Oxford University Press, Music Department (Editorial), 38A Soho Square, London, W.1. - Believes Trevelyan saw the proofs of the volume of essays and lectures by [Donald] Tovey, which is to be published by O.U.P. this year; is keen to find a 'more interesting title' than the present 'Essays and Lectures on Music', which is not only dull but risks confusion with Tovey's "Essays in Musical Analysis" series. Has been suggested that the essay "The Main Stream of Music" should give its name to the book, but this 'probably will not do' [in fact this was the title eventually used]. Encloses an uncorrected set of proofs [no longer present]; Trevelyan will see that the work will be published in one volume, not two as first planned; both he and [Geoffrey] Cumberlege would be very grateful if he can suggest anything. Is also consulting [Hubert] Foss on the subject.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Donald says he can manage some proofs, so asks Trevelyan to send the ones needing final revision only and they will see how they get on. He has done a couple of pieces already, such as the examination papers for Edinburgh this week, but he varies and Dr Basden is anxious that he 'should not be pressed in any way'. This is why she will not take up Trevelyan's kind proposal to come and help for the moment, as she feels Donald might push himself too hard. The doctor suggests going away for a change, but she does not want to until they can do without a nurse. Encloses [Hubert] Foss's letter and asks Trevelyan to answer it.; feels he will do this 'more indefinitely' than she will be able to. The Toveys wonder if the Trevelyans might be able to take them in for a while in November; the doctors suggest the sea but she feels a seaside hotel in November would be 'rather dreary' and she feels he needs 'a change of mental atmosphere as well as a change of climate'.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Always glad to hear from Bessie: her letters 'bring back many happy memories'. Apologises that the letter is not in her own hand: it is so difficult for her now that she hardly writes to anyone but John [Tovey]. He is on the India-Burma front, and finds the climate very trying but is otherwise fairly cheerful. The death of Donald [Charles Edward Tovey, her husband's nephew?] a 'great loss' to the family; Duncan [Tovey, another nephew?] is also unwell; Mollie [Tovey?] and family seem well, but she had hoped to see them here and a holiday and they were afraid to travel. Feels as if [Hubert] Foss has lost all interest in the biography [of Donald Tovey?] and will never finish it. Is glad Bessie has been able to have Julian and his family with her, and that the flying bombs have not been near. They have been fortunate [in Edinburgh] and quiet except for planes overhead. She goes out occasionally in fine weather, and has been on a few short drives.
39 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, 7. - Knows that Bessie will be glad to hear that Donald got through the winter very well; the mild weather was a great help. The Toveys had meant to leave Edinburgh yesterday, but Rugby broke up early due to illness and John came back with influenza (though not measles) so their departure has ben delayed; they hope to get away early next week. They are going to Barcelona, where Donald is playing on April 11; thinks they will go to Sussex in May as Donald is very interested in the new opera house at Glyndebourne. He is also playing at Belfast and Oxford, and his doctor wants him to take the waters somewhere as he is getting too heavy, which is bad for his heart. Tells Bessie not to send them 'any valuable manuscripts' at the moment; she will write when they are settled somewhere, or perhaps see each other when the Toveys are in Sussex. Bob will be glad that Mr [Hubert] Foss has been for nearly a week and has left with 'all the Essays ready to go into page proof' [Tovey's "Essays in Musical Analysis": she hopes they will be published in the autumn.
The White Gates, Dorking. - '[V]ery dear' of Bessy to write; wishes she could hear [his new 5th Symphony, to be performed that evening at the Albert Hall]; it is 'very quiet & not at all like the one before'. Thinks [Hubert] Foss did 'an almost impossible job very well'. They have had 'happy letters' from the Löwenbachs, who are in New York; [Jan] is 'quite well again', and writing for a Czech newspaper published there.
Essay about modern verse. Translation of Lucretius, "De Rerum Natura" 1.503ff. Discussion of 'a new poem by Mr [Robert] Bridges' ["Testament of Beauty"], which also brings in 'Mr [Lascelles] Abercrombie, Mr [Gordon] Bottomley, and Mr [W. B.] Yeats'; translations of Lucretius 1.570-580, 1.581-640, and 1.641ff, as well as a few pages draft of Trevelyan's "Meleager" written from other end in.
Inside cover lists 'Elthea boots' by [R. E.] Tricker & Co, and 'Puce Silk at [S. M.] Francks, Camomile St', perhaps items for Trevelyan to buy, as well as Hubert Foss's address at the Oxford University Press.
Oxford University Press Music Dept., 36 Soho Square, London, W.1. - Very kind of Trevelyan to write about Peterkin's retirement, and send him his "From the Shiffolds". Will continue to help the Press in various ways, as they have asked, and is 'very glad to do so', but this will be in the 'background' so he will not have the 'heavy responsibility of the lsat few years and... be tied down' as he is now. Is not giving up for reasons of health, though has been told he should take things easier: always thought of himself as 'simply the utility man who had to step in... when Foss dropped out', and keep the department going through the war; now feels the 'post war conditions' should be the concern of the younger men whom he has been training. Wants to take up many interests again, though doubts whether he will want to return to composing: has 'had enough of music' at the Press. '[Donald] Tovey matters are well in hand', and his "Essays" should be published in spring. All the Tovey material Foss had collected was sent up to Dr [Molly] Grierson a while ago; thinks she has found things she wanted. Saw the first chapters of her book [a biography of Tovey] some time ago and liked them, but has no recent news of it. Sends best wishes to Trevelyan and his wife for Christmas and the New Year.
Crouches, Newnham W, Baldock, Herts. - Thanks Bob for his letter; glad Bessie thinks she will be able to come and see Clara, and looks forward to seeing both Trevelyans one day. Has written to [Hubert] Foss and asked him to come and see her [about Donald Tovey's biography?].