Pièce 5 - Letter from T. J. Wise to R. B. McKerrow

25 Heath Drive, Hampstead, N.W.3.—Invites him to a Colophon Club dinner. Has inspected the Nashe tracts at Christ Church, Oxford.

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Transcript

25 Heath Drive, Hampstead, N.W.3
4. 3. 23.

My dear McKerrow,

The members of the Colophon Club will be having a dinner on the 17th of the present month. Will you do the Club the favor† of being present as one of its guests? The dinner will be at Pagani’s Restaurant {1} at 7. o’clock.

With kindest regards,
Always sincerely yours
Thos. J. Wise

Dr. R. B. McKerrow.

P.S. Have you seen the collection of Nashe tracts at Christchurch College? {2} I spent a large part of last Sunday {3} over them. The two volumes include some splendid pieces (including The Unfortunate Traveller & the first issue of Summers Last Will & Testament), {4} but they were both reeking with damp!

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This letter was formerly inserted after p. 152 of McKerrow’s annotated copy of his Works of Nashe, vol. v (Adv. c. 25. 76). Cf. the note to Add. Ms. a. 457/1/6.

{1} Pagani’s, in Great Portland Street, was particularly noted as a meeting-place of writers and composers. The walls of its Artists’ Room were inscribed with the signatures of some of its best-known patrons.

{2} i.e. in the Library of Christ Church, Oxford.

{3} 25 February.

{4} Closing bracket supplied.

† Sic.