Books and Manuscripts: 19th and 20th Century

Books and Manuscripts: 19th and 20th Century

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 39. Charles Dickens | Autograph letter signed, to Dr Southwood Smith, 2 September 1845.

Charles Dickens | Autograph letter signed, to Dr Southwood Smith, 2 September 1845

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Lot Closed

July 20, 01:38 PM GMT

Estimate

1,500 - 2,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Charles Dickens


Autograph letter signed, to Dr Southwood Smith


explaining that he has just returned from visiting his children in Broadstairs, inviting him to "some private Theatricals on the 20th" and sending him two reports on Convict Transportation ("...Very terrible books they are..."), 2 pages, 8vo, integral blank, Devonshire Terrace, 2 September 1845, remains of mount on final blank


Dr Thomas Southwood Smith (1788-1861) was a prominent physician and sanitary reformer. He was actively involved in Poor Law reform and the improvement of public housing. His friends included Jeremy Bentham - it was Smith who, following Bentham's directions, transformed Bentham's body into an "auto-icon". The latest reports on Transportation, here forwarded by a disgusted Dickens, described the rapid increase of the convict population in Tasmania, a breakdown of convict administration, and a lack of efforts at rehabilitation.



LITERATURE:

The Letters of Charles Dickens: Volume Four, 1844-46, p.369

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