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Offered here is an original archive of autograph letters signed by Samuel Duffield Osborne (1858–1918), American lawyer, author, and literary figure. This lot includes multiple handwritten letters (1892) on his professional letterhead, along with a period biographical clipping, making this a well-rounded historical collection.
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📜 About the Author – Samuel Duffield Osborne (1858–1918)
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Osborne was the son of Samuel S. and Rosalie Willoughby (Duffield) Osborne. He graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1875, then Columbia (A.B. 1879; LL.B. 1881; A.M. 1882). He practiced law in New York City (1881–1892) and later served as Assistant Secretary in the Brooklyn Department of City Works (1892–94).
Alongside his legal career, Osborne built a literary reputation. He was a member of the Authors Club and Columbia University Authors. His works include:
The Spell of Ashtaroth (1888)
The Robe of Nessus (1890)
The Secret of the Crater (1900)
The Lion’s Brood (1902)
The Angels of Messer Ercole (1907)
Engraved Gems (1912)
The Authors Club – An Historical Sketch (1913)
Xanthippe on Woman Suffrage (1915)
He also contributed short stories, poems, and essays to numerous magazines. Osborne served as editor of Livy’s Roman History (1898) in The Appletons’ Library of the World’s Great Books.
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✒️ About the Letters (1892)
The correspondence is addressed to Mr. Thos. S. Miles and dates from early 1892, written on Osborne’s professional stationery:
January 15, 1892 (4pp ALS): Osborne presents his manuscript Long Odds for consideration. He summarizes the plot, noting its exploration of American social issues, marriage trends, and the struggles of young men in society. He reflects on moral and political themes, immigration, and the decline of traditional institutions. He stresses the realism of the work and signs with his credentials: “Author of The Spell of Ashtaroth and The Robe of Nessus.”
February 7, 1892 (2pp ALS): Osborne advises Miles of a change in address to Clinton Street, Brooklyn, and requests that correspondence be directed there. He also reiterates the sensitive nature of one of his stories, emphasizing that it should be published anonymously due to its political and moral implications.
Undated ALS (ca. early 1890s, 2pp): Osborne discusses the risk of prejudice in publishing under his own name, suggesting that anonymity might protect the integrity of the work’s acceptance. Signed “Duffield Osborne.”
Together, the letters provide a vivid glimpse into the professional and literary life of a 19th-century American author-lawyer balancing his career with his literary ambitions.
Two Autograph Letters Signed (ALS) by Samuel Duffield Osborne (1892) – 8–12 total pages of handwritten content.
One period biographical clipping summarizing Osborne’s career and published works (likely early 20th century).
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Condition
Letters show expected toning and fold lines from mailing, with clear and strong ink. All are legible. Biographical clipping is trimmed and toned but well-preserved. Overall, very good condition for 130+ year-old documents.
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Collector Highlights
Rare American author ALS archive with direct discussion of manuscripts, literary themes, and the publishing process.
Excellent social commentary content on morality, marriage, and cultural issues of late 19th-century America.
Includes biographical clipping for added context and display.
Attractive for collectors of literary autographs, American social history, and law/literature crossover figures.
