Rome. - Is still not sure where he will be at Easter, as he has not yet fixed when accounts with the peasants will be settled. Gives directions for reaching Metelliano from Florence; Nicky [Mariano] will be able to help. He, Tonino and Ebe, the house and the dog will all be happy to see Trevelyan and Julian. Has one last query about Trevelyan's brother's book [G.M. Trevelyan, "English Social History"] for his translation
Metelliano. - Reassures Trevelyan that all will go well on his and his friends' arrival; will make arrangements with Nicky [Mariano] for 'the material part', and will see them as soon as possible. Asks if they will come to Metelliano.
Casa al Dono, Vallombrosa (Prov. di Firenze). - Is here for a brief holiday; returns to Metelliano today then will go to Rome on the 17th. All fine about Trevelyan's friends [the Deuchars]; asks if they should be met in Florence, in which case Nicky [Mariano] can manage like last year, or if they can wait till Rome where he would be pleased to meet them. Will see Desmond [MacCarthy] in Venice for the PEN Congress; regrets he will not see Trevelyan or his brother [George]. Was not able to finish his letter at Casa al Dono and signs off from Metelliano.
Rome. - Hopes Trevelyan has received his previous letter saying that everything is all right about the Deuchars; he just needs to know whether they should be met in Florence by Nicky [Mariano] or whether he should meet them later in Rome. Will be in Venice from Sept 5-7 for the PEN Congress. Is very sorry about Trevelyan's sister-in-law [Janet: news of her chronic illness]; appreciated her 'kindness and good natured intelligence'.
Metelliano. - Received Trevelyan's gift of verse from the Shiffolds with pleasure; had also recently read a letter of Trevelyan's to Nicky [Mariano] with good news. Will be back in Rome for New Year's eve, might perhaps come to England in May. Asks if Trevelyan is likely to come to Italy. Tonino and Ebe ask to be remembered.
Montepulciano (Prov. di Siena). - Thanks Trevelyan for his gift of [Woolf's] "Waves". Is here till tomorrow and saw Iris Origo last night; appreciates her all the more as he comes to know her; hopes to take Walker to stay with them for a few days. Heard 'the pathetic voice of Lloyd George' [on the radio?] a few days ago; did not think what he said 'first-rate' or 'accurate'. Asks where Julian is; was expecting to see him in October. Nicky [Mariano] said there is no water at I Tatti, but expects it will be better now due to recent heavy rain. Was amazed that Clifford A[llen] supported MacDonald [over the National Government]; asks for Trevelyan's opinion. Was in Arezzo recently for a commemoration of Petrarch; the foreigners he met there were 'all very gloomy'. Asks if Trevelyan has received the Baudelaire which Alberti says he has sent him.
Is writing a brief birthday letter 'with chilblained fingers in the fireless library'. Wonders whether Julian and Gordon B[ottomley] have 'mutually remembered one another'. Glad he need not go up [to London?] on Friday to organise new photographs, as the roads are 'still very bad here'; Julian will need to be sure his car is in 'good working order' before fetching it from the Shiffolds. [Umberto] Morra would like both Bob and Julian to come; bus would be better than train; he is not certain of dates yet, but it will probably be after he has been to I Tatti [Bernard Berenson's house] for Easter. Nicky [Mariano] writes that they would like to put them both up at I Tatti; in the unlikely event of sudden visitors, she would find Julian a room in Florence.
Paris. - Rang up [Nicky] Mariano today and is seeing [Bernard] Berenson tomorrow afternoon. Julian and Ursula are coming to lunch today; he will tell them to contact the Berenson party at their hotel. Cannot express his gratitude for what Trevelyan is doing for him and his friends: the money for the apartment came last Saturday; G. [Marie Germanova] will write soon, she is busy because of Suhrawardy's impending departure. Will send back [Lascelles] Abercrombie's book from India. The devaluation [of the franc] has been too late for him to benefit, though he has helped his friends Germanova and Kalitinsky with the purchase of a wireless. Does not think Woolf will accept the poems [at the Hogarth Press], but they have been helpful in bringing Trevelyan and Suhrawardy's 'minds and sensibility closer'. Replies in detail to Trevelyan's further comments on the poems.
Cortona. - Bearing in mind Trevelyan's readiness to help Italians in hardship because of their views, Morra had thought that he would be able to help a friend of some friends who is in real difficulty in Italy. However, this man has been very ill all spring and summer and therefore cannot travel, but is in an even more desperate state; the only work he is fit to do is literary or journalistic, the former will not pay and he is forbidden the latter. The 'B.B.s' seem happy at Constantinople, judging by a postcard from Nicky [Mariano]. Asks Trevelyan's opinion of Prince Mirsky's work, and for a recommendation of a good book on Russian literatue; also asks whether the [Kenneth] Clarks are still in London.
