ERIC MACKAY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/07/1895 - HFSID 73088

ERIC MACKAY
The English poet, son of Dr. Charles Mackay and half-brother of novelist Marie Corelli, offers to speak at his colleague's sister's literary club, signs name in black ink
Autograph letter signed: "Eric Mackay" in black ink. 1 page, 4½x7¼ folded. Piccadilly, London, England. June 7, 1895. Written on New Travellers Club letterhead. Addressed to a Mr. A.S. Harvey. Original signed envelope included. In full: "Dear Mr. Harvey, Your sister said something about a ladies' literary club in Sackville Street, which meets on Wednesdays or Thursdays - adding that I would be welcome there. Will you enlighten me as to the locale and day and how in the afternoon: and please give her my kind regards. I don't think the speakers were generous to their lady-guests. Do you? And yet some of the women at the committee table have written the best novels of the time. As a vagabond I felt ashamed that no fitting reference was made to them I write this in haste before leaving for the country. With bet remembrances to Miss Harvey. Believe me, very sincerely yours". Post script: "Shall be back on Monday". Eric Mackay (1851-1898) was a minor English poet, born the son of famed Scottish literary figure Charles Mackay, and half-brother to the successful novelist Marie Corelli. Considered a quite horrible poet, he did have some success with his compilation Letters of a Violinist (1886) which sold 35,000 copies. However, Mackay relied on his sister's promotion of his works, repaying her later by implying he had written most of her popular novels. His other works include A Lover's Litanies, A Song of the Sea, and Nero and Actea. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Slightly soiled. Corners rounded Light surface creases. Stain throughout. Otherwise, fine condition.