Rare books from Schulson Autographs

Hammett writes to Army buddy "Gottlieb...your go sounds like a good one, but I don't think I'd trade places with you. All the good goes aren't in the States. For instance, I'm now running a post daily newspaper and make my own hours, which means I usually choose to work at night, and we have an eleven p.m. mess for night workers. And then again it's more than six months since I have (1) answered a rollcall...(2) been in a formation...(3) taken a step as in marching of any kind, (4) tied a necktie around my neck, (5) shined a shoe, (6) had anything inspected, (7) had a crease in any of my clothes, (8) had to bother about whether I was in uniform - we wear whatever we like...(9) paid more than a nickel for a pack of cigarettes, (10) had to look at anybody policing an area, (11) had a lights-out time, (12) had to make a bed...(13) had to bother about how my clothes were hung or what was piled on my shelf or on the floor around my bed, (14) -- but that ought to be enough to give you the idea. We salute… Read More

Lawrence is best known as "Lawrence of Arabia," a leader of the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire (1917-18) which he described in "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926)." Typed Letter Signed, 4to, on stamped "R.A.F. Mount Batten, Plymouth," stationery, Nov. 7, 1930 and signed as "T. E. Shaw. " He used the last name of Shaw from 1927 in acknowledgment of his friendship with playwright George Bernard Shaw. Lawrence writes to the doctor of George Bernard Shaw's wife, Charlotte. Her doctor, William Cooper, took care of Lawrence's broken wrist. In this upbeat letter with a literary reference to American author Henry James, Lawrence gives an update on Charlotte as well as his own injured wrist. At the end, he asks for the cost of the bill which he supposes Charlotte would have paid had she not become indisposed from an accident. In part, "and then the fun began.... I was going to write just after the occasion; only I was detracted suddenly by the accident to Mrs. Shaw...she is not so long or quite… Read More

SCHIAPARELLI, ELSA. Scarce Portrait Photograph Signed by the famed couturier. Excellent condition. Schiaparelli's designs  broadly influenced the fashion world.  The black and white photograph measures 7 x 9 inches, black and white. Schiaparelli was renown for her originality and closely associated with surrealist artists. Autograph

Mucha's printed name appears to the left under the image and the Czech title to the right. Mucha has signed in his fine hand, "Mucha," above and perpendicular to his printed name. A note on provenance: the signed postcard originally came from Mucha's daughter. Ideal for display and exceptionally attractive. Autograph

President Roosevelt maneuvers to get a New York District Attorney appointed. Roosevelt writes to Judge George C. Holt (1843-1931), nominated by Roosevelt and confirmed as US District Judge in New York to discuss the politics of a district attorney-ship. The President also makes reference to William Howard Taft (1857-1930) 27th US President and 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who served at the time as Secretary of War; Elihu Root (1845-1937) who served as Secretary of State at the time of our letter; William Henry Moody (1853-1917) Attorney General when Roosevelt wrote this letter then Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in December 1906. Roosevelt writes, "Whitney has written Secretary Taft a strong protest against Morris. If you are willing, as this district attorney-ship is a very important matter, I shall ask you and Judge Townsend to come on here early in November...when I can have Secretary Root and Attorney General Moody here...." Roosevelt crosses out "here" and hand writes, "to… Read More

Edison has fully signed this early photograph by Falk ( New York City), "Thomas A. Edison." The dimensions are 4.5 x 6.5 inches. Along the card's right edge and on verso, at top margin minor remains of former mounting show, very slight soiling on upper background and slight bowing to mount. Framed with museum quality glass and mat for an elegant presentation measuring 10x13 inches. Beautifully signed. Autograph

Franklin D. Roosevelt decides a legal question allowing fish to be distributed in refrigerated meat trucks. "there appears to be nothing which would hinder the fishing industry from utilizing the refrigerator cars belonging to others" Roosevelt writes to U. S. Marshall John J. Murphy (Boston, MA) agreeing to allow the fish companies to transport fish in refrigerated cars belonging to meat packing companies. Murphy sent a 5 1/2 page typed memorandum, included, explaining in great detail the transportation problem faced by the fish industry. Roosevelt agrees to intervene to facilitate this practical solution. Roosevelt begins with a review of the problem Murphy described. "You state that that industry [fish industry] has a limited market because refrigerator cars used for transporting meat to the East are returned empty. You attribute the existence of this situation to the so-called 'Consent Decree' and propose that steps be taken to remove the restrictions in order that the facilities which are now… Read More

Typed Document Signed by Ford as Director and Mayer as Vice President of MGM studios, a contract between Ford and MGM for services as director, 4 separate 4to pages, Culver City, May 3, 1932, also initialed on first page by both. The document addressed to "Mr. Ford," reads in part, "This will confirm the following agreement between us...We...engage your services solely and exclusively for us as a director to direct one photo play to be selected and designated by us...in silent and/or sound versions...we agree to give you credit on the screen and in advertising...." The film Ford would direct, "Flesh," would be his first for MGM. Two punch holes on top margin of each page, slight crimping on top margin and lower left corner of first page. With two original dramatic full length set test black and white photographs, unsigned, from the set of another of Ford's films, "Steamboat Around the Bend" (1935), released by another studio. Each image measures 8" x 10". One image shows five steamboats and a large… Read More

