King's College, Cambridge. - Has read Bob's translation [of parts of the "Oresteia"] with the 'utmost enthusiasm': thinks it gives 'a far better notion of Aeschylus' than any other version, and is just what they want for their acting edition: hopes that he will allow them to use it and finish the translation for this purpose. Expects they will lose money on printing, but willing to 'make some bargain' [sign a contract?] in case it sells. Would like to print this vacation; asks when Bob could finish; thinks they might start printing the "Agamemnon" then continue as the other two parts are finished; will arrange it with the [Cambridge University] Press if Bob consents. Sends copy of the text [no longer present] marked with the cuts for their performance; except in the "Agamemnon", has also marked textual points, but Bob will generally get their text 'via Headlam's prose crib'. Lists the cuts to the "Agamemnon" for their performance below the main body of the letter, with the 'very few places' where he thinks some change will be necessary to Bob's translation. Does not really want to discuss these with Bob, as he is very busy; thinks they are 'not many, nor very important for practical acting purposes'. Says that the chorus in the "Choephoroe" are 'savage creatures, oriental slaves, not sympathetic young ladies'. Explains his analysis of Athena's vote in favour of Orestes in the "Eumenides". Some of his suggested changes relate to different versions of the Greek text, so different translations or interpretations. The Greek is quoted. Notes that it would be possible to print Bob's version with the difference only coming in performance.
Cambridge University Press, Bentley House, 200 Euston Road, London N.W.1. - Writes to inform Trevelyan that the Press has succeeded in having some copies bound of Trevelyan's translation of Lucretius [see 20/79-80]; asks how many he should reserve for Trevelyan.
Cambridge University Press, Bentley House, 200 Euston Road, London N.W.1. - Mr Kingsford sent on the letter from Trevelyan [see 21/80] about the Lucretius translation; the Press is attempting to get some copies bound. The 'prohibitive price' for the small quantity justified by the sales has been the problem, but thinks 'conditions may now be a little easier' and hopes to have copies available before long. The translation of Leopardi is however entirely out of print, with no copies in sheet form.
The University Press, Cambridge. - His brother [George], the Master of Trinity, has advised him to write directly to Kingsford about his translation of Lucretius, published by the Press eleven years ago. When he wrote to the Press recently to ask for a copy, he was told it was only available in 'unbound sheets'; wonders if a few copies could be bound up occasionally; thinks it was selling well not long ago.
On the publication of the lecture in 1937, with a note by Gow. Includes publications from the US and India; list available.
Lists income from "Time and Tide", "Everybody's", and the Central Office of Information, as well accounts for books published with Cambridge University Press and George Allen & Unwin.
St. Ermins Hotel, St. James's Park, S.W. Dated 11th June 1914 - Reminds him to insist on proofs in slip from the University Press: 'Tell them that if they don't, I will use unclerical language which you could not resort to'; thinks his idea of holding his book with Hutchinson over until his return from Africa is a good one; discusses his plan of travel [for the proposed expedition], wonders if he could visit the Bageshu of Mount Elgen, suggests books to read (Hobley and Routledge on the Kikuyu); discusses funding for outfitting the expedition.
Nairobi, B.E. Africa. Dated July 27/10 - Showed his letters to Col. [Theodore] Roosevelt and wonders if he visited Frazer; has come across two Kikuyu customs relating to 'thahu', a kind of curse, and the use of fig trees as a cure for barrenness; is displeased with the slowness of the University Press.
Drummonds Branch, Royal Bank of Scotland, 49 Charing Cross, London S.W.1. - Originally enclosing Trevelyan's annual income tax return for his signature; he should complete Section E of the form if he wishes to obtain relief for National Insurance Contributions paid 'on behalf of domestic and personal employees'. Asks him to confirm the amount of literary earnings in the statement accompanying the tax return and advise them of any other items which should be included. Also originally enclosing a statement of investment income for the year ending 5 Apr 1950.
Thanks Roberts for his letter of 16 July [22/2] and the copies of the agreement [for the publication of Trevelyan's Theocritus translation]: trusts that the proposed alteration to 'deferred royalties' is 'much the same thing' as the old arrangement of 'half profits'. Slightly concerned about copyright becoming the property of the Syndics [of Cambridge University Press], as he may later want to bring out a collected edition of all his translations; asks if a clause could be inserted granting him this right. If so, will return the agreements for this insertion.
