Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 12

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Authors

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 53		Blasco-Ibáñez, Vincente (1867-1928) Spanish author best known for his World War I novels, most notably The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1916). Politically active, he exiled himself from Spain in 1923. Autograph Letter Signed ("Vincente Blasco Ibañez"). In Spanish. One page, small quarto, Paris, March 26, 1914. On a cream-colored album page. Two other inscriptions (one is verso), but Ibáñez takes up most of the page. Fine. Estimated Value $225 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 54		Burroughs, Edgar Rice (1875-1950) American novelist and science fiction author, known the world over as the creator of "Tarzan." Typed Letter Signed ("Edgar Rice Burroughs"). One page, large octavo, Reseda, California, July 31, 1928. On Edgar Rice Burroughs letterhead. To Ida Corey. Transmittal envelope included, as is a small printed pamphlet "The Novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs". Two horizontal folds, very minor surface soil, minor adhesive residue on verso. Very good to fine condition. As is the case in a few of this collector's items, the addressee has to correct some of her mistakes and we wonder if Burroughs got the chuckle out of this that we did. "Your letter addressed to John Burroughs, Tarzana Ranch, Reseda California, was opened by my son, John Burroughs, when it was intended for the late John Burroughs, the naturalist…John Burroughs did not write the Tarzan stories. I am returning your letter herewith." Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
Lot 55		Butler, Nicholas Murray (1862-1947). American educator and political figure, he shared the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize with Jane Addams. Typed Letter Signed ("Nicholas Murray Butler"). Two pages, quarto, New York, October 1, 1920. On personal letterhead. To The American Ambassador to Italy. Paper clip stain at left top corner of both pages, signature ink is faded, mailing folds and minor age toning. Good to very good condition. A champion of international understanding, Butler helped establish the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, serving first as trustee and then president. It is in his capacity (as trustee) that he writes the letter offered here, as he informs the Ambassador of the Endowment's plans to donate books to the Library of American Studies in Rome. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 56		Clemens, Samuel Langhorne (1835-1910). American novelist. Under the pseudonym Mark Twain (riverboat slang for "Two Fathoms", meaning safe clearance), the humorous wordsmith was made famous by his autobiographical tales of life on the Mississippi River such as Tom Sawyer, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Manuscript Letter Signed ("SL Clemens"). One page with integral blanks, octavo, n.p., June 28, 1866. On "Dublin / New Hampshire" stationery. To August Gurlitz. In black ink. One vertical fold, a minor crease at upper left and light toning at edges. Otherwise in fine to very fine condition. Here the author writes a note to his lawyer, who at the time was representing him in a case against a publishing company that was using Clemens' works without his authority. He states: "My dear mr. Gurliz -- your letter has just been received. I shall not be in town for the next few months; but if you consider the matters discussed therein should be brought to the attention of Harper's -- will you be kind enough to let them know at once and inform me of the result of you interview." Though the letter was actually written in the hand of Alfred Bigelow Paine, his secretary, Clemens adds his characteristic "Truly Yours" to his signature. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,840
Lot 57		Clemens, Samuel Langhorne. Signature ("Mark Twain"). One page, 6 x 3½", n.p., n.d. On a cream album page. Three vertical folds with minor separation at top of one, tiny album corners adhere to three corners and the remaining corner is stained with residue, toning. Very good condition. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
Lot 58		Gorky, Maxim (1868-1936) Russian author and revolutionary; real name Alexei Maximovich Peshkov. Gorky's works, featuring vital, almost idealized portrayals of the Russian common people and deeply poetic sensibility, are the foundation of the Socialist Realism school of art and literature. Notable works include the play The Lower Depths (1901). Autograph Letter Signed ("A. Peshkov" - Gorky). One page, 8½ x 8", n.p., June 7, 1921. To "Melin". Mailing folds with minor edge separation at ends and intersections, adhesive residue on verso, paper is somewhat toned. Good to very good condition. Concerned with his library, Gorky writes "…I have not received those books to this day…they answered that there were no books of any kind for me…" The contents of an author's library are always cause for speculation and we wish we had a few more details! Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 59		Grey, Zane (1875-1939) Dentist turned author, Grey's 54 novels created the image of the American West many people still hold today. Almost 100 movies have been made from Grey's stories and he is one of the most translated 20th century authors in the world. Signed Photographic Postcard ("Zane Grey."). One page, 3½ x 6", n.p., n.d. Sepia toned, signed in margin in blue ink. One very faint corner abrasion at top right corner, another at bottom left. Fine condition. A striking portrait with a strong signature, perfect for display. Estimated Value $75 - 125. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $161
Lot 60		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 61		Hemingway, Ernest (1899-1961). American novelist. Hemingway began his writing career in high school working for his school newspaper and, following graduation, writing for a local reporter. At the onset of World War I, Hemingway dutifully tried to enter the army but was deferred due to poor vision. Determined, the journalist volunteered with the Red Cross -- a decision which would influence his later writings. He returned home, full of shrapnel no less, and continued his career where he left off -- writing for a newspaper. During the 1920s, he produced four of his most famous works including The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms. Hemingway continued his writings, drawing inspiration from not only his war experiences, but also from his extensive travels. Finally, in 1954 he won the Nobel Prize. With his health failing and his writing losing clarity, Hemingway fell into deep depression and, like his father, took his own life. Typed Letter Signed ("EH"). One page, quarto, Cuba, June 28, 1949. On "Finca Vigia, San Francisco De Paula Cuba" onion skin paper. To Clarence Wadsworth. Transmittal folds, pencil notations verso, minor surface soil. Very good to fine. From Cuba, Hemingway requests books and the status of his NY Times Book Review and Herald Tribune subscriptions. Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 62		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 63		Hugo, Victor (1802-1885). Famed French poet and novelist. Works include the ever-popular Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. The sheer volume of Hugo's writings is quite impressive -- each morning the author would compose 100 lines of verse or 20 pages of prose. Autograph Letter Signed ("Victor Hugo"). In French. One page, small quarto, postmarked "December 12, 1872", n.p. To Madame V. Seguin (?), addressed on verso in Hugo's hand. Toning at five folds, haloing to much of text (which remains legible), scattered foxing and wrinkles, diagonal creases at bottom right. Good to very good condition. "I am, Madam, a little [illegible] at this time, which to my great regret, forces me to abstain. Today I feel that the virus is sometimes weighing me down. I would have loved being useful to you. I hope that another opportunity…will be better for me next time…". Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 64		Huxley, Aldous (1894-1963). English novelist notable for the celebrated tale, Brave New World, published in 1932. Autograph Letter Signed ("A.L.H."). One page, recto and verso, n.p., February 16, 1932. On "La Gourgette" stationery onionskin. To "Richard" (probably author/poet Richard Thoma). Transmittal folds, minor crumpling at bottom edge. Very good to fine condition. Literary content, as well as personal observations. "…I keep putting letters off & off…sometimes they fall into the ewigkeit and are for ever forgotten…I hope you make it clear in your G. de Rais novel that Joan of Arc was really his disciple…". Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $299
Lot 65		Keller, Helen (1880-1968) Author and lecturer. Keller's struggles to overcome her physical disabilities with the help of Anne Sullivan, recounted in The Story of My Life, made her one of the most popular figures on the early 20th century lecture circuit. An advocate for the disabled her whole life. Signature ("Helen Keller"). One page, 5¾ x 3¼", n.d., n.d. Clipped signature, pencil on cream stationery. Inscribed "Cordially Yours". One small smudge at "ller", else fine. Estimated Value $75 - 125. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $138
Lot 66		Kipling, Rudyard (1865-1936) English author, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907. Kipling's poetry and stories about India remain incredibly popular and present a fascinating, if romanticized, view of the early 20th century British Indian Empire. Signature ("Rudyard Kipling"). One page, 5½ x 1¾", n.p., 1913 (?). Clipped signature accompanied by note from Kipling's secretary indicating he was instructed to mail said autograph to a Miss Feigenbaum. Vertical mailing crease through "pl", four pinholes at top of signature page match pinholes at top of secretary's note, faint stain at pinholes. Very good condition and a very nice provenance. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $288
