HOOD (Thomas the Elder, 1799-1845, Poet & Humorist)

Autograph Draft of a Reply to an Invitation of the Manchester Athenaeum, unsigned, saying "my humble name ... is at your service, with my best wishes ... and warm approval of the objects of that institution", repeating "his deep obligation to Literature - that a natural turn for reading & intellectual pursuits probably preserved me from the moral depravity so apt to befal those who are deprived in early life of paternal pilotage", keeping him "aloof from the ring, & the dog pit, the tavern & the saloon, with their degrading orgies", and that "the closet associate of Pope & Addison ... of the silent discourse of Shakspere & Milton will hardly ... put up with low company & slang", top half of a quarto sheet but complete in itself, 17 Elm Tree Place, St John's Wood, no date, circa a little wear at folds including one small hole touching one letter (easily supplied)

Hood and his family returned to London in 1840 after five years abroad, following the failing of a publishing investment. He lost his own father at 12, but through the kindness of relatives survived ill health for the time being, and began writing for the journals. From 1831 to 1839 he wrote "Hood's Comic Annual", illustrated with the punning drawings he invented.
With an identification on the verso, signed 'G.F.S.', "Given to me by his son Tom Hood, Augt./53 ".

Item Date:  1840

Stock No:  55501      £225

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