King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Trevelyan for granting permission to use his translation of Sophocles' "Antigone": it is just right for the purpose, and Sheppard has 'always ranked it very high'; when he saw it acted by the girls of Hawnes School near Bedford fifteen months ago he was 'delighted'. Glad that Trevelyan agrees with him on the interpretation of [line 523, "οὔτοι συνέχθειν, ἀλλὰ συμφιλεῖν ἔφυν"], which he thinks expresses the 'most important part of the play'. Will go through the text carefully before printing and let Trevelyan know if he thinks of anything else, as well as showing him the introduction. Has just heard from May Lowes Dickinson that she and her sister are very pleased with Trevelyan's poem about [their brother] Goldie; Sheppard did not know it had been printed [in the "New Statesman"] but is pleased that it has; Maynard [Keynes] showed it him a while ago, and they 'agreed that it was very beautiful and true'.
Letters of 15 Mar. 1906 and 26 June 1908 accompanied by letters from J. T. Sheppard dated Aug. 2 1903 and 29 Mar. 1906 with the draft of a reply on the verso on one, with a letter from Sheppard to Henry Cholmondeley Jackson dated 8 Jan. 1949, and a draft of a letter from Henry Jackson to [Sir Donald?] MacAlister dated 17 March 1906.
King's College, Cambridge. - Has returned Bob's MS [of his translation of Aeschylus' "Agamemnon"] with a 'long letter' [21/9]: hopes these arrived safely. The more he thinks about it, the more he wants to perform on Bob's translation: can see that this is a issue for Bob, as they could not publish the entirety of the work; however, the stage version would also be used in schools, so Bob 'will have an influence on the way G[ree]k is done' which is 'not unimportant'. Regarding terms, the Greek Play Committee only want themselves to 'keep down expenses' and do the thing well, but they also do not want to ask Bob to 'sacrifice [his] rights as author'. Comments on a reading in the "Eumenides". Asks Bob to let him know as soon as possible if he is willing to let them perform his version.
Kings College, Cambridge. - Thanks Gow for his article.
King's College, Cambridge. - Sorry to 'bombard' Bob: has seen Mr Bowes of Bowes & Bowes, the firm which usually publishes their acting editions, who says he cannot advise about printing until he knows whether Bob is going to do the whole translation. Asks if Bob can say as soon as possible: will hold off if he cannot decide yet, but it would be a 'great convenience' to be able to start printing; wants to know whether he can use Bob's "Agamemnon", cut as he has suggested [see 20/9], though modifications are possible as long as the length is not altered much and the 'musical scheme remains the same', and whether Bob will translate the parts of the "Choephoroe" and "Eumenides" needed. Also asks whether he has Bob's consent to negotiate with Bowes, or some other publisher; will submit any agreement to him for approval. Hopes that the effect of this abridged text on Bob's complete "Agamemnon" would be good; thinks that, with [Armstrong] Gibb's music, the 'abbreviated "Oresteia" has a good chance of being produced in both Greek and English, and hopes to do so himself one day at Cambridge. Would be a 'great help' to have Bob's estimate of when he could have the "Choephoroe" and "Eumenides" ready; would like to have the whole thing published in the autumn, if it can be done. It would be in a paper cover, with stage directions at a bare minimum and just a page at the beginning for Bob's 'editorial note' as it is necessary to keep costs down. Willing to meet Bob on 'every point of detail' to get his translation. Adds a note to say that Bowes thinks it possible that Macmillans might involve themselves in publication.
As from Worcester College, Oxford; on headed notepaper for The Manor House, Garsington, Oxford. - Has considered Bob's suggestions [regarding the text of Aeschylus's "Oresteia", which Bob has translated and Sheppard is planning a production of]: explains which lines he is prepared to keep and which he will continue to cut; it is a 'great concession to keep so much'. His new thoughts on the "Eumenides" chorus, since [Armstrong] Gibbs says he can do better musically with the 'shortened chorus'. Likes Bob's version of "Cho[ephoroe]" 180. Bowes and Bowes will publish from the Greek Play Committee, with printing at the University Press; it will cost five shillings and 1350 copies need to be sold to recoup expenses; this does not seem likely, but it should 'interest a lot of people'. Proofs should come soon; is going to Brittany at the end of the week, but supposes he will receive them safely there; suggests having proofs sent to both Bob and Sheppard, and for Bob to send on his copy with 'remarks and corrections', with Sheppard responsible for the Greek text. Gibb's music only needs 'exact correspondence' for some choral passages; some differences between the published and acting may be necessary here, but this can be arranged in consultation in October. They must aim to publish in November, with advanced proof copies in October.
