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Prose note on 'religious and aesthetic emotions'. Verse, 'This love disease is a delicious/delightful trouble'. Translations by Trevelyan of the "Homeric Hymn to Demeter", fragments from tragedies by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus, an extract from Virgil ["Aeneid"] Book VI, Leopardi's "To his Lady" and "Canticle of the Wild Cock", Simonides 37, an extract from [Homer's] "Iliad" Book 24. Draft essay on aging and desire. Notes, in the style of Trevelyan's "Simple Pleasures". Autobiographical piece about a reading party at Blackgang Chine almost fifty years ago, with Cambridge friends such as Lytton Strachey, Roger Fry, Desmond MacCarthy and George Moore. Draft of "On Inspiration", published in "Windfalls". Translations of Catullus 2, 7, 12, and 50, Tibullus I.1, and Montaigne III.11 and III.6. Dialogue between 'Child' and 'Father'. Note on Saint Augustine's "Confessions". List of contents for the 1948 "From the Shiffolds" pamphlet. Notes for topic 'What does England mean to me?' and on old age.

Notebook used from other end in: list of books including [Beerbohm's] "Zuleika Dobson" and Ransome's "Great Northern?". Draft letter regarding the [re?] printing of Trevelyan's "Collected Works". Passage headed 'p. 15'; since this is followed by a review of Judson's "Life of Spenser", it may be an extract from that book. List of titles of essays, prefaces for translations, biographical pieces (Donald Tovey and C[lifford] A[llen], etc; perhaps future projects for Trevelyan. Draft piece on poets and poetry. Dialogue on the subject of translating poetry; piece "On Translating Greek Poetry", with notes on individual authors and quotations of passages. Pieces on translating Lucretius and the Greek Anthology; notes on translating Homer and Catullus; observations on a 'friendly critic' pointing out that 'too many' of Trevelyan's poems and essays begin with a scene of someone, usually the poet, 'walking meditatively in a wood' or lying beneath a tree. Translation of Tibullus III.19. Draft essay on Trevelyan's feelings about spiders, insects and other small creatures, and snakes; includes mention of a 'great philosopher' [Bertrand Russell or G. E. Moore?] disliking ants immensely.

2 Turner Drive, N.W.11. - It was not to Luce and José that Trevelyan promised to lend the new Ransome book [? "Great Northern?"] but they would love to borrow it. Thanks to Trevelyan and Bessie for a lovely weekend: José loved the house. Hopes the Trevelyans will be able to return the visit.

2 Turner Drive, N.W.11. - Thanks Trevelyan for the book of poems and the Ransome book ["Great Northern?", see 4/135]; the poems are a magnificent Christmas present whose 'delight endures'. They hope to read the Prometheus with John Kisch [ John Marcus Kisch?], John Waterlow [John Conrad Waterlow?], and other Cambridge friends tomorrow evening.

Heald, Coniston, Lancashire. - Thanks Bob for sending his 'beautiful poem' ["A Dream"] at Christmas; has been re-reading it; there 'is hope yet while such things can be written'. Also thanks him for his 'cheering letter about poor Missee Lee', but adds 'Damn you for your horrid wish' that Ransome will have 'still more dreadful difficulties in constructing stories in the future'. Regrets that that wish is already true: is in the middle of the 'ghastly torment' of starting a new book, 'domestic and realist this time', with the Great Aunt from "Swallowdale" as a central figure and 'so far as I can see, no story at all'. The 'whole wretched thing' must be finished by the end of May, and Ransome's mind is 'like a wrung out bathing costume'. Glad to hear about Montaigne [Bob's translation] and to think of him working with 'file and chisel... in this world of spanner and oil-can and petrol and high explosive'; tells him however not to work on Montaigne too long, as no-one else currently writing 'can do anything like what you did in that Christmas poem'. Wishes there was a chance of seeing Bob. Sends best regards from him and his wife to Bob's wife and the Sturge Moores; wishes Sturge Moore would 'bring out a new unaltered edition of the Vinedresser', which meant a great deal to Ransome in his 'early youth'.

Lowick Hall, Ulverston, Lancashire. - Bob does not know 'how much pleasure' "[From] The Shiffolds" gives every year, with reminders of 'old favourites' such as Bob's poem to [Goldsworthy] Lowes Dickinson and even more as it shows 'the old poet is still able to make new [favourites]'. "To know and not to feel", dated 1948, has entered Ransome's 'private group of the very best'.

Cranston's Kenilworth Hotel, Great Russell Street, London, W.C.1. - Regrets that he cannot come down tomorrow to see the Trevelyans, but has an appointment followed by a dinner; thanks him and his wife for the offer. Saw Sturge Moore tonight, who spoke most affectionately of Trevelyan. Wishes 'more power to the novelist's elbow' looks forward to seeing the start of the story when Trevelyan feels like showing it. Should not have been upset by that review, but it is cheering that other people resented it.

