His literary craftsmanship laying claim to the most renowned works of fictional prose from the Victorian era, Charles Dickens (1812–1870), in the end, was merely trying to make a living. In fact, by his own admission, his ready use of cliffhangers was a means employed to keep the public looking forward to his next installments. Given this background, it is clear that the offered letter was penned by Dickens for business purposes. Dated April 3, 1869 and written to G.F. Hudson, the message reads in full: “I shall not be in London until Monday the 12th at 12 at ‘All The Year Round Office.’ But I shall be here all this next week, and will execute the deeds and add my Secretary’s attestation, if you deem it worth while to send them down for that purpose.—Faithfully yours—(signed) Charles Dickens.” The subject’s still-completely legible and dark penning references the business office from which his famous periodical, All the Year Round, was presumably dispatched. The 4.25 x 7 memo bears standard compacting folds (vertical lines of which lightly pass through the writer’s first name), and generally inconsequential handling wear in the form of mild soiling and a few pinholes. Otherwise fine condition. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
