Showing 57 results

Confesses that he has unintentionally thrown Sidgwick's letter, which had been signed by Jebb, into the fire. Hopes that he has another copy and expesses his regret. In relation to 'the matter', he admits that he is in some difficulty. Reports that he wrote to [Furnevale] as soon as he got 'his idiotic document', protesting against it and saying that if the [ ] truly had been in any way [ ], he [Stephen] would have resigned at once. The reply said that his views would be considered. Fears that his letter may be seen as condoning [Furnevale's] offence, and explains that he could not sign Sidgwick's letter. Proposes writing to the secretary of the N.I.I. giving notice of a motion for the following meeting, 'saying that the Society disapproves of [his] language and directing their disapproval to be communicated to H. Philipps.' Remarks that after such a letter as Sidgwick's the question 'should be raised in some such way, unless, of course, the Committee gives in at once.'

Thanks Sidgwick for his 'refreshing and fraternal letter'. Refers to his father's sudden death, and to the fact that he himself was near death from 19 to 23 February, during much of which time he was unconscious. Attributes his survival to the care of [James Marshall?] Moorsom and Rowland Williams. Relates that the day after Sidgwick left him he had a visit from [Home] Lyon, who visited him every day for a fortnight, and from whom he learned 'many marvels' about which he desires to talk to Sidgwick. Informs him that Lyon was 'continually regretting [Sidgwick's] absence from that seance at Mrs [ 's]. Promises to send a letter from Lyon on to him. Refers again to his father's death. Intends to stay where he is. Asks Sidgwick to ask [Rich. Clav.] Jebb to come and spend the last week of the Easter vacation with him, as he is aware that Sidgwick intends to go to Paris at Easter. Reports that his aunt is with him.

Undertakes to write on 'the other matter...as soon as the visit is over', and states that they both entirely agree with Benson's view of 'the present situation.' Is glad to hear that Hugh is quite recovered. Adds that the Conservatives 'have just decided, by 50 to 16, to select Jebb for vacant seat' [in Parliament for Cambridge University]. Incomplete.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - He and Caroline agree that it is 'poor work' seeing North Italian cities at the beginning of January; the contrast between the North and South of the Apennines is very great: even so early the Val d'Arno was lovely. Expects the 'quiet life' at Welcombe will soon 'set him up'. Much interested by Robert and Bessie's accounts of the New Year festivities at Aulla [Fortezza della Brunella, home of the Waterfields]; could not find an account of the siege in Gregorovius as he ends in 1527, so must look it up in Sismondi. Parliament has been dissolved [for the general election]; they have a 'very energetic candidate' [Thomas Kincaid-Smith]' at Stratford who 'has canvassed the whole division in a motor' and is 'learning some politics as he goes along'. There are plenty of 'humorous incidents all about', including at Elland [Charles's constituency]. Balfour 'kicked off at the beginning of a football match [at Manchester United] and Sir James Fergusson in the middle' and both were 'hooted'; comments on 'such a function' being given to 'a London swell, born in 1832, who was wounded at Inkerman! [Fergusson]'. Is finishing Bergk [his edition of the Greek lyric poets] with the help of Weir Smith [Herbert Weir Smyth]; an excellent book recommended to him by 'dear Jebb'. Sends love to Bessie; the [new] piano has come and 'looks beautiful'.

Palace Hotel, Rome. - Glad that Robert and Elizabeth are enjoying the castle [at Aulla, home of Aubrey and Lina Waterfield]. He and Caroline have had some pleasant expeditions: to Ostia in 'the American Ambassador's motor, a fearful joy'; to Castel Gandolfo and Nemi; and to Grottaferrata, where they saw an exhibition of medieval ecclesiastical objects in the old monastery and he had a fine walk around the castle into the valley of the Almo. But on an expedition to the Villa Livia, he fell and hurt himself, and brought on the worst attack of rheumatism he has ever had; this is his fourth day in bed. They are disappointed about Charles being left out, but he is 'behaving very well'. Was moved by the death of [Arthur] Humphreys-Owen, and even more by that of [Sir Richard] Jebb, about whom his feelings were 'rather ideal' since first seeing him as 'an elegant, rather black-looking, rather too carefully dressed freshman in [Herbert] Malkin's rooms'; Malkin reminded him this year that when he asked Sir George to meet Jebb, he cried '"What! Jebb? Oh, joy!!'. They intend to leave Rome on 28 December and to be in England by 4 January, but he must be well to travel.

