Search Results: Autographs from Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts, ABAA

Wildly popular, pioneering early children's program (1947-1960) that established the genre and became a cultural phenomenon: Kean wrote more than 2,000 episodes and invented the show's many colorful characters (1947-55), coming up also with its famed "Cowabunga!" tagline, its theme song and every other song sung on the show (97 of them), while Smith was its long-time beloved host. Archive of letters and documents relating to copyright infringement issues as pursued by the "Howdy Doody" chief writer and its host in the 1990s and '00s. This fascinating and complex archive contains many hundreds of items -- dozens of original letters ranging from lengthy and meaty legal topics to personal matters to brief notes transmitting newspaper articles and countless photocopied book and other excerpts containing "Howdy Doody" content, the majority with handwritten addenda from Kean.Only a few letters and an inscribed 8" X 10" photograph hail from "Buffalo Bob" Smith, who died shortly after he and Kean retained a… Read More

Popular and prolific American playwright. Nice archive of five TLsS, each 1p, 8½" X 11", Shoreham, NY, 1942 June 3 to December 11. Addressed to poet Joseph Auslander (1897-1965) at the Library of Congress. Very good to fine. All concern the donation of Pollock's manuscripts to the Library of Congress (although he protests protests, "I don't want to crowd you with Pollockiana...."). "...nothing would give me greater pleasure," writes Pollock, "and particularly because... the inspiration for my most successful play, 'THE FOOL', came of an afternoon's reading in that Library." Regarding the manuscript of his just-completed autobiography ("Harvest of My Years"), Pollock sheds some light on his work methods: "...all but the first two chapters of this are written in pencil. The first two were dictated and typed, and, if you desire, with the combination I will include a note of explanation. The pencilled manuscript is voluminous, of course, and, should you prefer, I could substitute a typed script with pen… Read More

The astrolabe, one of the oldest of scientific instruments (dating to the early medieval period), has a variety of uses -- most commonly the planispheric astrolabe, which allowed astronomers to calculate the position of the sun and prominent stars in relation to the horizon and the meridian, and the mariner's astrolabe, which allowed mariner's celestial navigation and evolved into the sextant. Offered here is an intriguing modern archive of astrolabe materials (1970s-80s vintage) from the noted Chicago industrial designer/writer/illustrator/architect Paul Ritter MacAlister (1901-90) -- a fascinating, exhaustive archive concerning a do-it-yourself astrolabe kit (glossy printed cardboard) that he and Adler Planetarium curator, trustee and chairman of the board Roderick S. Webster (1916-97) designed and marketed together, along with a couple other similar projects. Flolydia M. Etting (1915-94) was another Chicago-area designer involved in this project. It is approximately one banker's box full of… Read More

Noted British playwright best remembered for "Peg o' My Heart" (1913), a smash hit featuring his wife Laurette Taylor; he also wrote and produced the film version, which starred Marion Davies. AQS, 1p, 8" X 10", n.p., May 1923. Near fine. Handsome quotation of a brief dialogue speech given by the character Arthur Carlton on page 28 of the 1922 first edition of "The National Anthem: A Drama." Reads: "Listen to that damned, senseless, barbaric discord. The kind of sound you'd expect Indians or negroes to beat out when they're frenzied with rum. --- Listen! You can hear their brains rattling in their skulls. God! It's become like a National Anthem! Whenever a band strike up a jazz I feel like standing up and taking my hat off. It's our national anthem." Nicely accomplished in black fountain pen, signed and dated at the conclusion. From the collection of University of Chicago geology professor Albert Johannsen (1871-1962), author of "The… Read More

French composer. Rare ALS in French, 2pp, 8¼" X 10½", n.p., n.y. September 4. Near fine. Long, chatty letter with much musical content. In part: "I finished a new collection of songs... It is made up of Two Sonnets of Mallarme that I will show you when I get back if you so desire.... Obviously I will be very happy if someone plays my cantata for chorus, because it is an important work and I would love very much to hear it...." Having died at age twenty-six, Cartan's autograph is quite scarce and good music content letters rare. Comes with a TLS in French from what may have been Cartan's agent, dated 21 April 1932, just after Cartan's death, presenting this Cartan letter to music critic Irving Schwerke (1893-1975).

