Priestley, J.B.

mostly by writers and actors, including: Ralph Richardson (27 letters), charming letters discussing Priestley's works, his own performances, arranging meetings, and one letter on discovering that An Inspector Calls was on an exam syllabus ("...I knew at first reading that it was a masterpiece - to think that for once I was right!!..."), Jane Bannerman (Priestley's ex-wife, "...Do you remember we discussed our future - yours and mine - when I told you I would like to have a divorce...", 28 June 1983), Harold Wilson (providing a detailed defence of changes in taxation affecting authors, 28 May 1970), Mary Wilson (3), Richard Church (4), Ivor Brown (4), Angus Wilson, Norman Collins (6), Frankie Howerd, John Bratby, Barry Vryer, Sybil Thorndike, Laurie Lee, Margaret Drabble (2), Laurence Meynell, Alec Guinness (3), Michael Denison, Iris Murdoch (2), C.P. Snow, Stan Barstow (3), Olivia Manning, Daphne de Maurier, Malcolm Muggeridge, Gopal Sharman, Cedric Sharpe, Frank Swinnerton, A.J.P. Taylor, Irene Worth, Norman Wisdom, Leonard Woolf, Laurens van der Post (3), Bill Brandt (5), John Braine, Noel Coward, Edward Davison (2), Pamela Hansford Johnson (3), Maxwell Geismar (21), together with a printed programme (1938), a commemorative brochure (1980), and a small quantity of photocopies; about 225 pages, a mixture of autograph and typed letters, 1950-83 (chiefly 1965 onwards)

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."

"...We can rely upon you always to be readable, we can rely upon you never to sell out to the Establishment in any shape or form, we can rely upon you never to break under any of the strains which more than ever today assail the professional writer..." (John Braine to J.B. Priestley, 7 September 1964)

A SUBSTANTIAL CACHE OF PERSONAL LETTERS. This group of letters was kept, with the family's knowledge, by Priestley's long-standing secretary.