Item 51 - Letter from F. R. Leavis to James Smith

1 single sheet

Downing College, Cambridge.—Urges him to publish a collection of his essays. There is a large public for literary criticism, owing to the increase in the number of English schools. Would use his influence with the CUP, though he thinks Chatto’s would be better. If Smith wanted later to do a Shakespeare book, there would be nothing against including previously collected essays. ‘I rage when I think of the Kermodes[,] Darbys, Knightses & Holloways bringing out their stuff, when, for the most part, your essays can’t be got at. Willey replies that he agrees with me about Amis (so I’ve something to use), but he says nothing about Williams.’