Six letters concerning the petition to the Colonial Office supporting the creation of an appointment of Government Anthropologist for the British Possessions in Central and East Africa. In the first [St. Keyne's, Cambridge, dated 27 Nov. 1913] he apologises for springing the petition on him, explains his thinking and encloses a proof [not transcribed]; he then [30 Nov.] asks for names of men to whom the memorial should be sent, and on 12 Dec. encloses a notice of the memorial to be printed in 'The Times'. In the fourth letter [from the Albemarle Club, Dover St. W.], dated 4th March 1914, he reports he has delivered the memorial to [Lewis] Harcourt; in other matters, he suggests they continue calling each other by the names they have used for so many years as he becomes more averse to innovations as he ages; is considering a house in Bloomsbury as his wife is anxious to settle and eats and sleeps better in London than Cambridge; and suggests that he use Macmillan and the University Press in future as they inspire perfect confidence. On 7 March [Batt's Hotel, Dover Street, London, W.] he sends six more copies of the petition to Roscoe. On 24 April he encloses a copy of the answer to the memorial, discusses the disappointing provisions in it and ways that it might be made acceptable; he also suggests that for his book on the Northern Bantus he insist on getting the proofs in slip from the University Press rather than in pages as they have just done to his wife in her book for them. The copy of the answer is transcribed, sent by Henry Lambert from Downing Street, 23 April 1914, conveys Mr Harcourt's decision to ask the Governor of the East Africa Protectorate to find funds for three years for Roscoe at £500 a year.
98 Grenfell Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire. - Hopes that Trevelyan is well; he is a 'Great Master' to have 'accomplished this so delicate and beautiful a work' [his translation of the "Eclogues" and "Georgics"]; Virgil, 'lover of Perfection' would be 'enchanted' with it. Quotes passages she enjoys extensively. If they are able to find a couple of rooms, perhaps in Kensington, as they wish, she looks forward to asking Bentley House [London base of the Cambridge University Press] to send her [Trevelyan's translations of] "De Rerum Natura" and "Prometheus Bound", though they might be 'too high and far above [her]'. Even if so, she would treasure them as she will her copy of Virgil, inscribed to her by Trevelyan.
16 Newton Road, Cambridge.—When she wrote to Arthur Mizener to thank him for trying to help Kate [her daughter] get a post-graduate year at Cornell, she suggested that he might make an offer for Smith’s set of Scrutiny for the university. Cornell have now obtained one, at a high price, but Mizener suggests that other American universities will want a set. Suggests various means of advertising the set, without going through D[eighton] Bell, who would probably charge commission. Kingsford advises that the Syndics of the CUP have agreed to reprint Scrutiny complete. ‘I never thought we should live to see ourselves respectable, did you? but now it looks as though we shall all die in the odour of sanctity (from the Eng. Lit. Establishment point of view). Of course H. S. Bennett is retired from being a Syndic now; I daresay when the news percolates through the university there will be several deaths from violent emotion. Tillyard is said to be v. tottery & gaga anyway.’ Mizener found one other complete set of Scrutiny in the possession of the Treasurer of Lloyds Bank, but discovered that even an offer to buy it would be taken as an insult. Reminds Smith to send the essay he was going to let Frank [her husband] forward to Sewanee Review. Is busy house-hunting, as Frank retires in a year. ‘How handy the Nobel Prize money would come—I often think that the Nobel Prize for Literature has many times been awarded for far less services to literature than Frank’s.’ Refers to Frank’s letter [1/51], and urges Smith to collect and publish his essays.
Downing College, Cambridge.—Apologises for keeping his essay for so long without writing. It arrived as he was preparing for the Tripos. He did read the essay through and re-read the play (which made him ‘ashamed for Shakespeare’), but then ‘the avalanche of the Tripos descended’ and he had to mark a large quantity of papers and other work. ‘I got through on sun & the port King, the Fellows’ Butler, finds me.’ His view, and that of Q[ueenie, his wife], is that Shakespeare’s play ‘can’t be treated as decent & responsible & serious’, and so does not deserve the detailed treatment Smith gives it. Kingsford of the CUP is looking for a set of Scrutiny to reproduce, and Leavis has suggested he buy Smith’s.
