WILLIAM PETT RIDGE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 9/12 - HFSID 73409

WILLIAM PETT RIDGE
The English novelist turns down an invitation from Lady Russell to speak to the Queen's Square Club, signs name in black ink
Autograph letter signed: "W. Pett Ridge" in black ink. 1 page front and verso, 4x6 folded. Written on Garrick Club (Art Committee) letterhead. London, England. September 12, no year. In full: "Dear Lady Russell, I have been away, or your very kind note of the 28th would have been answered earlier. I want to avoid lecturing or reading, - excepting for charities which interest me. Apart from this, I am not very good at it, & the programming of the Queen's Square Club will be made more attractive without my name. My best wishes for a successful season; I am sure they will get good evenings. Believe me, dear Lady Russell, Yours sincerely". 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. Normal mailing fold. Slightly worn and soiled. Corners rounded. Toned. Otherwise, fine condition.