GALSWORTHY, JOHN. Group of 15 items Signed, or Signed and Inscribed, to various recipients, including 9 ALsS, 3 LsS, a MS, a vellum DS, and a book Signed. The letters, making request of a publication allegedly censoring plays, inquiring about [publication or production of] his play Strife (1909) in Sweden, accepting congratulations for an award, granting permission to quote from his Presidential Address to the English Assocation, declining an interview, accepting invitation to lunch at the Ritz, discussing the confirmation of a new treasurer, declining to sign a book, etc. Together 13 pages, 4to or 8vo, some on personal stationery; generally good condition. Few with the original envelope. Vp, 1907-32. The manuscript, entitled "From the Presidential Address to the English Association" and beginning "The soul of good expression is an unexpectedness, which still keeps to the mark of meaning and does not betray truth" [excerpts from work published as On Expression (1924)]. Signed after the text, title and date in holograph, text in the hand of his wife, Ada. 3 pages, small 4to, written on rectos of separate sheets; small hole at upper left, folds. London, May 1924. The document, a lease for a plot of land in Kent by Galsworthy and his son Frederick on the one hand, to Reginald Wright on the other. 3 pages, 15x10 inches, scalloped upper edge, folded sheet; faint scattered soiling. [London], 9 December 1901. The book, Soames and the Flag. Signed on the half-title. 8vo, 1/4 cloth, rubbing to edges, darkened spine. New York, 1930; inscription: Np, nd. Vp, 1901-32
30 October 1907, ALS, to "Dear Sir": "As one of the signatories to the Protest against the existing Censorship of Plays that has appeared in Your Columns, may I ask of your courtesy . . . in the enclosed letter? [not present]. " 13 December 1912, ALS, to "Dear Sir": "There are too many achievements equally valuable & desirable for me to be able to answer your question." 18 March 1931, ALS, to "My Dear Madam": ". . . Though I don't believe in poking fun at people of other nations, I really am not sorry for that particular allusion; because, you know, such an instance of intolerance in regard to belief is interesting in these days, in whatever country it comes." With--Group of 6 items: Two letters from Galsworthy's wife Ada to Earle Jerome Bernheimer, thanking for his donation to a charity and discussing her husband's charity work during the War, or thanking for a Christmas gift and lamenting that her husband's poetry did not receive sufficient recognition. Together 8 pages, small 4to or small 8vo, personal stationery. London or Torquay, 28 June 1939; 25 January 1946 • Two original photographic portraits of Galsworthy, unsigned, each worn and touched-up for reproduction. Each approximately 8x6 1/2 inches. 1920s • Printed bookmark showing bust portrait of Galsworthy above his printed signature. 5 1/2x2 1/4 inches. Nd • Brass medallion showing bust portrait of Galsworthy on one side and representations of characters from The Forsyte Saga on verso. 2x2 inches. Nd.
