MANUSCRIPT. - Kate COWARD. [Comprising 7 hand-written note-pads titled 'My Memories' by Kate Coward, pianist and aunt to playwright, Noel Coward. N.p.] 1936-1949. 7 note-books, approximately 365pp., 8vo (178 x 122mm.) A clearly written account of Kate Coward's family history and her own life. (Occasional loose leaf, corner creasing, toning.) Original card covers (toning, covers replaced for note-pad 5). - And a small quantity of family photographs, postcards and sketchbooks, mainly comprising landscapes in water-colour. Note: born in 1865, Kate (née Vaughan) Coward's memories span a privileged childhood in mid-Victorian England, where, as an accomplished pianist, she gave concerts and taught the children of titled families up until the mid-20th century, when she knits a coat for the one-year-old 'Prince Charlie' and quotes the grateful response from 'Princess Elizabeth'. But in between there are many anecdotes and adventures, bicycle and glee clubs, many stories relating to aristocratic and artistic circles. She is wooed by a bohemian artist (who paints her several times, and is hard to shake off), but is smitten by Frederick Leighton, plays duets in the Churchill family home (but is interrupted by Randolph). There is marriage and heartbreak. In later years, a tipped-in [local] newspaper report shows that in old age she was known for having taught her nephew, Noel, piano scales. But he hasn't the time for her. 'Noel… has five houses now. A flat in New York, flat in Paris, 3 houses… he still hasn't answered any of my letters'. - And a small quantity of family photographs, postcards and sketchbooks, containing mainly landscapes in water-colour.