Showing 54 results

12A Tite St., Chelsea, SW(3). - Is in London, staying with his old Oxford friend [Philip] Heseltine [the composer Peter Warlock]; had hoped he might be able to earn some money through the Round Table Conference, but everyone involved already has secretaries and so on. Asks if Trevelyan might be in town as he would love to see them; much as he would like to come to the country his only chance of work is to stay in London 'and be a bore to people'. They [he and the Germanova/Kalitinsky family?] have moved to the new flat.

Hears Julian is going to Paris, so may see [Maria] Germanova; if he does, wonders if he could, through 'tactful leading questions', find out how her finances and ability to pay for the flat stand; he has been paying the whole rent for about the last year, but she has said that after the marriage of Andreyusha [Kalitinsky, her son], he would not need to do so, as the new bride's father would give the young people enough money to be independent. [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy need therefore no longer send a large part of his salary to support Andreyusha, but instead could pay for the flat. She may not need any help from Bob, but he feels uneasy; Suhrawardy's last letter said that he had 'never been so poor as now' so perhaps he is sending more than he can really afford to Germanova. Does not want them to be in any monetary distress, but it is difficult to write about all this directly to her. Went to see Udai Shankar yesterday, and 'delight[s] in him, and the Indian music as much as ever'. Hopes to see Julian and Ursula before too long.

28, Rue de la Tourelle, Boulogne sur Seine. - Looking forward to seeing Trevelyan next week; Madame G[ermanova] has a longstanding commitment to go with her son to see a friend; will try her best to come back. Is busy working as his book is due in October. Will be very glad to see Clifford Allen and his wife again. May not be in Paris in September, as he feels he must go to Spain to see the events he reads of himself.

Just returned from a visit to Madame G[ermanova]'s son Andrew in Switzerland; a wire has come from [Georges] Pitoëff saying that [Tolstoy's] "Cadavre Vivant" is not to be performed so Germanova is not going to England. She greatly regrets that she will not be able to visit the Shiffolds and make Mrs Trevelyan's acquaintance. They drove 1660 kilometres in Suhrawardy's new car; Dr Kidwall came with them to Bâle, from where he went to Lausanne, and joined them on the way back. Would love to come over to England for a few days, but it does not seem possible at the moment. Asks when Trevelyan will be going to Italy.

I Tatti, Ponte a Mensola (sotto Settignagno). - Has just arrived from Paris. Mary [Berenson] is still 'very much an invalid', but B.B. and Nicky [Mariano] seem all right. Saw [Maria] Germanova in Paris, who hopes to see Julian if he comes over; [her son] Andryusha is arriving today he would see him. Also saw Betty Chetwynd, who still seems 'rather an invalid', and has to take things very easily; she is going to her mother at Nice for three weeks on Sunday and says if Julian and Ursula would like to use her flat when in Paris they need only go and tell the concierge; they need not write to her beforehand. Discovered that the friend of [Jean] Marchand who is so ill lives in the same house, so went to see them and Marchand afterwards.

28, Rue de la Tourelle, Boulogne s/S[eine]. - Madame Germanova's theatre has failed because of the crash on Wall Street, so she is coming home to France. He and her son Andrew are going to meet her at Cherbourg tomorrow. Is very glad that they will spend Easter together, but this is bad for her career, though he thinks she might not be 'quite the person for the States'. Rexie [his dog] has come home, so he does not see Ellen Vinaver so much; will pass on Trevelyan's compliments when he does. Has only just heard from the agent at Hyderabad that he will receive his January allowance, at the end of this week.

Boulogne s/ Seine. - Does not know whether he can come to Italy yet as his quarterly allowance from Hyderabad is late - '[p]eople in the Nation States are so slack and unmindful' - and he has debts to pay off; in addition, Professor Kalitinsky is trying to defer a recall to Prague so that he can look after the dog. If Trevelyan has to leave at the beginning of February, as he wrote from Berlin, Suhrawardy had better wait for him in Paris. Julian has been for lunch and met Kalitinsky, his son Andrei, and Reksusha [the dog]; Suhrawardy then saw him again with two Cambridge friends in a café in town. Has had great news from Madame Germanova whose performance at her theatre as Masha, in [Chekhov's] "Three Sisters" in English, went very well. Was looking forward to hearing the new version of [Trevelyan's] Sulla. Trevelyan is the kindest of his friends; very much hopes to get to Italy to see him. A postscript on a separate sheet describes a meeting with a friend of Cheng Sheng, Lung Wo; he looks very young but is apparently an admiral of the Chinese fleet and is travelling with his wife and children on behalf of the Nankin government. He is anxious to meet people sympathetic to the Chinese nationalists, and Suhrawardy wonders if Trevelyan could see him and introduce him to meet Waley and Lowes Dickinson, or perhaps a Labour Party member who likes China. He talks English better than Cheng Sheng, though he has a very soft voice; seems a nice, kind man, though who knows what he might have done during the revolution.

