Mortimer, John

A large and interesting collection of autograph manuscripts, first editions, plays, anthologies and translations by John Mortimer, the prolific English novelist, playwright, critic, former barrister and best known as creater of that "Old Baily Hack" Rumpole and the series of books based upon him. Mortimer has written many film scripts: the most popular being his adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited.



Together over 350 items. Including approximately 160 manuscripts (ranging from a single page of 300 pages), most in ink with multiple corrections, on legal ruled paper, a few typescripts. 190 printed books (including approximately 68 hardcovers, 75 paperback editions); various sizes and conditions generally good to very good. ca. 1958–1994.

James H. Heineman (sold Sotheby's New York, 26 June 1998, lot 489)

Together over 350 items. Including approximately 160 manuscripts (ranging from a single page of 300 pages),; most in ink with multiple corrections, on legal ruled paper, a few typescripts. 190 printed books (including approximately 68 hardcovers, 75 paperback editions); various sizes and conditions generally good to very good. ca. 1958-1994
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A large group of John Mortimer's autograph manuscripts for published fiction, book reviews, television programs, literary portraits and his autobiographical Murderers and Other Friends, and a collection of printed books, firsts and later editions. The manuscripts range from a literary portrait of Muriel Spark (4 pages) to a translation of Mozart's unfinished opera Zaida (55 pages), which was performed in Cincinnati and New York, to the "introduction" to Titmuss Regained. A short list of the manuscripts included character sketches of such contemporary figures as Woody Allen, William Golding, Edward Heath, Margaret Thatcher, Boy George, Lauren Bacall, Lord Hailsham, Kingsley Amis, E. Waugh, Arthur Miller, and Bill Wyman. Television scripts and adaptations for "Rumpole on Trial," "Rumpole and the Eternal Trio," "Rumpole and the Reform," are present, as are six programs from the popular English TV series entitled "Under the Hammer," about the glamorous world of fine art auctions. The largest manuscript (300 pages) is that for Murders and Other Friends (1994), Mortimer's autobiographical musings on friends such as Tony Richardson and some of the more colorful characters he has met in his career as a lawyer. Most of the additional manuscripts appear to have been written for newspaper and periodical publication.

The printed books in the collection include a few signed copies from the literary agent, Peggy Lawson, as well as first editions of the early novels Running Park, Answer Yes or No, and Like Men Betrayed. The Rumpole books were first published in Penguin paperback editions and these are present in first and early printings. Additionally there are collectors' copies of the first hardback edition of the inaugural Rumpole book, Rumpole of the Bailey and Rumpole's Return. There is a signed limited edition first of Summer's Lease, one of one hundred and fifty and a signed copy of the first American Titmuss Regained. There is an attractive copy of Three Plays signed "Peggy, with love and gratitude John 22/X/58." Books on tape, large print editions and others round out the group.