Milne, A.A.

a) 38 autograph letters signed or initialled ("A.A. Milne", "AAM", "Alan" and "Blue") to Vincent Seligman, a few in the hand of Daphne Milne, claiming Milne's "best book" as The Wind in the Willows ("…in most editions the title-page is spoilt by the addition of the words 'by Kenneth Grahame'… I have recommended it so often that I almost feel as if I really did write it"); expressing an opinion on Oscar Wilde ("…it made me read all his plays again, even The I.O.B.E. which I have read 20 times (A Woman of No Importance is the WORST PLAY EVER WRITTEN. Official.)"); noting Once Upon a Time as his "…favourite book, and it is a shock to find that I only had two readers when I thought I had eight"; thanking Seligman for the dedication of his book ("I am proud, Sir, and honoured, Sir – here he bowed profoundly, hand on breast…"); describing the chore of dramatizing The Wind in the Willows ("I have finished The Wind in the Willows, which I thought never to do. It has hung over me – (doubtful metaphor) – buffeted me – (much better) – for two years. And now at last I can do exactly what I like. Which I have always done but now with a clear conscience…"); writing a spoof letter written as "The Pen" ("I have arrived safely at the house to which you sent me, and think that I shall like the situation… I expect he has only used one of those common pens before…"), hoping for closure of a West End run so that the theatre is free ("I'm afraid The Beggar’s Opera is going on for ever, but there is a hope that Playfair will produce my play at a West End Theatre this autumn"); lamenting the critical reception of one of his plays ("…I am glad you liked The Ivory Door, and wish you were a critic. They have damned and slammed it so thoroughly that I doubt if it will ever get properly open now… Daff and I feel very sad about it… Damn the theatre! Never again – but I say that every time…"), on starting work on a novel (Two People?) ("I have begun – help! – a novel. At least we think it’s a novel. Anyway it's 5000 words long already, and as I haven't nearly got to the point, it can't be a short story…"), on the title for a play ("Michael and Mary is probably best but the alternative was Your Hand in Mine, which is better than your version…"), giving an assessment of popularity with book collectors ("I am sending you a limited edition of de la Mare… When he and I are both more popular with collectors than Kipling and Shaw, you can sell it, and start a repertory theatre"); describing the rejection of one of his anonymous contributions to Punch; reporting the wartime experiences of Christopher Milne; writing a six line verse on receiving a record player; thanking the recipient for a present of a watch-lighter ("I'll never say anything against bankers again. They are the backbone of the country, the bulwark of the constitution. Having looked at my watch, I find that it is time to light my pipe again…"); making numerous arrangements for various meals and golf, etc. (49 pages together with 3 envelopes, 8vo, Mallord Street, London and Cotchford Farm, Hartfield, 8 January 1920 to 30 August 1948 and undated); b) short story featuring a character named Vincent in the style of The Red House Mystery (5 pages, 8vo, undated); c) 2 autograph letters signed ("A.A. Milne" and "Blue") to Barbara ("Bobs") Seligman thanking the recipient for a golf club ("…it didn’t play quite as well as yours did on that memorable afternoon when I had the pleasure of beating you at Ashdown Forest") and enclosing a book (2 pages together with 1 envelope, 8vo, Mallord Street, London, 4 April 1931 to [1933]); d) 2 autograph letters signed ("Celia Brice | Secretary" [Daphne Milne]) to Vincent Seligman accepting lunch and arranging golf (2 pages, 8vo, Mallord Street, London and Cotchford Farm, Hartfield, undated); e) autograph letter signed ("Angela Milne") to Barbara Seligman apologising for missing a cocktail party (1 page, 8vo, Woodfall Street, London, 18 November 1938); f) 21 autograph letters signed ("Daff") to Vincent Seligman describing "tea with the King last Friday at Buckingham Palace", noting "The Galsworthy first night was a disappointment. The play is so very long and diffuse and such endless talk from all…", on death of John Milne, COMMENTING ON SHEPARD’S ILLUSTRATIONS ("I am so glad you are seeing the Punch verses. Aren't the Shepeard [sic] drawings adorable and so exactly right…"), etc. (37 pages, Mallord Street, London, Cotchford Farm, Hartfield and Grindelwald, undated); some occasional creases and tears

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"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."

A significant collection of letters revealing for the first time a strong friendship between the Milnes and Seligmans: that Milne signed himself with his nickname ("Blue") demonstrates this. The Seligmans are not recorded within Ann Thwaite's award-winning biography of Milne.