Showing 29 results

Kings College Cambridge [headed notepaper). - Very nice to hear from her; will answer 'at once like a good boy - which I am not always!'. Agrees that Florence [Barger] is 'wonderful'; he 'found her looking out of the way well'. Has also had a 'good year'; his 'great achievement was getting to Italy for six weeks, to stay with American friends'.

Bessie asks about the London LIbrary; is not on the committee and thinks she should write directly to the Secretary and ask whether Bob's life membership entitles her to become an 'ordinary annual member without paying an entrance fee'; thinks the annual subscription is five or six pounds now but is unsure as he has a life membership himself. Would be more difficult for her to join on a reduced subscription; the Carlyle Fund provides for this, but 'the applicant has to prove special need'. It is 'very nice, and very right' that Birkbeck College allows her to borrow from Bob's library [which she has given to them as a memorial].

His book is about Dewas, the Indian state he was in years ago. Malcolm Darling, 'whom Bob liked and stayed with', has much information about it which Forster has worked in with his own letters from there to his mother. Hopes the book will be published next year; it will be called The Hill of Devi, which is the 'little acropolis that stands about Dewas and gives it its name'.

Would like to come and see her in the warmer weather; may be able to find a 'young friend to bring me in a car - they will sometimes'. Earlier this year he got to the Hammer with John Meade, son of a former rector at Abinger, now at the Staff College at Camberley, who is married to 'a grand-daughter of Major Lugard'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Was very sad yesterday to be going further from Elizabeth [since the baby is due]. London was 'horrid... dark & dirty & noisy'. Left Pantlin in low spirits, but she writes that the [nursing] home is nice; believes her operation is today. McKenzie said there was nothing wrong with Sir George's ear, having 'looked into it with an electric light!'. Rolandi does not have [Rolland's] "Jean Christophe", so she will send for it from the London Library. Hopes that Mr [Donald] Tovey's concert was a success. Can come to Surrey via Reading and Gomshall, though Sir George 'very strangely' objects to her returning this week; can start at short notice.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Meant to answer Bessie's 'kind letter' before, but 'these are paralysing days, and it is impossible to write with one's old gaiety, nor has one time to create a new sort'. Went to the London Library the morning after the bombing, and 'saw Carlyle's head stricken from his shoulders, and the theological section ruining [?] through the ceiling of the Reading Room'; wonders whether 'poor Bob has looked in'. Meant to 'do half a days salvaging there, but had to go numbering up all my aunts in Putney. All were intact'. Now he is back home, 'combatting a sore throat and cough with prudence and success'; would like to come over next month, and perhaps as the evenings get lighter she will get to visit them.

Should have 'taken chair for Hsiao Chien on Tuesday', and is disappointed that he cannot; has not seen him recently, but has 'been blessed with an American charmer [William Roerick], a friend of Christopher Isherwood, who has now gone off to Africa'. He was acting in This is the Army [by Irving Berlin], perhaps not known to Bessie 'even by name!', and took Forster a few times to the Churchill Club [at Ashburnham House]. There was a '"musical brains trust" there , Ralph V[aughan] W[illiams], acquitting himself very well, Malcolm Sargent - glib, Wm Walton smartibootified, and Alan Rawsthorne a little drunk'.

Thanks Bessie for the 'cutting for [the National Council for? Civil Liberties'; thinks they are 'a little nervous of adding education to their activities'. His mother seems fairly well, and sends love. 'Bob (policeman) [Buckingham] has been over here mending pokers, window sashes etc. He has had a grim time during the raids'; Forster hears '(from another source) that many more planes come over than we are allowed to know'. Hopes the news of [her daughter in law?] Ursula and family is good.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Thanks Bessie for her letter; will be 'interested to read Sykes Davies' when it comes'. Will not write to him again, and 'of course... will not put the Committee on to his new address [see ADD/TRER/52]. Hopes she will be able to persuade Sykes Davies to return the books; thinks that if the Library had them back 'it wouldn't worry over his lapsed subscription'. He and his mother are very glad 'the honeysuckle travelled well'; they enjoyed Bessie's call 'so much', and hopes she calls again.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. Note at top of letter reads 'FOR BOB OR BESSIE', but it is addressed to 'Dear Bessie'. - Does not think she need worry about Florence and Margaret; when he saw Florence recently she was 'comfortably in bed', and when he rang on Tuesday Harriet said she was much better. Believes that Margaret's x-ray was satisfactory; she is 'now in the non-danger ward, and quite bright'. Expects Florence will write to Bessie later; she is resting as much as she can, and Harriet deals with phone calls.