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.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - He and Caroline have enjoyed Elizabeth's accounts of life at Ravello, where 'the very changes of weather are romantic'; fears they are 'frankly beastly' here. Went to the British Museum on Saturday and sat next to Jebb, who wrote him 'a very pretty Iambic line' commenting on 'the current business' [the coming vote on compulsory Greek at Cambridge?]; it reminded him of the days when they sat together in the Senate-house [at Cambridge]. Jebb has 'plenty of go in him', and is pushing Bacchylides. Has been reading Bergk [his edition of the Greek lyric poet], but not enjoying the Anacreontics; has bought [Herbert] Weir Smyths edition of the Melic poets on Jebb's recommendation. Is 'charmed' with [Georgiana] Burne-Jones's life of her husband; Edward Burne-Jones was a 'wonderful writer' though he only ever wrote 'familiar epistles'.

Cutting of an announcement of the forthcoming publication of Robert's "The Birth of Parsival" from the "Daily Chronicle", 23 November 1904 and sent to Sir George by Roemike & Curtice Ltd, a press cutting agency, found with this letter.

Green leather volume, with embossing and gold decoration. Printed illustration from 'Happy New Year' card pasted to inside front cover. Bookplate, 'Ex Libris Bryan William James Hall', with coat of arms and illustration, pasted to front free endpaper.

Numerous autographs, mostly in the form of ends of letters and addresses on envelopes, pasted into book. Notes beneath items (sometimes also pasted in) often identify writers. Complete letters etc have been described in individual records dependent to this one, referenced by their folio numbers; signatures and addressees are referenced by linked authority record only. Some names remain undeciphered or unidentified.

Compiled by a sister of C. W. King, see part letter from King on f. 14r, 'I enclose the autograph of a distinguished Grecian for your book. With love I am, my dear Sister, yours affect[ionate]ly C. W. King'. Although no first name appears, C. W. King's only sister appears to have been Anne, sometimes known as Annette (1824-1874). A letter from W. G. Clark to C. W. King, preserved on the verso of the flyleaf, was sent with 'some autographs for your friend', and there are also envelopes and letters addressed to William Aldis Wright and other members of Trinity suggesting King was actively gathering material for his sister. The bulk of the collection appears to have been assembled between the late 1860s and early 1870s.

bei Frau Aumer Medenwaldt [?], Von der Heydtstrasse 1, Berlin. - Sends his latest suggestions [for the libretto of "The Bride of Dionysus"]. Asks if the opera could be divided into three acts instead of four: sets out his ideas for altering the time of Act II from morning to evening, and the advantages this change brings, including for lighting and scenery. Thinks that the whole opera will be about as long as [Wagner's] "Tristan und Isolde"; fears Ariadne's part in the last act will be 'more than any mortal singers can hold out' but will consider what can be done when he gets there. Someone has raised doubts as to whether it is 'too late-Roman to identify Iacchus with Bacchus'. Seems to suggest an anti-Stratfordian view: referring to the' sea-coasts of Bohemia', he supposes 'Bacon would have been careful about his geography if he had to write a Twelfth Night for an audience of Drakes and Raleghs'. His father wishes for a long 'o' in the scansion of 'Minotaur', but he 'evidently can't always get it'. Asks for assistance with 'the taurophone': thinks the only way to make this non-comic would be for a human chorus to 'bellow the death-cries' and wants these to be some syllables 'that wouldn't be Greek to Jebb' but would sound so to the audience; wants there to be some suggestion of humanity. Proposes "The Bride of Dionysus" as the title. Asks about moving the song about Pan; worries about the amount of chorus in the opera. Has opening phrases for Ariadne, Theseus and Minos and other themes.

Does not know how long he will be in Berlin. Joachim is dying but he cannot see him so as not to over-excite him. Joachim is very happy that Harold [his nephew] is engaged to [his daughter] Liesl.

Paste on typed label on front, "Oedipus Coloneus", corrected in Trevelyan's hand to "Oedipus at Colonus"; Trevelyan's name added in pencil. Line numbers added to text and other corrections and annotations in Trevelyan's hand. Three loose pages of typescript with Trevelyan's introduction to the text, quoting extensively from J. T. Sheppard and explaining that Trevelyan has used Jebb's text and that the line numbers come from that version.

Explains that he put off writing to Young until it had been decided whether or not Everett should be elected to 'the [Apostles] Society'. Announces that he had been accepted, and refers to him as 'a very clever man.' Refers to his declaration as 'very extravagant and Americans' and reports that 'old Martin was astonished.' States that now Trevelyan, Thompson and Jebb are gone down, a new and rather striking element is needed. Reports on recent discussions, including Trevelyan's speech criticising young men who give up their early ambitions and become schoolmasters. The latter being 'all for the edification of Fisher'. Remarks that Heathcote is 'still rather below the average of an Apostle but still he is improving.' Reports that there has been nothing heretical so far. Declares that he wishes to relieve himself of the charge of having recommended Goldwin Smith as a heretical work. States that it always gives him indigestion to read the Quarterly Review. Refers to the controversy between G. Smith and Mansel, which 'is rather metaphysical than theological'. Agrees with Young that illness has the effect of clearing away doubts. Declares that '[t]he Union is falling again rather'. [Incomplete]

Reports that he only heard a week ago that Young 'had found it advisable (and also feasible) to degrade.' Claims that he was very glad to hear the news, since even if he had been able 'to go in by "making an effort" ', it would have been a very unsatisfactory [culmination] to three years work. Sympathises with him that he will have to work a year more at the old curriculum. Hopes that he is progressing. Reports that he met Cowell in London on Saturday, and he was wondering whether Young would go abroad with him.

Recounts that he found Arthur [Sidgwick] 'only just able to work' when he arrived in Cambridge on Saturday, as he had played fives, which brought on his irregular circulation. Believes that 'it is just about an even chance whether he gets the Craven or not'. Reports that they were quite surprised at having the senior after all in Trinity. Hopes that Barker will conform, and states that Jebb was in good spirits and reading hard. Recounts that [Richard Shilleto?] 'reports favourably of his freshness', but is not very strong in health.

Refers to the fact that Young was at Eton with [Smijth?] Windham, and asks if he thinks he is 'MAD, or only mad.' Declares that 'Wilson is convinced he was a lunatic', but every other Eton man Sidgwick has seen states the idea to be ludicrous.

Relates a conversation he had while dining at Merton College, Oxford. States that he thinks the speeches, especially Coleridge's 'disgraceful'. Wishes that he were at Oxford, because 'they are always having exciting controversies which keep them alive.' Relates that Jowett and his foes divide the [attention] of the common rooms with Mansel and Goldwin Smith. Reports that he has just read 'G. S.' "Rational Religion" ', which, he claims, 'seems smashing', but over-controversial. States that '[p]eople consider Mansel's chance of a bishopric as lessened.' Remarks that in his view the tutors at Oxford work harder and the men less than those at Cambridge. Asks Young whether he read W.S. Clarke's Latin Oration.