If Julian is back in Paris, he should try to see [Bernard] Berenson at once, as he will be leaving soon. Also hopes he will soon see [Hasan] Suhrawardy, who has been back in Paris for a while. Wishes that Suhrawardy could come to England, as he is not sure when he himself will go abroad but it might not be until almost Christmas or later. Fears Suhrawardy might not have enough money to visit, and would be glad to send him some but does not like to ask, especially as he sent some for Andrusha [Kalitinsky]'s expenses at university in Zurich. Might be best to wait until he can see Suhrawardy in Paris, but would be glad to hear how he is. Would be delighted to put up Julian at any time. Donald [Tovey] has just come with [his wife] Clara and a nurse, and will stay for at least two weeks; he is much better, but not well enough to return to Edinburgh this winter. Bessie is well, and C.A. [Clifford Allen] has recovered. Is trying to write a 'prose story, having renounced the Muses for the time at least', but expects they will come back to 'torment' him again; writing prose is 'much more fun than writing verse'', but dialogue is 'the devil'.

Originally enclosing a 'rag of a News-sheet, which has been practically edited by C.A. [Clifford Allen] for the P.M. [Ramsay MacDonald] under very difficult circumstances'; for example, he 'could not get the P.M. to improve his obscure and somewhat crude article'. It may be a 'beginning of something valuable'; it is mainly 'addressed to Labour people'. Bessie is writing to [Maria] Germanova and hopes she can come over with Andreyusha [Kalitinski, Germanova's son]; unfortunately he will have to be in Edinburgh from about 18 March until the end of the month; everything is going well there at present [re the production of his and Donald Tovey's opera the "Bride of Dionysus"] as far as he knows. Francis Birrell has asked for Julian's address, as a young cousin of his is studying at the Sorbonne and thinks it would be good if they could meet. Julian's picture is now hung up in the library, and looks good there. Asks if Julian has borrowed a 'small "Tristan Shandy" and "[The Brothers] Karamazov". Will send his own new book ["Rimeless Numbers"] soon.

c/o Conte Umberto Morra di Lavriano, Villa Metelliano, Cortona, prov. di Arezzo, Italy. - He and [Umberto] Morra send best wishes for the New Year. Has been here a week after a fortnight at I Tatt; Mary [Berenson] was 'very ill', but seems to be recovering; it will however be a 'long illness'. Only saw her twice, for a couple of minutes; she was 'very charming' and asked after Julian. B.B. [Bernard Berenson] was 'subdued, but very sympathetic'. There were no dinner guests, so most nights Nicky [Mariano] read aloud "Anna Karenina", which he found very fine and much 'more subtle' than he, or B.B., remembered. Aubrey and Lina [Waterfield] were 'a bit tired out by their two pupils'; they and [their daughter] Kinta all asked after Julian and seemed to have enjoyed his visit. Hears from Bessie that Julian's show opens on 15 January; if he stays in England until the end of the month Bob will be sure to be back at home. If C.A. [Clifford Allen] goes to Paris, will try to meet him there. Expects he will stop for two or three days at I Tatti when B.B. returns around the 20th, then come back home. Though it is very cold, has been out in the hills every afternoon trying to start a long poem. The "Nation" have at last published his 'blasphemous poem'. He and Morra read Shakespeare, Ariosto and Tasso in the evening; Makalé [the dog] barks on these moonlit nights, which makes him 'open the window and shout at him in English and Italian'. Sends love to [Maria] Germanova, [Alexandr] Kalitinski and Andr[usha Kalitinski] if Julian sees them. Is going to Florence to celebrate the new year with Alda [Anrep], Nicky etc. Glad Julian is seeing Millet; John Walker will probably be in Paris for a few days so Bob has given him Julian's address, but explained he is likely to be very busy; got to like Walker, who will probably stay at the [Hotel] Londres, 'very much this time'.

Addressed to Julian at 7 Villa Brune, Paris XIVme, France. - Expects he will come to Paris on Wednesday 3 January, but perhaps not until the next day; had better stay at the [Hotel de] Londres. Will leave on the evening of Saturday 6 January. Hopes to see the Kalitinskys [Aleksandr, his son Andryusha, and wife Maria Germanova] and [Jean] Marchand 'if he is visible'. Betty Muntz comes to Paris early on Saturday morning. He and Bessie are having 'a very pleasant Christmas with the Archibalds [Dorothy and George]; all send love.

