Showing 69 results

Seatoller. - Thanks his mother for her letters, and for the Times [Literary] Supplement. The article on Petrarch was interesting; he is a 'gentleman' Robert knows little about, and though the article was good it does not make him 'particularly anxious to be further acquainted with him, at least with his poetry'. The weather has generally been good, and he has got on 'fairly' with his work. Was 'very sorry about Searle [his death] though... expected it'.

Sent on his mother's letter to [Roger] Fry: 'unfortunate that it is a pastille', as they are 'rather difficult to deal with' and he doubts 'travelling improves them; if Fry thought he could do anything Robert could possibly take it with him when he goes South [see also 13/21]. Supposes George does not want him to read more proofs [of England under the Stuarts]; of course if he does, Robert would have time and willingness to go through more at Wallington. Hears Aunt Annie will be there, which will be nice.

Has little to say, as 'nothing happens here'; Bessie will arrive on Friday, and seems well. Hopes both his mother and father are well.

Typescript; cutting of published poem from Times Literary Supplement, 24 Jun 1955.

23 Sheffield Terrace, W.8. - Praises the review of Gow's Housman book in the [Times] Literary Supplement.

Very glad Julian has been able to get the tax reduced [see 15/85-86]; thanks him for returning the cheque. If Julian ever finds himself in any difficulties, hopes he will always let him know; would much prefer to help him than for him to have 'money worries and debts', especially as he knows Julian is 'quite sensible and economical'. A pity he will have to give up his studio. but expects he can get something not too bad much cheaper. Part of Roger [Fry]'s inaugural lecture for the Slade Professorship appears in the "Times" today; will send it though it is 'too mutilated to be very interesting'. There are 'goodish reviews' of [George] Reavey's Russian translations "Soviet Literature: An Anthology" in the "Times [Literary] Supplement" and "Man[chester] Guardian"; has the book but has not yet read it; it seems well done. Will probably not go abroad until January, though his plans are not yet definite. The Geoffrey Youngs are coming for the weekend. Bessie is quite well, and so is C[lifford] A[llen] at present.

Typescript with corrected duplicate; cutting of published poem from Times Literary Supplement

The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking :- Would have replied to his father's 'kind letter' about his book [Cecilia Gonzaga] earlier, but the day after it came he and Bessie 'became entire absorbed in [their] efforts to escape Amsterdam'; they have 'finally succeeded' and have just arrived home 'after a very bad passage'. They are 'both quite well again now'; Bessie will tell of their 'adventures, such as they were'; perhaps these would better be called 'anxieties', but Robert doubts if they would have 'got away' if they had not taken a 'very early train' on Tuesday. Is afraid 'things may be rather bad, as neither side has shown much good sense'. Would have been no good for Bessie to stay, as she could not have 'gone about' to visit her relations. Since his mother has kindly invited Bessie to Welcombe for a while, Robert will now as originally planned go to the Lizard for the 'annual Cambridge Easter party'.

Thanks his father for the review [Cecilia Gonzaga in the Times Literary Supplement, see 12/57] with which he was 'very pleased', especially as he recognises 'considerable truth" in most of its criticisms and therefore can be all 'the more gratified' by its praise. Whatever the play's 'faults and limitations', he has 'learnt a great deal from writing it'. Believes that the subject he has been working on this winter suits him better, and is probably in itself 'better and more original'. The characters in Cecilia are 'all real historical characters', except that 'Fortebraccio's sons were all rather commonplace condottieri who would never have had the opportunity or the inclination to fall in love with Cecilia'; the engagement with the Duke of Urbino is 'quite true, though the plot is entirely un-historical'. Recommends Symonds' Renaissance [in Italy], and also discusses the 'very beautiful medals' depicting Cecilia, Vittorino, Cecilia's father and brother by Vittore Pisano [actually Antonio Pisano: Pisanello], which he remembers his father showing him 'many years ago at the S. Kensington [Museum]'.

