Showing 175 results

86 Chesterton Road, Cambridge. - Thanks for sending the two letters by [his brother Bertie] to Bob; had forgotten that the Trevelyans went to visit Bertie in his studio at Rome and found his father there nursing Bertie over typhoid. His father was not a great talker, though he used to have disputes with Tom at meal-times. His remembrance of conversations is the same as Bessie's: he remembers the tone well, but not usually what was actually said. Will send on the letters to Bertie: he, Hettie and Moore are now the only survivors of their family of eight. Some childhood reminiscences; has no idea why Bertie became the name his brother was known by. Mary Fletcher had mentioned that Bessie would remain at the Shiffolds at least for this winter; will be on the look out for anyone who might come as paying guest. Good to hear that Bob had inscribed his last poem, "This is love", to Bessie; asks if it has been published anywhere, as he has only seen it quoted by Desmond [MacCarthy] in his obituary of Bob. Also glad to hear Desmond has been much better recently. His own health is still improving. Apologises if he did not thank her for sending him his letters to Bob: found it very interesting to look through them.

Adds [to a letter no longer present] a 'warm, very warm thank you' to Bob for sending his "Windfalls" [the revised edition], which she is 'very much enjoying'; finds it 'so varied and so vividly personal and yet detached': 'How Tom would have enjoyed it!'. Asks if Bob knows who is going to 'look after Gordon's possessions' [act as Gordon Bottomley's executor}; he must have had many letters from Tom, and she wonders whether they could be returned.

Shawlands, Bank Crest, Baildon, Yorks. - Very kind of Trevelyan to send a copy of his "Death of Man & other poems". Was worried after he had sent his letter that Trevelyan would think he 'was fishing for something: a thing to horrid to think of'. Did mean to send Trevelyan a copy of "Communion [and other poems]" last year because of T.S.M. [Thomas Sturge Moore]'s death, but could not 'pluck up sufficient courage'; it therefore was not an 'afterthought' to send one. Is glad to have a book by Trevelyan in his library, and by one which well represents the 'wide range... and variety' of his 'muse'. Notes the 'affinity & kinship' between Sturge Moore's muse and that of Trevelyan; they 'might be sisters!'. Turner's daughter Mary has been at home for ten days, and will return to London on Wednesday; she is having a party tonight and 'has kept us busy all the time she has been here'; apologises for not thanking Trevelyan sooner. Gordon Bottomley sent him his 'note on Edward Thomas for Xmas', which he is 'delighted' to have.

100 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - Thanks for the trouble Trevelyan and [Thomas] Sturge Moore have taken in criticising [Ronald] Chapman's poems. Hopes to see Trevelyan at the Ivy on Saturday. Expecting Joan and Polly [Allen] to spend the weekend at Wraysbury. Encloses a letter for Sturge Moore.

Old Church House, Park Street, Woodstock, Oxford. - Thanks Trevelyan for his Christmas gift of poems ["From the Shiffolds"]. Notes that Trevelyan has a 'grandson still a baby' [Philip Erasmus]; his two youngest were born in France and the United States in 1942. Has not seen either of them, though he has good news of Janet and her family; wishes he could get news of 'poor Alice' and her family in the Hague, and hopes Mrs Trevelyan does not have the 'same anxiety' about relatives; the 'want of food and fuel must be very great' and the Germans are 'merciless enemies, so wanton in cruelty & destruction'. A long time since he has heard from Trevelyan, but has some news of him through [Logan] Pearsall-Smith. [Thomas] Sturge Moore has died since Grierson saw Trevelyan and [Gordon] Luce; followed his advice and had his 'arthritic joint bolted by Messer [?] in Edinburgh', which required two operations; took a long time to feel 'any great benefit', but does have less pain. Walks with two sticks and needs help to dress and undress. Has just published a book with an 'old Oxford friend' ["A Critical History of English Poetry", published with J. C. Smith], of which the reviews are 'divided about it - & ask its purpose'; would say it had two: to 'keep our minds off the war' and perhaps provide 'a little money for our children after we have gone'. Also completed and printed lectures he had given on rhetoric in Aberdeen and Edinburgh as a small book, which seems to have sold well so far as well. Was feeling a little run down so came south with his eldest daughter [Molly]; stayed with her at Leeds for over three weeks then came here ten days ago; will probably go home after Christmas. Read Trevelyan's brother's "Social History of England" with 'great interest'. Heard only 'by accident of the death of Lady Tovey' as her brother 'had not thought fit' to send a notice to any Scottish paper, and 'we do not all read "The Times"'; liked her very much. [Donald] Tovey was a 'great loss'. Hears 'nothing' of Miss Weisse.

