Lot Essay
William Makepeace Thackeray wrote An Essay on the Genius of George Cruikshank, London: 1840.
Details
GEORGE CRUIKSHANK (1792-1878);
JOHN THOMPSON (1785-1866) & OTHERS
Autograph letter, as self-folding envelope, signed ("John Thompson") (well-known 19th century wood engraver) to George Cruikshank Esq., at 23 Amwell Street Pentonville, from 5 Bedford Place, Kensington, 3pp., 4, 2 February 1840 (marginal tears, with some loss, repaired).
Explaining: "a friend of mine connected with one of the Reviews which appear quarterly is about to publish in it an 'Essay on the Genius and Works of George Cruikshank'. I need not state that he is [a] great admirer of your talents; and as it is desirable that the information contained in this should he as correct as possible, he has desired me to ask you whether you would have any objection to give hime some account of your principal works, in whose hands they are etc etc. Now as this will appear in a very repectable publication, and as it is necessary both on yhour own account and that of the author that this Essay should be well done; I think it may be worth your while to give a little attention to the subject. My friend is very desirous of an introduction to you". Suggesting dates to meet.
With Cruikshank's 12-line response on the same sheet. "The subject of your letter viz the Genius and the work GC is rather an odd one and one in which I think from personal making I ought not to interfere". Suggesting they meet on Friday, "with your friend under your arm". With 10 small sketches, possibly examples of works, 6 with watercolour, one entitled 'The knife and the Ring', signed "George Cruikshank".
With 7 other letters of similar interest including Thomas Barker, Sebasatian Pether and others. (8)
JOHN THOMPSON (1785-1866) & OTHERS
Autograph letter, as self-folding envelope, signed ("John Thompson") (well-known 19th century wood engraver) to George Cruikshank Esq., at 23 Amwell Street Pentonville, from 5 Bedford Place, Kensington, 3pp., 4, 2 February 1840 (marginal tears, with some loss, repaired).
Explaining: "a friend of mine connected with one of the Reviews which appear quarterly is about to publish in it an 'Essay on the Genius and Works of George Cruikshank'. I need not state that he is [a] great admirer of your talents; and as it is desirable that the information contained in this should he as correct as possible, he has desired me to ask you whether you would have any objection to give hime some account of your principal works, in whose hands they are etc etc. Now as this will appear in a very repectable publication, and as it is necessary both on yhour own account and that of the author that this Essay should be well done; I think it may be worth your while to give a little attention to the subject. My friend is very desirous of an introduction to you". Suggesting dates to meet.
With Cruikshank's 12-line response on the same sheet. "The subject of your letter viz the Genius and the work GC is rather an odd one and one in which I think from personal making I ought not to interfere". Suggesting they meet on Friday, "with your friend under your arm". With 10 small sketches, possibly examples of works, 6 with watercolour, one entitled 'The knife and the Ring', signed "George Cruikshank".
With 7 other letters of similar interest including Thomas Barker, Sebasatian Pether and others. (8)