Is very glad to hear that his father's book [The American Revolution] is finished, and looks forward to reading it with great pleasure and curiosity, as he has 'only... heard a chapter or so read, and seen a few passages'. Has been nominated as a steward of the Royal Literary Fund, and thinks he will become a member 'by paying the Life Donation'; thinks from its report that it is 'an Institution that well deserves support', and should be able 'to do an immense amount of good, if wisely administered'. Sends his love to his mother.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that Robert and Elizabeth have the house organised, and fine weather to enjoy it. Caroline is sending the "Times [Literary] Supplement" with an article [of his own "Interludes in Verse and Prose"] which is very pleasing, particularly the writer's appreciation of the Trevelyan 'family way of viewing the classics'. Has recently read [Plautus's] "Rudens" with much delight, and [Sophocles's] "Ajax" with less; Greek tragedy is not his 'special province', but he has much admired Jebb's translation of phrases in Charles's old school edition. Awaiting 'the event at Cambo' [the birth of Charles and Mary's daughter, Pauline]; thinks 'expectation keeps Charley idle, which is good for him'. The casts he has made from his photographs of Alexander's sarcophagus at Constantinople are most beautiful; not right to call his art 'idleness', but it is better for him as a change from writing and speaking.

The Times - Has instructed the back numbers of the 'Times Literary Supplement' he requested be sent to him.

The Times Literary Supplement - Permission to reprint any articles he pleases, and is asking the Manager to send the back numbers he requested.

The Times - Permission to reprint the article and letter on Condorcet. Accompanied by the envelope.

Two typescripts with additions in J. G. Frazer's hand listing articles published in the 'Times Literary Supplement'. One of them accompanied by an envelope dated 29 Nov. 1924.

The Times - Thanks him for the review of Dr Basedow ['The Australian Aboriginal'], sorry it will be the last for the moment; he should not apologise for delays, the end result is worth the trouble.

The Times Literary Supplement - Gives permission to republish a letter from the Supplement of 20 April 1922 and the obituary notice of Albert Houtin.

Has not written for a few days, but has not had much news; all 'pretty well in spite of the cold'; hopes Bessie has been able to continue her 'short walks'. Went to Leith Hill Place yesterday and had a 'delightful talk' with [Leslie] Hotson, the 'scholar who has so many documents about Shakespeare and Marlow and their contemporaries'; used to know him in the Quakers Mission in France during the First World War, and he was also an old friend of Lascelles and Catherine [Abercrombie]. The Times Lit[erary] Supplement is sending him a book of translations from Greek poetry by F. L. Lucas for review ["Greek Poetry for Everyman"]; 'sure to be interesting', and much of it probably good; will keep him occupied for 'some time'. Thinks he has told Bessie about the dinner the [Apostles'] Society are giving in honour of him, George and Desmond [MacCarthy]; they have promised not to make Bob give a speech, so he can enjoy his dinner. May be his last visit to [George and Janet] at the Lodge [since George's time as Master of Trinity is nearly over]. Will see Humphry and G.E. M[oore]. Hopes to visit Bessie again soon when it is 'not quite so cold'. Wrote to Bertie [Russell] recently. Asks to be remembered to K.T. B[luth] and Theo.

Review of Trevelyan's "The Death of Man" from the "Southport Guardian", 21 Aug 1920.

Reviews of the posthumous volume of "Selected Poems" by Trevelyan; several sent by Durrant's Press Cuttings, 29-39, Mount Pleasant, London W.C.1.:

1) from the "Times Literary Supplement", 15 Jan 1954; also including reviews of works by Wilfrid Noyce, Joseph Chiari, Ernest Miles and H. S. Mackintosh
2) from "Time and Tide", 30 Jan 1954; also including reviews of works by Jean Garrigue, A. C. Chant, Ewart Milne
3) from "Truth", 29 Jan 1954, "The Poet's Voyage of Discovery", by Nicholas Newton; including discussion of works by Edith Sitwell, Walter de la Mare, L. E. Jones, Robert Stokes and Adrian Bury
4) not sent by Durrants; pencil annotation [perhaps in Elizabeth Trevelyan's name) dating it to Feb 54 and identifying source as "Brit. Bn [?] News"
5) Cutting of Trevelyan's poem "To Sleep" [no date or publication information]
6) from the "News Chronicle", 9 Apr 1954, article entitled "Happiness is those little things" discusses 'a charming essay by the late R. C. Trevelyan' in the "Golden Horizon"', and inviting readers to send in their own 'simple pleasures' on a postcard, with a prize for those published. Two copies; one with annotation in pen that 'Nan refused to go to the Hospital on June 1st' and signed 'R. S.' [possibly Rosalind Simpkins?]