Thanks Bob for sending her his new poems ["From the Shiffolds"]; 'how Tom would have enjoyed them!'. Finds a 'freshness, a kindness, a sincerity' about them; they bring 'some of the tonic air of the country'. Also much enjoyed Bob's reading, and thought it a success; even 'poor Desmond [MacCarthy] who could not find his words managed to say a few nice things'. Asks him to let her know whether the 'detached "Pensées"' which she left with him at the same time as the "Michael Angelo" were typed or handwritten.

40 Well Walk, N.W.3. - Must thank Bob 'at last' for sending her his "Windfalls"; was 'very touched' that he sent it to her 'a poor remnant of "we" [Thomas Sturge Moore died in July 1944]' to whom he used to send his works 'so faithfully and generously'; she and her husband used to read Bob's poetry on Sunday evenings when Dan and Riette were children. Had read some of the essays in the book in the "Abinger Chronicle", but the majority were new; mentions some of the pieces she most likes. Asks if Bob could return the two manuscripts she left at his house; had meant to ask Bob for advice on where to send them, having thought of "Criterion" or "English" where Tom had published a few pieces. Postscripts: one sending a 'special message' to Miss Simpkins and 'the Julians' if they are still at the Shiffolds, the other that the 'terrible destructions in Holland' keep making her think of Bessie.

The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Apologises for asking in his letter yesterday whether Bob had received his book ["English Social History: A Survey of Six Centuries: Chaucer to Queen Victoria"], when Bob's letter of 7 August mentions its arrival. Janet is reading [Bob's] "Windfalls" 'with great delight"; George has said how much he himself enjoyed it. They will look out for Robert Lloyd when term begins.

Hallington Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne. - Sends Bob an enclosure to 'deal with'. He and Janet are here in the gardener's cottage for August. The hospital in the Hall is 'full of convalescent wounded from Normandy - nice fellows who like the quiet of the place'. Charles and Molly 'seem well and happy'. The news of Tom [Sturge] Moore's death made him think very much 'about old days'; there was a 'nice article' about him by Desmond [MacCarthy] in the "Sunday Times". Hopes that Bob will soon get a copy of his new book, in fact written 'some years ago' ["English Social History: A Survey of Six Centuries: Chaucer to Queen Victoria "], which he has asked Longmans to send.

"Lady, you said a mouthful" might be your reply to Moya's epistle, but I don't expect will be'. Has also had a letter from Moya recently; thinks she is lonely, and that 'letters of any sort... should cheer her'. Would very much like to see Bessie, but it cannot be this week; will be in touch.

Is lunching with Florence and Evert [Barger] in London tomorrow; Evert 'seems in good form, and has achieved his purpose in coming to England'. Though Forster has been 'told several times', he is unsure what this is, and 'dare not ask again'. Margaret was 'safely conveyed by Florence to Bristol'.

His mother is 'fairly well, though rather depressed because she has made some chutney which hasn't turned into proper chutney. It is delicious, but what is the use of that?'. Very sorry to hear about Sturge Moore's health; fears he 'can't think of anyone who could give any substantial contribution'

110 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - He owes Bessie a letter, not vice versa: note to her originally enclosed with this letter. Trevelyan may use Luce's poem "Faith" however he likes for "Abinger Harvest". However, Luce's sister Ethel wrote in March that she had sent the poem to a friend who is Professor of English at Goucher College and edits a paper by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, who may also wish to publish it; asks if this would be acceptable. Is very glad Trevelyan is printing more of his "Reminiscences". Hopes it will not annoy him if Luce sends his criticisms to Rex [Warner], who will learn from them. Is getting on slowly with "Old Burma". Has just spent a good week in Painswick with 'a tipsy carpenter and a nosy butcher'. Is sorry to hear of Sturge Moore's illness. Has Sheppard's "Aeschylus, the Prophet of Greek Freedom" but has not yet read it. Will let Trevelyan know if he or Teetee come up to London. Sends regards to Miss Simpkins.

