RICHARD MONCKTON (1ST BARON HOUGHTON) MILNES - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 73111

RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES, 1ST BARON HOUGHTON

The prominent British art patron tries to set up a meeting with a colleague, signs name in black ink

Autograph Letter signed: "Richard M. Milnes" in black ink, 1p integral leaf, 4½x7 folded. Docketed on verso. In part: "My dear Mr. Mitchell, I will give every attention to the Pamphlet you have sent me. I am very sorry to be engaged on the 12th, but hope to find you at the lane some morning". Post script: "Who has written the "Romance of a Dull Life"? It seems to be excellent". Richard Monckton Milnes, 1st Baron Houghton (1809-1885) was an English poet, literature patron, and politician. While attending Cambridge, Milnes joined the socially and artistically progressive Apostles Club, which included members such as Alfred Tennyson and Arthur Henry Hallam. They involved themselves in issues such as copyright and the establishments of juvenile reformatories. His early work, mostly reflective poetry reminiscent of Wordsworth, led many people to regard him as one of the most promising writers of his generation, with books such as Memorials of a Tour in Some Parts of Greece (1834), Memorials of a Residence on the Continent and Historical Poems (1838), Poems of Many Years (1840), and Palm Leaves (1844) earning him recognition. However, Milnes' legacy was his standing as a generous and discriminating patron of writers; he published Life, Letters, and Literary Remains of John Keats (1848), helped Tennyson secure a pension, and popularized the writing of Ralph Waldo Emerson in England. Since his death, he has become known for his massive collection of erotic literature, including the first serious collection of the works of the Marquis de Sade. Normal mailing folds. Pencil notes in an unknown hand. Toned. Creased and stained throughout. Corners gently worn. Otherwise, fine condition.