Uncommon lot of three items — two books and a handwritten letter — signed by esteemed English writer Agatha Christie and presented to noted art restorer and conservator Carroll Snow Wales, whom the author had met when her husband, prominent British archeologist Max Mallowan, collaborated with Wales on a 1957 excavation in Nimrud, Iraq. Christie and Wales became good friends and remained in touch for the remainder of their lives, often sending each other warm greetings on their shared birthdate—they were both born on September 15th, with Christie 27 years his senior.
The items are as follows:
ALS signed “Agatha Mallowan,” one page, both sides, 5.5 x 7, Winterbrook House letterhead, September 27 [1965], in part: “How nice of you! I forgot everyone and everything this year!! Perhaps because I resented having become 75!! Anyway, thanks for the good wishes & blessings…& the best of luck from us both. [Archaeologist] David Oates had an operation on his back & I think it will work a great difference…I believe he & Joan are taking on the house in Baghdad.”
Signed book: Crooked House. Later printing. London: Penguin Books, 1954. Paperback, 4.5 x 7, 192 pages. Signed on the half-title page in ballpoint, “Agatha Christie.”
Signed book: The Secret Adversary. Later printing. London: Pan Books, 1971. Paperback, 4.25 x 7, 221 pages. Signed on the title page in ballpoint, “Agatha Christie.” In overall very good to fine condition, with some damage and paper loss to the Crooked House spine. Accompanied by a framed original painting by Carroll Snow Wales of the Christie’s house in England, which depicts her husband walking in the yard, as well as a notarized letter of authenticity confirming that the books were signed for Wales.