Hotel Infant Isabel, Burgos. - Is very sorry to miss Trevelyan's friends [Francis] Birrell and [Raymond] Mortimer, whom he met at Lady Colefax's 'famous' garden party; it is, though, pleasant to be in B.B. [Berenson]'s 'train' and to be travelling through Spain to Seville and Granada. Will be home around November, so can meet Trevelyan at Cortona then; nobody will be at I Tatti until late December. Will be delighted to see Birrell and Mortimer if they are still in Italy when he returns. Has heard much from Nicky [Mariano] about Trevelyan, and is glad that Welcombe has been sold as planned. Will be very proud if Trevelyan does indeed address an epistle to him in hexameters. Has written an article on Du Bos, and has now been asked for another on Virginia W[oolf], for rather an important journal; proposes one on any new book she might be writing, asks for details and for the book to be sent when it appears. The Berensons seem to be getting on quite well: B.B. complaining a little about his health, and Mary about 'romanic art' [sic], which is a topic for discussion due to the book about Jerusalem she is writing. B.B. says the countryside is 'more desertic and arabic than Syria'. Has read Trevelyan's letter out to the company: they expect him at I Tatti when Mary and Nicky return in late December, though B.B. will stay with Mrs Wharton until New Year; thinks Ray and Karin and their families will also be at I Tatti.
4, Rue Nungesser et Coli, Paris 16. - Very kind of Mrs Trevelyan to have thought about Andrusha; she has sent her letter on to him, and is sure he will be 'happy to meet this interesting family'. They are following him in their 'thoughts and anxiety' in his new life as a student. She had hoped a friend would have him as a lodger in her house, but she does has moved away from Zurich and shut it up; however, the friend has kindly given him a room in her gardener's house, which has a little stove for heating and cooking, though he eats lunch at the student canteen. The house is a 'little far from the Politechnical School', but it is healthy being up on a hill overlooking the lake and they economise on rent; she worries about him spending his money on cinema tickets or 'other foolish things' and not food but it is good experience for him to 'regulate' his own life. Very touching how much he enjoys study; hopes he will make good friends.
Glad to have met [Bernard] Berenson and Miss [Nicky] Mariano; felt as if they have 'known each other already'; thanks Mr Trevelyan for making them acquainted. She does not 'play now' [is not acting?] unfortunately; has 'some work in view' but not until January, and not with Pitoeff's company, though a 'very interesting part as a mother'. She was offered the part of a Russian princess in a play written by a female French writer which involved threatening a servant with a 'knout'; this is 'all very ridiculous and very sad'; this 'myth' about the Russian is 'so unjust and unkind'. She has therefore sent back the part today and found 'some excuse' not to play it, as she would be unable to face her friends, including princesses and countesses, 'so courageous and distinguished in their misfortune of refugees'. [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy laughed a great deal when she read out her part to him and her husband; they have both supported her in renouncing the part. Suhrawardy has begun to work in preparation for his lectures in Calcutta; she is very happy for him. Reksushka [the dog] is 'such a dear'; he looks so sad when Andrusha goes away; he did however knock her over when she was walking him so that she hurt her knee and could not walk for two days.
Postmarked Cortona, Arezzo, sent to Trevelyan at the Shiffolds and forwarded to 9 Stalney [? for Stanley] Crescent, London, W.11. - Has received the Montaigne, and is thinking about a book that he could send. Has finished [Forster's] "Aspects of the Novel": found many 'good occasional remarks' but does not think it is 'critically very sound'. Owes a long letter to Nicky [Mariano]: they are in Tunis. D'Entrèves is in Oxford.
Postmarked Cortona, Arezzo. - Thanks Trevelyan for E.M. Forster's book ["Aspects of the Novel"], which he thinks will be 'very pleasant and important to read'. Nicky [Mariano] sent him a very nice letter from the Shiffolds. Hears 'the B.Bs' [Berensons] are going to Tunis with [Edith] Wharton and hopes they will return.
Hopes Julian has reached Taormina by now and is enjoying Sicily, though fears the almond blossom may be over. Has just heard from Nicky [Mariano] that she and B.B. [Bernard Berenson] may go to Zürich at the end of March to see the Lombard exhibition, but will definitely be back by 15 April. Sure they would like to see Julian, and would probably ask him to stay at I Tatti if he wrote to Nicky. All well here: Bessie likes Mrs Alexieff and gets on quite well with her secretary. He himself is 'fairly all right, though sometimes a little out of sorts'. Hopes Julian will like Sicily as much as Goethe did; he was afraid to go to Greece because of brigands, so went to Sicily and 'made up his mind' it must be just like Greece. Tells Julian to ask his friend [Daphne Phelps] whether she is related to his own old friend T[homas] T[ettrell] Phelps, whom he has not seen for years. Expects Julian has been to the Isola Bella, which used to belong to Mrs Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan]; he used to go and bathe there with Roger and Helen Fry. Roger painted a picture of Mount Etna seen through the Greek theatre, which Goldie [Lowes Dickinson] had in his rooms. Hopes Julian's car is 'behaving itself'. Bessie will write soon.
