[Autograph album]. Album of letters, free franks, cut signatures, letters and pen and ink …Various places, ca. 1850-1890.

A superb autograph album of the Victorian Era with letters, free franks, cut signatures, and pen and ink sketches, including: William Harrison Ainsworth, Lucy Anderson, William Sterndale Bennett, Elizabeth Butler, William Cobbett, Wilkie Collins, Walter Crane, Canon Robinson Duckworth (Alice's Wonderland Duck), Thomas Faed, Myles Birket Foster, Arabella Goddard, François Guizot, Warren Hastings (Governor-General of Bengal), Sir Charles Henry Hawtrey, John Hullah, Robert Inglis, Alfred Jaëll, Henry Le Jeune, H. P. Liddon, Samuel Meyrick, Sir Robert Peel, Alfred de Rothschild, John Ruskin, Tommaso Salvini, Charles Santley, Edward Hugh Lindsay Sloper, Henry Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston), John Tenniel, Arthur Wellesley and Arthur Richard Wellesley (1st and 2nd Duke of Wellington), and Garnet Joseph Wolseley (1st Viscount Wolseley).

Free franks, including Lord Amherst and Lord Melbourne, and cut signatures, including Frederic Archer, Squire Bancroft, Julius Benedict, Sarah Bernhardt (signed photograph), Jacques Blumenthal, Robert Browning, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Lord Cardigan, Michael Costa, W. E. Gladstone, C. G. Gordon (of Khartoum), Henry Irving (signed photograph), Lord Leighton, John Everett Millais, Alfred Piatti, Pauline Rita, Anthony Trollope, Auguste Vianesi, and Henri Vieuxtemps.

William Cobbett: "Mr. Dean, I have made a bargain with Mr Akerman, to give up to him my business and house at Kent Street […]" (ALS, 1828).

Wilkie Collins: "I have much pleasure in thus contributing to your collection of autographs" (ALS, 1878).

John Ruskin: "Mr Ruskin is entirely unable to read letters of this kind - he returns these testimonials, or they would be lost in the heaps of his papers" (ALS, undated).

John Tenniel: "Dear Sir, If you will have the kindness to send on Wednesday - about mid-day, I think I may promise that the drawings shall be ready. I have been tormented by painters, paperhangers, & all sorts of annoyances, to the great hindrance of my work, else, the drawings would have been finished last week" (ALS, 1880).

[Bach, Johann Sebastian]. - Doles, Johann Friedrich, composer and Cantor at St. Thomas (1715-1797). "Johann Sebastian Bachs vierstimmige Choral-Gesänge gesammlet von Carl …Probably Leipzig, 1765-1775.

Highly interesting collection of Bach chorales, very likely assembled from 1765 onwards at St. Thomas School, Leipzig under the direction of Johann Friedrich Doles, the student of and successor to Johann Sebastian Bach, who sought to make his master's works more widely known. According to an expert opinion included with the volume (ca. 1940), the late head of the Peters Music Library, Kurt Taut (1888-1939), had surmised that the book was "written in Doles's own hand". This assumption is sustained by the apparently autograph entry "di Doles" at the beginning of the Doles chorales which entirely resembles the writing of the remainder of the manuscript.

The volume comprises a total of 252 chorales in a clean, contemporary copy by a single hand, numbered in red ink and (by a later editor) in pencil. Numbers 1 through 200 broadly agree with the two-part printed edition of Bach's chorales issued by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (Berlin/Leipzig 1765 & 1769), while numbers 231-251 represent the melodies for Gellert's "Geistliche Oden und Lieder" which Doles published in 1758, but in a revised order. As far as they could be identified, the final piece as well as the thirty pieces between the (real or ascribed) Bach music and Doles's settings consist of works by various composers of the 16th through 18th centuries, including Doles.

Provenance: In 1882 the book was in the library of the Leipzig-based cultural anthropologist and Bach collector Albrecht Kurzwelly (1868-1917), as shown by his label on the pastedown and his ownership on the flyleaf. After his death, it passed into the possession of the Zwenkau music publisher and collector Walter Höckner (cf. his stamp and the end).

Extremeties slightly bumped; a few spine defects have been professionally repaired. Signed expertise (1878) by the Leipzig choirmaster and Bach scholar Wilhelm Rust (1822-92); another opinion (1918) by Rust's successor Bernhard Friedrich Richter (1850-1931) is pasted between the upper cover and the flyleaf.

