Pièce 35 - Letter from E. M. Forster to R. C. Trevelyan

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Cercle Mohammed Aly. - Asks Trevelyan always to write beforehand saying which books he is going to send, as the anticipation gives much pleasure: he and [George] Antonius have discussed the matter extensively. Unfortunately he is prejudiced against 'the poetry, prose, personality and papa of Edward Thomas', and his aunt has already sent him "Years of Childhood" which he will return for the Trevelyans. Praises 'Askanov' [sic: Sergei Aksakov]: the Stracheys 'never grow up' [cf letter from Trevelyan to Forster, 22 Dec 1917, King's College Cambridge]. Is reading James' "Piddle Years" ["The Middle Years"; discusses James's flatness. Is Glad Trevelyan liked his poem [satire on the Duchess of Connaught]. Is doing some journalism, and reading Racine and Claudel. When he goes for a weekend with Furness at Cairo, is sure Furness will read Edward Thomas to him 'for everyone except me likes him'. Asks for a copy of Trevelyan's Lucretius ["Lucretius on Death"]. In a post-script dated 11 Feb, Forster thanks Trevelyan for the Lucretius and suggests "The Principles of Social Reconstruction" [Bertrand Russell] as another book he would like.

King's/PP/EMF/18/556:
1 Letters from R.C. Trevelyan to E.M. Forster. 2 autograph letters, signed, to E.M. Forster. To request this envelope, please use the following call mark: Trevelyan, R.C. (1). 3 sheets in envelope; paper. 1905–1917

Appears in Forster, E., Lago, M., & Furbank, P. (1985). Selected letters of E.M. Forster. Vol. 1, 1879-1920 / edited by Mary Lago and P.N. Furbank. London: Arena.