Postmarked Firenze; addressed to Trevelyan at Villa I Tatti, Settignano (Firenze). - The household at I Tatti wish that Trevelyan were with them in the library, though there would probably be only one topic of conversation 'and that a very disagreeable one'. Feels Trevelyan is wise not to come; they may soon themselves be 'swept away by a great tidal wave of patriotism and bloodlust'. Sends congratulations on Bessie's restored health.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Discusses his lack of fear when in the hands of the Germans, and his alarm at the threat he feels Soviet communism poses to Europe. Doubts whether he will ever travel to England again, but thinks of the Trevelyans often. Message from Nicky Mariano to Bessie written to the side of the letter: she thanks Bessie for praising her diary; several friends have suggested the end needs revising if she is to publish it; describes her feelings of 'bewildered relief....' at the end of the war.
Casa al Dono, Vallombrosa (Prov. di Firenze). - Morra writes that this is a 'sad moment': when Trevelyan should have been in Italy but is instead is 'kept in England'. Spent some hours in Florence yesterday, but unfortunately did not see the Deuchars; knows everything has been arranged through Alda [von Anrep]. Hopes Trevelyan's plan to come next spring is realised. Here everyone is well; the weather is dull and turning cold but B.B. [Berenson] insists on not leaving until well into October. Is going to Cortona next week. Nicky [Mariano] writes sending love and regrets that Trevelyan is not with them; Alda has handed over to the Deuchars the batch of photographs which they ordered, and should also arrange about showing them I Tatti.
Postmarked Venezia. - Everything is all right for the Deuchars: asks if they can wait [to meet him] till 3 Oct, when he would prefer to return to Rome. If they have already left, arrangements could be made in Florence with Nicky [Mariano]. Desmond [MacCarthy] hasn't come [to the PEN Congress] and all are sorry.
Rome. - Is very sorry that Trevelyan cannot come. Has written to Mr Deuchar saying that as soon as they are in Florence, they should contact Nicky [Mariano] for the books; Bracci and Nicky know all about it. Expects he cannot be in Florence when the Deuchars arrive as he is going to Geneva for a meeting.
Pensione Ideale, Via Ginori 7, Firenze. - Thanks Trevelyan for the introduction to Baronessa Anrep and Berenson. Had lunch today with Berenson, Baronessa Anrep and her sister [Nicky Mariano], Miss Lewis and Professor Perry, and saw the library, pictures and garden. Last night went to dinner with Baronessa Anrep and her husband and afterwards visited the Brewsters. Klo-Klo had hurt her knee but was 'vivacious & charming' and sent love: they talked about how Trevelyan used to read Edward Lear aloud, and Baronessa Anrep did an imitation of him. Is very sad to be leaving Italy.
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.
Postmarked Torino; addressed to Trevelyan c/o Morra di Lavriano, Settignano, Arezzo, and forwarded on to I Tatti, Settignano, Firenze. - Hopes to see Trevelyan on Jan 12-13 in Ference [?: Firenze / Florence] Sends love to Morra, and best wishes for a happy 1929. Morra di Lavriano writes on the front or picture side, when sending on the postcard, that Trevelyan must bear in mind that the train timetable changes on 15 Jan, as he wrote to Nicky [Mariano] yesterday; sends love, also to Julian and everyone at I Tatti.
Casa al Dono, Vallombrosa (Firenze). - B.B.'s eyes are little better and he does little reading and writing. He has recently been on a short trip to Naples, Rome and Assissi, but are now settled at Vallombrosa. She reads as much as she can to him, and their gramophone gives them much pleasure.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - B.B. apologises for not replying himself, but he is not totally recovered from illness before Christmas. He was very glad to have news of Bessie and her family; Trevy would have enjoyed seeing their grandson Philip grow up. Days between the wars when Trevy used to visit seem quiet and idyllic compared to the demands on their time now. She and B.B still manage to read together a good deal: they have just finished Alan Moorehead's "Gallipolli" and now are engrossed in Harold Acton's "Bourbons of Naples".
Casa al Dono. - Cannot remember whether he ever sent Trevy this snapshot, taken on top of Monte Secchieta last September. Read B. B. B. the extract from Trevy's 'Autobiography'; 'he liked it very much and was much amused by what you say about him and his "mytho-poeism". Will answer Trevy's letter properly as soon as she has 'got through a ghastly accumulation of letters' on her desk.
