- 79
Moore, Thomas.
Description
- A series of eleven autograph letters signed, to Rev. Francis Hodgson
Provenance
The Rev. Canon. Hodgson, sale in these rooms, 2 March 1885, lot 7
Literature
Condition
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
"...the parts marked for omission are sometimes such as no eye ought to read but my own..." Moore's construction of Byron's posthumous reputation. A recurring subject is the substantial loan that Hodgson received from Byron in 1813, which enabled him to marry, and which - at Byron's apparent insistence – was never repaid. Moore tried unsuccessfully to overcome Hodgson's reluctance that the details of the transaction should be revealed: "To acknowledge a great pecuniary obligation & yet shrink from stating the details of it... neither obviates the false views that vulgar people might take of such a transaction nor satisfies what, I think, all persons of a generous nature will require at your hands".