Description:

Charles Dickens
[London, England], May 1, 1855
Charles Dickens ALS on His Efforts to Reform the Royal Literary Fund
ALS
Charles Dickens (1812-1870). Autograph Letter Signed, "Charles Dickens", 4pp, on bifold stationery measuring 4.25" x 7", [London, England], May 1, 1855. Expected folds and creases. Staining and scattered foxing. Adhesive residue and surface loss from previous mounting, not affecting text. Closed tear along the bottom of central vertical fold. In very good plus condition with a large, bold signature and Dickens's distinctive paraph. Ex-Maggs Bros., 1923; Sotheby's, 1971; Bernard Quaritch.

Dickens writes to the Reverend Whitwell Elwin (1816-1900) from "Tavistock House" on "Tuesday Night", in part: "I am very anxious to do what is generous and right in the matter of the Literary Fund; nor could I easily tell you how glad I should be to effect a change so honorable to us all, without an assault. I have not been in the habit of attending that dinner - have only done so twice, in about twenty years. Consequently, my non-attendance is no new or marked thing. Then, observe. If I were there, I could hardly be there without speaking." Dickens is referring to an annual fundraising dinner at which major public and literary figures exhorted guests to make generous donations, which is where much of the Fund's money came from.

He continues, reflecting that the Fund likely prefers that he not attend: "Lastly I must confess for myself, that I could not possibly say anything without referring to my hopes of a change. And I am far from clear that this would be acceptable, however conciliatory and delicate my tone. The difficulty however, of being sure that I should not be a nightmare to the management will still remain...I have only one desire, and that it is, to act in good humour and good taste, and really hold out the hand of thorough good fellowship to them all. How can I want to work against them in so gallant a cause, if we can but work together!"

The Royal Literary Fund is a benevolent fund that gives assistance to financially distressed published British writers. Founded in 1790, and granted a royal charter in 1818, the Fund has helped an extensive roll of authors through its long history. Dickens was a member from 1837 to 1854, but became dissatisfied with its administration. By 1955, Dickens, along with friend and fellow writer Edward Bulwer Lytton, established the rival Guild of Literature and Art to provide financial assistance to authors and to help professionalize writing as a career.

The present letter was written at the height of Dickens's attempt to take over the Fund, when the report of a Special Committee under Dickens was submitted to a vote by its members. After the vote was rejected, Dickens continued his campaign for reform, ultimately without success.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 4.25" x 7"
  • Medium: ALS

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