British statesman (1809–1898) who served as prime minister on four separate occasions between 1868 and 1894. ALS signed “W. E. Gladstone,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, December 14, 1889. Letter to Misters Hodder and Stoughton. In part: “But the fact is that proposals concerning Biographies are not infrequently much to me, and that I have always felt the matter to be one in which I ought not to interfere. My life is publici juris…I have never on the other hand felt myself entitled to discourage any one who was inclined to take up the subject, though you may recollect what happened in the case of Bishop Philpotts. I fear that I must retain this attitude of neutrality and with thanks for your courtesy.” In very good condition, with a couple brushes to text and scattered toning. RRAuction COA.
