Autograph letter signed from Karl Marx to Edward Spencer Beesly, written from London and dated 14 October 1871
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV37367
Repository:
Shelfmark:
International Autograph Auctions Europe SL, Lot. 1458, ‘MARX KARL: (1818-1883) Marx displays his austere sense of humour’
Title:
Autograph letter signed from Karl Marx to Edward Spencer Beesly, written from London and dated 14 October 1871
Collection(s):
No related collections found.
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Archive Catalogue:
Link to Digital Resource:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
My dear sir, Enclosed the photograph for Mrs. Beesly.
Incipit Modernised:
My dear sir, enclosed the photograph for Mrs Beesly.
In Voltaire’s Hand:
No
Brief Summary:
Autograph letter signed from Karl Marx to Edward Spencer Beesly, written from London and dated 14 October 1871.
Detailed Summary:
Marx opens by saying that he has enclosed a photograph for Mrs Beesly. He then goes on to say that the Christian name of Mr. Greenwood is Frederick, adding in French that this is not the Frederick the Great. He continues by remarking that when Voltaire was in his Swiss retreat, he was accompanied by a Jesuit named Adam whom he introduced by visitors by saying: ‘he is not the first of men’. Returning to writing in English, Marx concludes the letter by saying that Jenny von Westphalen will call on Mrs Beesly the following Wednesday at 1pm.
Keyword(s):
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
1 p.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
1
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
Unbound
Additional Comments:
There are two small holes to the right-hand side of f.1r, and some minor tearing to the upper and lower corners of the left-hand side of the same. Neither affects the text. There is some discolourations to the edges of the paper on f.1r suggesting that a smaller document was once stored on top of this one. The MS features one vertical and three horizontal fold lines.
Materiality Keywords:
Decorations:
Undecorated
Additions:
An omitted word has been added superscript on l.2 of f.1r. The name ‘Frederick’ has been underlined on the same.
Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
14 October 1871
Ownership:
Origin (transcript):
[London]
Origin:
Provenance:
Passed at the International Autograph Auctions Europe SL sale on 19 June 2025 (Lot. 1458). The estimated price was €30,000 – €40,000.
Bibliography
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OCV Reference:
OCV Manuscript Reference:
Record created by:
Record created on: