Description:

H.G. Wells
[London, England], April 9, 1932
H.G. Wells ALS Mentioning Boyhood Rambles At Uppark - An Important Source Of Literary Inspiration
ALS

A 1p autograph letter signed by British writer H.G. Wells (1866-1946) as "H.G. Wells" at lower right. April 9, 1932. [London, England]. Inscribed on watermarked bifold stationery with Wells's London address from 1930-1936 embossed on the letterhead: "47, Chiltern Court, Clarence Gate, N.W.1. / Telephone, Welbeck 5544." The inner pages and outer leaf are blank. Flattened transmittal folds, else near fine and entirely in Wells's elegant handwriting. 5.5" x 7." Accompanied by a PSA Letter of Authenticity, certification number AP08701, dated February 10, 2025.

Wells addressed this letter to a correspondent named "General Bullett," writing in part: "Earl Hartly (?), by the bye, is a part of my life. My mother was housekeeper at Uppark. I traveled all over that country when I was between 15 & 18…"

Both of Wells's parents had worked at Uppark, a 17th C. brick country house in West Sussex acquired by the wealthy and influential Fetherstonhaugh family in the mid-18th C. Wells's mother, Sarah Neal Wells (1822-1905) had worked at Uppark first as a lady's maid and later as the housekeeper, while Wells's father, Joseph Wells (1828-1910), served as gardener there. Literary scholars content that Wells' visits to Uppark profoundly influenced both his intellectual development and social views. As a boy and teenager, Wells had access to the house library, where he could sample the classics, as well as its attics and grounds. Some believe that Wells's later liberal political views were a reaction to the restrictive social hierarchy which he observed at Uppark.

1932 was an important year for H.G. Wells. That year, fellow author Sinclair Lewis nominated Wells for his second of four eventual Nobel Prizes in Literature. Wells published his novel "The Bulpington of Blup" - in which he explored psychoanalysis and post-World War I trauma - and his earlier novel "The Island of Doctor Moreau" was adapted into a film called "Island of Lost Souls."

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 5.5" x 7"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

January 7, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000