[Rarebooks] fs: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Autograph lot

[Back Creek Books]

Greetings Booklovers,

We are pleased to offer:
~
(No. 11234 )  Doyle, Arthur Conan (1859-1930); Arthur Edward Stilwell 
(1859-1928). [AUTOGRAPH LOT] THE WANDERINGS OF A SPIRITUALIST (SIGNED); WITH 
TWO ADDITIONAL AUTOGRAPH NOTES, SIGNED, AND A BOOK BY STILWELL.
New York: George H. Doran Company, (1921). First American edition, Original 
cloth, Octavo, xi, [12]-299 pages, black and white photographic plates. 
Good, No dust jacket.
      This lot of two books and some autograph notes connects Sir Arthur 
Conan Doyle with one of America's last empire builders of the gilded age 
through their shared interest in spiritualism. Arthur Edward Stilwell 
founded Port Arthur, Texas, and the Kansas City Southern Railway, and 
claimed to be guided by spirits--which he called "Brownies"--in many of his 
decisions. The first item in this lot is an American first edition of "The 
Wanderings of a Spiritualist"--Doyle's account of his 1920-1921 tour of 
Australia and New Zealand lecturing on spiritualism. This copy is INSCRIBED 
and SIGNED by Doyle on title page: "Yours in the great cause of Spirit- / 
Arthur Conan Doyle. / May. 31/22". In addition there is a card from the 
Ambassador Hotel in New York bearing an autograph note signed by Doyle to 
Arthur Edward Stilwell. This reads: "May 30 / My Dear Stilwell / We are 
clear tomorrow (Wednesday). / I could imagine nothing more pleasant than / 
to start about 3:30 ^or later and drive with you, if / we could get back 
about 6 ^ or later. Perhaps you / would let us know. / Hurriedly, / A Conan 
Doyle". In addition there are two other separate autograph notes from Doyle 
to Stilwell, each signed "A Conan Doyle." The first of these is on a note 
card of the White Star Line and councils Stilwell "not to allude to the 
Brownies" in is forthcoming book "The Light that Never Failed." The second 
note is on stationery from a telegraph office near Doyle's home. Doyle 
begins by telling Stilwell that "I am full of sympathy but it is simply 
impossible for me to fall into your Brownie scheme." Doyle then goes on to 
describe his itinerary for a tour of America. He also mentions fellow 
spiritualist Rev. Vale Owen and tells Stilwell that he has mentioned him to 
Lloyd George. Also included in this lot are a few spiritualism related 
newspaper clippings from the period and a copy of Stilwell's book "Universal 
Peace--War is Mesmerism," third edition, 1911. "Wanderings" shows some mild 
exterior wear including extremity rubs, a short tear along lower joint, and 
some apparent silverfish spotting to both boards. The autograph notes are 
clear and bold with some mild browning to paper. The one on White Star 
stationery has a fold crease and a small spot. "Universal Peace" is a lovely 
copy with minimal wear. The news clippings are browned and somewhat 
brittle....... $2000.00
- Photo(s), secure ordering: 
http://www.backcreekbooks.biz/bookdetails.asp?book=11234

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Terms:
All items offered subject to prior sale. Standard domestic shipping is $5.00 
for the first book, $1.25 each additional book or
volume. Other methods or international delivery quoted upon request. Payment 
accepted by credit card (V,MC,Amex, Discover), check, money order, or 
PayPal. All items fully guaranteed and returnable if not as described.

Thank you for your interest.

Best regards,

Rock
Back Creek Books
Maryland, Abraham Lincoln, Americana, maritime, military, etc.
Post Office Box 3540, Annapolis, MD 21403, U.S.A.
Tel. 410-626-1363 or toll free 877-626-1363 -  Fax. 815-425-8542
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