Downing College, Cambridge.—Urges him to publish a collection of his essays. There is a large public for literary criticism, owing to the increase in the number of English schools. Would use his influence with the CUP, though he thinks Chatto’s would be better. If Smith wanted later to do a Shakespeare book, there would be nothing against including previously collected essays. ‘I rage when I think of the Kermodes[,] Darbys, Knightses & Holloways bringing out their stuff, when, for the most part, your essays can’t be got at. Willey replies that he agrees with me about Amis (so I’ve something to use), but he says nothing about Williams.’
University Press, Cambridge. - In accordance with his conversation with Trevelyan last Saturday, returns the manuscript of Trevelyan's translations from Greek poetry [no longer present]. Is very sorry to do this, but it 'would be false kindness to pretend' the Press could print it 'within a reasonable period'.
Drummonds Branch, Royal Bank of Scotland, 49 Charing Cross, London S.W.1. - Thanking Trevelyan for his letter of the 16th Sept with the accounts of his earnings from Cambridge University Press. Originally enclosing statement of his literary earnings [24/74?]; adding that there is still an amount of 124 pounds for losses from previous years to be set against this year's income of 12 pounds 18 shillings and any future profits. They have not included "Translations from Latin Poetry", printed at Trevelyan's expense, as the selling price of two pounds six shillings agreed with Allen & Unwin seems to be less than the original cost, and they do not 'think the Inspector would allow the loss sustained on this work'.
86 Chesterton Road, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for giving him a copy of his Lucretius translation, and feels 'very much honoured' to be presented it by the author. Has already read a great deal of the translation 'in various places'; it 'seems very good'. [His son] Nick liked the 'get-up of the book', and was surprised the [Cambridge] University Press had 'produced such a nice-looking book'. Just returned from a fortnight's holiday at Southwold; Tim has returned to school and Nick begins residence at Trinity in October. with lodging's in Maid's Causeway.
Bowes & Bowes, 1 Trinity Street, Cambridge, England. - In reply to Trevelyan's letter of 2 December: has managed to get two copies of the "Oresteia" from the printer (without covers); encloses them and hopes they will serve. The last part of the book has gone to press today; hopes to publish it the week after next if the binders work to time. Trevelyan must not 'reproach' himself for the delay to the last part of his translation, as 'it must be very hard to do such writing against time', and the [Cambridge University] Press being 'overburdened with work' was more of a hindrance. Has not been possible to publish before the end of Full Term, but will be able to get the 'specimen copies for which certain classical masters have asked' to them before school term ends. Is sending 'a preliminary "puff" to the literary papers today'.
University Press, Cambridge. - Thanks Trevelyan for his letter of 11 February, which 'arrived just before a meeting of the Syndicates'. The Syndics have authorised him to say they would be 'very glad in principle' to accept Trevelyan's book of translations from Greek poetry; it is however difficult to say when publication would be, as the Press's 'congestion gets worse rather than better'. Looks forward to seeing Trevelyan when he is in Cambridge.
Typewritten copy. As Bryce had said that [A.W.?] Ward would call on him about the Historical Review, he did not answer his letter. Does not believe that there is a single man in Cambridge competent to deal with modern history in an intelligent way. Refers to Dr Guest, Luard, and the '[Professor?] of "Anglosaxon" and early English literature, and people who poke into ecclesiastical holes and corners.' Refers also to William Aldis Wright. However, there is no one who he should call 'a historian.' Of those who study ancient history, mentions Jebb who would be by far the most effective he knows of for literary purposes 'who would contribute to such a review.' He himself 'once was conceited enough to write reviews of historical works', but that he would now not venture out of his proper line so far. Hopes that the scheme will succeed. Does not think that their press authorities 'would be likely to subvent the undertaking': the University is so poor 'and pressed for funds that [the] Press is requested to devote itself to lucre.'
Two gatherings: pp 163-176 and pp 177-185, each with 'First Proof' label from Cambridge University Press; with a 'Note on Metre' on two loose sheets, pp 77-80 [damaged] extensive corrections by Trevelyan throughout.