Reports that he went up to Cambridge 'to have a quiet study of Auguste Comte', with whose he has rather less sympathy than before. States that he 'tried to fancy being a Positivist and adoring Guttemberg [sic], the inventor of printing, but...found the conception impossible.' Intends to go up [to Cambridge] on Saturday. States that he thinks better of Horace than most men; discerns in his works 'a good deal of a peculiar fresh humour that [ ]', but sees that it is calculated to disgust many men, and wishes Trevelyan could know it.

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Has been invited to dinner with the Jebbs on Saturday the 17th: if Bob does not go to the Verralls, is welcome to dine in George's rooms 'which are in a way common family rooms as the pictures proclaim' and invite guests as he likes. George will write to Moore or Dickinson, say, if Bob says he would like to see them there. Is also engaged for lunch on Sunday, but hopes Bob will breakfast with him, and dine if he wants to.

Trinity Lodge. Thanks for donation towards a portrait of Jebb, H M Butler to be one of Bradley's pall bearers, Liverpool Church Discipline Bill.

Thanks Nora for 'the somewhat more hopeful view' [about Henry's health], which she conveyed in her letter. Asks her to give him news of Henry when she can, and to thank him for his note of the previous day about 'the meeting'. His own thoughts and hopes will be with both of them at this time; prays that God may give them help. Trusts that Henry will not trouble himself 'about this Academy matter.' Offers to make any arrangements that are needed, and states that he will do so with Mr Jebb and Lord Acton.

Mechanically reproduced letter signed by Lord Acton and R. C. Jebb addressing the question of founding a new Society or an additional section of the existing Royal Society of 'Literary Science'; with three enclosures: a mechanically reproduced copy of a letter from the Secretaries of the Royal Society dated 21 Nov. 1899 (Item 47), a printed proposal of statutes for an International Association of Academies (Item 46), and a printed letter from Dillon on behalf of a committee considering the proposal (Item 46).

Thanks her for her letter, and declares that he is deeply gratified by the insertion of the letter of 29 May, especially beause he believes it is 'unique in the highest sense.' States that they look forward to Nora's visit. Sends back to her the chapter [of Henry Sidgwick, a Memoir, not included], which, he claims, surpasses his expectations, and is 'a wonderful picture of [Henry's] thought and action.' Hopes that she will not finally insert the three lines of Bullock Hall's until he sees her, and states that his reasons for this wish are literary. Declares that he is very well satisfied by the references to himself. Refers to a passage 'about "the game of law and order being up" ', which, he claims, was used against him 'in ten thousand leaflets, without the context, and most unfairly.' Adds that Henry's own remark about it is quite proper and reasonable. Tells Nora to think over the references to Dilke and to Jebb's garden. Is sure she will 'keep in about the "Sidgwick Road." ' Adds that it is impossible to alter, or criticise in detail, the general construction of an admirable book, and states that this book - unlike any recent biographies 'presents the real person...one's own old friend'.

Would like to borrow Leopardi's Poems.

Refers to a letter to the Royal Society from Lord Dillon on behalf of several interested gentlemen, including Arthur Balfour, James Bryce, Lord Acton, HS, Professor Jebb, W.E. Lecky, Leslie Stephen, and others, in relation to the formation of a British Academy.

Also refers to Henry Sidgwick's plan for the the institution of a new academy or section. Lays out plan, including the ways in which the Royal Society might aid in the project. Refers to its proposed scope in terms of subject-related sections. Refers to the participation of the Royal Society in the foundation of an International Association of the principal Scientific and Literary Academies of the world, and to a scheme drawn up for the organisation of the Association, which provides for the division of the Association into two sections - ' "Scientific" ' and ' "Literary" '. Points out that there is no existing institution 'competent to represent the United Kingdom in the Philosophico-Historical [Literary] section', and this fact is used as an argument for the foundation of a new Academy.

