Description:

A masterful, twice-signed William Thackeray letter with a superb original drawing of the author at work

WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY (1811-1863) Autograph Letter Signed, "W M Thackeray," 1 page, 4.5" x 7.5", Brompton, February 21, [n.y.], with an original self portrait accomplished in his hand, and signed in text, "the author," on the interior of the bifolium. Light soiling at margins, else fine.

Apologizing for not being able to receive a distinguished visitor, Thackeray offers a full explanation for his behavior, writing in full: "I am vexed to think that you should have had the kindness to call here today, and should have met which such a Crimean reception. I fund when I am at work that my only chance is to remain unshaven in my robe de chambre up stairs in my bed room, and get through the allotted quantity of MS before I go down stairs. If I want to write in my little study they are obliged to open the window while they light the fire; and brining up your card John informs me there is no fire lighted except in the dining room where the young ladies are busy with their governess. How can a man shave himself and go down to receive an ambassador in a room where you must open the window to light a fire? Could a man ask an Excellency, on a first visit, up into his bed room? Such was the perplexity in w[hich] your visit found me; and I trust this pathetic statement of facts will weigh with you in your judgment of the behaviour of Yours very faithfully..."

On the verso, Thackeray adds a lovely illustration of himself reclining in bed, smoking with his butler, John bringing the ambassador's card, to which he adds a caption below: "Add to w[hich] the author of &c &c, when your card was brought to him, twas I believe on his bed, quill-driving in this posture."

In his youth, before he had settled upon a career of writing, Thackeray studied art in Paris, a skill that he employed later in life. His best remembered work, Vanity Fair, featured over one hundred of his illustrations.

Illustrated letters by Thackeray are quite desirable. Examples have sold as high as $4,375 (Christie's, New York, June 25, 2011, Lot 314)

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