Postmarked Gloucester. - Relieved to hear Sturge Moore is none the worse. John is also well: after much anxiety, a wire has come from him indicating that he is in north Cornwall.

Westridge Farm House, Streatley, Berkshire. - His and Cicely's thanks for Bob's book ["Aftermath"]; commiserations on the loss of the stock of Bob's "Collected Poems" [in a bombing raid]; his own "Painting in the Far East" 'suffered the same fate", but this does not matter much as he does not think it would continue to sell. Has been told that authors whose stock has been destroyed by enemy action will be able to claim the royalties they would have received at the end of the war; not sure whether this is true and it is not particularly consoling. Praises "Aftermath"; knew some of the poems already but many are new. Shares Bob's feelings and admires his 'fortitude', though does not think reason is as 'sufficient a stand-by' to him as it is to Bob. Thinks he likes "A Custom of Thrace" best, but is not sure; mentions others he likes. Glad Bob is continuing to write.

He and Cicely were very worried about their daughter Helen at Bath [which suffered Blitz bombing over 25-27 April; Helen was working there in the Admiralty's mapmaking department], but received a message from her by telephone that she is safe, as is Riette [Sturge Moore]. Expects the Moores will have already heard their daughter is safe; supposes they are still staying with the Trevelyans. Expects Oxford and Cambridge will be next to be bombed, since he sees the 'Germans announce they will attack every building that has a star in Baedeker'. They have four grandchildren living with their mother at Oxford. He is 'struggling with the a poem, "The Ruins"' but is currently 'stuck'; it is 'intended to be a cluster of poems each in a way independent but related & forming a single poem'; sends the first section [no longer present]. Thinks Trevelyan manages his 'new kind of blank verse very well' and it seems to suit him, though Binyon was 'glad of' the rhymed pieces as a change. Does not like 'these easterly gales', but is happy to have 'so much sunshine'; their garden is 'rather lovely just now'. Sends love to the Trevelyans and the Moores.

Glad to get Julian's telegraph [from Egypt] yesterday. One word could not be made out: in the description of his pastimes as 'painting, goffinping, and dancing', should the second word be golfing, 'driving your ball over the back of the Sphinx, or getting it bunkered between its paws?'. Expects the weather is hotter than here: today is the first day of spring weather, but 'everything is backward', with no sign of bluebells and cuckoos and 'the very primroses smaller than usual'. Has just had his new book published, and sent it to Ursula; Julian knows almost all of the contents; has become 'un vrai prosateur', as 'Flaubert used to call himself', writing 'nothing but Essays': has just finished one 'on (or rather against) books'. His Simple Pleasures was recently broadcast on the [BBC] Forces Programme; it was 'really rather awful, as they tried to poetize [sic] it, though [he] had meant it to be flatter-than-pancake prose', but he got his five guineas. Tom and Marie [Sturge Moore] are here - Marie unwell in bed but recovering - Tet Htoot is also here for a few days, as 'he too was unwell and wanted cheering up'. Bessie seems quite well, though will go to London on Tuesday to see [Dr Karl] Bluth. Supposes he should write Julian a 'Horatian verse Epistle', but cannot compose it in time for this post; if he does write one will have to send it to Julian on his return; it will 'of course be largely about Egypt, Cleopatra, Amenophis [Amenhotep] and Ramesis, but not Tutenkamen [Tutankhamun]' whom he does not approve of, though 'his predecessor Aknaton [Akhenaten] was an interesting failure'. Hopes Julian will ensure that the 'Memnon statue is camouflaged very carefully'. Seems a pity that now the Nile has only two mouths, lists the names of the seven which 'every school-boy once knew'. Is reading [Lytton] Strachey's Queen Victoria aloud, which is 'really very amusing'; amazing how much easier it is to read a well-written book aloud than a badly-written one. Tet Htoot is reading the first volume of Gibbon, while he himself reads the second; is just coming to the chapter on the Christians, where he knows 'one will have some fun, especially in the notes'. Went with John Luce, with 'a party of Waleys, Joan and Polly [Allen] etc' to quite a good production of the Magic Flute at Sadler's Wells, for which they 'tried, not very successfully, to make the scenery Egyptian'. John is being sent abroad next week, but does not know where; they hope his father [Gordon] is coming home. Mossot [sic: Julian's cat Maszat] has had just one kitten, 'a sad falling off'; is told all cats in Egypt are mummified as divine.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Thanks Bessie for her letter and enclosure. His mother 'seems none the worse for her inquisitiveness', and he has some 'nice warm socks and a sort of waistcoat with a shoulder cape - very cosy'. Is glad none of them are ill, but 'this cold is scaring'; very sorry about Sturge Moore'. Will send Bob three tickets as soon as he can find them; if he cannot, he fears he will have 'no audience'. Hopes they are in his flat. Must now go out to bring up the coal. Has to go and broadcast to India tomorrow about The Return of the Native. Is reading Jeans' Science and Music, which he expects she knows.