Herrmann composed the popular music for the TV classic, "Have Gun Will Travel," which aired from 1957-63 on CBS. The show's main character, Paladin, was a well mannered mercenary gunfighter. In our letter, Herrmann writes about music rights noting the "Have Gun Will Travel" composition purchased by CBS. "Enclose [sic] are the contracts - as follows I to VI are radio music - which C.B S owned radio rights and in 57 purchased all rights . 7 to 14 - are works of mine from my own files that I reworked for T. V. use and which C. B. S. purchased...15 - is theme written for Have Gun Will Travel...." He signs, "Bernard." The letter shows a smudged date stamped at the top near the address indicating receipt by the recipient, dated Aug. 18, 1958. The contract accompanying this letter on "CBS Television" stationery consists of 4 separate 4to pages, January 18, 1957. The contract engages Herrmann to "compose...an original musical composition, including full orchestral score...as theme music in connection with… Read More

Houdini is known as one of the greatest escapologists  and stunt performers, as well as a skeptic and investigator of spiritualists. He was also a film producer and actor. The illusion of mind reading intrigued Houdini. Both he and Zancig had little to do with each other though both belonged to the Society of American Magicians. Houdini doubted mentalist Julius Zancig's ability to self proclaimed ability. In this three piece correspondence Zancig reveals his trick. This correspondence began with Zancig's Aug. 8 TLS to Houdini on "How to Thought Picture... here is the secret Harry nd (sic) no one lese (sic) has it but you up to this time...you promise not to Devulge (sic) it to any one here..." Houdini replied first with a three page holograph letter including bold capital letters detailing what he did not understand about Zancig's trick. The letter is not in is hand but is most likely a draft of the typed letter he sent to Zancig. The typed letter included in this group varies from the hand written… Read More

Siskind used his well known abstract photograph as a Christmas Card for 1952, inscribed and signed, "GREETINGS XMAS 1952 - and love and love Aaron." Attached to hard card stock, measuring in full 6.25 by 4. 75 inches, slight chipping on edges. Autograph

James Whale, sketched and signed two costume drawings for actors playing Frederick Douglass and Susan, 4to, 1920. He wrote notes on the Frederick Douglas character sketch: "'Wallace Evennett as 'Frederic[sic] Douglass" and below, "It is all right." Between the notes, Whale signed and dated, "J. Whale 1920." The second sketch from the same production identifies the character as "Susan" with dialogue below. "Now look 'ere you Mr. Douglass!!!" And again between the notes he has signed and dated, "J. Whale 1920." The sketches are rendered in artists pencil and water color and measure 8 x 10 inches. Wallace Evennett (1887-1973) was a British actor. Before Whale directed horror films, notably "Frankenstein," the "Invisible Man," and "Bride of Frankenstein," he designed sets and costumes for the theater. He is particularly recognized for the theatrical elements in his horror classics. Material signed by Whale is rare in any form. Condition: each page is sunned but otherwise in fine condition. Autograph

SAMUEL BECKETT. Autograph Letter SIGNEDBeckett is best known for his play, "Waiting for Godot," published in 1952 with its original French title, "En attendant Godot" and first performed in 1953. He wrote many of his best known works in French as he did this letter. Before the start of World War II, Beckett moved to France, joined the Resistance during the war and settled there permanently after the war. in French, 8v0, March 30, 1960. Translation: "Dear old Frank, I am very touched by your sweet letter and very happy that you liked it. There was a lot more to say about that idea and as always I have the nagging feeling that I did not do with it everything that I could have. Perhaps it should be revisited. I will be very happy to see you. I will be in Paris around Easter time and will get in touch with you then. In friendship and with renewed thanks, Sam Beckett." Beckett may be referring to his play, "Happy Days." published in 1960, the year of our letter and premiered in September 1961. Autograph

Hand written letters of Flynn with movie content  are rare.  Here  Flynn is  likely writing to his business manager, Al Blum, was "outraged" that Blum and M.C.A., "did not insist on Warners paying me where I designated - N.Y. - and...letting Marshall grab the whole $25,000, and am calling Warners today, I want the rest of my dough paid into the Guarantee Trust, N.Y... Try to get some adjustment of the amount they've got due... especially the sum due on Ballantrae..." He refers to his final swashbuckler film for Warner Brothers Studio, "The Master of Ballantrae," released in 1953 and loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1889 novel. Marshall is likely William Marshall, actor, director, producer and singer with whom Flynn collaborated on the never released film, "Hello God" (1951). In 1949, Flynn agreed to accept a promissory note of $25,000 for half the interest in the film. This is likely the $25,000 Flynn initially mentioned and refers to again. He continues, "how come you never advised me… Read More

Barks has drawn a cartoon, in pencil with ink signature, showing Donald Duck, his nephews and Scrooge McDuck looking at an art gallery collection which includes their portraits. "Thank you Jerry for including us ducks in your gallery. Donald, Dewey, Huey, Louie and Tycoon Scrooge McDuck. " Barks signed in pen to the left and above the thank you note at bottom. The drawing measures 8 x 10 inches.   . Autograph