Two autograph letters signed by writer Sir Gilbert Parker dated 1894 and 1903

PARKER, Sir Gilbert (1862-1932). Two autograph letters signed to Douglas Sladen (1856-1947), written from New York and Carlton House Terrace, c.1894 and 1903.
 
Two autograph letters signed, each a single sheet folded, together 4 pp., approximately 180 x 115 mm. The first written on headed paper of The Lotos Club, New York, undated but c.1895; the second from 20 Carlton House Terrace, S.W., dated 11 December 1903. Light folds, some old adhesive staining to the reverse of one letter, otherwise very good.
 
Two letters from the Canadian novelist, politician and baronet Sir Gilbert Parker to the writer and anthologist Douglas Sladen. The earlier letter, written during Parker's stay in New York, thanks Sladen for his "good words" regarding Parker's novel The Trail of the Sword, before adding the personal news, "I am engaged to Miss Vantine of this city", allowing the letter to be dated shortly before his marriage in 1895. The later letter, written from Carlton House Terrace after Parker had entered Parliament as MP for Gravesend, apologises for a delayed reply, refers to recent speaking engagements, and promises to look into a matter on Sladen's behalf.
 
Sir Gilbert Parker (1862-1932) was one of the best-known Canadian novelists of his generation, achieving international success with historical romances including The Trail of the Sword, The Seats of the Mighty and The Right of Way. He later served as Conservative MP for Gravesend from 1900 until 1918 and was created a baronet in 1915. Addressed to Douglas Sladen (1856-1947), author, journalist and literary promoter.