Grand Hotel du Kélenn, Carantec (Finistère). - Will be at this address until 25 September. Has asked Bowes to send proofs [of Bob's Aeschylus translation] to Bob and to himself; asks which of them should receive the other's corrected proof and send both back to Bowes. Bob should send the manuscript of his "Choephoroe" translation to Bowes when it is finished, who will hand it to the [Cambridge University] Press; also the "Eumenides" in due course. Feels 'a long way off' but needed to do some work and rest. [Armstrong] Gibbs played some of his music to him recently; thinks it is 'very good', though fears Gibbs's treatment of the Greek metres sometimes differs from Bob's. Thinks they should go ahead with the printing of the 'acting edition', and meet up with Gibbs in October to discuss how the text and music can work together. Asks in a postscript whether Bob has seen Gilbert Murray's "Agamemnon"; thinks it 'very Murrayesque', and that he has some 'very good ideas' about the play but his translation is 'not a patch' on Bob's.
Hotel du Kélenn, Carantec (Finistère). - Thanks Bob for his letter. Necessary to print [Bob's translation of Aeschylus' "Oresteia"] at once: the proofs must be ready for rehearsals next term, and he also wishes to send advance copies to schoolmasters before Christmas to try and get them to read this 'shortened "Oresteia"' with Bob's version to sixth-formers. Thinks the best plan is for Bob to send his "Choephoroe" to Bowes, keeping lines which had previously been cut if necessary. Recommends that Bob be as 'frank & simple as possible' in his translation of λιψουρία [desire to make water]; thinks they 'ought to make the nurse quite broad', and she will have a 'little folk tune in the orchestra' [music composed by Armstrong Gibbs]. Encourages Bob to get on with the "Eumenides"; will not object to use of Verrall if Bob does not; Verrall's version will 'not clash badly' with Bob's, and 'it's rather nice' to include his work. [D. W.?] Lucas is helping him with the Greek proofs; Sheppard thinks that Aeschylus would understand the point of the 'apostolic combination'. So they should certainly use Verrall if that would 'relieve the strain'. Is sorry to be so pressing. Is coming back at the end of September: they must meet 'immediately' if possible; suggests the weekend of 10 October. Wants Gibbs to be there as well. Tells Bob in a postscript to write to him at King's after 18 September, as he is 'going to wander in Brittany' for a while'.
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'.
Postmarked Dinard. - Thanks Bob for his card; will be at 46 Gordon Square at 2 pm on Friday; hopes they will find the house [Maynard Keynes's house] open. They will need a piano if [Armstrong] Gibbs comes, and might go to the O. &. C. [Oxford and Cambridge] Musical Club in Bedford Square. Is engaged for dinner at 7 pm, but they should have had time for 'good work'.
King's Coll[ege] Camb[ridge]. - Thanks Bob for [the "Choephoroe" proof?]; has accepted all of his suggestions except 'about Agt's [?Aegisthus's conquests?]. Thinks Verrall [see 21/14] 'fits in quite well'
110 Weston Rd, Gloucester. - He owes Bessie a letter, not vice versa: note to her originally enclosed with this letter. Trevelyan may use Luce's poem "Faith" however he likes for "Abinger Harvest". However, Luce's sister Ethel wrote in March that she had sent the poem to a friend who is Professor of English at Goucher College and edits a paper by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, who may also wish to publish it; asks if this would be acceptable. Is very glad Trevelyan is printing more of his "Reminiscences". Hopes it will not annoy him if Luce sends his criticisms to Rex [Warner], who will learn from them. Is getting on slowly with "Old Burma". Has just spent a good week in Painswick with 'a tipsy carpenter and a nosy butcher'. Is sorry to hear of Sturge Moore's illness. Has Sheppard's "Aeschylus, the Prophet of Greek Freedom" but has not yet read it. Will let Trevelyan know if he or Teetee come up to London. Sends regards to Miss Simpkins.
King's Coll[ege] Camb[ridge]. - Thanks Bob for the "Choephoroe" proof; he is 'wonderfully quick', and that they are in 'good time' to get the 'whole thing' [the "Oresteia"] printed. Thinks the translation is 'quite excellent'.
Commenting on the flysheet tentatively supporting plan "A."
