RUSKIN, John (1819-1900). Author, artist & social reformer.
Autograph Letter Signed to William Ward (1829-1908), 3 pages 8vo with envlope (slight splitting in the folds), Canterbury, 26-27 September 1879. An enigmatic letter to his assistant, evidently in part about the health of Ward's son.

'Your letter of the 24th (which I received this morning) was a sorrowful astonishment to me: for I had concluded from the firm & patient work of that tempera picture that your son was gaining health. But in most respects - I cannot feel that you stand in need of consolation. To me personally, your letter is a joy and strength, in assuring me farther and with great clearness of the existence of a spiritual world. ... For the rest it seems to me things are all so darkening and brightening round us that you may not have long to wait. ...'

The letter was written during a brief return to England during Ruskin's travels in France, when we stayed at the Canterbury home of Claudia Gale.
[No: 20496]