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Autograph Letter Signed
Author: SMITH, F. Hopkinson (1838-1915)
Title: Autograph Letter Signed
Description: Although this American engineer designed such high-profile projects as the base for the Statue of Liberty in New York, it's as a novelist and short story writer who often illustrated his own books that he is best known.
ALS (initials),1p, 8½" X 11", New York, NY, 25 May 1888. Addressed to "My dear Drake." Very good. On letterhead of "Francis H. Smith Constructing Engineers & Contractors," Smith writes to James F. Drake (1863-1933), bookseller with George H. Richmond and later one of the country's most respected antiquarian booksellers. Smith's popularity was such that even at this date there was a robust market for his manuscripts, for here he broaches the subject of the etiquette of selling the manuscript of a book not yet published. "Not knowing the custom in paying for M.s.s. I write to you regarding the text of 'A White Umbrella' -- If it is a proper thing to be paid for before it is published, and is according to your rules will you kindly have me a check sent for the Amt. My notion is that $100 would be about the value judging what has been paid for my things heretofore. I leave this however to you...." Signed "Faithfully & always" with his initials. "A White Umbrella in Mexico," Smith's travelogue and commentary on Mexico, was published by Houghton Mifflin and Company in 1889. In today's dollars one hundred 1888 dollars would equate to approximately $2,880. Quite interesting -- whether or not Drake purchased this manuscript is not known.
Seller ID: 47433
Subject: Autographs
Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts
Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts deals in out-of-print and antiquarian books, autographs and historic documents, ephemera, maps and pre-1900 newspapers. We operated as an open shop from 1991-2014 in historic Galena, Illinois, and have transitioned to by appointment, mail order and book fairs. Member: ABAA, MWABA, The Manuscript Society.
We take great pride in the quality of our stock and clean and cover all hardbound books in dust jacket sleeves or mylar. Every effort has been made to describe each item and any defects accurately.
Terms & Shipping
All orders ship within two business days. We offer combined shipping on multiple orders. In order for the shipping discount on combined purchases to be applied, please wait for our invoice before making your payment.
Books ship via USPS Media Mail with tracking. Expedited shipping via USPS Priority Mail can be requested. Please contact us for a quote before making your payment.
Autographs, Maps and Ephemera always ship via USPS First Class or Priority. The default shipping charge is for Priority Flat Rate. For reduced shipping on very small items, please wait for our invoice before making your payment.
Large or heavy items may require that additional charges be invoiced separately.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
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Autographs Guarantee
We are professional, full-time autograph dealers with nearly 30 years' experience buying and selling, authenticating and providing appraisal services. All autographs are guaranteed authentic without time limit to the original purchaser.
William Butts, co-owner, apprenticed under a well-known Chicago dealer in the 1980s. For years he authored two columns in Autograph Collector magazine and after more than 25 years remains book reviewer for Manuscripts (quarterly journal of The Manuscript Society), in which capacity he stresses autograph education and reference works as the cornerstone of any serious dealer or collector. He has lectured on autograph authentication and contributes reviews and articles to publications such as Fine Books and Collections.
This listing was created by Bibliopolis.