His mother has been ill with 'cold, weakness, etc'; she has now recovered but is 'by now means the better for her illness'. Has concealed from her the 'extremer side of Margaret's trouble: said it was just a tumble'. Feels 'sick of everyone's health, including my own'.

Turns to 'a different kind of nuisance', which he was going to write about to Bob. Asks whether he has any news of Hugh Sykes Davies, who is 'giving a lot of trouble to the London Library'; he has books out worth over seven pounds, and 'won't answer letters'. Forster thinks this has been going on for over a year'. Wrote to him at the Committee's request via The Shiffolds about six months ago, and received no answer; the Committee have also written 'fruitlessly through their solicitor, and are contemplating prosecution, though they hate the idea'; Ilchester [the President] particularly has been 'very nice about it'. If Sykes Davies would 'only write, and acknowledge his existence and his whereabouts they would probably calm down'; wonders whether Bob could 'have a try at him', and fears that he is 'one who, when in trouble, always runs deeper into his hole'.

If his mother keeps well, they hope Bob will visit; he has 'already favoured Molly'.

Is 'out of reach of the bulk of [his] books, not to mention the Athenaeum and the London Library' but says there is 'a good deal about the Metaphysical Society up and down various recent memoirs': mentions Leslie Stephen's life of James Fitzjames Stephen and Wilfrid Ward's book about his father W.G. Ward. Sees no reason why Sir James Knowles, who has the minute book of the society, should not be willing to let Nora see it. States that Shadworth Hodgson is about the only living person who was an active member before he [Pollock] joined the society. Does not think that there is much relevant information on it in Huxley's biography, but suggests that it would be worthwhile to look. States that Dr Martineau was the last chairman of the society.

Remarks that it was surprising that its members stayed together for so long, and states that the Synthetic Society is 'a kind of modified revival of it.' Does not believe that Henry Sidgwick came to the society's meetings often during Pollock's time, but states that he had many better opportunities for discussion with him outside the society. Relates that at one time Knowles 'thought or preferred to think the [society] was going to define the fundamental terms of philosophy and prepare the way for a general agreement', and states that the members certainly were not up to such a task. Refers also to a plan that he and Henry had around 1897 to set up 'a smaller speculative club or brother-hood with enough common tendency to hold it together but no dogmas', but it came to nothing. Is glad that Nora liked his review [of Henry's The Development of European Polity]; states that he was especially impressed by 'the excellence of the medieval part.' Adds that 'the Society was intended to satisfy Tennyson concerning the immortality of the soul', and states that he believes that the latter attended one meeting.

c/o A[ubrey] Waterfield, La Fortezza, Aulla, Massa Carrara, Italy. - Asks Julian to send the Butler back to the Lond[on] Libr[ary]. Arrived yesterday, and will go to Florence with the Waterfields in a week or two. They would like Julian to come out to Italy with their daughter Kinta, and perhaps their son John; Kinta is a 'lively schoolgirl, but quite nice'; likes John, who is at Oxford, very much and thinks Julian would too. Either way, thinks Julian should travel straight to Bologna and he will probably meet him there. Hopes that "As You Like It" will go well. Elizabeth writes that the beech tree at the top of Water Lane has been half blown down, which is 'very sad'.

West Hackhurst. - Thanks Bessie for 'the most welcome news about Bob [hit by a taxi in London which led to a stay in hospital]'; tried to see him again last Saturday, but had an 'S.O.S from another friend' who was not in fact that ill when he arrived. Is 'wonderful' that Bob has made 'such quick recovery'; he only has one book of Forster's, 'a small green Congreve', which there need be no hurry to return. Bob's London Library books had better go back direct, as Forster will not have the chance to call again.

Seems busier than he wants to be on 'small jobs'. Talks to a Searchlight unit once a week, about ten men, who 'seem uncultivated and cheerful so far'; has also been 'lecturing on Liberty at Southend' and is about to do the same at Gloucester. His household is 'listening in a dazed sort of way to Will Beveridge - indeed the cat is asleep'.

The Shiffolds. - Thanks his father for his letter, and also for the eighty pounds [allowance] paid into his account. Enjoyed his visit very much, and was glad to find his mother 'so well'. Has 'only been able to find one of the Maupassants', and seems to have lost the others. Sends one volume, in which La Ficelle, Deux Amis and La Parure are 'among his best'. Forgets about Yvette and La Papa de Simon. Is asking the London Library to send him two other volumes, and will send them on soon to his father if 'they seem to have some of his best work'.

Bessie is now in London, in 'her new room', and will return on Friday. Today Robert walked to Abinger, five miles, and back again, to lunch with E. M. Forster, so is 'quite tired and ready for bed'.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Will think of Robert 'dining with the brotherhood [of the Society of Apostles]' this evening. Thinks he has told Robert about the Charles Merivale biography, which is an 'excellent book for a Harrow and Cambridge man'; thinks Merivale was one of the first twelve Apostles. Sees in the catalogue of the London Library that they have a German [translation of Sergev?] Aksakoff, so 'he must be famous'; would like to read it at some point if Robert finds it as good as he expects.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary. - Thanks his father for the fifty pounds paid into Robert's account. Julian returned to school yesterday, and Bessie is on a brief visit to a friend near Marlborough. Robert is 'just starting for Berkhamsted, for a weekend with George and Janet. Julian 'seemed quite cheerful at going back to school, more so than in old days'.

They are very glad Sir George is 'so much better, and are able to go about as usual, and also to start on Thucydides again'. Diogenes Laertius 'has a certain interest, but there is a lot of legendary gossip in it'. Has got Meineke's Fragmenta Comicorum Graecorum from the London Library, and finds 'a great deal that is worth reading from Philemon, Alexis and others'. There is 'too much about cooks and guzzling, but that is because Athenaeus... quoted everything anybody ever wrote about cooks'. But Stobaeus chooses 'many really fine passages'.

c/o B[ernard] Berenson Esq., I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Thanks his father for his letter, with his mother's, which reached him quickly; thinks 'the posts are working better'. Hears 'quite regularly from Bessie and Julian' who seem to be greatly enjoying themselves in the Netherlands; Julian seems to have 'made great friends with his young cousins', who are a little older.

Has had 'very bad weather' since he came, except for a few days, but 'Italy is delightful in all weathers' if, as now, it is not too cold. Heard a cuckoo this morning for the 'first time [this spring]', and expects he would have heard nightingales by now were it not for the rain. Is glad his father finds 'the Tchekof stories interesting [see 12/317]'; has six other volumes he could lend him when he returns home. Chekhov is 'certainly not at his best in those short sordid stories, though he tells them skilfully enough'; he needed to 'write to make money for his family, and so did quite a good many pot-boilers'. Likes him best when he 'gets hold of a character that really interests him, and gives himself room to develop it a little'. Has a volume of Chekhov, 'all stories about peasants and country priests, which are perhaps more moving than any others of his' he knows, which he could lend to his father; also suggests that if his father wants 'another good Russian book' he should 'get Aksakof's memoirs, in three volumes, perfectly translated by Duff the classical Trinity don'. The London Library has them, but they are 'often out'.

The Berensons send their 'kindest remembrances'; Robert sends his love to his mother, to whom he will write soon. The Uffizi 'has all been rearranged, and the best pictures, such as the Primavera of Botticelli, have been brought from the Ac[c]ademia'; this is 'on the whole... an improvement'.

On embossed headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland:- Thanks her for her letters and 'the Indian books'; found 'the epic... so interesting that [he] finished it directly', but the other one was 'more modern' and he does not care much for it. Hopes the London Library has another as good as the epic. Is 'getting on very well with Mr Belfield' and very much likes him; Belfield hurt his knee last Thursday but is better now, despite his fears that this might bring on once more 'a bad leg which he has had several times'. Robert played in a [cricket] match here yesterday; which was drawn in the home side's favour.

Is very glad Charlie has got the 'second prize', and he will be 'very pleased'; he also seems to be 'doing very well in cricket'. Has 'sent up [Kingsley's] Alton Lock[e]'. Hopes they [the Liberals] will win the Ayr election [by-election on the death of Liberal Unionist Richard F. F. Campbell], though supposes it 'is very doubtful'. Booa [Mary Prestwich] has been 'very busy this week', but Robert thinks she is well. Asks if Mr Brown has 'resigned quietly', as he has 'heard nothing here'. They [he and Mr Belfield?] have been fishing 'several times and caught next to nothing'

Lewes Ho[use], Lewes. - Has been to Paris about a Renoir ["Madame Charpentier et ses enfants"] which he has succeeded in purchasing for the [Metropolitan] Museum, which 'is quite secret'. This is the only time he has left Helen, who 'wants someone to walk with her all day', but hopes to get away for a few days and to 'look at the various houses'. Their own landlord is to turn them out at Christmas so they must find something, and it is 'evident that H[elen] ought to be in the country'. Encourages Bob to read Ferrero's "La Grandeur et Décadence du Rome", though he has the London Library's copy at the moment. Adds in a postscript that he is up for election at the Reform Club on 18 Apr; asks Bob to mention this to his father.

(Place of writing not indicated.)—Asks whether there is any difference between the Cambridge editions, and relates an amusing story of a lecturer in America.

—————

Transcript

PPS (to my letter)

I found the enclosed card waiting for me when I went over to Englefield Green this afternoon. I am not sure that I feel as keen as I did about separate volumes!

A propos of this, is there any difference between the Cambridge editions? So far I have been using the 1902 or thereabouts (sorry to be so vague) but I have parted with the copy I had and now have the London Library 1892 edition. It reached me today appropriately addressed as enclosed. My handwriting must be illegible and it is very kind of you to say you can read it!

This last coincidence reminded my hostess of a story she heard yesterday of a man who was lecturing in America on the Testament of Beauty. He was vastly flattered to find an unexpectedly large audience of very well-dressed women which, unfortunately, after the first few minutes gradually seeped away. He found he had been lecturing in the Elizabeth Arden Hall [If you don’t know who Elizabeth Arden is, Mrs McKerrow will—or see the Sphere, Byestander etc.]

A.W.

—————

Typed, except the initials at the end, a square bracket, and an underlining. The square brackets are in the original.

Encloses 'the only letter which is come' that morning [not included], and describes the printed circulars which arrived: a notice of a half-yearly general meeting of the Pro[ ]s of the Scottish Australian Investment Company, and a notice of Henry having been made a member of the London Library. Also encloses a letter from Miss Clough [not included].

Claims that they 'scarcely feel afraid now of the war which appeared to some imminent' the previous day, and states that '[a]s Prince Leopold's Papa won't let him accept the Spanish Throne surely France can find no other pretext for such wanton bloodshed.' Refers to the weather in Rugby.

Reports that she has as yet had no letter from William, and states that she doesn't think that Arthur is strong, and that Dr [George?] Burrows advises against his playing certain games, such a croquet. Remarks that he must be careful if he goes to Switzerland. Reports that Mrs Trevelyan is unable to come to Rugby due to the heat, and 'is obliged to go to the sea with Lady Trevelyan.' Adds that Mr Trevelyan is to arrive in Rugby the following Friday. States that in a fortnight's time they will 'be free'.

