Author: BOWLBY, Alex (1924-2005), [LEE, Laurie, letter]
Title: [Archive of Letters and Inscribed Books]. The Recollections of Rifleman Bowlby: Italy 1944; Order of the Day; Countdown to Cassino: The Battle of Mignano Gap, 1943; Pedigree of the Family of Bowlby from 1552 to 1915, Compiled by Charles Cotsford Bowlby and entered in the records of the College of Arms in January, 1915
Publication: London: Leo Cooper, 1915; 1969; 1974; 1995
Description: [Literary Archive] INSCRIBED FIRST EDITIONS AND LETTERS, including an MS letter from LAURIE LEE. Three octavo books (22 x 15cm; 19 x 13cm; 24 x 16cm), a folding family tree (26 x 19cm), and 10 letters addressed to the author, relating to his books. Folding family tree printed on two sheets of paper joined together, presented in a green calf slipcase with gilt titles to upper. Books pp.220; pp.x; 101 [1]; pp.xiv; 210. 'Countdown to Cassino' contains numerous black and white photographic plates and maps. 'Recollections of Rifleman Bowlby' and 'Order of the Day' both INSCRIBED by the author, the first in blue ink to fly-leaf: 'To Eric and Gillie, | with love | Alex. August 1969.' The second in blue ink to fly-leaf: 'To Jinks | from Alex | Sept. 1982' crossed out in black ink, with the author's name and address written out below in black ink. Six manuscript letters and five letters printed or photocopied. One manuscript letter from LAURIE LEE in blue ink to a single sheet of Basildon Bond, folded several times, with heavy wear and toning to the right-hand side, dated 25.6.74, in which he thanks Bowlby for joining him for dinner, and praises his latest book. A manuscript letter also from Laurie Lee's wife Cathy, apologising for her husband having a 'bad day', and inviting Bowlby to dinner. A third MS letter from Samuel Hynes (1924-2019), circa 1995, praising 'Countdown to Cassino', and recommending his own recent publications. A fourth MS letter from N.C. Selway dated 29.7.74, praising 'Order of the Day'; a fifth MS letter also praising 'Order of the Day' from 'Ben', dated 23 July 1974; and a sixth from Margaret Storm Jameson (1891-1986) dated March 23 1976, praising 'Order of the Day' and offering her assistance in promoting it. Typed and photocopied letters consist of a rejection to re-publish 'Order of the Day' by Cassell; details relating to the import of books to an Italian library; and further praise of Bowlby's books by a Professor at Cranfield University, and by General Sir Horatius Murray (1903-1989). Three related news clipping loose to preliminaries of 'Cassino'. All books used, with light wear only to 'Cassino', and heavy wear to jacket of 'Recollections'. 'Order of the Day' lacks the jacket, and shows moderate wear to cloth. Pedigree shows light wear to case, and some toning to the top edge. All letters show folds and moderate wear, with additional burn marks to the letter from Margaret Jameson. An intriguing collection in good condition overall.
Seller ID: 66183
Subject: Archives and Collections, Signed & Inscribed, History & Biography