ALS signed “C. L. Dodgson,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, Ch: Ch: Oxford letterhead, January 23, 1879. Letter to Mr. Bowles, editor of The Lady and Vanity Fair. In part: “In fulfilment of my promise, I enclose you a photo of myself, to which I had added one of 'Xie' for the acceptance of Mrs. Bowles. As to the former, it is perhaps hardly necessary for me to ask you, in case anyone should chance to see it, not to mention any other name for it than what I have written on it…I wonder if Mrs. Bowles knows a song called 'The hay is in the snow'? One of my sisters said to me, only a day or two ago, 'if you know anyone who likes singing pathetic ballads, recommend that.' Another song I have heard, which I think would suit her and which she would like, is (in English) 'Haste ye, birds'-the original song is German, I believe: it has a delicious warbling refrain, which haunts one's memory…When I was with you on Tuesday, the name of Connie Gilchrist was mentioned, and you said something about her having left her home. Would you kindly tell me, when next you are writing, what you have heard about her? I know and like the child herself (for as yet she is hardly more) though I do not like her surroundings and have had no communication with the family for a long time. I had not heard the rumour you mentioned, but I take an interest in all that affects her welfare. Poor child, with her own beauty and (I fear) bad influences around her, she is heavily weighted in the race of life." Toning to edges and along hinge, and light show-through from writing on opposite sides, otherwise fine condition.
By the 1870s, Charles Dodgson had built a name for himself as a talented gentleman-photographer, making portraits of notable figures such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. His favorite subjects to shoot, however, were young girls. In this letter, he mentions an enclosed photo of ‘Xie,’ referring to his favorite model Alexandra Kitchin, who sat for over fifty photographs between the ages four and sixteen. He also asks for information on Connie Gilchrist, a young actress and dancer with whom he had been consumed two years prior. Though he had since removed himself from her life, he shows concern for his left-behind muse, fearing that “she is heavily weighted in the race of life." Though many believe that the writer’s obsession with young girls was innocent, common and perfectly acceptable during his time, the topic remains highly controversial. This letter, with its overwhelming focus on the scandalous subject and its mention of his highly sought after photography, is exceedingly desirable. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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