[COWARD, Noel (1899-1973)]. A group of 3 items from the collection of Coward's biographer, Cole Lesley, comprising:

1) WEBB, Alan. Autograph letter signed, to Coward, Epsom, 18 December 1937 (post-mark). On bifolium. "Dear Noel, I know it is impertinent, just now, & impossible of me to write to you, but it is even more impossible not to do so, even if I don't post it in the morning. I feel miserable at having caused you a moments unhappiness, & the recollection of all the many moments I have been the cause of, makes me ashamed...I know how poor my behaviour has been to say the least, & I know what importance you attach to right behaviour from your example. I should have liked to not have failed you...You will know how much I owe to you in every way; & how I shall miss you..." Accompanied by original hand-addressed envelope, and two color photographs of Webb and Coward, dated February 1972.

Alan Webb and Noel Coward were known to have had a relationship in the mid-1930s. Fellow actor John Gielgud is quoted in Coward's biography by Philip Hoare, saying "Alan Webb was his best critic in my opinion...Webb was a very caustic and brilliant actor, much under-rated. He was one of the few who dare oppose Noel. Short, masculine, a little rough but definitely camp." (p.274)

2) Relative Values A Light Comedy in Three Acts
London, etc.: William Heinemann Ltd, (1952). 12mo. Original blue cloth stamped in gilt; dust jacket (spine faded). FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION DEDICATION COPY, signed by Coward and actress Joyce Carey (dedicatee) on dedication page. Ownership signature of Coward's secretary, biographer, and dedicatee, Cole Lesley on front free-endpaper.

3) LESLEY Cole, Graham Payne, and Sheridan MORELY. Noel Coward and His Friends. London: Book Club Associates, (1979). 4to. Publisher's cream colored cloth (lightly soiled); dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed by authors Cole Lesley and Graham Payne on front free endpaper, dated September 1979. Additionally signed by both authors on title-page.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.