Thomas Aquinas, St. [Summa contra gentiles]. De veritate catholicae fidei contra errores infidelium …Strasbourg, not after 1474.

Editio princeps. Magnificent copy of the rare first edition of one of St. Thomas Aquinas's two masterpieces which systematized Latin theology. The printer is commonly referred to as "the printer of Henricus Ariminensis"; the ISTC suggests the Eichstädt printer Georg Reyser (active until 1503; cf. ADB 28, 368f.) known for his characteristic type, or, following Pellechet, Heinrich Eggestein.

"The combination of theology and philosophy which was the basis of scholasticism found its finest expression in [St. Thomas's] writings. Aquinas held that knowledge came from two sources: the truths of Christian faith and the truths of human reason. Each is a distinct source, but the revelation which comes from faith is the greater of the two, and its chief characteristic is that it consists of mysteries to be believed rather than understood" (PMM 30 for the editio princeps of the 'Summa Theologiae' published in 1485). The 'Summa de veritate catholicae fidei contra gentiles' (Treatise on the Truth of the Catholic Faith, against Unbelievers), written in Rome, 1261-64, was composed at the request of St. Raymond of Pennafort, who desired to have a philosophical exposition and defence of the Christian Faith, to be used against the Jews and Moors in Spain. It is a perfect model of patient and sound apologetics, showing that no demonstrated truth (science) is opposed to revealed truth (faith). It is worthy of remark that the Fathers of the Vatican Council, treating the necessity of revelation (Coast. "Dei Filius", c. 2), employed almost the very words used by St. Thomas in treating that subject in this work (I, cc. iv, V).

First leaf a little defective and repaired, minor marginal repairs in first 4 leaves, small stain at a few extreme upper margins, decoration just shaved. A stamp erased from fol. 4/10r.

[Album amicorum]. Friendship album of the theologian Matthias Harnwolf with more than 250 …Mostly Leipzig and Jena, but including Berlin, Frankfurt/Oder, Halle/Saale, Liegnitz, Magdeburg, Sopron, and Waldau, 1769-1773.

Exceptionally comprehensive friendship album assembled by the theologian Matthias Harnwolf(f), who served as preacher in his native Agendorf (Ágfalva in Hungary) from 1783 until his death in 1809.

Harnwolf was a well-travelled man, of which fact his album gives ample evidence. The first entry is also the most prominent: it is written by none other than Friedrich Nicolai, Berlin's figurehead of Enlightenment, who inscribed a quote from Horace ("Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem", dated "1763"). Further entries are mainly from Harnwolf's university years at Leipzig and Jena (1769-73), including by Johann Friedrich Bahrdt (professor and superintendent in Leipzig, 1713-75), Anton Friedrich Büsching (theologian and geographer, 1724-93), Joachim Georg Darjes (pastor, jurist, philosopher and economist, 1714-91), Johann August Ernesti (director of Leipzig's St. Thomas School, 1707-81), Johann Ernst Faber (professor of oriental languages, 1745-74), Justus Christian Hennings (moral philosopher and Enlightenment thinker, 1731-1815), Johann Friedrich Hirt (theologian and oriental scholar, 1719-83), Georg Friedrich Meier (philosopher, 1718-77), Johann August Nösselt (theologian, 1734-1807), August Friedrich Wilhelm Sack (philosopher, theologian and famed pulpit orator, 1703-86), Georg Christoph Silberschlag (scientist, 1731-90), Johann Joachim Spalding (theologian, hymnwriter and philosopher, 1714-1804), Lorenz Johann Daniel Suckow (naturalist, 1722-1801), Wilhelm Abraham Teller (theologian, hymnwriter and professor, 1734-1804), Johann August Heinrich Ulrich (philosopher, 1746-1813), Karl Friedrich Walch (legal scholar, 1734-99), Johann Georg Walch (theologian and lexicographer, 1693-1775), Johann Ernst Immanuel Walch (rhetorician, philologist and geologist, 1725-78), Johann Ernst Basilius Wiedeburg (physicist, astronomer and mathematician, 1733-89), and Friedrich Samuel Zickler (theologian, 1721-79).

While the bulk of contributors are theologians, jurists, and scientists, there is also an entry by a distant relative of Johann Sebastian Bach: young Johann Georg Bach (1751-97), who contributes a quotation from Shakespeare ("Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water", dated Jena, 1772), would become organist at St George's in Eisenach a few years later; also, there is a musical manuscript by Johann Adolf Leutholff based on Klopstock's poem "Die Auferstehung" ("Resurrection"), which song remained in German Protestant hymnals well into the 20th century and became recognizable worldwide when it was adapted by Gustav Mahler in his 2nd Symphony.