Hotel Cavour, via del Proconsolo, Florence; addressed to Julian at 7 Villa Brune, Paris XIV, France. - Wants to send a book to Andryusha but cannot remember the Kalitinskis' address now they have moved; also asks how to spell 'Andryusha'. He and Betty [Muntz] are going to [Umberto] Morra's on Saturday, and then to Assisi, but Julian should write to this address. They found B.B. [Bernard Berenson] and Nicky [Mariano] still in Italy, but they have gone to Hyeres now. Had a 'very enjoyable time at Paris'. Has not yet seen the Waterfields [Lina and Aubrey], as they have gone to Aulla for a few days.

I Tatti, Settignano, Florence; addressed to Julian at 7 Villa Brune, Paris XIVme, forwarded to the Shiffolds . - Asks Julian to remind him of[Maria] Germanova's address, as he wants to send a 'book of Jean [Marchand?]'s to Andryusha [Kalitinski]', also asks whether he should address it to 'Andrey' or 'André'. May spend a few days in Paris around 24 or 25 February, or go straight home. Everyone at I Tatti sends love. Bessie hopes Julian will be able to come before the Busch [Quartet?] concerts.

Addressed to Julian at 7 Villa Brune, Paris XIVme . - Will arrive at the Gare du Nord at 17.40 next Thursday and go to the [Hotel de] Londres. Tells Julian not to 'trouble' to meet him; they could meet at the hotel or Julian's place later for dinner, unless he is engaged; Bob will leave on Saturday evening. If possible, he would like to see the Kalitinskis [Aleksandr, his son Andreyusha and his wife Maria Germanova] on Friday, since Betty [Muntz] arrives in Paris on Saturday morning and 'will want to see pictures etc'.

Bolleystr[asse] 36, Zürich. - Asks if it would be possible to keep the two thousand francs which Trevelyan lent him as capital for his Swiss naturalisation, which is turning out to be a 'very long and difficult business' and will last about another year. Knows how much Trevelyan has already done for him, and would never ask to keep the money so long if naturalisation were not so important.. His work at the Poly[technikum] becomes ever more interesting and difficult. Hopes to have finished his studies in two years; is impatient to start a 'life of [his] own', but time goes very fast now, with 'all the work and gliding [ski-ing?] and rowing'. Has a very interesting summer job in a factory in Paris. Hopes that Trevelyan will come to visit; would much like to see him and Julian again.

Bolleystr[asse] 36, Zürich. - Thanks Trevelyan for lending him the money for his [Swiss] naturalisation, which is very hard; has already had to go to Bern three times. Is trying to think of the process as 'sport' and enjoy it, but it matters very much, and also interferes with his work. Glad that Julian and his wife are happy and would like to meet them. Hopes to be able to come to Paris for a couple of weeks at Christmas, and to see Trevelyan then.

Bolleystrasse 36, Zürich. - Is applying for Swiss naturalisation, in order to get a job after he finishes his studies; it is 'practically impossible for a man with a Nansen passport to find some work nowadays'. Has found a way to do this which his parents can afford, but Swiss law says only those who possess at least two thousand Swiss francs can be naturalised, which they cannot get together. Asks if Trevelyan could lend him this sum until the formalities are over, which he hopes will be by July 1935. Knows how much Trevelyan has already done for him and his family and is much embarrassed to ask again for help, but does not see any other way.

Mrs Germanova is very ill with a 'spasm at the place where she was operated'; this is very painful and prevents her from eating or drinking so she is very weak; this is why she has not replied to Trevelyan's letter, but she asks the nurse to say how glad she was to receive it. She asks him to keep the Russian typescript [of her memoirs], as this is the safest place for it; but she would like to read the English translation, not for the language, as she is sure with Trevelyan correcting it it will be 'perfect', but as she is afraid the 'former translator has changed some ideas or facts'. It is however not the time to send typescripts between countries. She sends her love to Trevelyan and his wife, and to Julian and Ursula. Her son and his wife are in New York already, and seem 'very hopefull and energetic'.