Clotilde [Marghieri] is staying with them, and also enjoyed Trevy's letter and autobiography. 'She has aged a lot too and her hair is quite white but is even more attractive mentally and as a companion than she was as a young woman'. Berenson and Nicky are happily settled at Casa al Dono; 'grieves' Nicky that Trevy has never seen it, as he would love it as she does.
Sylvia [Sprigge] is visiting next week; [she and her husband] like their home on the Via Aurelia very much. Thinks Trevy will see them in September. Alda [Anrep] is in Sorrento and Bertie [Anrep] at Forte dei Marmi.
Postscript notes that B. B. was 'delighted' to get Elizabeth's letter; thinks he has answered it.
Trevelyan has filled in the sections printed on the front: 'Written by' with 'R.C.T'; 'Commenced' with 27 August 1923 [looks like 8]; 'School' with 'Ἡ ΓΗ' ['The Earth' in Ancient Greek]. Notes in his first entry that he has been reading Ponsonby's book ["English Diaries" by Arthur Ponsonby] which has inspired him to start this diary.
Mentions of Mabel [Godwin?], Marian [?], Alice, Bert and Bobbie Elms; Bessie and Julian; his parents; Miles Malleson and his wife [Joan] and uncle [Philip Malleson]; O[liver] Simon at the "Fleuron" (who asks him to translate the "Acts of the Apostles", to be illustrated by Paul Nash); Miss Ewing [later wife of Walter Rea], Nicky Mariano; Bernard and Mary Berenson; Frances and Arthur Dakyns (visiting the Ponsonbys at Fernhurst); his brother George (who has written to the "Times" saying the matter between Greece and Italy should be referred to the Powers not the League of Nations); Margaret and Ralph Vaughan Williams and their mother; Mrs [Jane] Russell Rea; Irene [Cooper Willis or Noel-Baker]; 'Miss [blank left], with whom Rennier had an affair. She is now private secretary to [Henry?] Hamilton Fyfe'; Francis Birrell; Clifford and Joan Allen; 'an Italian-French lady' whom Trevelyan had met at I Tatti; Barbara Strachey; [Simon] Bussy [paintings by]; John Rodker 'and his child [Joan] by Sonia [Cohen]'; a 'nice rather muddle-headed young man.. Labour candidate for Petersfield' [Dudley Aman]; Bertrand Russell.
Works on: translations of Theocritus; his 'Flood poem' ["The Deluge"]; possible continuation of "Pterodamozels"; review of books on metre by Lascelles Abercrombie and E[gerton Smith] (Smith is the first person he has 'attacked' in a review; wonders if Desmond MacCarthy will think his comments 'too strong); review of Sturge Morre's "Judas" for Leonard Woolf at the "Nation"; his 'Pandora play'.
Reads (as well as Ponsonby, and sometimes with Julian): the "Manchester Guardian", Spenser's "Mother Hubbard ['s Tale]", Epicharmus, "Henry IV pt 1", Phaedrus, Macaulay, Aristophanes, the 'Summer number' of Julian's "Hurtenham Magazine", Lucian, the "Mikado"; Ssuma Ch'ien [Sima Qian]; Hastings' "Dictionary of the Bible" [at the London Library]; a "Classical Review" with Duff and Bailey on Lucretius; Molly MacCarthy's autobiography ["A Nineteenth-Century Childhood", 'Very charming']
Addressed to Julian c/o American Express, Piazza di Spagna, Roma; forwarded to him c/o Thos Cook Wagon Lits, Canebière, Marseille; and then again to 7 Villa Brune, Paris . - Thinks that B.B. [Bernard Berenson] might not be at Florence now. though he may have returned by the time [Julian?] gets there. Has written to Nicky [Mariano] to suggest she contacts Julian via the American Express if they are at Rome. [Umberto] Morra will probably be at Cortona if Julian can stop on the way. Bessie delayed going to the Netherlands because of a cold, but is quite well now and leaves on Thursday.
2 Garrick's Villa, Hampton-on-Thames. - Has dictated a short letter to B.B. [Bernard Berenson]. Hopes Trevelyan's journey did not tire him too much; a 'great thing to have Julian as a courier'. Has been re-reading Trevelyan's translation of Horace with the dialogues ["Translations from Horace, Juvenal, & Montaigne: With two imaginary conversations", published 1941] which he thinks the best he has written; the translations are also very good. Has been comparing them with Eddy Marsh's, which on the whole are not as good as he first thought them. Appreciated the dedicatory verses to B.B; envies Trevelyan being at I Tatti again; sends love to B.B. and Nicky [Mariano]. Was sorry to hear about Miss Simpkins, has missed her on his last few visits to the Shiffolds. Is due to attend the P.E.N. International Congress in Zurich in June, supposes he will have to make a speech.