Horn Hill Court, Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks. - Thanks Trevelyan for his gift, "From the Shiffolds"; has read the poems with 'the same sense of repose & refreshment to the mind & spirit' which his work always gives her. Also had Lord Dunsany's long poem ["The Year"] as a gift for Christmas, and enjoyed many 'beautiful passages' in it including 'descriptions of garden and country'; thinks Trevelyan would also enjoy it. Her book "From the Chilterns" has had 'great success': has received appreciation from people such as Siegfried Sassoon, Arthur Bryant and W[alter] de la Mare to 'the most humble' such as her gardener. Quotes praise from Dr G[eorge] P[eabody] Gooch. Sent a copy to the "Times Literary Supplement", but they have not mentioned it; however, '[a]ll the London bookshops have taken copes', as have W. H. Smith for their 'railway and local (Bucks) shops.

Farncombe Lodge, Farncombe, Godalming. - Thanks Trevelyan for his note; glad he does not think Clutton-Brock's review [of "The New Parsifal": "An Operatic Fable," The "Times Literary Supplement", 12 Mar. 1914, p. 127] was 'very inadequate': has been 'entreated to write rather lightly' as well as 'copiously' to 'keep the Lit. Sup alive', and fears he did not think he made it plain how much he enjoyed the book, though thinks Trevelyan could have done even better with a 'more crude & simple subject', and that the Aristophanic play got 'too obscure in places'.

Farncombe Lodge, Farncombe, Godalming. - Thanks Trevelyan for "[The New] Parsifal": is reading it with 'much pleasure' and will review it in the "Supplement" ["An Operatic Fable," The "Times Literary Supplement", 12 Mar. 1914, p. 127].

Chilswell, near Oxford. - Thanks Trevelyan for sending "The New Parsifal": has not yet had time to read it properly, and was putting off writing until he had; the review in the last "Times Literary Supplement" ["An Operatic Fable," The "Times Literary Supplement", 12 Mar. 1914, p. 127] reminded him of his 'neglect' so sends this as an apology for not writing sooner. Adds a postscript saying that he does not have Trevelyan's current address, so will send this via [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson

Cherry Cottage, Abinger Common, Dorking, Surrey. - Thanks Robert for his 'fine gift' [the first volume of his "Collected Works"]; has been 'dipping into it' since it arrived on Friday, enjoying much but missing some things due to her ignorance of classical mythology. Liked Desmond [MacCarthy]'s review, and hopes Robert was 'satisfied'; if Desmond is right Robert must go on with his young man in China and his perigrinations[s] to the priests and wise men'. Thinks the book is 'beautifully' printed and worthy of a collection 'meant for posterity'. Is 'no fit company' for a walk at present; encourages Robert to come for tea. The beautiful sunny weather is not calming her spirit as it should; thinks her current low mood was started by a review in the "TLS" of 'Freud's dreadful new book' ["Moses and Monotheism"]; wishes for 'old age! and a nice indifference to such horrid things'. Passes on in a postscript Sprigge's anticipation of a 'day snatched from work' to read Robert's poems.

The Athenaeum, Pall Mall, S.W. - Encloses an article from the "Times Literary Supplement" which seems 'as favourable and perceptive' as reviews can be; finished the play [Robert's "Cecilia Gonzaga"] last night, he thinks with 'the feelings [Robert] intended to evoke'. Supposes the leading characters are real people: saw an 'allusion to [Niccolò?] Fortebraccio in [Edith Wharton's] VThe Valley of Decision"' which he found 'very interesting and well written' and reminiscent of [Joseph Henry Shorthouse's] "John Inglesant". Much relieved that Elizabeth got back her violin; asks Robert to congratulate her. He and Caroline are going to Welcombe on Tuesday, and look forward to the change from London. George has settled down in his 'new abode'; he is 'fortunate in his comrades, and in his dwelling'.

George Allen & Unwin Ltd, Ruskin House, Publishers & Exporters, 40 Museum Street, London W. C. - Gives the proposed 'advertising schedule' for Trevelyan's "Translations from Greek Poetry"; asks for his views. George Allen & Unwin regularly take advertisement space in the "Times Literary Supplement", "Listener", and "John O'London's Weekly", so as much or little space as Trevelyan wishes can be allocated to his book; the "Poetry Quarterly" and "Classical Quarterly" will require special bookings. A notice in the "Poetry Review" has already appeared.

Bowes & Bowes, 1 Trinity Street, Cambridge, England. - In reply to Trevelyan's card: meant to send a copy of the "Oresteia" to the "New Statesman", but missed it out of the list which he sent to [J. T.] Sheppard. Has sent a copy today. Did send one to the "Times": the book appeared in the "Books of the Week" list of the "Literary Supplement" a few numbers ago; encloses list showing where review copies have been sent, and invites Trevelyan to make other suggestions. The Greek Play Committee wish Trevelyan to have at least six copies of the play gratis; Bowes does not know whether the copies Trevelyan has already received and had sent out are sufficient, but is happy to send out six more free.

