A FIRST FOLIO SHAKESPEARE
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sm,—Under the heading "Notes for Collectors," in your issue of September 24th, a statement is made about the Lord Carysfort First Folio Shakespeare, which calls for a correction. I make this against my inclination ; but-, as you- know, collectors and bibliographers are quite particular in having the smallest detail truly recorded, especially in regard to items such as the First Folio.
The opening sentence in the paragraph reads : "It is- interesting news that Messrs. Quaritch have sold a First Folio Shakespeare—one of the very finest copies 'mown—to Mr.- &. Edward Newton, of Philadelphia."
The book was sold by me to Mr. A. Edward Newton. I acquired it some time before from Messrs. Quariteh with no one specifically in prospect. In point of fact, while in Paris in July, I gave a brief option to Mr. Seymour de Ricci, who was anxious to secure the volume for a friend. The sale to Mr. Newton -was -made in the most casual manner during luncheon at my London flat with Mrs. Newton present. Incidentally, I should mention that it not only "may have cost him 210,000," but exceeded that sum by a fair margin. I believe it to be the record price.—! am, Sir, &c.,
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