5 rue Denfort Rochereau, Boulogne S[ur]/S[eine]. - Is very 'touched and grateful' for the attention Bob has given to his book; is lucky that the [English] translation will be reviewed by Bob; begs him to be totally objective. Left the clinic [in Zurich] three weeks after her operation, stayed with Andrusha and his wife at their flat for a week, then travelled back to Paris. This was very tiring, but she wanted to get back to her husband and Rex [the dog], and did not want to tire Bev who was still suffering from jaundice. Aleksandr Petrovitch did not look well, after the worry about her operation, and living alone far from the rest of the family. She is still 'very weak', but feels much better than before the operation; hopes to be herself again in a few more weeks. Has had a letter from Bessie; asks Bob to 'kiss her' for her; she will reply soon. Is very sad she cannot go to Osny yet, since the weather is so 'tempting to go "ins Grüne"'.

Poetic epistle in the style of Pound's versions of Chinese poetry which refers to various aspects of the Trevelyans' life at Shif-fo [the Shiffolds], as well as to Suhrawardy's life at O'Ni [Osny]: for instance, Li'zu is Elizabeth Trevelyan, 'Ma'li and young Drus-sha' are Maria Germanova and her son Andrusha, while the 'heavy dog' Rex often appears in Suhrawardy's letters to Trevelyan.

Privatklinik Hirslanden, Zürich. - Will soon have an operation; is 'full of courage and hope' but it is still the time to 'review and arrange one's life'. Bob is very kind to her and takes trouble about her book of memoirs; she has written it for Andrusha [her son] and means to give it to him; in case the book is worth being published, asks Bob to talk to 'Roedker' [John Rodker], or ask the publisher to 'deal directly with Andrusha, if she is not there and able to do so herself. Entrusts her wish to Bob to give her 'author's wrights [rights]' to her son. Bob's 'friendship was sweet' to her.

Boulogne S[ur]/S[eine]. - Will be very good to see Bob soon. The orthodox Christmas will be on January 7, and the next day is sacred to the Virgin Mary; she will go to church those two mornings if she is well enough, but will keep the afternoons for Bob. This is their first Christmas Eve alone: they 'cannot not celebrate it', though it is the 'European' feast day, and they feel 'lonely without the young ones [their son and his wife]'. Sending Christmas and New Year wishes to the Trevelyans.

Postcard also signed by A[leksandr] Kalitinsky.

c/o Grindlays, 54 Parliament Street, London S.W.(1). - Has not written before: his plans kept changing due to his financial situation and work 'they are nagging' him for from India. Now realises he will not be able to join Trevelyan in Italy, as he needs to work at the British Museum; hopes he might learn more from Mr [Bernard] Berenson later. Arrived in London about nine days ago, though he knew 'the Round Table fellows' had left, to look up books; has been ill since with flu and malaria. Bessie kindly proposed a visit to the Shiffolds, but he was not well enough; hopes he will soon go and meet her sister. Saw Julian several times before leaving [Paris]; his party was very enjoyable and Andriusha [Kalitinsky] and 'Mme G[ermanova]'s fair-haired pupil' were in 'raptures' about it. Hears his friends are well, except that Rex [the dog] has been fighting and the Professor [Kalitinsky] has had flu. Is very lonely, and 'at the mercy of the little socialist journalist (Indian)' Trevelyan met with him. Currently staying at 9, Oxford Terrace but tells Trevelyan to write care of his bankers. Asks to be remembered kindly to Berenson, Miss [Nicky] Mariano, and 'Zoë M.' if he meets her.

14 rue Nungesser et Coli, Paris XVI. - Bob and Bessie are very kind to 'our young people'; thanks them very much. Andrusha got their letter yesterday, on his and his wife's return from their civil marriage. Does not think they will be back in Zurich until 20 Mar; will write to Bob when she knows definitely. Bev will be 'very happy and satisfied to have the Shakespeare'. Mrs Robinson [Bev's mother] arrived with her daughter and son arrived in Paris on Friday; they all came to tea, and Maria decorated the flat with spring flowers 'to meet our bride'. Andrusha came on Saturday with his friend; she did not get much sleep that night due to excitement. The necessary civil marriage took place in the morning, after which she gave Andrusha 'a glass of Champagne and a Russian 'pirujak' [gateau] and mandarines'. Her husband took Bev's family to the Russian church, while she accompanied the young couple and their witnesses. Describes the religious ceremony, which everyone found very touching and charming. Mrs Robinson then gave the family lunch at her hotel, and the young couple took a taxi to the Gare de l'Est at five.