American newspaper editor who took part in the famed Brook Farm utopian experiment (1841-46), managed Horace Greeley's "New York Tribune" (1847-62) and owned and edited the "New York Sun" (1868-97). ALS, 2pp, 5" X 8", New York, NY, 1868 September 1. Addressed to Mr. Hall. Very good. On "Office of the New-York Sun" letterhead, Dana recommends various French dictionaries at length: "The prince of all dictionaries is Littres. I would almost rather have it for general philology, than Grimm's German dictionary. It is a little more than half published, & will take 18 months to finish. It is to be in four parts to be bound either in 2 or 4 vols. The two anterior parts cost unbound $22.50 & the others will cost as much or $45 for the whole. I get 10 per cent disct on this price. But it is a great book. No other Fr. Dict. approaches it in value. The Dict. de l'academie 3 vols. costs bound $40. The Dict. of Langlais 2 vols small 4to costs $27. The Dict. of Bescherelle 2 vols bound, costs $30. These are all… Read More

American author of such Civil War classics as "The Guns at Gettysburg" and about fifty other titles on history and military themes. AQS, 1p, 6 3/4" X 3 3/4", n.p., n.d. Fine. Amusing piece of doggerel verse titled "To Margaret Bruderlin On Her Graduation." Quite likely unpublished.

This patent pioneer served as U.S. Commissioner of Patents from 1907 to 1913 and revolutionized that office, negotiating treaties and arrangements with many a foreign country protecting American patents. ANS, 1p, heavy stock 5" X 4" correspondence card, Washington, DC, n.y. {ca. 1910]. Addressed to noted civil engineer John F. Hayford (1868-1925). Near fine. On ornate embossed "Office of the Commissioner, / United States Patent Office, / Washington, D.C." letterhead, Moore thanks the secretary of The Cosmos Club (the elite DC social club founded in 1878): "I wish to express, through you, to the Cosmos Club my very sincere appreciation of the Club's action in electing me to become one of its members. The compliment paid me I value in the fullest degree...." Boldly penned in black ink. A choice example.

The son of Declaration of Independence signer Lewis Morris (1726-98) and nephew of statesman Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816) was himself a soldier in the Revolutionary war -- aide-de-camp to General Charles Lee, later on the staff of General Nathanael Greene and himself raised to the rank of general; postwar he helped found the village of Butternuts (Otsego County) in 1787 and served in the New York legislature; Morris, New York is named in his honor. ANS (3rd person), 7 3/4" X 6¼", n.p., 1802 March 5. Addressed to a W. Webster. Very good. Lightly and pleasantly age toned. "Genl. Morris compts to Mr Webster sends a letter to Captn Duncan open for his perusal If Mr W. has recd. the celebrated speech of Mr Bayard n the House of Rept.ves against the repeal of the Indecency law he will be much obliged by the perusal of it together with any other southern papers that may have come to hand since those he was obliged with the examination of a day or two ago." Attractively penned in brown ink. Interesting.

