Robert Browning Partial ALS: "Salutations + regrets to Dickens" With Publisher's Letter to Browning Re: "Miniature Poets" Series

An interesting lot of two items related to British writer Robert Browning (1812-1889), including a partial autograph letter signed by Browning as "Robert Browning"; and a 2pp autograph letter addressed to "Robert Browning Esq." from his former London publisher Edward Moxon & Co. regarding the inclusion of Browning's work in their ongoing literary series, "Miniature Poets." N.d., n.p.; January 23, 1865, [London, England.] Individual condition issues will be elaborated below but are overall near fine. The largest item measures 4.5" x 7.5."

The lot includes:

1. A partial autograph letter signed by Robert Browning and inscribed by him with 40 words as: "--write one, in default of a better recommendation turning up - mine, however, will do for what you seem to require. I wanted to thank you heartily for the immense--" and "--obligedly + faithfully Robert Browning. Salutations + regrets to Dickens." N.d., n.p. The partial ALS appears to be part of a literary recommendation letter alluding to fellow Victorian writer Charles Dickens (1812-1870). The double-sided paper fragment is slightly unevenly trimmed at top. With isolated corner wrinkles, else near fine. 4.375" x 2."

2. A 2pp manuscript letter signed at its conclusion as "Edw: Moxon: Co." and addressed to "Robert Browning Esq." January 23, 1865. [London, England.] On bifold stationery with Edward Moxon & Co.'s address, 44, Dover Street, Piccadilly, printed at the letterhead. Expected wear including paper folds. The inner pages are blank. Else near fine. 4.5" x 7.5."

In this letter, Edward Moxon & Co., the London publishing house, asked if Browning would permit some of his work to be featured in a series published after 1865 called "Miniature Poets" or "Moxon's Miniature Poets." The series featured multiple single volumes of miniature books featuring selections from well-known Victorian authors like Alfred Tennyson and others.

The letter states in part: "When we had the pleasure of seeing you in the autumn, we begged that you would be so kind as to allow us to include in the series a selection from your own works… We are about, we may here say, to make overtures to the owners of the copyrights of Byron, Moore, Scott + Southey for permission to include selections… + we would indeed be very sorry if we did not obtain from you the general consent we anticipate from other quarters…"

Edward Moxon & Co. had published Browning's epic poem "Sordello" in 1840. Browning did indeed allow Edward Moxon & Co. to reproduce some of his works, as evidenced by Moxon's Miniature Books, "A Selection from the Works of Robert Browning" (London: Edward Moxon & Co, 1865.)

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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