Jun 21, 2016 - Sale 2420

Sale 2420 - Lot 266

Unsold
Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600
(RELIGION.) Collection of 4 books and a letter by Unitarian clergyman Robert Collyer. 5 volumes, all 8vo in publisher's cloth, condition strong; letter torn with cello tape repairs. Vp, 1905-17
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Additional Details

Robert Collyer (1823–1912) was born in England, began working in a factory at age eight, emigrated to America in 1850, and became a Unitarian minister, moving on to New York in 1879. Through the power of his oratory, he became one of the most popular clergymen in America. These Collyer books were sent by Collyer over the years to (or collected by) his friend, the Unitarian minister Charles Graves (1868-1948) of Barneveld, NY and Passaic, NJ.
The letter was apparently sent not to Rev. Graves, but to a young boy--likely his son Robert Collyer Graves (1897-1991)--on 26 June 1905. It reads in part "Dear Godson . . . I am glad to hear how well you have done. You have done far better than your godfather did at your age. I was only good at spelling, pretty good at reading and 000000 at the other studies you have tackled, and now I am too old to begin again and have to depend on fellows like you to make up my shortage." He signs "From your Godfather Robert Collyer, Pastor Emeritus and lots beside of the Church of the Messiah."
The accompanying books include two with Collyer inscriptions: Father Taylor. Inscribed "RC to CG, with a wealth of good wishes for 1907." Boston, 1906 Some Memories. Laid down on the front endpapers are a presentation card signed "To the Rev Charles Graves, Robert Collyer," the bookplate of Graves, and a newspaper clipping on Collyer's death. Boston, undated Thoughts for Daily Living. Boston, 1911 The Life and Letters of Robert Collyer. 2 volumes; bookplates of Charles Graves. New York, 1917. Also included are two clippings on Collyer.