WILLIAM PETT RIDGE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 10/3 - HFSID 73404

WILLIAM PETT RIDGE
The English novelist and philanthropist writes nice note of thanks and luck to a friend, signs name in black ink
Autograph letter signed: "W. Pett Ridge" in black ink. 4½x3½ card, front and verso. London, England. October 3, no year. In full: "Dear Malcom Watson, The bright & kinder pars. In the "universal" have made me my breakfast this morning a joyous meal. If I can answer your progress someday by sending you a recommendation, please command me. Meanwhile, good luck to the work & good luck to you & good luck to everybody excepting of course, Steinkopf and Hommer. Believe me dear Watson. Yours faithfully". William Pett Ridge (1859-1930) was an English author. His career began as a writer of humorous sketches for the St. James's Gazette in 1891, which was syndicated to other local papers. His first novel was publish in 1895 titled A Clever Wife, but it wasn't until his fifth novel Mord Em'ly (1898) that he became well-known and successful for his excellent ability to draw humorous portraits of lower class life. Ridge's success abled him to become a noted philanthropist, donating his time and money to charity, founding the Babies Home at Hoxton in 1907, and supported many organizations that had the welfare of children as their object, characterizing him as a natural successor to Charles Dickens. His popularity declined later in life and he was considered old-fashioned; he continued to write at least one book a year till his death in 1930. Toned. Corners rounded. Slightly soiled along edges. Slightly stained throughout. Adhesive affixed in top margin. Otherwise, fine condition.