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Auction: 323 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1370

Coleridge, Samuel Taylor (1772-1834). Poet. ALS, 1 page, 8vo. To Hyman Hurwitz at Granada
Cottage, Old Kent Road. With integral address leaf bearing blurred postal markings and remains of seal. n.p. [probably Highgate], n.d. [postmarked 1825, possibly 3 February]. A friendly letter, saying "I have barely time to say that I shall be at home all Monday, and all Tuesday - I leave the choice to yourself - or if agreeable I should be glad to see you on both days - " After his signature Coleridge charmingly dates the letter "Friday Night, or more accurately Saturday Morning, past 2 - and my candle going out." Coleridge lived in the Highgate family home of James Gillman from 1816 until his death; he received there affectionate attendance and care and was able to reduce his dependence on opium. Hyman Hurwitz (1770-1844) was a distinguished Polish Jewish scholar who ran a Jewish school in Highgate, where he became a friend and neighbor of Coleridge.

A notable grammarian and Hebrew liturgical poet, his Hebrew Tales, published in 1826, brought him before a wider public. In 1828 he became the first Professor of Hebrew at University College, London.The integral envelope leaves are missing pieces, but the letter is very fine, with just a bit of age toning.

From the collection of Diana Herzog.

Sold for
$800