RUSKIN, John (1819-1900). Author, artist & social reformer.
Characteristically curmudgeonly Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent ('Sir'), 3 pages 8vo, Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire, no date but from internal evidence probably 1879. Berating his correspondent for asking him to read his book, forbidding him to write again in a similar manner, and mischievously hinting that he might be rather short of friends.

'... What - the devil - put it into your head that I have time to read books on the chance of finding something good in them!
 I have glanced at yours - and see at a glance that it is a mass of well meant - and very ill written discussion on things I have done with.
 It may be useful to some of your remaining friends - and if there is any real good in you you will make good friends in good time. But, once for all, give up writiing letters 'in confidence' if you can become less of an ass, you will know that busy men of 60 don't often read stangers letters themselves - it was the merest chance that I glanced at yours - and it is only lest you should pester me with another that I answer it.'

[No: 25824]