Born with the incredible name Albert Onesime Britannicus Gwathveoyd Louis Chevalier, this English actor and comedian was a master of music hall entertainment, and toured England and American with a music hall-style revue to great success -- especially his ever-popular sketch "My Old Dutch." AQS, 1p, 5½" X 7½", Philadelphia, PA, 1906 November 13. Good plus. Faintly age toned; tipped down to heavy green album leaf of same size; small triangular chip at upper left corner. On letterhead of Boston's "Parker House," Chevalier boldly pens in black ink: "'The dream ain't forgot, tho' the / dreamin' is done.' / 'The Workhouse Man' / (Musical monologue.) / Albert Chevalier / Philadelphia. Nov. 13th / 06. / Guilbert-Chevalier Recital." Chevalier and French cabaret singer Yvette Guilbert premiered a new variety show at New York's Carnegie Hall on October 13th, 1906 -- exactly one month before this little excerpt was penned. (Opined the "New York Times" reviewer, "Less familiar than most of the other characters… Read More

The only son of the famed politician and orator was a noted attorney, U.S. District Attorney in Arizona (1915-20) and Collector of Customs for the port of Los Angeles (1938-53). ANS, 1p, 7¼" X 10½", n.p., 1931 December 4. Addressed to Henry T. Rainey (1860-1934, Illinois congressman). Very good. Paper clip stain at upper left, else clean and nice. On personal letterhead, Bryan notes, "I was much interested in the enclosed clipping from one of our local papers. Especially in what you have said regarding silver and the tariff question. You may be interested in the enclosed copy of a speech I have been making on these subjects...." Alas, neither of these mentioned enclosures is present.

This renowned English historian authored or edited such works as "A History of England" (1831), "The Rise and Progress of the English Commonwealth" (1832), "Truths and Fictions of the Middle Ages" (1837) and the famed four-folume "The History of Normandy and England" (1851-64). ALS, 1p (lettersheet), 4½" X 7¼", Westminster, England, n.y. [ca. 1830]. Addressed to "My dear Sir," and the address panel in Palgrave's hand tells us this is "Dr. Roget" (Peter Mark Roget, 1779-1869, English physician best known for the 1852 "Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases," better known as "Roget's Thesaurus"). Near fine. Neatly, expertly inlaid. Nice personal content. In part: "I should have had very great pleasure in accepting your kind invitation, but my father, who is eighty six years of age, has been suddenly attacked in such a manner, as to give us hope to apprehend that I may not be able to go… Read More

This quartermaster with the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry (1861-62) was later a captain and Adjutant Commissar of Subsistence until the war's end, at which time he became personal secretary to Governor John W. Geary (1867-73), a former Union general -- and Lee's brother-in-law. ALS, 2pp (lettersheet), 5" X 7 3/4", Harrisburg, PA, 1872 October 15. Addressed to George A. Lewis. Very good. Mild bit of soiling; minor mounting trace on blank 4th leaf. On ornate "Executive Chamber" letterhead, Lee replies to a cryptic request. In part: "Your favor to the Governor is received. I am directed to say, that he cannot give you the desired information, By applying to Genl. Meigs Q.M. General U.S. Army, you can probably ascertain when the book can be found...." Boldly signed, along with "Private Secretary." A handsome example, neatly and legible penned.

This renowned American artist and illustrator created the "Gibson Girl," the very image of the turn-of-the-century American female, setting a standard for fashion and hair style from the 1890s through the beginning of the First World War. ANS, 2pp, 4½" X 6 3/4", n.p., n.y. Addressed to "Bob." Very good. Large pale green pencilled checkmark and "A" (for answered) on first page, else clean and attractive. On pale blue lettersheet, Gibson, in his characteristic enormous scrawl, accepts an invitation: "I am coming up to N.Y. tomorrow (friday) so if you have no other engagements lets get together Saturday. They were all disappointed because you couldn't come down here...." Large bold signature.

Thomas Carlyle's close friend and literary executor belonged to the Oxford Movement and wrote controversial novels, but is mainly remembered for his 12-volume "History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Defeat of the Spanish Armada" and other histories. Closing portion of ALS, 4½" X 2¼", n.p., n.d. Near fine. Bold "Believe me / faithfully yours / JA Froude." Verso (on black-bordered mourning stationery) shows mounting traces and bears a dozen words in Froude's hand. Accompanied by a fine, scarce carte-de-visite portrait by Sarony of New York, 2½" X 4¼", a pristine and handsome example.

