- 111
Hamilton, Gerald.
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Series of 75 autograph and typed letters signed, to William ('Woods') Gray
discussing his life, writing, especially Blood Royal, media appearances ("...I thought my interview on TV was a terrible flop, but no: I was interviewed again on St Patrick's Day about the Irish martyrs (chiefly Casement of course)..."), and such literary friends as Somerset Maugham, Cocteau, and Truman Capote ("...I remember that Christopher Isherwood brought him to see me ... at the end of the last War..."), complaining of his poverty and the grim realities of old age (including being met by friends with the words "We were told you were dead"), c.100 pages, chiefly 4to and 8vo, various locations, 13 December 1958 to 5 March 1968
together with 5 first editions, all presentation copies to woods gray with lengthy inscriptions ("For my dear friend Woods Gray with admiration, affection and (even) respect!! from the wretched author...", "For my very dear Woods from his ancient, loving, & admiring friend..." etc): As Young as Sophocles. 1937, marked up by the publishers for the revised 1956 version of his autobiography (Mr Norris and I), referred to in Hamilton's inscription; Mr Norris and I. 1956, dust-jacket (torn); Emma in Blue. 1957, dust-jacket; Jacaranda.1961, dust-jacket; Blood Royal. The Isle of Man1964, original paper covers, spine torn; London imprints and original cloth except where stated, some foxing and wear to bindings, 8vo (5)
The writer and bon-viveur Gerald Hamilton (c.1888-1970), friend of the nobility and Winston Churchill, among others, was the model for Christopher Isherwood's Arthur Norris in Mr Norris Changes Trains (see lot 118), from which Hamilton derived the title for the later version of his memoir Mr Norris and I (present here in both versions). Of Irish descent, homosexual and with Communist sympathies Hamilton was briefly interned by the British government during both World Wars: in the First for his association with the Irish Nationalist Roger Casement, and in the Second for his anti-war stance. His book Blood Royal, discussed in this lot, is a history of Queen Victoria's immediate descendants and relatives in Europe, and the haemophilia that afflicted the family.
together with 5 first editions, all presentation copies to woods gray with lengthy inscriptions ("For my dear friend Woods Gray with admiration, affection and (even) respect!! from the wretched author...", "For my very dear Woods from his ancient, loving, & admiring friend..." etc): As Young as Sophocles. 1937, marked up by the publishers for the revised 1956 version of his autobiography (Mr Norris and I), referred to in Hamilton's inscription; Mr Norris and I. 1956, dust-jacket (torn); Emma in Blue. 1957, dust-jacket; Jacaranda.1961, dust-jacket; Blood Royal. The Isle of Man1964, original paper covers, spine torn; London imprints and original cloth except where stated, some foxing and wear to bindings, 8vo (5)
The writer and bon-viveur Gerald Hamilton (c.1888-1970), friend of the nobility and Winston Churchill, among others, was the model for Christopher Isherwood's Arthur Norris in Mr Norris Changes Trains (see lot 118), from which Hamilton derived the title for the later version of his memoir Mr Norris and I (present here in both versions). Of Irish descent, homosexual and with Communist sympathies Hamilton was briefly interned by the British government during both World Wars: in the First for his association with the Irish Nationalist Roger Casement, and in the Second for his anti-war stance. His book Blood Royal, discussed in this lot, is a history of Queen Victoria's immediate descendants and relatives in Europe, and the haemophilia that afflicted the family.
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"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."
"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."