Lot 67		Lindsay, Nicholas Vachel (1879-1931). American poet noted for writing "The Congo." Lindsay spent much of his life traveling the country and "performing" his poems with recitation. His popularity waned and Lindsay became severely depressed, a situation which eventually resulted in his suicide. Autograph Letter Signed ("Nicholas Vachel Lindsay"). One page, 10¾ x 7", Glacier National Park, July 10, 1924. Written on the verso of a souvenir photograph of Going to the Sun Lodge. To "Mr. Williams". Minor toning, small scuff at top right corner. Very good to fine. Outstanding content from one of America's most popular poets. Lindsay sought to re-connect his readers with the joys of nature, and open their eyes to the beauty around them. Writing from the Lodge at Glacier National Park, Lindsay's lust for life and the joy he took in other's appreciation of nature are evident: "…I want to hear the tourists that pass through here discuss the park and the mountain ad infinitum by the big firesides. I want to soak in this one spot month after month…I want to get this whole dream meanwhile assuming there is Aladdin's secret in this mountain.". Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $403
Lot 68		London, Charmaine [and Jack]. Lot of two. 1). Typed letter signed ("Charmian London"). One page, oblong large octavo, California, October 18, 1928. To Ida Corey. One vertical fold, bottom right corner is chipped. Very good condition. 2). Bookplate from Jack London's library, 4 x 5". (see item above for authentication). One tiny chip at top edge. Very good to fine condition. A wonderful bookplate with impeccable provenance and an entertaining letter: "My dear Ida G. Corey: If you will take the pains to get from a public library The Book of Jack London, written by myself…you will learn among many other things that I feel would greatly interest you, that my husband Jack London died twelve years ago…Since I cannot send you his autograph, I am inclosing [sic] his book-plate, which I am glad to let you have if you wish it…" Estimated Value $50 - 75. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $173
Lot 69		London, Jack and Edwin Markham. 1. London, Jack. Signature ("Jack London"). One page, 3¾ x ¾", n.p., n.d. On the signature line from a check from the Merchant's National Bank. In black ink. Affixed to a handwritten page of pencil notations of a story idea, 6 x 8¼", n.p., n.d. Accompanied by a black and white photo of the writer with stamped signature, as well as an Autographed Note Signed by Charmain London, the writer's wife. Signature is bold; the sheet of pencil notations is brittle and yellowed from age, with paper losses; photo is a bit faded at edges. 2. Markham, Edwin. Signed Photo ("Edwin Markham"). Black and white printed photo, 8¼ x 9", Stanton Island, N. Y., n.d. Inscribed in black ink, "Your friend". In fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of his poem "The Man with the Hoe", inscribed identically to the photo in blue ink. Poem has two horizontal folds, several splits, paper loss at lower edge. Overall, the lot is in poor to fair condition. Included in this lot with an Edwin Markham signed photo, is an interesting notebook page with handwritten notations by Jack London. It appears that the American novelist was contemplating a story entitled "The Burglar Story". His notes read in full: "The Butlar [sic] who inveigles a man to inveigle & shoots him…gets suitably rewarded & name in papers, etc…". Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details	Realized $196
Lot 70		Mann, Thomas (1875-1955) German novelist and critic, one of the foremost figures in 20th century literature, he won the Nobel Prize in 1929. Typed Letter Signed ("Thomas Mann"). One page, quarto, Princeton, New Jersey, February 4, 1939. On Thomas Mann letterhead. To Ida Corey. One vertical and two horizontal folds. Very good to fine condition. A brief note to a fan: "Thank you very much for your kind words. I am grateful for your interest in my work, and I am very pleased that it means something to you." Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $121
Lot 71		Neruda, Pablo. Typed Document with Autograph Notations. In French and Spanish. Two pages, quarto, n.p., n.d. On onionskin paper. The curriculum vitae for Pablo Neruda, written about 1970. Staple at top left, assorted wrinkles and creasing. Overall, very good condition. Neruda has made strong green corrections to this typed document, which outlines the noted poet's varied career. From birth, through various diplomatic positions and his long career as a poet, this offering presents Neruda's life as he recorded it. Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 72		Ruskin, John (1819-1900) English writer and art critic, also a social reformer whose Unto This Last is said to have influenced Gandhi. Autograph Note Signed ("J Ruskin). One page, 4½ x 3¼", n.p., n.d. To Mr (Mrs.?) Brown. A brief note with a literary question: "Had you even read the second part of Faust, carefully?"). One vertical, two horizontal folds. Fine condition. Estimated Value $100 - 150. View details	Realized $86