This well-known French poet, novelist and playwright was elected member of the Académie française in 1909; his home at La Garde on the French Riviera is now a museum. AMS, 20pp (rectos only). 8" X 10 3/4", n.p., n.y. [ca. 1890]. Very good to near fine. Custom bound in half grey cloth with gilt spine lettering and marbled paper over boards. Binding is very good, showing mild edgewear. Holograph manuscript for "La Noel du petit Jean," penned boldly in black ink on heavy stock leaves and boldly signed at the conclusion. Clearly a working draft, for it contains crossouts, insertions and corrections throughout. Apparently this was a novel, for the journal "Bulletin Bibliographique" and other scholarly sources of 1890-91 list an Aicard work by this title, one even noting 754 pages -- though perhaps these are lists of works in progress, for no published novel by this title can be found. To confuse matters further, the gilt title of this bound manuscript notes "1909," although this could be an error or… Read More

This historian and Chicago Museum of Science and Industry curator was named director of Cleveland's renowned Western Reserve Historical Society in 1946, one of the most reknowned of its kind in the country until its recent fall from grace. ALS, 2pp, 8½" X 11", Cleveland, OH, n.y. [1947 July 2]. Addressed to Mary B. Day, librarian of the Museum of Science and Industry. Fine. On Western Reserve Historical Society letterhead, a mimeographed form letter dated June 26, 1947 and headlined "Microfilming of the Scioto Gazette, 1800 -- 1866" announces this early microfilming project and solicits the loan of missing issues for this effort. This ALS begins at the bottom of this printed letter and fills the reverse. The newly-appointed director jokes with his former colleague, "I don't expect you to have a Scioto Gazette in your handbag but I thot [sic] that you might like to know of one of my activities in my new post. This is my first venture into microfilming of a whole… Read More

This English member of Parliament was also elected mayor of London in 1828. ALS, 1p, 7 3/4" X 10", Whitehall Place {London], 1831 January 31. Addressed to Edward Church. Very good. Lightly age toned, with mild edgewear, but overall bold and attractive. Writing to this noted solicitor, Thompson declines an invitation: "The important business which will engage the attention of Parliament on the 10th Feby will prevent me having the honor of dining with the friends of the London Dispensary on the occasion of the anniversary meeting...." Interesting, a blank portion at lower right bears a lightly-pencilled note in the hand of pioneering autograph dealer Charles Hamilton misidentifying this document as being in the hand of a different William Thompson ("(d. 1833) Irish economist; supported Robt Owen; wrote 'Distribution of Wealth").

Maltese-English composer. AMuQS, 1p, 10" X 5½", London, England, 1879 February 12. Good. Heavy mounting traces on verso. On heavy stock lined music notation paper, Schira pens large and bold several lines of words and music from an unidentified religious composition, with different parts ("Sopra," "Contr," "Tenore," "Basso") labeled. Interesting and quite attractive -- as well as uncommon.

This Russian-born American composer ended up in France after the Russian Revolution, where he performed and composed prolifically -- symphonies, orchestral pieces, piano concertos, operas, ballet and choral music; post-WW2 he emigrated to Chicago, where he taught and composed. Remarkably beautiful ALS, 1p, 6" X 11", Vanves, France, n.y. [likely early 1930s]. Near fine. On a lovely, heavy, tannish tissue paper, Tcherepnine pens in his usual miniscule script and black ink a note to unidentified "Cher ami" in French, referring to the first performance of his new work "Suite georgienne" and the Salle de l'ancienne Conservatoire in Paris; he switches to English briefly near the close, when noting trying to reach someone by telephone "but was unsuccessfull!" This handsome note occupies only a small central portion at the right margin, much of this sheet being filled with an extraordinary partly hand-drawn and partly inkstamped color drawing, presumably Japanese, depicting a monkey descending the branches of… Read More