Believes that Arthur will leave England about 2 August, and announces that she is to go with Mrs [Anne?] and Miss [Isabella?] Thompson about 10 August, as Mr [Reginald?] Thompson 'must attend some Law Court in August'. Asks Henry to tell her as soon as he knows where he is going. Adds that she sent his two Dividends in a registered letter to Berlin.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Delightful to meet Bessy by chance in the London Library; good that she can mend Julian's toys 'αυτόχειρ' [by her own hand]'; has just been reading about 'Frau Bucholz's attempts at domestic art-workmanship' [in a book by Julius Stinde]. Agrees with Robert about 'the Bernard Shaw in old days. The artist is always good. The egotist always detestable'. Thinks he heard that Shaw 'disapproved of Well's recent goings on'; as George says, it is bringing 'old literary scandals... home.. and you see what they really are.' Very interesting about Verrall and the Professorship [the new English professorship at Cambridge].

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad Miss Barthorp has recovered her luggage; there is nothing which causes more anxiety. Julian is a great comfort to him and Caroline; he plays games in 'a rational understanding way', is easily and satisfactorily amused, and goes on 'famous walks' with Sir George. On Sunday they went to the Roman Catholic chapel, and Julian was so interested by its 'humble beauties' that yesterday they went to the parish church. Asks if Elizabeth can ask Robert about Gustave Droz's "Babolain", which is said in 'William Johnson's admirable biography' to be as good as [Austen's] "Persuasion", [Charlotte Bronte's] "Villette, and [Scott's] "The Antiquary", and the London Library has it. Glad to think of Elizabeth and Robert at home.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Hopes that Robert and Elizabeth are 'getting on with their preparations for going abroad', as it will do them good to be away from home for a while [after the death of their son Paul]. She and Sir George are 'better for the quiet' at Welcombe; they talk often about Paul, and Sir George says he often dreams of him, and of Robert as a small child. Thinks this has brought them 'all nearer together': perhaps the worst thing is knowing how unhappy Robert and Elizabeth are. Thinks she has never expressed to Robert all she feels for him, bur is sure he knows she understands his trouble, and how thankful she would be if she could comfort him. Took a long drive yesterday, and discovered Preston on Stour, a 'curious old village'. Buxton's book about Turkey ["Turkey in Revolution"?] is 'certainly amusing'; she also has the new Carlyle letters to read, though Sir George is 'rather averse to them', thinking 'the controversy should be allowed to die out'. He is reading Fererro to her, and translating parts of Suetonius 'which are most amusing'. Hopes Robert found some good books to take abroad at the London Library. Sends love to Elizabeth, and asks him to let her know how she is.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland [crossed through] Morperth. - Very glad that Robert is 'coming on at the Athenaeum'; Uncle Harry's advice is very good. Gives Sir Alfred Lyall's address and is sure that he would be pleased to do the service [of proposing Robert for membership'. Has received two volumes of Lucretius from the London Library which he has returned as Robert has gone abroad; has given the Library 'a thorough good blowing up'. Asks to be informed when Robert has received and signed anything about the Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan] Estate. Hopes Robert has a good time abroad.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Sends a letter from [William] Everett who is 'always readable... abnormal in his intense old-fashioned conventionalism'; his 'unwillingness to express satisfaction in anything, and anybody, has a flavour of its own'. Elizabeth has sent them a good account of Paul. Politics 'extraordinarily interesting', with the 'moral and practical element' predominating, and a 'certain obscuration of the party element'. Has got Whistler's "The Gentle Art of Making Enemies" from the London Library; the title is 'revolting' but accurate, since Whistler continually had quarrels when 'a man of sense would have taken things quietly'; his way of writing to and about people is 'singularly offensive'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Robert's account of the [recently discovered passages from?] Menander is very interesting; would like to see the book and will return it to the [London?] Library; this is an exception to his usual preference for not reading the classics when he is working. Paul 'winds himself round one's heart'; can see 'steady progress' and hopes this will be a turning point. Very glad Bessy has had her cousin with her. Sends a 'really amusing letter' from Everett. Asks the meanings of the titles of Menander's plays. Caroline will not write today.

