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DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). Autograph letter signed ('Charles Dickens') to Lord [Patrick] Robertson, Broadstairs, 4 August 1847.
DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). Autograph letter signed ('Charles Dickens') to Lord [Patrick] Robertson, Broadstairs, 4 August 1847. One page, 182 x 111mm, bifolium. ‘ You have read some charming books translated into English from the writings of Hans Christian Andersen? Here he is! ’ Dickens sends a letter of introduction for the Danish author – visiting England for the first time and thrilled to have made the acquaintance of the English writer he ‘ loved the most ’ – to the eminent Scottish judge, Patrick Robertson. Dickens continues: 'If you were anything but what you are, I would not commend a man of his genius to you. So the merit of the deed is clearly yours, and not mine'. Dickens and Andersen first met in July 1847 at Gore House, at the salon of Marguerite, Countess of Blessington (1789-1849): this 'blooming, somewhat corpulent lady, very elegantly dressed', in the words of her Danish guest, had hosted Andersen once before and heard his request for an introduction to Dickens, whom he greatly admired. Dickens being duly produced – a guest of William Jerdan of the Literary Gazette – two of the greatest authors of their time made their meeting: Andersen later described their instant mutual understanding, where tears filled his eyes. Yet the cordial acquaintance that ensued was to be spoiled on a return trip to England in 1857, when Andersen visited Gads Hill; he overstayed his welcome, troubling the family with his presence for five weeks, and was said to be perplexed by Dickens's refusal in the years that followed to answer his letters. In 1847, though, armed with the present letter, he travelled to Edinburgh to meet Patrick Robertson (1794-1855), a fixture of Edinburgh society at the time. Unfortunately, when he reached the city, the latter was in the country.