Nansen, Fridtjof. Autograph letter signed to Mr [Gerald] Christy, discussing plans for lectures and administrative matters: ‘Dear Mr Christy. Many thanks for the letters received, which I think I have got alright. I got two packets from you here in Birmingham, and some newspapers, and two packets from you in Walsall, but no newspapers. I suppose to find some at Bristol. As to lectures I get on very well I think, and my voice is quite good & strong now. The reception I got in Newcastle was very good, in the Geographical society as well as in the Tyne Theatre, the auditory in the latter seemed to be about 3000 people and they seem enthusiastic at least. Yesterday I lectured on the North Pole in Walsall, but they believed that I was going to use the Lantern, and had made no arrangements for the map, neither was there a proper reading desk, or any lights on it, so I had to lecture to a great extent without papers, as I could not see to read it. I wired you today, that you could accept Bristol on the 27th of Febr., provided that the fee is 20gns. As usual. As to later engagements I shall accept arrangements on the 3rd. But I fear that I shall not be able to receive any on a later date. From Friday to Monday I shall be here in Birmingham, and may address will be: Mr. Richard Peyton, Westfield, Augustus Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. You may tell the people in Cardiff, that I shall do my best to shorten the Greenland Lecture, and am willing to say a few words on my Forthcoming expedition. I hope you will keep the Manchester cheque, till I come up to London till the end of the month. Today I Go off to Bristol. Yours Faithfully, Fridtjof Nansen’, 2 pages, 247 x 199mm, Birmingham, 11 February 1892. Note: Fridtjof Nansen (1861–1930) delivered a lecture at the Walsall Literary Institute on Wednesday 10 February 1892, as the guest of Mr and Mrs Frank James. It was one of the first in a series that intended to raise funds for the famed Fram Expedition (1893–1896) in search of the North Pole. Condition: Foxing, and discolouration, particularly verso. Creases, tear, circa 1cm, to left of centre crease, 6 pin holes to left edge. Category: Books, Maps & Manuscripts/Autographs & Manuscripts Estimate: 200-400 GBP