Lyme Regis. - Has been enjoying Trevelyan's "Rimeless Numbers" so much that he is now mistrustful of his experiments in prose, though knows he will not stop writing poetry for long; praises several of the poems. Brought the book with him and it has 'coloured all these days' walking along the cliffs. Goes back to the Kenilworth hotel either tomorrow or Thursday and should be there until Saturday morning, in case Trevelyan is coming to town.

Low Ludderburn, Windermere. - P.D ["Peter Duck"], 'extra-illustrated with a smudge of the Swallow', has gone to John Hayes; is flattered that 'a discover of pistols & coins of the best [?] smuggling period' should be interested in his own 'minor finds'. Is very glad that Trevelyan likes the book, but does not believe what he says about his first attempts at a prose story; wishes he were coming up before going to Italy, as the Ransomes could put him up. Their plans are uncertain: may go south for a while in search of sunshine in the book goes well; Hugh Walpole praised it in the "Observer", and Cape have written to say they are already reprinting, but he does not yet dare to be too hopeful, and in any case they will not leave until Christmas. Wishes he could make up his mind about the next book, and invites suggestions. Encourages Trevelyan to 'plunge on' with his story; he himself would never have managed to get a story written if he had 'insisted at beginning at the beginning'.

Low Ludderburn, Windermere. - Has much enjoyed Trevelyan's "The Foolishness of Solomon", and thinks no-one else writing today write 'such smiling narrative poetry'; almost feels like telling him not to bother trying to write prose, though 'adventure is a gorgeous thing in itself', and wonders what he wants to do in prose that he cannot in verse.

Low Ludderburn, Windermere. - The Ransomes are going to the [Norfolk] Broads to sail, and Ransome will try to forget his 'wretched story' ["Winter Holiday"?] which is in a much worse state than Trevelyan's can be, and which Ransome describes in sailing terms. Will be very jolly to see Trevelyan in summer, by which time he hopes both their stories will be "galloping gaily". Sends regards to the Trevelyans and [Clifford] Allens.

Low Ludderburn, Windermere. - Totally disagrees with G. B. [Gordon Bottomley?]'s opinion that Trevelyan is slow 'getting into' his story: thinks the slow movement suits it perfectly and likes it very much. Praises 'constant succession of COMPLETELY imagined details; singles out five words which seem too modern; reassures Trevelyan as to his ability to construct narrative and encourages him to write more short stories. Also feels that if Trevelyan were to get into his 'long tale, intellectual-picaresque' he would be carried along and find 'freedom inside it'; he has found this with some of his own children's books. If Trevelyan were to get about three hundred pages done without stopping to reconsider, or consulting anyone else. he would make 'a friendly Frankenstein' to keep him writing. His own book ["Winter Holiday"] is going very badly. Was good to see Trevelyan yesterday; wishes he had had time to come out in Swallow. The one problem with Arclid farm is that they give teas to motorists: if Lady Allen goes there she should get a room to herself where teas are not served. Lake Bank and High Nibthwaite are better for views of the lake.

Hospital. - All going well, and he is to be moved to the King's Head at Wroxham tomorrow or the day after. Blames the trouble he had getting the book ["Winter Holiday"] finished: he sent the last part off, came out [to Norfolk] the next day, and collapsed the day after that. The book is very late and 'a horrid mess'; hopes to do better next time. Very kind of the Trevelyans to invite them to Dorking, but they can make no plans yet; asks Trevelyan if he has started his picaresque tale, or written any more short stories. Sends regards to Bessie Trevelyan and the Allens.

Poste Restante, St. Mawes, Cornwall. - Saw [Jonathan] Cape yesterday, who will consider publishing a selection of Trevelyan's works at once; the question of a collected works is to wait. Made it clear that Trevelyan is not prepared to pay anything for the publication of the selection. Repeatedly encourages Trevelyan to write or see Cape at once, taking the line that he is content with a decent royalty, and to get a selection together; this need not be final, as alterations can be made later. Strict injunctions against procrastination. Signs off as 'Your affectionate impresario'.

at the King's Head, Wroxham, Norfolk. - Apologises for not thanking Trevelyan sooner for letting him read "Thersites", which he much enjoyed; hopes the news that he is working on another [dialogue] means that he has 'opened a new mine' and is 'yanking ingots out'. Hopes he and his wife will see Trevelyan on the way through town; are going to Falmouth by steamer from London on 18 November. Is getting on well but cannot do too much travelling, so must put off a trip to Dorking to see the Trevelyans. The King's Head is a delightful pub. Sends regards to Bessie Trevelyan and the [Clifford] Allens.