Fallowfield Rectory, Manchester 14. - Very sorry to hear of Bob's accident: Aunt Annie [Philips] says he has not broken a leg, as reported, but he will still find a stay in hospital 'a severe trial' since he is so rarely ill; expects he will manage as he is 'a true philosopher'. She herself is a 'grass widow': John has gone to work on a farm near Appleby, feeling 'he could not go on living comfortably when so many of his contemporaries are having to give up their homes and careers'; he is working 'frightfully hard' but is well looked-after; the local vicar is also a good man, and has asked John to help him on Sundays, which she is glad of. John;s new book, "Church Life in England in the Thirteenth Century" has been accepted by Cambridge University Press, on Powicke's recommendation, but he is not publishing it yet as he does not have the time for the revisions Powicke thinks necessary. Is staying in Manchester, but will have to move house since the Bishop has insisted on John giving up Fallowfield altogether. Aunt Annie keeps well, though Janet wishes she would go away for part of the winter. Sends love to Bessie.
The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Has been 'very pleasant' having Julian to stay: he is 'extremely good company'. Bob has not yet said when he will visit; unless he wants to come in the first week of March, it would be best to wait until next term, after 20 April. Hopes that he will come, especially as his friend [Sydney] Roberts will be Master of Pembroke next academic year, so next term will be his last at the [Cambridge University] Press.
2nd edition prepared by Gow for Cambridge University Press.
University Press, Cambridge. - An agreement has not yet been made for the publication of Trevelyan's "Theocritus"; the Press has recently been publishing his books 'on what is called half profits', but Roberts suggests a 'deferred royalty' this time, which 'amounts to pretty much the same thing' but is 'more convenient' for the Press. Therefore encloses two copies of an agreement for Trevelyan to sign and return; one copy will be sent back to him after it has been counter-signed by the Chairman of the Press Syndicate.
Re publication of Trinity College Library manuscripts by Cambridge University Press.
Garden Corner, West Road, Cambridge. - They can put Bob up after 12 December; before then they have no room because of evacuees, though they would love to give Bob 'a meal or meals'. Will order the "Abinger Chronicle'. Liked "Sulla" in the plays [second volume of Bob's "Collected Works"] which he had not read before.
Hotel du Kélenn, Carantec (Finistère). - In case his postcard [21/19] is 'delayed or, as I fear, unintelligible': has the "Agamemnon" proofs and Bob's manuscript; it 'looks good'; agrees with one of Bob's points, which they can discuss when they meet. Gives his address in Dinard for 18-23 September; will then return to England, and will be in London until 30 September. Can meet Bob in London or in Dorking; letter sent to the United University Club will find him, though he may stay at 46 Gordon Square [Maynard Keynes's house]. Would be good if Bob could arrange for [Armstrong] Gibbs to meet them; has just sent Gibbs a card about this; gives his address. Has told [George Brimley] Bowes to hold up "Cho[ephoroe]" and send back the manuscript to Bob if it is not being printed yet; if it is, Bowes is to contact the [Cambridge University] Presss to 'make the names of the characters more prominent' and try to get proofs to them by the 24th. Thinks Bob's version 'magnificent'.
Garden Corner, West Road, Cambridge. - Has seen [Sydney] Roberts [at the Cambridge University Press], who would like to hear Bob's proposals as long as he is ready to pay for printing himself. The Press cannot take on financial risks, but are carrying on otherwise as usual, though cannot make promises on publication dates due to current and possible future staff reductions. Roberts likes printing for Bob, and his books too. Sometimes agrees with Bob, rest of the time thinks it is 'no good breaking off now as [Germany] would only go for some other country, or prepare a vast fleet of submarines against us'. Is ' more inclined to think we ought not to have guaranteed Poland than that we can break off now', but has no definite opinion. Tends to think that the 'only chance for Europe including ourselves to escape utter ruin' would be for the U.S.A. to play a role in negotiating peace, but that this will not happen. Last thing Edward Grey said to George after the Nazi revolution, shortly before his death, was that he saw 'no hope in the world'; there is less now. George is partly detached, as 'the "world" that is threatened is not my world, which died years ago'; feels himself to be 'a mere survivor'.