Sale 2461 - Autographs, November 7, 2017

“THE PRESENT STATE OF AFFAIRS IS UNSOCIALISM GONE MAD” 266 c   SHAW, GEORGE BERNARD. Typed Letter Signed, “G. Bernard Shaw,” to the Editor of The Automobile Engineer , clarifying his objection to the system of taxation in place and proposing an alternative. 1 / 2 page, 4to, personal stationery; ink received stamp at lower right, folds. London, 26 May 1922 [350/500] “. . . I spend my life in pointing out obvious facts and being ridiculed for my pains until it turns out that I was right. “What is wanted in this case is not reduction of taxation generally, but to change it from specific taxation to pooled taxation. Specific taxation . . . has, as a matter of fact, not provided the system of national concrete roads which are now as necessary for effective locomotion and distribution . . . as the substitution of bridges for ferries in our cities. The problem, as you point out, is not to make the motorist pay as motorist, but as householder and general consumer. . . . “The present state of affairs is Unsocialism Gone Mad; and we are all the poorer for it.” 267 c   SHAW, GEORGE BERNARD. Group of 3 items:Two Autograph Letters Signed, “G. Bernard Shaw,” and a Letter Signed, “GBS,” to various recipients. The first, to “Dear Lane,” suggesting that publication of his old books would fail because American pirates sell plenty to Britain already.The second, to R.F. Rattray, encouraging quotation of Shaw’s work, pointing out that “unreasonable” quotation requires authorization and copyright of letters belongs to the writer.The third, to Symon Gould, a form letter declining to make charitable donations and adding, in holograph, “Your proposal to leave me penniless does not appeal to me.” Each 1 page, small 4to or 12mo, personal stationery or postcard; generally good condition. London, 1 December 1904; 21 September 1933;Welwyn, 25 January 1949 [400/600] 1904:“. . . I am afraid I am not a very profitable author anyhow, as I now manufacture my own books, and need only a wholesaler, my clientele being pretty fixed & my command of reviewing sufficient.” 266