Lot 73		Sandburg, Carl (1878-1968) American poet and author who wrote primarily in free verse. His biography of Abraham Lincoln is regarded as a classic. Signature ("Carl Sandburg"). One page, 2½ x 3¼", n.p., n.d. Signature in blue on album page. Adhesive residue on verso and front corners, typed caption directly under signature but signature is strong and clear. Good condition. Estimated Value $75 - 100. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $58
Lot 74		Shaw, George Bernard (1856-1950). Playwright and essayist. Autograph Letter Signed ("G. Bernard Shaw"). One page, recto and verso, quarto, n.p., June 21, 1905. On "The Old House, Harmer Green, Welwyn" stationery. In black ink. To scholar and statesman Gilbert Murray. One vertical fold, slight toning to the edges. Still, in fine to very fine condition. In a playful, yet curious note, Shaw writes to classical scholar Murray and begins with a discussion about the royalties he receives for his work: "It is, heaven forgive us, an awful waste of brass. However, You Never Can Tell brought me in £120 a week steadily from the beginning of the year until the last quarter of April: consequently my banker is in funds to an extent he has done nothing to deserve.". Estimated Value $750 - 875. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 75		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 76		Stoker, Bram (1847-1912) Irish author whose Dracula is one of the finest suspense/horror stories ever written. Turning to fiction in his forties, Stoker published his first novel, The Snake's Pass, in 1890. Dracula (1897), was Stoker's masterpiece and has not been out of print since its initial publication, with Stoker's vividly drawn Count Dracula used in countless stories on stage and screen -- embedding the character in modern cultural imagery. Autograph Letter Signed ("Bram Stoker"). One page, octavo, n.p., November 1, 1899. On "Sixth American Tour, 1899-1900" stationery. Addressee illegible. Ink transfer when note was folded, one hole at top right has discoloration from adhesive around edges and poor repair at verso -- text is not affected, one horizontal fold, one faint diagonal crease at bottom left corner, erased pencil notation very light at bottom right edge. Very good condition. Writing as Sir Henry Irving's private secretary, Stoker pens the actor's regrets: "Sir Henry is much obliged but he says it would be quite impossible for him…" Employed by the great thespian for 27 years, Stoker accompanied him on many tours and our letter finds him in the United States, probably New York or Boston. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $604
Lot 77		Stowe, Harriet Beecher (1811-1896) Author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, one of the most influential (and inflammatory) books of the mid 19th century, Stowe travelled throughout Europe and the northern United States in support of the abolitionist cause. Signature ("HB Stowe"). One page, 3½ x 2", n.p., January 24, 1884. Brown ink on cream card stock. Inscribed "Very Truly Yours." One small spot of album paper at bottom right corner, very minor toning. Very good to fine condition. Estimated Value $100 - 125. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $150
Lot 78		Thackeray, William Makepeace. Autograph Manuscript Page. One page, 5 x 7", numbered in another hand. From "On Screens in Dining Rooms," "Roundabout Papers" No. 6 (from August 1860). Numerous hand corrections (Thackeray). "…a few lines from my friend Johnson it is true, but they are written on a page covered with feminine handwriting. 'Dear Mr. Johnson' says the writer. I have just been perusing with delight a most charming tale by the Archbishop of Cambray…I am sure Telemachus is as good as new to English readers…I am stabbed through Johnson. He has lent himself to this attack on me…Will there not be a coolness between him and the lady…" Faint horizontal folds, else fine. Thackeray's Roundabout Papers were autobiographical and he often used them, as here, to respond to various attacks. Estimated Value $375 - 475. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 79		Whitman, Walt (1819-1892) A true American original, Whitman broke free of poetic traditions to create a body of work notable for its social commentary, sexuality, long verses and intense rythmic patterns. Signed Printed Photograph ("Walt Whitman"). Sepia tone, 5 x 7¼", n.p., n.d. Signed boldly in bottom margin; an early collector has written "The Homer of America" at the top margin and "The Good Gray Poet" at the bottom. Foxing and dampstaining faint at bottom, with incidental feathering of the signature. Sealed into a plastic page. Very good condition. Whitman gazes at butterfly perched on his hand. A wonderful portrait. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 80		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 Whittier"). One page, 8 x 5, n.p., September 28, 1866. Quotation on an album page. Toning to edges, somewhat ragged at spine edge where removed from album, one small pencil notation below quote. Very good condition. "For freedom in the name of Him who came to right the wronged upon, To break the chain from every limb, the bolt from every prison door!" A wonderful piece from this abolitionist and champion of the downtrodden. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $219
