effectiveness and a nobility greater than in other works on the same subject...”, 1 side 8vo., Adam and Charles Black headed paper, The Survey of London, Soho Square, London, 25th July

Besant had a remarkably varied career. Having been 18th wrangler in 1859, he taught maths at Leamington, Rossall and in Mauritius till 1867; wrote on French literature; was secretary to the Palestine Exploration Fund, 1868-1886; and wrote novels drawing attention to social evils in East London. In 1894 he began the ‘Survey of London’ which appeared in 10 elaborate volumes, 1902-1912.

Item Date:  1899

Stock No:  42721      £60

             Add to Wish List     Order/Enquire