Low Ludderburn. - Asks Trevelyan to let him know as soon as he returns: he has 'the best publisher in the world' [Daniel Macmillan] ready for Trevelyan's "Selected Poems"; if Trevelyan is still away, would be happy to send on the poems to the publisher for him and secure an offer, he thinks on a 'ordinary royalty business'.

Low Ludderburn. - No good to send a list of the contents for Trevelyan's "Selected Poems" and the books in which they appear: would just have to pass them on to Dan Macmillan which would cause him bother. Best for Trevelyan to go straight to town on Monday and see Macmillan, whom Ransome has known 'from the perambulator', taking a list of contents rather than a 'bundle of volumes'; will write to Macmillan.

Low Ludderburn. - Bad luck that Trevelyan found Dan Macmillan away; has just had a note from Harold Macmillan to say that Dan was ill and that 'he and his partners' would go into the matter once [Trevelyan's] books arrive. Hardly knows Harold; it might be a good thing to wait until Dan recovers. Emphasises that Trevelyan should send a typescript of his "Selected Poems" rather than a pile of books to look through: even the best of publishers have 'hardly any imagination at all' and need help to 'see' the book waiting to be brought out. Has very much enjoyed looking through Trevelyan's work again: "Pusska" is 'particularly incandescent' for the Ransomes at the moment for 'a special reason curled up in a basket'.

Low Ludderburn. - Is glad about the Selections [Trevelyan's "Selected Poetry", published by Macmillan's] and looks forward to seeing it. His own book ["Coot Club"] 'in an awful state'; was ill for too long in the autumn and fears he will not get it done in time. Trevelyan must come for a sail in Swallow if he comes North; Ransome hasn't had time for once since his return from Norfolk but by the end of August his book will be done or given up. Notes in a postscript that the "marriages of the new generation seem anachronisms" [a reference to the wedding of Julian Trevelyan and Ursula Darwin?].

Low Ludderburn. - Thanks Trevelyan for the "Selected Poems", which he likes everything about except for the cover. Hopes it will lead to 'a larger [book: a Collected Works]' and is sure to help find new readers; imagines them 'reading "Pusska" aloud". Has had trouble with his new book [Coot Club"], which he has only just finished, having had a 'whole awful month' at the 'lonely Kenilworth [Hotel]' finishing it off; now it is done and 'full of misprints'. Wants to get away for six weeks before starting another. Sends regards to Trevelyan's wife and the [Clifford] Allens.

Low Ludderburn. - Thanks Trevelyan for his kind letter about C.C. ["Coot Club"]: almost makes him change his mind about it; then Trevelyan is a 'very good reader' and books of Ransome's sort 'depend at least as much on their readers as on their writers'. Hopes Trevelyan enjoys his time abroad and writes more poems. Thanks for the corrections, which 'join the already enormous list' he has discovered, and will be put right in the new edition.

Levington, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Thanks Trevelyan for his "Beelzebub" which is a lasting pleasure; glad to hear he is 'stirring towards' the "[Collected] Works"; wishes good luck with it to him and the Macmillans. Has sold Ludderburn; the move took up most of last year; now they are an hour and a half from London by train and hope to see Trevelyan more often. Expects he is out of the country, but if not sends best regards to Trevelyan's wife and the [Clifford] Allens; P.A. [Pollu Allen] should be proud 'to be so charmingly invited to throw her lesson books away'. His book ["Pigeon Post"] is stuck and he feels stupid and old. Postscript gives a telephone number.

Levington, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Trevelyan is 'the best and kindest and most generous of readers'; would wish he were a reviewer except that if he were he wouldn't write such letters, which Ransome prefers to 'a dozen reviews'. Does get tired of being labelled 'for 10 to 14' ; is heartened when Trevelyan sees what he is trying to do and says he has to some extent succeeded. Very pleased to hear about the "Collected Works", though sorry it is Longmans and not Macmillans publishing it; more interested than Trevelyan would guess about his translation of Lucretius ["De Rerum Natura"] . Had heard nothing about the new house at Oxford. Hopes that Trevelyan will visit soon: there are quick trains from London. The other advantage is the sea: has been much better this summer and able to sail; went to Holland and back with no trouble and hopes to go further next year if the new book doesn't take as much time.