[Zinzendorf, Franz Ludwig Graf von, Militär (1661-1742)]. 3 Diktatbriefe.Prag und Wien, 1732.

Sammlung von an Zinzendorf gerichteten Briefen und Akten in Betreff der baulichen Erweiterung des Klosters St. Thomas in Brünn.

F. L. Graf Zinzendorf nahm als Offizier an den Feldzügen gegen die Türken und Franzosen teil, war seit 1696 Hofkriegsrat und wurde 1704 Oberst, 1706 Generalwachtmeister. An der Konvention von Altranstädt mit Karl XII. von Schweden und am Exekutionsrezeß von 1709 beteiligt, wurde Zinzendorf 1711 zum Geheimrat und im Jahr darauf zum Hatschier- und Trabantenhauptmann ernannt und war seit 1715 Obersthofmeister der Erzherzogin Maria Josepha; 1717 wurde er Kommandierender General in Mähren und 1724 Feldmarschalleutnant.

Ein Brief mit eh. U. von dem kaiserlichen Diplomaten Maximilian Ulrich von Kaunitz-Rietberg (1679-1746).

Arnù, Niccolò. Presagio dell'imminente rovina e caduta dell'imperio Ottomano.Venice, 1686.

Second edition of this compilation of prophecies about the expected downfall of the Ottoman Empire. First published in 1684, the year after the failed Ottoman siege of Vienna.

Niccolò Arnù (1629-92) held the chair of Metaphysics at the university of Padova; among his many works is a commentary on the "Summa Theologica" of St. Thomas Aquinas (cf. Wetzer/Welte I, 1440).

Formerly in the Ottoman collection of the Swiss industrialist Herry W. Schaefer.

Seffner, Carl Ludwig, German sculptor (1861-1932). Autograph signature.Postmark: Schliersee ?, 26 Aug. 1909.

Inscribed to the German dermatologist Alwin Scharlau.

Studying in Leipzig, Berlin and Paris, Seffner mainly applied himself to portrait sculpture, creating several marble busts for the Leipzig University as well as the Johann Sebastian Bach monument in front of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig in 1908.

Some small ink spots; a few small creases near right corners; postmark on verso slightly showing through. Self-addressed by the collector on the reverse. The Mecklenburg physician Scharlau (b. 1888) assembled a collection of artists' autographs by personal application.

Clutenius, Joachim, Bibliothekar und Jurist (1582-1636). Eigenh. Albumblatt mit U.Straßburg, 4 Jan 1625.

Widmungsspruch nach dem Hl. Hieronymus, Patron der Übersetzer und Korrektoren: "Si sapies quam sit super omnia dulcis Jesus / mundis falsus amor, verus amaror erit".

Der aus Parchim gebürtige Clutenius studierte in Rostock und Frankfurt an der Oder, bevor er 1606 nach Straßburg kam, wo er 1612 zum provisorischen Bibliothekar sowie zum Professor für Geschichte ernannt wurde. Nach seiner Promotion in Basel (1614) wurde er Professor für die Institutionen; 1619 öffnete er die Straßburger Bibliothek für die Öffentlichkeit. Der Straßburger Magistrat warf ihm vor, zu oft nach Fénétrange an der Mosel zu reisen, wo die Herzogin von Pommern residierte, und darüber seinen Unterricht zu vernachlässigen. Als bekannt wurde, dass er einen geheimen Briefwechsel mit den kaiserlichen Offizieren von Breisach unterhielt, wurde er von allen seinen Posten sowie vom Kanonikat zu St. Thomas entfernt und aus der Bürgerrolle gestrichen.

Etwas gebräunt. Auf der Rückseite ein weiterer Eintrag aus anderer Hand.

Staeger, Ferdinand, German painter and graphic artist (1880-1976). Autograph quotation signed.Postmark: Munich, 21 Nov. 1921.

Inscribed to the German dermatologist Alwin Scharlau: "Schöne Grüße auf dieser nicht durch mich verlegten Karte [...]".

Spending several years in Prague, Staeger frequently painted Czech landscapes in his early career, was commissioned with creating the frescoes for St. Thomas' church in Nyrsko in 1907, and moved to Munich in 1908, where he produced illustrations for the Art Nouveau magazine "Jugend" as well as for literary works after the First World War.

