Beschreibung:

Title: Autograph Letter signed by Martin Madan, to a bookseller, complaining about the valuation of some books he wants to sell Author: Madan, M.(?) Place: Bushey? Publisher: Date: May 31, 1808 Description: 17 lines, in ink, on p.1 of 4-page lettersheet, with address on p.4. 9½x7¾. The writer of the letter, identified in later pencil as author Martin Madan, an impossibility as he died in 1790 and the letter is postmarked 1808, complains to the noted firm of Lackington, Allen & Co., "'It is nought saith the Buyer' - & the Market Price does not seem to have risen since Solomon's days. I am quite shock'd at the valuation you have put on my books, among which there certainly are many respectable ones, altho' there is much Rubbish. Having estimated them hastily - perhaps by the Foot, perhaps by the __? - I wish you would once more look at the 'Body of Husbandry,' Harris's Lexicon - Dalton's Just. - the several dictionaries - Brown's Vulg. Errors - Simpson's Euclid - & many others, I think you will be well dispos'd to reconsider your verdict - recollect it is Exchange. Your prices of the Books sent do not accord with the catalogue but I suppose the additional vols. make the difference. You must procure me the first 20 vol. of European Mag. even at an advanc'd Price..." Provenance: A private California collection. Lot Amendments Condition: Darkening along fore-edge, some minor soiling, very good. Item number: 202775