Harkstead Hall, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Levington, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Glad to hear again from Trevelyan, even though he needed a corkscrew to extract the letter. Likes to think of 'the small company of the resolutely civilised' near Dorking; has recently read a thriller in which England was destroyed in a war and 'a stout-hearted simple-minded sergeant major', backed by 'a Sturge Moore and a Bob Trevelyan' ended up buying the Bodleian Library 'for a bull and a small herd of heifers' to preserve civilisation. Says that no-one in his own part of the country would give a rabbit for the Bodleian. Tells a story about 'the literary barmaid' at the Wheatsheaf, Dorking, where he stayed at the time of Edward VII's coronation: she knew Marie Corelli's works almost by heart and believed they were written by George Meredith. Will be glad to subscribe to the "Abinger Chronicle", but has lost the form; has bought a bicycle, and spent some time fishing nearby. Tells Trevelyan not to look at his new book ["Secret Water"] which is 'all about mud and maps'; asks for a subject for another. Continues to read Trevelyan's poem "Pusska" aloud 'with great success, even among the uncivilised'. Sends thanks to Sturge Moore for his letter; is sorry to hear about the results of his 'gallopping [sic] up Leith Hill' and hopes he gets properly well soon; wishes he would write a "Nursery Sequence" to put beside the "Little School".

Harkstead Hall, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Thanks Trevelyan for his Christmas present [Trevelyan's "Collected Works"]; his wife objects to the fact that he keeps leaving the books around so that there are always handy. Is 'animal-hunting in them at present', enjoying Pusska and 'a perfect bat'; thinks there is something Buddhist about Trevelyan's ability to distil the essence of such creatures and that one day he should make a book of animal 'reincarnations only'. Hopes Sturge Moore has recovered from overexertions on Leith Hill; got through 'that Cambridge business' though has now been 'let in for Oxford as well'; liked Mrs [Dorothy?] Moore and some of her young friends, though thinks her taste in poetry 'too fashionable and modern'.

Harkstead Hall, near Ipswich, Suffolk. - Trevelyan has 'a very kind heart' which keeps him from seeing all that is wrong with "Secret Water"; agrees that the characters of the children are not errors, and will not 'turn them into nasty little beasts to please reviewers'. Should have kept the book another year and rewritten, but dared not, so had to finish in the midst of 'the whole horror of the evacuees' which came just as they had moved due to noise at the old house. Has started another and hopes to make it better; it is certainly different and in some ways 'larkier', but he is as usual panicking about whether it will be done by August. Originally enclosing a pamphlet which will not interest Trevelyan if he is lucky. Asks if he likes little pigs: there are nearly forty here, dashing about 'like quicksilver'; he has tried to draw or photograph them, but 'they're worse than long-tailed tits'. Wishes Trevelyan had written a poem on the subject.

Heald, Coniston, Lancashire. - Is horrified that the Paternoster Row disaster has dealt Trevelyan such a blow [the destruction of the stock of his "Collected Works" in the Blitz]; is glad that he has his copy, with Max Beerbohm's 'picture of the prowler' pasted in at the beginning. Glad Trevelyan thought of putting "Aftermath" together, including some of his own old favourites and some new ones 'that make these times much less unbearable'; insists that Trevelyan's idea of poachers is too Arcadian, and nowadays they are 'toughs' from towns working on a 'strictly commercial basis' who come out in cars and empty a whole wood of rabbits in a night. Praises Trevelyan's versatility; thinks he could write 'a jolly pirate song for Nancy Blackett' [one of his Amazons] and wishes he would. Is in a mess with his new book and does not know how he can finish it. Wishes he could see Trevelyan when he is in London.

Heald, Coniston, Lancashire. - Sorry to have missed seeing Trevelyan in London: got his telegram [see 5/178] too late. Had good visit to town, then went to Ipswich, Felixstowe, and Lowestoft when 'things began to get a bit wrong'; on returning home was 'overhauled' and looks to need another operation. Sends his love to the Lynds; just missed seeing Robert in town; has known them about forty years. Would like to see the poaching book. Reassures Trevelyan that he will write poetry again, and wishes him good luck with the reminiscences.

Heald, Coniston, Lancashire. - Is sorry to have kept Trevelyan's book about the poacher so long; it was buried under other things and 'had become a silurian or palaeozoic stratum'. Asks how he, the 'rest of the colony', and Joan and Polly Allen are. The Ransomes are planning a move south as Genia has had enough of the weather; asks Trevelyan to let him know if he hears of a likely flat in London or nearby.

9 Weymouth Street, W.1. - Has been enjoying reading some of Trevelyan's old work and also 'reaping new things' [in "From The Shiffolds"?]; is sorry that Trevelyan has taken 'piteous' out of the last line of the "Trojan Captives", but perhaps it is 'only the Conservative in [him] that wants things exactly as they were'. Thanks him also for his kind words about G.N? ["Great Northern?"]; wished he agreed with them. Calls Trevelyan his 'most valued reader'. The Ransomes are still searching for a house in the country, out of earshot of the 'INFERNAL wireless'.