Pièce 18 - Letter from Marius Bewley to James Smith

2 single sheets

Excelsior Springs, Missouri.—Discusses D. H. Lawrence’s views on G. F. Watts and Cézanne. Has heard that Smith has renewed his subscription to 'Scrutiny', has lost weight, and is being sent funds to establish a library. Traversi has been chosen for a post in Madrid, which Bewley supposes is the one Smith was considering. Encourages him to write to Preston, who is in the early stages of consumption. Responds to his comments on Van Wyck Brooks and refers to Matthiessen’s 'American Renaissance'. Eliot’s latest poem, 'The Dry Salvages', is inferior to 'East Coker'. Is unsure what to read and finds his scholastic studies arid, but painting is helping to sustain him. The Catholic church in Cambridge has suffered bomb damage.