Charles Battell Loomis

Charles Battell Loomis (1861–1911), American author, authentic, autographed vintage handwritten quotation (AQS), 7.75 x 5. Brooklyn born, the New York native forewent his training at the Polytechnic Institute in favor of writing magazine sketches and humorous books, including the works "Just Rhymes," "Yankee Enchantments," "Cheerful Americans," "Minerva's Manœvres," "Poe's 'Raven' in an Elevator" and "Just Irish."

Extracted from the pages of a 1902 Autograph Calendar book recovered from Orange Memorial Hospital, New Jersey, Loomis added the following excerpt from "Just Rhymes" to a page with the printed date of August 15: "Key to Signature: Charles Battell Loomis. / The Evolution of a 'Name' (from 'Just Rhymes.') / When Hill, the poet, first essayed / To push a goose's quill, / Scarce any name at all he made. / ('Twas simply 'A. H. Hill.') / But as success his efforts crowned, / Rewarding great skill, / His name expanded at a bound. / (It was 'A. Hiller Hill.') / Now that his work, be what it may, / Is sure to 'fill the bill,' / He has a name as wide as day. / ('Aquilla Hiller Hill.') Charles Battell Loomis."

In fine condition, with overall light toning a rough left edge from extraction.