14 rue Nungesser et Coli, Paris XVI. - Envies Bob greatly for going to Italy; hopes he will see 'more sun and sky, than in our north towns'; finds the cold without snow most depressing. Would very much like to 'breath[e] the perfume of our beloved and so much missed [Russian] snow!', which she remembers so vividly as she writes her memoirs, though Bob should not think she is 'indulging' in nostalgia, as she only uses what is 'essential to show... the course of [her] inner life'. She is writing the memoirs 'in the form of a letter to Andrusha [her son]'; it is a shame that Bob and Bessie cannot read it [as it is in Russian]. Has not had much news from Suhrawardy; hopes to hear on Saturday that he has reached India safely. Was 'very sad to part with him'; perhaps his father will come in the spring and bring Hasan Shahid with him. Thanks Bob for remembering about the flat; January 10 will suit her very well; thanks Bob for his kindness [helping her with the rent]. Andrusha seems 'in very good form' and his examination seems to been successful, though they will not know the results until 17 December.

14 rue Nungesser et Coli, Paris XVI. - Thanks Bob very much for the money he sent for the flat; she got it on 8 October and wrote to thank him at once, but has just found that letter 'forgotten in a book'; apologises. Has not been very well, and has had to stay in bed with her bad heart; has felt her burden and hates 'this forced laziness'. Is better now, and hopes this will last; she tries her best not to over-exert herself. Julian and Ursula have been to visit, and she was so glad she forgot she was ill while they were here. [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy will leave soon, so she is very sad; he is looking for a radio for them, which is very 'thoughtfull [sic] and nice of him'. Hopes he will come next spring with his father. Andrusha is sitting his examinations, and they think about him all the time. Asks how Bessy is; was 'mentalement [sic] writing her long letters' all the time she lay in bed; will write to her when Suhrawardy has left. He and Alex[andre] Petr[ovitch] send greetings to the Trevelyans.

14 rue Nungesser et Coli, Paris XVI. - Has hoped until the last moment for an '[acting] engagement or a miracle' to provide funds for paying for her flat so she is appealing to Trevelyan's 'kindness' and asking for help. As well as the rent, they have also been sent a bill for five hundred francs [see 23/56], and all the money she has she has already 'scraped together' for Andrusha's school expenses, which also must be paid this month; asks if Trevelyan could send her this money as well. Appreciates how kind the Trevelyans are to them. Hoped to see him when he came through Paris, but thinks he must be back at home by now. Andrusha has come for Easter, looking 'pale and thin', but is happy with the work he has done on a diesel motor; she is 'quite in wonder' that her 'little boy' is clever enough to design 'such a huge, com[p]licated thing'. [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy has written that he should reach Europe about 23 May; she is very happy her 'old, dear, quarrelsome friend' is coming and will stay for six months, which is a real 'piece of life', not just a visit.

26 rue de la Tourelle, Boulogne s[ur]/Seine. - Andrusha is writing to Trevelyan from Switzerland to ask him for help with his Swiss naturalisation, which is very important to them; would 'lighten [her] heart' to know he could work and earn money. She has given him the money he needs for the application, but it seems he also needs a guarantee of two thousand Swiss francs to be deposited under his name in a bank until the process is finished, which they hope will be in July 1935. Has made Andrusha write to Trevelyan about this himself as she wants him 'to become a man and to be responsible for himself', and knows how kind the Trevelyans are to them, but could not help writing herself as well on Andrusha's behalf.

Grand Hotel Pupp, Karlsbad. - Apologises for not replying sooner to thank Trevelyan for the 'many kindnesses' he has shown him this summer. Has been with his father, who came from India in August, seeing doctors in Paris, Vienna, and other European cities; they intend to leave 'this magnificent but boring place' at the end of the month, and travelling to England via Berlin, spending seven days in London in October. Is taking a cure for 'rheumatism & obesity'. It is a 'moving sight to witness the enormous crowds (mostly Jews) pacing the collonades [sic]' while taking the waters. Has been reading Eichendorff, and there are statues of Goethe everywhere. Apologises for not replying sooner to Julian, and encloses a note for him. Madame Germanova is alone in Paris 'keeping house for Rex' [their dog]; her husband [Aleksandr Kalitinsky] is in Prague and her son [Andrew] at school in Switzerland. Hopes the Trevelyans are well; asks if the new wing of their house is being built as they wanted. Was happy to hear of the success of Trevelyan's piece at the Masefields' and whether he is now working on his other piece, '?Wilmlowe'.

14 rue Nungesser et Coli, Paris 16. - Thanks Trevelyan very much for his cheque, which will pay for Andrusha's first semester [at the Politechnikum in Zurich]. Will be very happy to make [Bernard] Berenson's acquaintance, as will her husband. However, she really looks forward to the Trevelyans coming to Paris and to showing them their small flat. Asks to be remembered kindly to Mrs Trevelyan; she is grateful for all her kindness. Andrusha is 'full up' of his course: it is very 'moving' to see the beginning of this 'new course of life'.