Item 29 - Letter from A. V. Dicey to Nora Sidgwick

1 doc (typewritten letter)

Reports that he finished reading Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir that day, and remarks on the perfect way in which Henry's life 'is told in his own words.' Declares that the book 'revives the sense and memory of his charm', which, he claims 'can only very imperfectly be conveyed to strangers.' States that the three 'most brilliant talkers' he has known were Henry Smith, Henry Sidgwick and Cotter Morison. Refers to Henry's 'passionate love of truth' and to the 'immense amount of good work' that he achieved.

States that 'the only depressing thing in the Memoir is the 'terrible sense it brings upon [him] of the way ones [sic] true failure to achieve much in life is due to selfishness producing indolent aimlessness', and refers to Henry's resolve and desire to pursue what was right. Refers to his own works The Law of the Constitution, and Law and Public Opinion in England, and to the positive references made by Henry to the former, and states that as he reads his letters he longs to talk over his book with him. Thanks Nora for reviving in her book 'so many good and helpful memories of one of the best and kindest of friends'. Adds a reference in pencil to a particular memory of Henry he had.