Lot 81		Wilder, Thornton. Typescript Signed ("Thornton Wilder"). Six pages, quarto, Hamden, Connecticut, July 1967. Typed excerpt from The Bridge of San Luis Rey. Signed in blue ink at top of first page. Paperclip impression, toning to edges, else fine. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 82		Williams, William Carlos (1883-1963). Poet and novelist. Autograph Letter Signed ("Williams"). One page, recto and verso, octavo, n.p., March 23, 1948. On his personal, initialized stationery. In black ink. To his friend Professor E. Rutan of Rutgers University. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. With one horizontal fold, light folds at left center and toning along left edge. In fine condition overall. With great literary content, Williams discusses some exciting possibilities that lie in his future, despite medical ailments: "…thanks for the vote, maybe I'll yet win the award if I last that long. I doubt it seriously however. Mostly I have to go to Utah, as last summer, and Seattle, this summer, to the usual literary conference, to win any respect -- I don't like the word. To win! that's it. I've been told recently that they have elected me to be custodian of Poetry at the Library of Congress for the year 1949-1950 again if I last that long -- by way of private information I am at the moment recovering (I hope) from an attack of angina pectoris: a fine opportunity for thought!…Paterson II may be ammunition for your gun -- I hope at least that you'll like it.". Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 83		Exceptional Authors. Lot of six signatures, three on cards and three clipped. A wonderful assortment of favorites, authors and others: Jack London, Booth Tarkington, Luther Burbank, David Warfield, Joaquin Miller and Robert Paine. The London and Tarkington signatures appear on the verso of their calling cards. There is some very minor staining to the Warfield signature, but otherwise, everything is very good to fine. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details	Realized $253
Lot 84		Rawlings, Marjorie Kinnon and Fisher, Dorothy Canfield. Lot of two items from two celebrated 20th century writers. 1). Autograph Letter Signed ("Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings"). One page, 6 x 7", Hawthorn, Florida, November 18, 1938. On Rawlings' stationery, in blue ink. One horizontal and one vertical fold, otherwise fine condition. 2). Signature ("Dorothy Canfield Fisher"). One page, 5½ x 8½", Arlington, Vermont, n.d. On Canfield's stationery. One vertical and two horizontal folds, otherwise very good condition. Rawlings' letter is short, but with great content in her bold hand, "…'Golden Apples' was the most important to me, personally…I consider 'The Yearling' my most integrated work to date.". Estimated Value $100 - 125. View details	Realized $219
Lot 85		Sinclair, Wilder, Terhune, Morley. A very nice collection of Autograph Letters and a Signature, courtesy of great American writers. 1). Typed Note Signed ("U Sinclair"). One page, large octavo, Pasadena, June 12, 1934. On personal stationery. To Ida Corey. Nice text: "Many thanks for your very kind letter telling me that my books have interested you. That is one of the very nicest things an author ever hears!" Lot includes small pamphlet and article about Sinclair's work. Mailing folds, very good to fine. 2). Signature ("Thornton Wilder"). One page, 4 x 3", Chicago, 1934. Minor ragged edges do not interfere with text, fine condition. 3). Autograph Letter Signed ("Christopher Morley"). One page, quarto, Roslyn Heights, New York, "Groundhog Day -- 1931". On "Green Escape" stationery. To Ida Corey. Nice text: "The groundhog comes out of his hole long enough to thank you for your friendly letter…" Mailing folds, fine condition. 4). Autograph Note Signed ("Albert Payson Terhune"). One page, small quarto, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, June 3, 1933. On personal stationery. To Ida Corey. Good content: "…My two best loved books, written by me, are 'The Son of God'…and 'Lad: A Dog'". Mailing folds, ink smeared by writer, else fine. Although Sinclair and Wilder are the two best known today, Terhune and Morely were hugely popular in their heyday and their works enjoy renewed interest every few years. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details	Realized $115