Heald, Coniston, Lancashire. - Thanks Bob for sending his 'beautiful poem' ["A Dream"] at Christmas; has been re-reading it; there 'is hope yet while such things can be written'. Also thanks him for his 'cheering letter about poor Missee Lee', but adds 'Damn you for your horrid wish' that Ransome will have 'still more dreadful difficulties in constructing stories in the future'. Regrets that that wish is already true: is in the middle of the 'ghastly torment' of starting a new book, 'domestic and realist this time', with the Great Aunt from "Swallowdale" as a central figure and 'so far as I can see, no story at all'. The 'whole wretched thing' must be finished by the end of May, and Ransome's mind is 'like a wrung out bathing costume'. Glad to hear about Montaigne [Bob's translation] and to think of him working with 'file and chisel... in this world of spanner and oil-can and petrol and high explosive'; tells him however not to work on Montaigne too long, as no-one else currently writing 'can do anything like what you did in that Christmas poem'. Wishes there was a chance of seeing Bob. Sends best regards from him and his wife to Bob's wife and the Sturge Moores; wishes Sturge Moore would 'bring out a new unaltered edition of the Vinedresser', which meant a great deal to Ransome in his 'early youth'.

Westridge Farm House, Streatley, Berks. - Thanks Bob for his 'moving poem' ["The Dream"?]. Increasingly feels that 'economic re-adjustments' and 'anti-war precautions' and so on do not address 'the roots of our maladies... greed, fear, hate & ignorance'; thinks Bob agrees. Does not 'hope too much from peace, when it comes', but thinks it necessary to recognise that there is an 'immense amount of good-will in the world'. Strikes him that people seem to think the world 'can settle down to peace & prosperity once for all if a way can be found', though the future is 'unimaginable' and the only thing certain is 'perpetual change'. Finds the question of what life is, or its meaning, an 'absolute mystery', though humans have an aim even if the universe does not; gathers that is what Bob means by the end of his poem. Thinks it the most successful of his works 'in this manner'. Hopes the new year will bring the end of this 'terrible war'; sends love to the Trevelyans. Asks in a postscript if the [Sturge] Moores are staying with the Trevelyans; sends love if so; encloses a 'poor exchange' for Bob's poem [no longer present].

Thanks Bob for his "A Dream": is still often unsure how it should be scanned so expects he is missing the rhythm. Is afraid that 'broodings... politicial and philosophical' are increasingly unappealing to him as subjects of poetry, but he seems to have 'run dry entirely' himself and so has 'no right' to an opinion on the work of those 'more fortunate'. 'If Plato needed a wall to shelter under we certainly need dug outs, and perhaps graves would be more satisfactory'. Sends love to Bessie and Bob, and 'many many thanks' for all they do for the Moores. A postscript in Marie Sturge Moore's hand also expresses her gratitude.

