LEAR, Edward (1812-1888). Artist and nonsense poet.
Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent, 2 pages 8vo with integral blank, 8 Duchess Street, Portland Place, 25 June 1877. Thanking him for his Book of Bosh and for its dedication to himself as the 'Father of Nonsense'.

'... I have not time to look at it much just now, but I thought at a glance, the two Ladies going down into the Cellar very funny.'

The Book of Bosh, described as containing 'amusing and instructive Stories in Rhyme', was published anonymously in 1875 (Bodleian Library copy). Further editions appeared in the 1890s (The British Library has copies dated 1889 and 1890). The title was re-used for an anthology of Lear's own lyrics and prose in 1975. The date of the present letter is slightly confusing as the first '7' is curled to appear like a '9'. The address, Duchess Street, and the apparent reference to the first edition of the Book of Bosh makes the earlier date more likely. [We are indebted to Charles Lewsen for much of this information.]
[No: 24055]