LETTER

NAME AND ADDRESS OF SENDER

IF USED FOR TRANSMISSION TO ANY PLACE
ABROAD TO WHICH THE 2½d. RATE OF
LETTER POSTAGE DOES NOT APPLY, THE
ADDITIONAL POSTAGE REQUIRED SHOULD
BE PREPAID BY MEANS OF ADHESIVE
POSTAGE STAMPS

SWITZERLAND

Two notable new novels

BRYHER

*The Fourteenth of October*

**Edith Sitwell** "A master-piece. Extremely beautiful."

"Quite exceptional" and quite beautiful. A work of creation." —HOWARD SPRING

"Nothing" quite like it has appeared before." —CHURCH TIMES 10s. 6d.

THE MANGO
SEASON

Kathryn Grondahl

**Book Society** Recommend

"She excels in the distinctive art of the novelist: that of creating a character with a few strokes of the pen." —GERALD BULLETT 12s. 6d.

COLLINS

PRESERVATION PHOTOCOPY: ORIGINAL MATERIAL IS RESTRICTED

LETTER

NAME AND ADDRESS OF SENDER

Box. 375

Chilmark, Massachusetts

16. July 1957

Dear Mrs. Odle,

I am deeply touched by your kindness in writing to me on the morning of Dorothy Richardson's death; it was indeed kind of you to do so at such a moment, and I much appreciated the generosity of your impulse. Since then I have received your further letters and I must apologise for not answering them sooner; but my departure from New York for this retreat, where I will spend the next two months, and a pressing piece of writing, kept me from correspondence.

To-day I receive your letter of the 11th, and I will try to answer you as directly and precisely as I can. I am flattered that you should hold decisions in abeyance until hearing from me, and grateful at your kindness in thinking of me in connection with all the material. I do want to write about Dorothy Richardson, and indeed will shortly be doing so - revising my chapter on her for a new edition of *The Psychological Novel*. When I wrote you originally of my wanting to write of her, my thought was entirely in terms of criticism; but now the question of letters and biography arises as well.

My problem is, as you doubtless know, that I am still working on my uncompleted life of Henry James. If all goes well another couple of years should see that task accomplished. I think, in the light of what you say, that I will then be happy to do what I can - either in the writing of a memoir or biographical portrait or whatever the circumstances and the extant material warrant. If I should find that I cannot do so, I will undertake to find someone who will, or who might do so in collaboration with me, and you may be sure that I would seek a writer capable of sympathetic understanding and appreciation of Miss Richardson's place in the novel of our century. I think you are right in feeling that there is no urgency - as yet - in having a work written; the urgent thing is the collection of the letters, the searching out of the material. Any work written now, or in the next year, would inevitably be incomplete and, in my opinion, premature. I see the whole matter as a series of stages;

The first stage is the collection of material. While you are collecting it you will doubtless be bombarded by thesis-writers, hack writers, journalists, and Toms, Dicks and Harrys (as you say) and such writers should be encouraged to write articles, to read *Pilgrimage Correspondence* and discuss it, but should not be given access to unpublished material. Correspondence requires careful and experienced handling; letters contain allusions to individuals still alive; they reflect temporary states of mind, shifting points of view; and it is only when a large quantity of correspondence is

assembled that they can be truly assessed and the habits of mind
(as well as the epistolary habits) of the individual involved
properly understood. I am therefore wholly in agreement with your
idea of collecting and copying the correspondence.

During the first stage, which will be a matter of at least
a couple of years, given Miss Richardson's long life and her
literary activities, we may expect, moreover, that interest in her
work will grow. I can see this from the fact that certain
readers of my book have written to thank me for telling them about
Miss Richardson's work. A new generation is beginning to discover her.
And then literary history shows us that there is a strange posthumous
process - and though it be- by which reputations grow after death in
a way which they did not grow during the artist's lifetime. Therefore
I agree entirely with your idea; answer questions about Miss
Richardson, help the critics, encourage active critical discussion,
but keep the body of documents, the archive, together for the writing
of the authoritative life.

The second stage as I see it, should be the publication of
a volume of selected letters, those letters which illuminate the
work, and also convet a picture of the literary and other friendships
I think that as you collect and copy letters you could perform a
valuable task by attaching to the letters as much context as
possible, providing whatever gloss you can so that the ultimate
biographer or editor will have that valuable guidance from you
It may be that when you have done that you will have found that you
have yourself edited them, and that they will require only a further
editing by someone capable of viewing all the material in the
impersonal light of scholarship. This we can keep under active
discussion, and of course I will be happy to give you all assistance.
Only when you have a large number of letters, will you be able to
decide whether they should precede or follow the biography. Or it
may be that the biography will absorb the correspondence.

The third stage will be the writing of the biography
and this would emerge logically from the two preceding stages.
I believe that at this moment, I mean now, a biography would attract
rather limited attention; I am convinced that two years hence, three
years hence, it would find a larger public. But what should be
encouraged now should be the writing of reminiscential articles
by those who knew Miss Richardson -- and even where no article is
written, friends may respond by writing for the future biographer
a memorandum of their association with the novelist.

I know from your letters that you have given all this much thought
and that much that I have said you already have in mind. But I felt that
perhaps I should restate it all as I see it, so that you may have it
concretely before you as you make your decisions.

I hope very much that during the coming year I can get to
England and meet you, and talk of all this. I suspect that once your
archive is assembled a logical permanent home for it can be found.
I understand very well that your interest is not financial - as you say,
but I cannot help observing that in the very nature of things archives
do have a certain value, are sought by libraries, and while the value is
relative and depends on all sorts of conditions, it should not be wholly
disregarded.

