Details
WELLS, H.G. (1866-1946). Autograph letter signed ('H.G.') to his prospective daughter-in-law ('My dear Peggy'), Grasse, 11 April 1926, 6 pages, 8vo, on bifolia (slight discolouration and wear at folds).
A letter of 'fatherly' advice to a prospective daughter-in-law, including criticism of his second son, Frank. Wells bombards Peggy with questions ('Do you learn something every day?') and goads her with criticisms of her future husband ('he wastes a lot of time'), stressing the importance of being 'keen on work & active' in life. Wells expresses disappointment that Frank has got engaged on the basis solely of his £500 allowance from his father -- 'he has to win his own position in the world -- just as I won mine. He has to fight -- & the years slip by' -- warning that 'men are dangerous things', and urging Peggy to stimulate him to greater endeavours, ending with encouraging words.
Wells's axiom that 'men are dangerous things' was borne out by his own sexual career. His second son, Frank Richard, was born in 1903 to his second wife, Jane.
A letter of 'fatherly' advice to a prospective daughter-in-law, including criticism of his second son, Frank. Wells bombards Peggy with questions ('Do you learn something every day?') and goads her with criticisms of her future husband ('he wastes a lot of time'), stressing the importance of being 'keen on work & active' in life. Wells expresses disappointment that Frank has got engaged on the basis solely of his £500 allowance from his father -- 'he has to win his own position in the world -- just as I won mine. He has to fight -- & the years slip by' -- warning that 'men are dangerous things', and urging Peggy to stimulate him to greater endeavours, ending with encouraging words.
Wells's axiom that 'men are dangerous things' was borne out by his own sexual career. His second son, Frank Richard, was born in 1903 to his second wife, Jane.
Special notice
No VAT on hammer price or buyer's premium