Autograph Letter Signed

One of England's most memorable antiquaries and its foremost architectural critic and historian, who practically created the genre, authoring and editing such large multi-volume works as "Architectural Antiquities of Great Britain" (1805-14), "Cathedral Antiquities of England" (1814-35), "Architectural Antiquities of Normandy" (1825-27), "Picturesque Antiquities of English Cities" (1830) and others. ALS, 2pp (recto and verso), 4" X 6¼", n.p., n.y. ("Wed[nesda]y Morn[in]g"). Very good. Ever-so-slightly age toned and lightly soiled. Addressed to his old friend, William Jerdan (1782-1869), Scottish author and journalist, long-time editor of "The Literary Gazette" (1817-51). Certainly writing to Jerdan during his "Literary Gazette" editorship, Britton notes in part: "I inclose the first copy of a pamphlet for your acceptance hope you will have an opportunity to read parts of it before your next publication. It is the first prose productions of a young Gentleman, who has shewn first rate talents in [ ? ] composition, & therefore owe you will be pleased to know more of, & I shall have much pleasure to introduce him to you. I am persuaded you will approve of the tone and sentiments of this pamphlet...." One wonders what the "prose productions" were and who this "young Gentleman" may have been. Accompanied by an outstanding steel-engraved portrait of Britton, 4¼" X 6½", London, England, 1820. Published by J. Asperne for the 1 April 1820 edition of the "European Magazine," this heavy stock portrait depicts Britton seated at a desk, drawing architectural plans with a quill pen as he gazes at the viewer; two volumes of his "Cathedral Antiquities of England" may be seen on the table, and rows of books and literary busts fill the background. A nice example of this uncommon autograph and a superb portrait.