Re 'Dates of Housman Poems'.

Enderley, Great Missenden, Bucks.—The round ‘s’ was introduced into English printing about 1791.

(Undated. This is a reply to a letter printed in the issue of 19 Apr. 1928.)

—————

To the Editor of the Times (Literary Supplement)

Sir,—

The Long and Round “s”.

Mr Ryan seems to have been unable to find any discussion of the date of the introduction of the round s in all positions in English printing, but had he looked in those places to which one would naturally turn for information of this kind, he would have found that the date which he assigns to the change is approximately that generally accepted. I would refer him to J. Johnson’s Typographia, 1824, ii. 24 and T. B. Reed’s History of the Old English Letter Foundries, 1887, p. 52, to which I may perhaps be allowed to add my own Introduction to Bibliography, p. 309. It seems clear that, if we ignore a few earlier experiments which were not followed up, the use of the round s in all positions dates in English printing from 1791 or, at most, a year or two earlier, and that by 1800 it was general in all the better kinds of printing. In provincial printing, however, and even in certain London publications the long s was retained until several years later, thus the London Post Office Directory had a long s throughout until 1817; by 1819 a portion had been reset with the round s, but the long form does not disappear until 1825, when the whole book was reset with new type. In America the change may have been somewhat earlier, see Franklin’s letter of 1786 quoted by D. B. Updike in his Printing Types, ii. 229 in which he states that “the Round s begins to be the Mode and in nice printing the Long ſ is rejected entirely”. In any case the printers seem generally to have used the long s correctly or not to have used it at all, and the indiscriminate use of the two forms mentioned by Mr Ryan suggests either a very ignorant printer or a very ill-furnished press.

Yours faithfully,
[Signed:] R. B. McKerrow
(R. B. McKerrow)

(R. B. McKerrow
Enderley
Great Missenden
Bucks.)

—————

Typed, except the signature, the letter ‘ſ’, and several corrections. This is a draft reply to a letter by M. J. Ryan printed in the Times Literary Supplement, 19 Apr. 1928, p. 290, below the heading ‘“The School for Scandal” and the Round “S”’. McKerrow's letter was not published.

Greenway, Yaverland, Sandown, Isle of Wight. - Thanks for the 'charming gift' [the collected "From the Shiffolds" published by the Hogarth Press?]: as Bob says, he already knows most of the poems, but re-read them with 'renewed delight' and now feels 'even more grateful' to Bob for the pleasure they give. Glad that his own "Coldknuckles" appeals to Bob: no other book of his has brought 'such gratifying letters' from his 'poet-friends - yet, according to yesterday's TLS, it is just damnable rubbish!'

Squire Law Library, Cambridge. - Is 'anxious' to read Trevelyan's "Pterodamozels", but he, his bookseller and the Times Literary Supplement do not know the address of the Pelican Press; is sending a postcard on which Trevelyan can inform him.

The King's Mound, Mansfield Road, Oxford. - Thanks Trevelyan for his 'kind and generous letter'; glad that his criticism [in a review of Trevelyan's translation of Lucretius for the TLS, see 21/43] did not seem 'unjust'. Was sure Trevelyan must have felt the 'disadvantage... of blank verse' far more than he himself did as a reader; agrees that it has compensations, and does not think there is really an alternative; discusses possibilities, particularly verse forms used by [Robert] Bridges; Bridge's hexameters 'irritated' Bailey. Asks Trevelyan to let him know if he ever comes to Oxford, to make sure of meeting; could almost always give him somewhere to sleep if needed. Both Trevelyan's brother's are 'such old friends' of Bailey's wife, and indeed of Bailey himself.

The King's Mound, Mansfield Road, Oxford. - Thanks Trevelyan for his letter; it was indeed his review in the "Literary Supplement" [ "Lucretius in Blank Verse." The Times Literary Supplement, 9 Oct. 1937, p. 730]; glad he did not 'find it unjust', and hopes his own 'real admiration & enjoyment' came through any criticism he felt he should make. Will be happy to hear more from Trevelyan about the points he raised, especially about blank verse. Had an 'interesting' talk with J. A. Smith last night, who said Trevelyan had discussed the work with him. Though he usually has the rule of not reviewing the same work twice, he has also done it for "English", but it is there more the impetus to consider various verse translations of Lucretius in different periods [English: Journal of the English Association, Volume 1, Issue 6, 1937, pp 563–565].