Henry Fawcett

Henry Fawcett (August 26, 1833 – November 6, 1884), blind British statesman, academic, campaigner for women's suffrage and economist, authentic, autographed letter, 7 x 4.5, dated August 15, 1865. Accompanied by an exceptional original CDV of a young Fawcett, bearing the stamp of the London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company on verso. At the age of 25, Fawcett lost his vision as a result of a shooting accident. In spite of his blindness, Fawcett forged forward with his studies; particularly in the field of economics. In 1863, he became a Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge and published his "Manual of Political Economy." He would go on to publish both the "Economic Position of the British Labourer" and "Labour and Wages" before being elected Rector of Glasgow University in 1883.

Fawcett's letter is a stunning example of one of the earlier documented references to the inception of photography and the people who actively participated in it. In full: "My Dear Mr. Beal, According to your wish, I send you a carte of myself. If this will not do, I can send you a vignette, or a larger photograph, so from myself or Edward, concerning my history. Trusting you are well, Believe me to be, My Dear Mr. Beal, Yours Truly, Henry Fawcett."

In fine condition.