Originally enclosing a letter to Ursula, marked 'urgent'; was going to forward it to the Darwins but changed his mind; Bessie is not coming home till the evening, and he thought he should send it at once. Has been home for a few days after going to Wallington, the [Gordon] Bottomleys and Aunt Annie [Philips]. Tom [Sturge Moore] is back here, but Marie is in London for the time being. Glad Julian will be able to come during his leave. Went to the Sickert show at the National Gallery; there were 'crowds of pictures, some very good' but in general the show at Agnews a few years ago was 'more select' and gave a better idea of him.

Havering, Bent Field End, Stansted, Essex. - Thanks Bessie for her letter and the two Bottomley letters. They had a pleasant time in Bath with Riette and her friends. Binyon came for the last weekend and lectured on Persian painting; he and Moore read from their poetry at a Mrs Knight's, a 'tall and elegant lady' with a 'tiny little husband... an artist not much out of the ordinary but intelligent' [Charles Neil Knight?]. Went for some 'delightful excursions' along the Avon. Is charmed by his two granddaughters in Stansted, the household is calm and he thinks there will be no reason to cut short their stay. Saw [their son] Dan in London, who 'looked tired and worn'; hopes he will come for a few days soon; is reading a Hemingway he lent him. Sends his love to the Bluths [Karl and Theo ] and Tet Htoot, and friendly greetings to Miss S [Simpkins].

Intended to send a small book of his "Translations from Leopardi", but then decided to wait until Julian and Ursula next come here, as they 'might easily lose it moving about'. Pity they cannot come now, when the flowers in the woods are at their best. All quite well here; the [Sturge] Moores will return in a month. Originally enclosing, on Bessie's request, a photograph of 'the street in Forest Green that [Julian] used to admire'. The Bluths and Tet Htoot were here at Easter, but otherwise they 'seem to see nobody'. Hopes that Tet Htoot will bring two Chinese friends to visit. A 'bad London raid last night'; hopes he and the Bluths are all right; Irene [Cooper Willis?] has fortunately been away. Has very few friends in London now besides these, Logan [Pearsall Smith] and Alys [Russell]. Virginia [Woolf]'s death 'a great blow'; she 'felt she was going out of her mind again and could not face it'. Is re-reading "To the Lighthouse", his favourite of her books; is writing something on her for the "Abinger Chronicle", but it is 'impossible to say anything adequate in the way of criticism'. Forgets whether Julian knew her. Is continuing to translate Montaigne and getting 'a little bored with it'; 'much more fun writing poetry, even if it is not worth much'. Hopes Julian has managed to see Ursula at Taunton, and that she is well again. Has heard from G.M.T. [his brother George] that Charles is giving Wallington to the National Trust now instead of leaving it in his will; he will continue to live there, and one of the family (probably his son George Lowthian) will stay there after his death; this will save on death-duties so there will be much more money for the children. Supposes this should not be discussed until it is announced. Hopes Bessie will go with Miss Simpkins for a few days to George and Janet next month; otherwise she never 'goes away from here, which is not good for her'.

Garricks Villa II, Hampton, Middlesex. - Thanks for the corrections and hopes they can be made. Distressed about the destruction of Longman's stock, both as a 'serious loss to letters and learning' and because Trevelyan's collected works is probably included. Enjoyed his visit very much; apologises for leaving his mackintosh behind. Will be on the wireless on 24th Jan, discussing drama. Sends greeting to the [Sturge?] Moores and love to Bessy.