King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for his 'delightful versions' [translations in the latest "From the Shiffolds"] and 'kind thoughts'; values both very much.
King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for his 'Christmas gift of poetry' [this year's "From the Shiffolds"], which gave him 'much pleasure' especially the poem about Goldie [Lowes Dickinson]. Is 'so glad' Bob wrote that.
Postmarked Carantec. - Has received Bob's letter and proof [of "Agamemnon"]no further post here as he leaves on Friday. Has decided to return to England on 24 September; asks Bob to arrange a meeting with Armstrong Gibbs, giving his address, either at Dorking or 46 Gordon Square [Maynard Keynes's House], where Sheppard will be from 24-30 September. Thinks the "Agamemnon" looks 'very good'; tells Bob to hold up [the printing of the] "Choephoroe" if he likes; he should tell [George Brimley] Bowes.
Bowes & Bowes, 1 Trinity Street, Cambridge, England. - With further reference to Trevelyan's letter of 14 September and their reply of the 16th, have just heard from Mr [J. T.] Sheppard who asks them not to send [Trevelyan's translation of Aeschylus's] "Choephoroe to the printer until he has seen Trevelyan about 'certain points in the "Agamemnon"', and that he expects to do this on 24 September. As Sheppard instructs, they return the first half of the M.S.. Trevelyan will 'doubtless' settle with Sheppard about the extra lines he wishes to insert. Sheppard is using the Oxford Classical Text, which will be printed side by side with Trevelyan's translation; an example is included as demonstration [no longer present]. Thanks Trevelyan for returning the proofs of the "Agamemnon" to Sheppard; they expect to hear from Sheppard, and receive the translation of the whole "Choephoroe" from Trevelyan, in about a week. A postscript notes that they have just received Trevelyan's letter of 16 September, with the rest of the "Choephoroe"; they will keep this for the weekend as the 'present writer' wishes to read it, as he has read the first part and the "Agamemnon" with 'great pleasure'; will send both parts back early next week.
3 press clippings, Jan-Apr 1921: piece on Aeschylus' "Oresteia", put on as the Cambridge Greek Play, by its director J. T. Sheppard from the "Cambridge Review"; brief note from the "Holborn Review" of the text of the trilogy, as presented at Cambridge, with facing English translation by Trevelyan; 'Editorial Notes' from the "Holborn Review" comparing lines from Trevelyan's translation with that of Gilbert Murray.
24 press clippings (plus a few duplicates) , mostly reviews of Trevelyan's full translation of the "Oresteia", Jan 1923-Nov/Dec 1923, from: the "Scotsman"; the "Daily Herald" (two copies); the "Aberdeen Journal"; the "Guardian" (two copies); the "Times" (also reviewing a Loeb Library translation of the "Suppliant Maidens" etc by H. Weir Smyth and a verse translation of Aeschylus by G. M. Cookson), with a following letter by J. T. Sheppard correcting some points about the performances by Cambridge University students; the ""Sheffield Daily Telegraph"; the "Saturday Review"; the "Daily News"; the "Manchester Guardian"; the "New Statesman" (two copies; by 'J.T.S' - J. T. Sheppard - which also reviews G. M. Cookson's "Four Plays of Aeschylus"); the "Saturday Review" (selection of Trevelyan's translation as a prize in a chess competition); the "Highway" (two copies); the "Hallam Review" (also reviewing "Translation and Translations" by J. P. Postgate); the "Yorkshire Post"; the "Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury"; the "Educational Times"; the "Glasgow Herald"; the "Isis" (a review of Gilbert Murray's translation of the "Choephoroe", comparing it favourably with Trevelyan's); piece by Gilbert Murray from the "Nation & Athenaeum", "Thoughts on Verse Translation from the Greek", which mentions Trevelyan's work; the "Observer (also reviewing Murray's "Chorephoroe"); the "Classical Review" (two copies: with other classical translations); the "London Mercury". Also from this span of dates is a piece from the "Daily News", 30 Jan 1923, regarding an argument between Lascelles Abercrombie and Sir Charles Walston on whether Darwin's "Origin of Species" can be considered a work of art.
6 press clippings, June-July, relating to the performance on tour of the "Oresteia" in Trevelyan's translation by the Balliol Players. Most report a special performance given at Thomas Hardy's house, Max Gate in Dorchester, to Hardy and his wife, Granville Barker and his wife, and Sidney Cockerell. From: the "Times"; the "Daily News"; the "Daily Mail"; the "Daily Chronicle"; the "Westminster Gazette".
