August 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, August 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2021
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley autograph letter signed, dated Monday 14 March (1842) during her travels through Italy. In this rare missive by the ''Frankenstein'' author, Shelley writes to the Italian nobleman Bartolomeo Cini regarding letters written by her late husband Percy Shelley to Cini's mother-in-law, the writer Margaret King Tighe, which Shelley hoped to acquire. Margaret King Tighe was a pupil of Shelley's mother, and the couple reacquainted themselves with her during their travels in Italy some 28 years prior.
Letter in Italian reads in part, ''...There is one thing I have had in my mind to tell you for a long time, but since there hasn't been any opportunity, I will write it now. / As you certainly know, my husband was a very close friend of the mother [strikethrough] of Nerina [Cini's wife] - and he surely wrote to her several times. Therefore, I would like to know if you believe that the papers and letters of this esteemed lady still exist, because I would truly love to see these letters of my husband again, if they indeed exist. I was told that after her tormented death the papers and letters that belonged to her burned - you will know without any doubt. I would rather not mention this to Laura or Nerina, knowing that [strikethrough] this is still a sad subject for them, who deeply loved and are mourning their beloved mother. / Apologies for this inconvenience and accept now and forever my gratitude for all the kindness that you have extended to us. Please consider me your friend and servant. / Mary Shelley''.
Shelley's travels through Europe with her son Percy formed the basis of her travelogue, ''Rambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842 and 1843''. Three page letter on bifolium stationery measures 5.25'' x 8.25'' as folded, with address panel and red wax seal on verso. Chip to top left corner, and writing in pencil on last page. Very good plus condition. With full translation.
Mary Shelley Autograph Letter Signed Regarding Letters Written by Her Late Husband, Percy Shelley -- ''...I would truly love to see these letters of my husband again, if they indeed exist...''
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