Prussia Lucanus, Hermann von Letter with handwritten signature of the Prussian Privy Councillor (1831-1908) to the bookseller and publisher Alfred von Seefeld (1825-1893) in Hanover. Berlin, 10 Dec. 1890. 2 pp. on 1 double sheet (ca. 27 x 21 cm) stationery with blindstamp of the "Geheimes Civil Cabinet Sr. Majestät d. deutschen Kaisers und Königs von Preussen" with used envelope bearing a seal of the cabinet. ... In reply to your kind letter of 6 March, I am obliged to inform you that I am unable to accept any kind of gratuity sent to me in my official capacity, and that I am also unable to accept it in favour of the copy of your travelogue 'Towards Spring' that you kindly sent me. However, as Your Excellency intends to submit a copy to His Majesty the Emperor and King ... I believed I could best fulfil your wishes by submitting the book to the Most High. I am pleased ... that His Majesty has had the favour to accept the work graciously ... - Folded twice, folds partly torn, otherwise well preserved. - With: Alfred von Seefeld. Towards spring! Winter journey to Crete. Hanover, Schmorl & von Seefeld Nachf., 1891. 2 vols. 180 p. 8°. Wine red cloth with marbled boards. Gilt cover and title (rubbed). - First edition. - Very rare description of a journey to Crete, which von Seefeld made at the invitation of the local writer Marie Espérance von Schwartz, called Elpis Melena, and whose acquaintance he had made at a congress of animal lovers. - In addition to Crete, describes further stops in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Austria. - Front fly endpaper and 2 pp. with tear, title browned and slightly dampstained in margins, otherwise generally in good condition. Prussia - Letter signed by the Prussian Privy Councillor (1831-1908) to the bookseller and publisher Alfred von Seefeld (1825-1893) in Hanover. On letterhead of the 'Geheimes Civil Cabinet Sr. Majestät d. deutschen Kaisers und Königs von Preussen' with used envelope bearing a seal of the Cabinet. - Folded twice, folds partially torn, otherwise well preserved. - Included: Book as listed above by Alfred von Seefeld. Wine red cloth with marbled boards, gilt stamped title to cover and spine (rubbed). - First edition. -Very rare description of a journey to Crete, which von Seefeld made at the invitation of the local writer Marie Espérance von Schwartz, called Elpis Melena, and whose acquaintance he had made at a congress of animal lovers. - In addition to Crete, describes further stops in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Austria.- Front free endpaper and 2 pp. with tear, title browned and slightly dampstained in margins, otherwise overall good condition.