Press clipping, 21 Jan 1926, from the "Oxford Magazine", reviewing E. S. Hoernle's "Choric Songs from Aeschylus"; Hoernle criticises Trevelyan's translation in the introduction.
21 printed order forms by the University Press of Liverpool for Trevelyan's translation of the "Oresteia".
Most press cuttings sent to Trevelyan by Durrant's Press Cuttings.
King's College, Cambridge. - 'Paddy Hadley, the composer' has 'taken a few liberties' with Trevelyan's translation when working it into the music for Sheppard's production of the "Antigone"; quotes Hadley on the alterations he has made. Hadley and the printers are keen Trevelyan should know this, and therefore Sheppard is writing to inform him, but he has assured them Trevelyan will not be angry. Natural that Hadley, since he is writing modern music, has taken 'much greater liberties with the metrical schemes' than Trevelyan.
Splendid; will go ahead [with negotiating with Bowes for the publication of Bob's version of Aeschylus' "Oresteia"]. Responds to some of Bob's reaction to his proposed cuts; wants him to criticise where he thinks the 'effect would be impaired', though it is important not to increase the length. Would be 'convenient' if Bob could return the [Karl Wilhelm] Dindorf [text of Aeschylus] if he has 'got the cuts clear'; wants a 'fair clear text to doctor for the Printer', but can do without if necessary.
King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for his letter; was sorry to miss him; glad he approved of the performance [of Aeschylus's "Oresteia", the Cambridge Greek Play]; they 'owe a lot' to him for his translation. Asks if he is willing to help with a film of the Greek Play, which it has been suggested would be a 'valuable permanent record' and also a 'good piece of propaganda for Classics'. Mr [H. J.] Hands, director of education at Chiswick, says that if the film were good he would use it in schools, and 'so would many others'; they would therefore probably soon recoup the cost. Had to decide 'in a moment, and decided to try the adventure'. Gaumont therefore took the photographs and are preparing the film. Sheppard is 'personally responsible' for the initial expenses, estimated at about two hundred pounds, of which they have already raised around a hundred pounds and expect to find the rest without too much difficulty; wonders if Bob might contribute. If the money is recouped, all subscriptions will be repaid; if not the money will be lost; if a profit is made, the subscribers will meet to decide what should be done. Bob should not 'hesitate' to refuse if he thinks 'the whole thing ridiculous': Sheppard will not be 'at all annoyed'.
King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for his [translation of] "Oedipus at Colonus", which 'delights' him; is 'proud' that Bob has quoted him in the preface.
King's College Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for the proofs [of the "Oresteia"], which he has dealt with; is keeping the 'disputed lines' and using Bob's version. Sends his draft for the 'Title Page etc.'; asks Bob to return it at once, putting in a sentence about his translation.
King's College Cambridge. - Informing Bob that a 'remarkable performance' will take place on 25 February at the Chiswick Empire, 'under the auspices of the Chiswick Education Committee and Sir Oswald Stoll'; should have got Bob's permission before arranging it, but it has 'only just reached the vast proportions' suggesting that he, as translator, should be brought in. The original plan was to put on the Greek Play film [see 21/22] for an audience of students; Sheppard then 'undertook to lecture on it'; next he thought of having recitals of extracts from Bob's translation; next 'costume seemed essential'; now it has turned into a production of most of the "Agamemnon", and the latter part of the "Choephoroe", with expenses paid by Chiswick. The seats will be 'very cheap', so he hopes there will be a good audience; thinks the Press will pay attention. The Film Fund will be paid for hiring out the film; hopes the Greek Play Fund will profit through further sales of the acting edition; it has done well and almost paid for itself, though the main fund is still short by a hundred and sixty pounds. This letter is therefore a 'belated request' to use Bob's translation; is sure it will 'act well' and be a good advertisement of 'honest scholarly methods in translation'. Will not be acted by the same people but Sheppard will produce and 'follow the main lines of the Greek [language] production'. Hopes that Bob will come to see it, and bring guests; he should write for complimentary tickets to H. J. Hands, Director of Education, at the Town Hall in Chiswick, mentioning that he is the author of the translation.; he should also let 'everyone know' about the production, saying that the theatre holds two thousand people, and the seats will be cheap: 'old Vic sort of prices'.
King's College Cambridge. Is 'delighted & proud' to have a presentation copy of Bob's [translation of Aeschylus's] "Oresteia", and 'much flattered' by the inscription. Very glad that Bob has gone on to publish the whole thing [after the edited version published in connection with Sheppard's Cambridge Greek Play production]; it is a 'great achievement'.