11 Walton Str[eet], Oxford. - Thanks Bob for his book of poems ["From the Shiffolds"]; read it in the Christmas 'rush', then lost it; has found again and enjoyed re-reading 'so much'; apologises for his delay in thanks. Enjoys the "Moretum" especially, which is a 'wonderful picture of the Dutch school'. Very kind of Bob to remember him. Clara [his wife] is well; four of the children are at home with whooping cough. Saw 'Aunt Molly McCarthy' recently when she was staying with the Cecils, and saw something of Betty [Muntz] when he was in Dorset in August, but otherwise has not heard news of Bob; looks out for him at the London Library, where they last met. Had a letter at Christmas from Oliver Lodge, now living in Gloucestershire; would like very much to visit him but it is difficult to leave home. Expecting David from Athens later in the year. Goes to London to teach each week; hopes he may see Bob there one day.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Encloses letters he would like returned; is still sure that Cacciola is 'looking for the death duty' [on Florence Trevelyan's will to be paid by the Trevelyans]; has directed Withers to draft a letter to Philipson. Cannot undertake to go further in the matter if Robert wishes to take the property, and will stop after paying legal expenses incurred so far, but expects he will keep to his resolution not to take it. Looks forward to the "English Review"; tells Robert to read [Arnold] Bennett's "[A] Great Man", which he himself currently has out from the London Library.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - They are very pleased about Mary [and Charles]'s baby, who is to be called Katharine; Caroline is going to see 'the little ones at Watford'. Interested in what Robert says about the new Ferrero ["Rome and Egypt"]; asks him to send it to them and let the London Library know. Loves reading about the classics, such as books by Grote and Ferrero, when he is writing himself; supposes it is a sign of growing older that he does not then feel inclined to read the classics themselves. Attempts being made to buy Coleridge's cottage at Nether Stowey; he himself does not 'value his poems quite enough... to condone him, as a man'. They are reading [Thomas Jefferson] Hogg's life of Shelley; Hogg was a 'wonderfully clever man' and it is a 'marvellous picture of Shelley'. Withers is getting 'very angry and blunt with Philipson' [over Florence Trevelyan's will]; will write to him when he gets an answer from Sir [Arthur] Middleton.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Is 'distressed' that Elizabeth is 'laid up'; hopes she is feeling better; she must be careful about travelling but hopes she can get to the sea when the weather is better. Sir George had a chill last night but is better this morning. Finds Mary a good companion, and she can amuse herself; she has started a letter to Elizabeth and has a 'high opinion' of her nurse, who she says 'keeps Julian in very good order'. They have been reading "The Roman Journals of [Ferdinand] Gregorovius' which is 'interesting and amusing', and have just sent it back to the London Library; it would be good to read in bed. Asks if there is any chance of getting Nurse Godwin at once; sure Elizabeth needs someone to look after her and 'however good dear Bob is, he is not a nurse!'.

London Library - Is under great pressure from the rebuilding project; the library is practicing strict economy and they are not able to subscribe to the bibliography.

[Archibald] Wavell 'must have been thinking of Procopius's history of the Gothic wars in Italy'; Belisarius 'his hero, was a great general' who 'like Wavell [drove] the Vandals out of Africa and Carthage'. Has never read Procopius, who was a friend of Belisarius, but believes he was 'a very good historian'; the phrase Julian quotes may be there. There is 'an account of it all in Gibbon ["Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire"] and in [Thomas] Hodgkin's history ["Italy and her Invaders"]. Also hears that [Robert] Graves, the poet, has written 'a very good historical novel about Belisarius', which he expects Wavell has read. Might get the 1886 translation of Procopius by A[ubrey] Stewart, listed in the London Library catalogue, and try to find the phrase, or send the book to Julian if he 'would take care of it'; meanwhile, he will look in Gibbon and Hodgkin. Bessie has gone to London today and will see Ursula.