Stuk 178 - Letter from Arthur Ransome to R. C. Trevelyan

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.