Item 27 - Copy letter from Henry Sidgwick to Arthur Benson

1 doc

Typewritten copy. Remarks on some aspects of an article Arthur is writing on [W.H?] Thompson. Gives his own impressions of Thompson: that, despite his 'illnatured sayings', he was a kind man; recalls the enjoyment he derived from conversing with him. SHas decided not to write an obituary notice for him, because, despite having a real admiration for the man, he has 'always regarded his life as a failure, 'because though the quality of his production was excellent, its quantity was so very meagre.' Believes that although he was not made to be a great thinker or 'epoch-making scholar', he might have done a great work 'in the way of mediating between ancient thought and the modern spirit.' Undertakes to send anything else he thinks worth saying on the subject, and expresses the desire to see Arthur's article.