Three creases; traces of postal stamps. Staeger's autograph address on the reverse. Self-addressed by the collector on the reverse. The Mecklenburg physician Scharlau (b. 1888) assembled a collection of artists' autographs by personal application.

Soissons, Olympia Mancini comtesse de, niece of cardinal Mazarin and French royal mistress (1639-1708). Autograph letter signed ("La Comtesse de Soissons").Paris, 7 Feb 1676.

To the Marquis de St Thomas, affirming her eternal closeness and gratitude for his efforts on behalf of her children.

Olympia (Olympe) was the second eldest of the five celebrated Mancini sisters, who, along with two of their female Martinozzi cousins, were known at the court of King Louis XIV of France as the "Mazarinettes" because their uncle was Louis XIV's chief minister, Cardinal Mazarin. Olympia was also the mother of the famous Austrian general Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Somewhat wrinkled and spotty; insignificant torn-out portion on fol. 2 due to breaking of seal. From the autograph collection of the famous Swiss-Italian editor Ulrico Hoepli (1847-1935); a facsimile print of the letter's second part was published in Autografi dal Secolo XV al XIX. dalla Racolta Hoepli (plate 17, no. 81).

Bach, Johann Sebastian, German composer (1685-1750). Autograph receipt signed.Leipzig, June or July 1748.

Signature by Johann Sebastian Bach, confirming in his own hand the receipt of 2 guilders ("acc[epi] - 2 fl.") from the Lobwasser Bequest. The sum was paid out around every 2nd of July to the cantor, deputy headmaster, and third teacher (tertius) at St. Thomas. Above and below Bach's signature, his colleagues Conrad Benedict Hülse and Abraham Kriegel sign for their 2 guilders.

One of Bach's several supplementary sources of income which together made up a substantial part of his Leipzig salary, this payment would in the mid-18th century have corresponded roughly to an organist's weekly wages. The "Legatum Lobwasserianum", a legacy of 1000 guilders, was bequeathed in 1610 by a Leipzig lawyer's pious widow, Maria Lobwasser; the 50 guilders of annual interest, paid on the Feast of the Visitation, went toward supporting St Thomas's church and school personnel.

This is one of only two known receipts from Bach receiving his Lobwasser funds. The other, from 1750, was originally written on the same sheet of paper underneath the entry for 1748, but the two records were later cut apart and separated. Curiously, the relevant entry for 1749 must have been made in another, now lost document, as a date "1749" and Hülse's stricken-out signature, apparently made here in error, appear at the bottom of the present slip of paper (formerly between the 1748 and 1750 records). The small 8vo leaf, removed from a receipt book, was complete in 1908 when it was offered at C. G. Boerner's sale of "precious autographs from a Viennese private collection" (lot 3). The buyer was probably the noted Swiss collector Karl Geigy-Hagenbach, in whose "album of manuscripts by illustrious personages", published in 1925, it was again illustrated intact. The receipt's location was subsequently unknown until, in May 1986, the present upper half of the sheet appeared at Christie's manuscripts sale (lot 271). It was likely acquired there by the Canadian chemist and physician Frederick Lewis Maitland Pattison (1923-2010) and subsequently sold by the New York dealer Kenneth W. Rendell (his description pasted on the reverse of the frame) to the Musée des Lettres et Manuscrits, Paris; acquired from their sale.

In December 2014, the lower half (bearing the receipt for 1750, signed by Bach's son Johann Christian in the place of the blind and dying composer) appeared at Swann's in New York, described as having previously been in the collection of the Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska (1879-1959), and was bought by the Bach-Archiv in Leipzig.

[Medical manuscript]. Pharmacopoeia Pauperum or the Hospital Dispensatory.N. p., mid-18th century.

A collection of ca. 55 formulas for various ointments, balms, cataplasms, electuaries, boluses, tinctures, and other kinds of medicines, with remarks on their usage and administration. Though written in the vernacular, the usage of Latin names for the components of the drugs and their complexity point to a professional audience of doctors and pharmacists. The manuscript is compiled from the 2nd edition of Henry Banyer's "Pharmacopoeia Pauperum" from 1721. Banyer (1690-1749) had studied at St Thomas' Hospital in London and practised as a physician at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. On 30 July 1746 he was admitted extraordinary licentiate of the College of Surgeons. His "Pharmacopoeia Pauperum" was first published in London in 1718 and saw three re-editions until 1739.

Very slight foxing and some browning to the margins. Binding markedly worn. Removed from the Newport Reference Library with their bookplate to the front pastedown.