Westridge Farm House, Streatley, Berks. - Sends 'rather belated' thanks for Bob's translations ["Translations from Horace, Juvenal and Montaigne, with Two Imaginary Conversations"] and for the "Epistle [to Joan Allen]" he sent to Binyon and [his wife] Cicely. Cicely has been suffering from erysipelas; it is a 'very debilitating disease', and he had to take her to stay with her brother [Valentine?]in Sussex; they returned last week. Congratulates Bob on the 'suppleness of the verse', just right for translating Horace; would have liked Bob to translate some of the "Odes", but expects he is right that it is 'quite impossible to repeat the miracles of placing [emphasised]' in an uninflected language like English. Much enjoyed the "Imaginary Conversations", and thinks them a 'pleasant way of writing literary criticism'; encourages Bob to do more, as he 'write[s] such excellent prose (like all good poets)'; asks if Bob feels he is 'trespassing on Landor'. Thinks he has succeeded in 'suffusing all the elements of the book... with a wholeness of atmosphere, wise and mellow'; enjoys this, though he cannot share in it completely, since he does not 'really feel at home in the Roman world', and has an 'obstinate streak of the mystic' which he is sure Bob would disapprove of. Had already given a copy of the book to his son-in-law [Humphrey HIggens], a teacher at St Paul's school, who has read some of the Horace with his pupils and 'much admired' Bob's translations. Only has one more canto of [Dante's] "Paradiso" to translate, but Macmillan has 'lost so heavily' on the first two volumes of the Divine Comedy that he is not keen to publish the last at the moment; however, he has agreed to publish a new book of Binyon's poetry "[The North Star"], which Binyon will send Bob when it come out, perhaps in spring. Knows Bob must mind not being able to take his usual trip to Italy; expect he has heard about their five months in Greece last year, which were 'very enjoyable and interesting', though Binyon would have found Athens a 'dull place' if he had not been so busy with his lectures and the weather was bad much of the time. They flew home all of the way. Supposes Bob hears nothing direct from B.B. [Bernard Berenson]; hears Mrs [Eugénie?] Strong has been 'turned out of her flat in Rome'. Asks how Bessie is; he and Cicely send their love to her, and to the [Sturge] Moores if they are still with the Trevelyans.

Thought Bessie might like to see the enclosures [no longer present]; does not want them back. R. V. W. [Ralph Vaughan Williams] tells him 'he has now heard from her [reference unknown]'. Is going to spend the weekend with the Bells; hopes he [emphasised] gets back. Was very nice seeing her and Bob recently, and the Sturge Moores. Must get the Goethe novel which he [Thomas Sturge Moore?] recommended; Forster had never heard of it. Always 'fall[s] off Wilhelm Meister.

His mother seems fairly well, and 'more worried about the tea & rations than the bombs'. Must go to meet Mr Todd [perhaps J. J. Todd of Dorking, like Forster involved with refugee commitees and The National Council for
Civil Liberties], who is coming to tea.

The Saracen's Head, Bath. - Has been in bed ill today but hope to be up tomorrow and go on to Torquay; the Fletchers will stay in Bath and rejoin them on their return journey. There have been air raid warnings every night, but the bombs fell at least thirty miles to the west. Riette's scenery was excellent, 'but of course made out of nothing'; the play was better than he expected though too close to the book; the heroine Anne was played by a 'young Canadian actress' with great 'beauty and dignity'; the author is very career-minded. Marie is working too hard, his indisposition makes things more difficult for her. Encloses a letter to be sent to the Oliver Lodges: does not know their Toronto address. All the trains over-full: a porter told Marie that 'People rush about more than ever'. Could not go to Mrs Lambert's yesterday but Marie did and was 'delighted with everything she saw there'. Love to the Trevelyans, and 'friendliest greetings to Miss Simpkins'

Kennet House, Harrow on the Hill [on headed notepaper for 2 High Street, Harrow on the Hill]. - Thanks Trevelyan for his 'very handsome Christmas present [his "Collected Works"]: will add it to the books at his bed-side and looks forward to 'making new and renewing old acquaintances'. Was 'such fun' to visit the Shiffolds after 'so many years'; was 'delighted' to find them all at home; such 'rash experiments of unpredicted calls' are not always so successful. Hopes to visit again, but this will not be in term-time [at Harrow]; they are 'much imprisoned by black-outs and ARP [air raid precautions]. Will escape to do a ten-minutes broadcast [on the BBC Home Service] on 30 January, 'very familiar Wordsworth'. Sends greetings to Mrs Trevelyan and Mr and Mrs Sturge Moore. Adds postscript asking whether Trevelyan would be interested in the article about [Paul Cairn?] Vellacott in this week's "Harrovian", written by the Housemaster of the Grove [Leonard Henry], a 'historian like his subject'; will send a copy if so.

