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Maître Jean Emmanuel PRUNIER

27 - [MANUSCRIT] Elizabeth Craven Late 18th century Important lat…
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Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
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Description
[MANUSCRIT] Elizabeth Craven Late 18th century Important late 18th century manuscript of the works of the sultry English woman of letters Elizabeth Craven composed in French and English. Sumptuously bound in full red morocco with the crowned numeral E.C. [Elizabeth Craven] inscribed within a knotted laurel wreath. Stylized baroness crown with four pearled fleurons, a reminder of her title following her marriage to Baron Craven. Large gilt roulettes framing the boards and richly decorated smooth spine, red morocco title-piece, marbled paper end-papers and gilt roulettes, minor rubbing, a few leaves detached but not serious, manuscript still complete. Collection of poetic pieces and prose texts (dated from 1765 to 1778), including: Dedicatory epistle "To myself" (signed and dated 1773), linked to a consignment to the Duchess of Marlborough Poems and plays in English and French (including The Dream, ballads, epilogues, enigmas) Texts addressed to or linked with the Rev. G. Jenner and the Countess de Gramard Philosophical reflections, probably unpublished in French Published works (The Wax-bill, The cause of all the misfortunes...) Correspondence and occasional pieces (including an exchange with Horace Walpole, 1775) Un rêve de Rosalie (1778), in French, with annotations and commentary A rich and varied collection illustrating Lady Craven's literary output between 1765 and 1778, including texts that do not appear to have been officially published, many of which have remained unpublished, with indications of context and destination. A beautifully presented manuscript, certainly autograph, which enabled Elizabeth Craven to collect a large number of writings so as not to forget them, perhaps with a view to future publication. It covers part of her life as a young woman at Coombe Abbey, her exchanges with the Reverend Charles Jenner, for whom she had great admiration: "No human creature ever made such an impression on my mind", she says in her memoirs, as well as her affectionate relationships with the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and Horace Walpole. [Enclosed] [MANUSCRIT] Elizabeth Craven Late eighteenth century Domestic and social diary composed entirely in French, covering the period from 6 April to 28 July 1794, most probably kept by several members of the entourage of Lady Elizabeth Craven and the Margrave of Anspach, shortly after their move to Brandenburg House, on the outskirts of London. The house was famous for its private theatrical performances, including Elizabeth Craven's production of The Yorkshire Ghost in 1794. 82ff. recto-verso on contemporary wove paper, muted contemporary wove binding, with handwritten numeral "2" on the front cover, suggesting the existence of other notebooks of the same type. Writing sometimes chaotic, of multiple appearance, most certainly by several hands. Contains a daily diary detailing the course of the day from the moment he woke up, mentioning places, activities, movements and social interactions. There are numerous references to personalities who were close to Lady Craven: Mr Reed, Edmé, Madame/Mademoiselle Patridge and her damsels, members of the household staff, guests and actors, and references to high society and the court: the King, the Queen, the princesses, My Lord/Billy Churchill. Of particular interest are the fairly detailed observations on the domestic, artistic and social life of an aristocratic couple in London at the end of the 18th century. Elizabeth Craven was much in the news because of her love affair with the Margrave of Anspach, which led to a marriage after Baron Craven's death, and it is fascinating to delve into the daily life of this unusual household.
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About the sale The Mirrors of Time-Sunday 28 June 2026
Auction location
Auction time 06/28/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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