The Shiffolds. - Now back from Edinburgh, where he 'spent a few very interesting days staying with the Professor of Chemistry, [George] Barger, who is half Dutch, an old Cambridge man'. The Toveys do not have enough room in their house for guests, but Robert 'saw plenty of them, which was a great pleasure'. The concert went well: the [Reid] Orchestra is said to have 'played better than it has ever done, and the orchestra seemed to enjoy the extract from the opera [The Bride of Dionysus, and recalled Tovey several times']. If [Thomas] Beecham 'had not gone bankrupt, he would probably have produced the opera this year'; instead they will 'have to wait, for operas are expensive things'.
On returning home, found Julian's [whooping] cough much better; he is 'thin, and gets tired easily' but generally 'fairly well and cheerful'. Robert reads history, poetry, and the Bible with him; they 'don't read the bible at his school, so it is as well he should at home, and he certainly enjoys it a great deal', though Robert sees 'no signs as yet of his having a religious turn of mind'. Bessie is reading [Kipling's] Captains Courageous to Julian, who 'likes it very much'.
Robert will go to Cambridge next month to see the Oresteia performed [in J. T. Sheppard's Greek production; Robert's translation was available for the audience]. A letter from Robert's father to Julian came today; Julian will open it tomorrow on his birthday.
The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Hopes Julian [currently suffering from whooping cough] is 'now beginning to cough less'; two nights ago he had his worst coughing fit yet, 'but that did not last'; Robert will still be glad when he has quite recovered. Had an interesting time in Edinburgh: the opera [The Bride of Dionysus, with libretto by Robert and music by Donald Tovey] 'sounded very well, and people seemed to like it'. Mrs Tovey seemed well, and 'their adopted child is evidently a godsend. It is quite a fine child, and [Grettie Tovey] seems quite sensible with it'.
Is going to Cambridge on Saturday to see the production of Aeschylus [The Oresteia, in J. T. Sheppard's Greek production]. Expects he will go abroad with [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson on 15 March, ending up in Florence, and returning in early May. Bessie will soon write about her plans. Is just finishing the 'story of Abraham [from the Bible, see 46/264] with Julian'; they also read some history and poetry together. Julian is 'going to read Treasure Island to himself now'.
Sends love to his father and to Booa [Mary Prestwich].
The Shiffolds, Holmbury, St. Mary, Dorking. - They were 'very sad to hear of Lord Bryce's death'; is sure his father 'must be feeling the loss deeply'. It is good that he died 'with his energies unimpaired to the very end'. Robert's only memory of him is of 'his visit to Wallington, perhaps twelve years ago' when he and [Donald] Tovey 'sat up with him an hour or two in the billiard room'; a 'memorable evening' for them both, as they 'led him on to talk on many things, which he did most delightfully'. In turn, although he 'professed to be quite unmusical', got Tovey to talk about 'musical theory and history', and took 'a keen intellectual interest in it all'.
Julian returns to school tomorrow; he is 'quite well again [after influenza]' and cheerful. On 25th Feb, the 'Cambridge people' who acted the Aeschylus plays [J. T. Sheppard's production of the Oresteia in 1921] are performing them again in a London theatre [The Chiswick Empire; see 21/23], but this time in Robert's English translation instead of in Greek. This 'might be quite interesting', and he will put off his trip to Italy till after the performance. They need to leave out 'most of the long choruses, and a good deal else' to fit it into three hours. Has now finished his complete translation of the plays. Bessie is well; Robert sends love to his mother.
Review of Trevelyan's translation of Socrates' Ajax by J. T. Sheppard, "Athenaeum", 30 Jan 1920; review of Lascelles Abercrombie's "The Art of Wordsworth" by Desmond MacCarthy, "Sunday Times", 8 June 1952; obituary for Desmond MacCarthy, "The Times", 9 June 1952; obituary for Desmond MacCarthy, with an 'appreciation' by 'C.V.W', "Manchester Guardian", 9 June 1952; piece on MacCarthy by G. M. Trevelyan, "Sunday Times", 15 June 1952; "Marginal Comment", on Desmond MacCarthy, by Harold Nicolson, "Spectator", 20 June 1952; Reader's tributes to Desmond MacCarthy by Martyn Skinner, Oxford and T. F. Harvey Jacob, Waterford, unknown publication and date.