Carroll, Lewis [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson]

i) Rhyme? And Reason? Macmillan, 1883, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author (“Elizabeth Ley Hussey | with the sincere regards | of the Author. | Feb. 19 [18]84”) on half-title, wood-engraved illustrations after Arthur B. Frost and Henry Holiday, original green pictorial cloth, yellow edges, [Williams, Madan, Green and Crutch 160], some spotting; ii) [Circular letter about Appointments]. [Oxford: privately printed, 1886], one of around 80 copies, addressed to "My dear Bessie" and signed "yours affectionately | C.L. Dodgson" with a lengthy postscript noting that the writer would "prefer to defer our walk…" since Bessie Hussey had company and commenting "two young ladies at a time is my special aversion. I wouldn’t walk out, as one of such a trio, not if you paid me for it…" and noting that the phrase "is now regarded as one of the strongest forms available for assertion, when you really want to be believed. It does not seem necessary to specify whether the sum, proposed to be paid, is 6d or £1000)", [Williams, Madan, Green and Crutch 192], some spotting and browning, some tears and creases; iii) Autograph letter signed ("Charles L. Dodgson") to Mr [Hedley] Vicar[s], sending 6 photographs [not present] and promising that the others "shall follow in time, but I have still many photographic engagements on hand", 1 page, 8vo, Croft Rectory, Darlington, 18 September [1860?], some creases and soiling; iv)-vi) Three envelopes: addressed to ‘Miss Hussey, | Iffley, Oxford’ (postmarks from 1856?), addressed to ‘Miss E.L. Hussey | Beechcroft, | Tor Road, | Torquay’ (postmarked 5 April 1884) and addressed to ‘Miss Hussey, | 12. Crick Road, | Oxford.’ (postmarked 7 February 1885), some tears and soiling(6)

See note to lot 647 regarding Miss Elizabeth Hussey. On 19 February 1884 Dodgson recorded in his diary "Had Bessie Hussey and her friend Miss Blair to 5 o’clock tea and pictures" (see ed. Edward Wakeling, Lewis Carroll’s Diaries, Vol 8 (Clifford, 2004), p. 91).



Hedley Vicars (1798-1864) was a barrister who lived at Rugby, and Dodgson met him when he was at Rugby School (1846-49). Two of Mr. Vicars' sons were contemporary pupils with Dodgson at the school, which is probably how they became acquainted. The date, 18 September, gives no year, but is likely to be 1860. Dodgson had taken many photographs during the summer of 1860, and sent out copies in the early autumn. On Vicars’ death, four years later, Dodgson sent a letter and further photographs to Mrs Vicars in memory of her husband.

[Rhyme? And Reason?]: Elizabeth Ley Hussey, inscription; later signature of owner in married name

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."