List of books on flyleaf, including [R.G.?] Collingwood's "An autobiography". Autobiographical fragment, including Trevelyan's childhood 'courting' of a girl at dancing class, friendships including two 'of an emotional, romantic kind' at Harrow, and thoughts on Keats's "Ode to a Nightingale". Translations: of first part of Sophocles' "Philoctetes"; the "Homeric Hymns to Pan, Dionysus, Aphrodite and Demeter; fragments of Greek New Comedy by Menander, Alexis and Philemon.

Book used from other end in: draft verse [translation?] on inside cover and flyleaf; list of possible topics under the heading "More Windfalls", including '[George?] Meredith', Reminiscences', '[Donald] Tovey'. Draft piece, "On losing one's bearings". Verse, 'Oh sea and shore, dearer to me than life...'. Ideas for "Less Simple Pleasures" under headings such as 'Literary', "Of Friendship', 'Of Walking'. Essay of pleasures of the senses. particularly touch. Piece about Horace and his friendships, perhaps as introduction for Trevelyan's two fictional dialogues about him, or part of the subsequent discussion of conversation. This mentions Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson, Roger Fry and Donald Tovey (Virginia Woolf and Lytton Strachey are also mentioned but Trevelyan then crosses this out)'; Henry Sidgwick, his father's friend, is mentioned as a 'perfect artist in conversation'. Discussion of philosophical dialogues. Biographical sketch of Thomas Sturge Moore. Piece on aging and desire. Notes on playing chess with Dickinson. Notes on Montaigne. Bertrand Russell and Bernard Shaw. Essay on the self, Buddhism, and change.

Very happy to hear from Mrs [Theo?] Bluth that Julian had returned safely. Marie sends thanks for the phone-calls and cards; he thanks her for the spectacles which arrived safely this morning. Spent some time with Riette at the National Gallery yesterday; she is going to Stansted tomorrow. Thanks for all her hospitality.

Harkstead Hall, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Thanks Trevelyan for his Christmas present [Trevelyan's "Collected Works"]; his wife objects to the fact that he keeps leaving the books around so that there are always handy. Is 'animal-hunting in them at present', enjoying Pusska and 'a perfect bat'; thinks there is something Buddhist about Trevelyan's ability to distil the essence of such creatures and that one day he should make a book of animal 'reincarnations only'. Hopes Sturge Moore has recovered from overexertions on Leith Hill; got through 'that Cambridge business' though has now been 'let in for Oxford as well'; liked Mrs [Dorothy?] Moore and some of her young friends, though thinks her taste in poetry 'too fashionable and modern'.

Harkstead Hall, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Levington, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Glad to hear again from Trevelyan, even though he needed a corkscrew to extract the letter. Likes to think of 'the small company of the resolutely civilised' near Dorking; has recently read a thriller in which England was destroyed in a war and 'a stout-hearted simple-minded sergeant major', backed by 'a Sturge Moore and a Bob Trevelyan' ended up buying the Bodleian Library 'for a bull and a small herd of heifers' to preserve civilisation. Says that no-one in his own part of the country would give a rabbit for the Bodleian. Tells a story about 'the literary barmaid' at the Wheatsheaf, Dorking, where he stayed at the time of Edward VII's coronation: she knew Marie Corelli's works almost by heart and believed they were written by George Meredith. Will be glad to subscribe to the "Abinger Chronicle", but has lost the form; has bought a bicycle, and spent some time fishing nearby. Tells Trevelyan not to look at his new book ["Secret Water"] which is 'all about mud and maps'; asks for a subject for another. Continues to read Trevelyan's poem "Pusska" aloud 'with great success, even among the uncivilised'. Sends thanks to Sturge Moore for his letter; is sorry to hear about the results of his 'gallopping [sic] up Leith Hill' and hopes he gets properly well soon; wishes he would write a "Nursery Sequence" to put beside the "Little School".