L14415

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Lot 348
  • 348

Conrad, Joseph

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Conrad, Joseph
  • Three autograph letters signed, to Bernard Holland
  • ink on paper
praising Holland's Life of Spencer Compton, eighth duke of Devonshire ("...I did not know that a political biography could be made so interesting...") and encouraging him in his decision to read a history of the Thirty Years War while convalescing ("...How old and dark it is. It seems older than the Sicilian expedition [by the Athenians, in 415-413 BCE] which in comparison seems a bright and progressive undertaking..."), 5 pages, 4to, headed stationery of Oswalds, Bishopsbourne, Kent, 9 February 1922 to 12 April 1923, with one autograph envelope, the first letter with a tear c.11 cm in length, additional fold tears, spotting

Provenance

Christie's, London, 29 November 1978, lot 81; Christie's, London, 4 April 1979, lot 82; Albin Schram; sale of his collection, Christie's, London, 3 July 2007, lot 46

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where 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."

Catalogue Note

Apparently unpublished: not in the Collected Letters. Bernard Henry Holland (1856-1926) had been secretary to the 8th Duke of Devonshire (better known during his political career as the Marquess of Hartington) and held a number of political and administrative positions later in his career. He was the brother of Conrad's friend Michael Holland (see lot 263) and lived close to Conrad in Kent.