Bonhams 1793 : MANUSCRIPT MISCELLANY

Collection, comprising an autograph journal kept by Henry Ashmole, a builder of Ilford, Essex, in 1863; a calligraphic "Notebook of Martinus Schoehgeist" attributed to the late Frank Lissauer (of Christie's), a signed typescript of 'Ninety Six Hours in a Russian Prison' by Carl Joubert, and a quantity of letters by Sir William Jackson Hooker, Auberon Waugh (about his father's good points), the Duchess of Windsor, and others

Sold for £137 inc. premium

Footnotes

DIARY OF A NOBODY: Diaries such as the present example kept by Henry Ashmole, a young builder from Ilford, are most unusual. Although there are references to national events such as the Woolwich Arsenal explosion (described as "a severe shock of Earthquake experienced here at Ilford") and Shakespeare's tercentenary the general focus is local and domestic, forming a charming record of his family circle (including his cousins at the Angel Inn), his frequent visits to the theatre and concerts, delight in games such as cricket, croquet and billiards, as well as work; a fairly typical entry being that for 6 October: "Wrote to the London Photographic School to say that my likeness did not give satisfaction & would go up & have a fresh sitting in abt a week or a fortnight's time. Father racked our orange & Ginger wine off, it turns out good. Nothing particular going on. Mr & Mrs Wellett, Jenny, & Miss Barrow took tea here & spent the evening".

Category: Books / Books, Maps and Manuscripts

Auction terms and conditions