signed
by JUSTIN McCARTHY
JUSTIN McCARTHY (1830-1912). McCarthy was an Irish writer and nationalist. He was elected to Parliament in 1879 as a representative for Ireland’s County Longford, and served until 1900. He was a Home Rule supporter and a strong follower of Prime Minister Gladstone. Two letters signed by Justin McCarthy regarding his literary efforts: a) ALS. 3pg. 4 ½” x 7”. July 3, 1901. Ashleydene. A lengthy autograph letter signed “Justin McCarthy”: “I feel quite sure that I may readily undertake to give my signature to any literary announcement issued by Dr. Albert Ellery Bergh and the Colonial Press. I should be glad however to see each announcement before it goes forth as I might perhaps have some addition or alteration to suggest. I may say that my agreement with Mr. Bergh was that I should act as an advising member of the Library Committee for the publication of ‘The World’s Great Classics’ for which a fee of one hundred guineas was to be paid to me. That fee I have long since received and acknowledged. It was also understood that I might be asked to write an introduction for one of the volumes at a separate fee. My services therefore is advice, suggestion, and other such cooperation have been paid for in advance by the Colonial Press. I shall be happy at all times to receive any communications or to offer any advice or lend any help in connection with your noble literary enterprise.” The letter has mailing folds and is in fine condition. b) TLS. 1pg. 8” x 10”. August 19, 1901. Ashleydene. A typed letter signed “Justin McCarthy” to Albert Ellery Bergh, a prominent publisher: “I send with this the introduction to Voltaire’s Charles XII. I hope it will reach you in good time and I think it is of suitable length for the purpose.” He then handwrote at the bottom “I should like to see a proof of the Introduction, if that were feasible.” The letter has mailing folds and is in very good condition. (Inventory #: 4459)