Beschreibung:

Autograph letter signed with intials to Dr. Charles Burney concerning Dr. Johnson's reaction to 'Cecilia'.
London]: 13 July 1782. 2pp., single sheet (260 x 200 mm). The second leaf only, apparently lacking the first. With numerous cross-outs and annotated by Burney and with her editorial symbol in the upper right corner. Addressed on verso and with remnant of red wax seal. Condition : minor chips at edges, some burn through from the ink. Provenance : from Stonehill, December 1982. The present portion of this letter begins: "My dear Mrs. Thrale spent all this morning with me; she came to town merely to see me & give me the happiness of acquainting me with Dr. Johnson's highest approbation of all he has read of the Book! I danced about for joy, & have hardly breathed since for fullness. She says she will write you particulars herself … Nothing can equal the earnest & sweet interest she takes in my success with Dr. Johnson, which has far exceeded not only my but her expectations…" The letter continues telling her father that she has been invited to dine that night with the Pepys, but has declined, explaining, "…it is very awkward to me to see people just now while they are so full of the Book & can hardly help being full of compliments." The letter concludes with further discussion of reaction by Johnson and others to various chapters. Although apparently lacking the original preliminary conjugate leaf, it is likely that Burney herself disposed of it, as her annotation ("Cecilia on its first publication. St. Martins Street, 13 July 1782") and symbol appear at the head of the present first page.