Includes proposals 'submitted to the Committee' on ways in which the demand for the representation of Philosophico-Historical studies in an Academy might be dealt with, including the creations of an organisation independent of the Royal Society; the creation of two ' "Academies" ' within the Royal Society; the creation of two or three ' "Sections" ' of the Royal Society; and the creation of twenty-five to fifty Fellows 'representing the Philosophico-Historical subjects, to serve as a nucleus, and creation of three or four committees, similar to those already existing, viz., one for Ethnography and Archaeology, one for Philology, one for Statistics and Political Economy, and one for Psychology...'.

Reports that the above schemes were discussed at an interview with a number of representatives of the Philosophico-Historical Sciences, and that the general opinion of these gentlemen was in favour of the creation of two or three sections of the Royal Society. Refers to the issue of whether the Royal Society 'will be more useful if the area of its interests is enlarged.' Discusses the divisions between the Natural Sciences and the Philosophico-Historical group of sciences, and the manner in which each group is treated in other European countries. Raises the question of Government grants, and suggests that if new subjects were to share in these grants it might have the effect of dividing the Royal Society into sections with comparatively weak common interests. Refers also to the effect of the scheme on expenditure and on the organisation of the staff.

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.'

Announces that he yields to Myers' and Barrett's arguments, and undertakes to write to the latter 'to accept unconditionally.' Explains their possible travel plans from Newcastle to Cambridge, and on to Oxford. Asks Myers to breakfast at North Hill on the following Wednesday. States that they shall both be very busy, 'especially Nora', and he wishes to hear all Myers has to say. Reports that Barrett has written asking her to join [the] Committee. Undertakes to telegraph if they stay in Newcastle, in which case they plan to pass through Cambridge on their way to Terling [home of Lord Rayleigh], and would like Myers to come to lunch. States that Arthur Balfour will be Vice-President. Enquires about John Hollond and Roden Noel. Reports that Jebb is flourishing, but involved in an educational controversy.

Reports that he received Sidgwick's note that morning. Fears that he has been in 'a fool's paradise of laziness and self-indulgence for years past.' Discusses human interaction, and expresses his happiness he feels at the sight of Sidgwick's writing. Refers to his work, and repeats that he has been 'intensely lazy and self-pleasing for years past'. Of the rest of his life he says 'everything is very nice', and declares it 'a great piece of luck' to be within reach of Sidgwick's brother [William?] and sister. Reports that he dined with them on Wednesday and Friday, and that the last time [Henry Weston?] Eve was there also. Relates that '[t]he boys came Thursday', and that he stayed in town a day longer than he intended to 'in order to spend an evening with Temple at Palgrave's.' Claims to have been very impressed by the former. Refers to his '[ ] personal influence at Rugby', and observes that he has 'an antique simplicity and directness about him'. Reports that Eve 'has brought himself to a state in which he can be perfectly unconscious and yet apparently devout the whole time.' Recounts that on week days they are about forty-five minutes in Chapel, and on Sundays about two hours, and claims that on the day of writing he took the Communion, but 'came away with a stronger conviction than ever that this pale reflection of the bloody rites of antiquity is quite out of date, and has no longer any meaning at all for a generation which is rapidly learning science and forgetting the meaning of the word sin.' Discusses his colleagues, including Fisher, Carr, Griffith, Penny, Stanwell, Spurling and Collet. Of Eve he says that '[i]t is absolutely a byword against him that he reads Miles.' Informs Sidgwick that the Modern School has been remodelled, and that he [Payne] is second Master in it, having now severed the last link that bound him to Classics. Declares that Sidgwick's brother-in-law [Edward White Benson] 'is more a ritualist' than he had thought, and that 'his whole [Wesen] reminds [him] a good deal of Kingsbury, in spite of the obvious differences.' Declares that he never believes a doctrine is dead because it ought to be, and that he agrees with Mill about the English Dictionary. Asks Sidgwick to remember him 'to the assembled brethren', and remember him in private very affectionately to Jackson. Would like the latter to write him 'a gossipy letter'. Claims to be very curious to see Jebb's article, and asks Sidgwick for another letter soon.