I was much interested in what you say of Anthony West. He may have
copies of these letters if not the originals. I know he was actively
collecting the materials for a biography of Wells a few years ago.

This is a long and rather rambling letter. But I hope it is
helpful and not vague. I think you should send a copy of your appeal
for letters to the *Times Literary Supplement*. And I will do what I can,
on this side of the water, to see what American correspondents can be
found. With all good wishes,

The book I wanted to write originally would have been a critical study
of D.M.R. as one of the " makers" of the modern English novel. It would
have been based largely on *Pilgrimage*. But of course the very
*raison d'etre* of a biography would be to say the same thing, only with
much richer material to draw upon.

From Professor Leon Edel, Department of English, New York Uni-
versity, New York 3.

Box 375,
Chilmark, Mass.

5.Aug.1957.

Dear Mrs. Odle,

I have your letters of July 20, 23 and 27, the last two
written after you had received my long letter. I was very pleased
indeed that you concurred in the various suggestions I put forth.
And I was most interested in the enclosures: the Pauline Marrian
tribute in particular struck me as giving a very real "picture".

I will try to answer your questions. I don't think it
necessary to try to get persons to write their reminiscences if
they do not have the impulse to do so: but I suspect there will
be occasions when you will be able to ask them to write down for
you this or that particular incident, this or that clarification
of something in a letter, or some incident they may mention
to you. It would be nicer however if some article could appear
sooner or later - a year hence say - in one of the magazines.

Perhaps Pauline Marrian would extend her memories into an
article, half reminiscence, half evaluation? You will know best,
but it should be by someone who knew Miss Richardson.

There is no reason for keeping it dark that I am considering
a book about Miss Richardson. You may find it convenient indeed,

2

when you are bothered too much by bothersome predatory people
such as you've mentioned, to say that until the matter of my work
is settled you cannot commit yourself to someone else. Use my
name as you wish. I certainly do not object.

I rather expect to meet Antony West some time this autumn
and will pursue the matter with him; if you wish. But you can
reach him by writing to the *New Yorker*, 25 West 43rd. Street,
New York 36, N.Y. From his book reviews I would judge that he
has become increasingly a partisan of his father and blindly
prejudiced: indeed he seems prepared to fight all of H.G.Wells's
battles over again for him.

For the rest, I would agree that any volume of Miss
Richardson's miscellaneous writings that could be assembled now
would be well worth undertaking. A collection of her stories -
are these short stories? - would be fine. A collection of her
literary articles. By all means. But they should not, I think,
be made into a miscellany: that would seem to me to be impractic-
able in a publishing sense and would have less appeal. If there
are enough short stories, I would strongly urge you gathering
them together. And my offer to do a preface for any such book
stands. It could be edited by you and prefaced by me. Or perhaps
you might do the preface? Let us discuss this fully, for such a
project, i.e., a story book, or an essay book, would be the one
that would need real priority over all else, and could be placed

Début XVIe S. TAPISSERIES. 15-1X.60

« La Dame à la Licorne », tenture de six tapisseries françaises. (Paris, M. de Cluny.)

Nº 6: « La Dame devant sa tente ». H. 3 m 70, L. 4 m 60. Sur la plus grande pièce de la tenture, nous retrouvons une dame et sa suivante, le lion et la licorne, le parti du fond rouge et du champ bleu fonce plantés d'arbres et parsemés de fleurettes où passent des animaux. Mais ici la Dame se tient à l'entrée d'une tente. Est-ce un portrait ? L'hypothèse est à retenir, cette tenture aux armes des Le Viste ayant été probablement tissée à l'occasion d'un mariage.

ENCY

C. P. 10.0001/0001
Reproduction interdite
gemus en samedi. Whlone Rose

L'ENCYCLOPÉDIE PAR CARRES POSTALES, 24, RUE DES GRANDS-AUGUSTES, PARIS-6

55-56
960

PERES

REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE
030
POSTES
BAT DACHEMENT DE LA SAVOIE A LA FRANCE

Mme Bryher,

Villa Fienwir,

Chemin du Vallon,

BURIER S/LA TOUR,

VAUD

SWITZERLAND

Odle

Upper Landour, G B
Upper Landour, Biggin Hill, Kent. Bn/9/3308

23. 5. '63.

Dear Bryher,

How good of you to ease my mind re mss.
With your usual perception realising how much this was on
my mind.

Certainly not your fault. I had not written the last three
e chapters when you were in the scullies, and the night before
I met you altered all fictitious names, put in a piece re origin
-s, -in fact released inhibitions I had through pandering to

John's anxieties lest his pose as a true born Englishman
might be undone.

I had after getting to London, to do up the third
d stage of mental growth: first with my brothers, 2nd. with the
Kates. then with the Bloomsbury and St. John's wood crowd, who
were all creative, a milieu I had been seeking unconsciously
s since my student days.

what I do feel bad about is the lack of chaptering,
numbering, and verification of dates, - the omission
before handing in the mss. seems so careless- but it was
causal
was before I was writing -literally upto the last moment-
to midnight the night before, and from 5a.m. on the 29th.

Showing how important dates are, here is an
instance.!

I have written that my mother was training in a
city hospital for a year. Looking through my family papers
I came across her diploma. I was gained in 1893, after 3 months
of training, when living in hospital. The time to me had
seemed so long that I would have been less surprised had
I found it to have been two years.

Do, Please explain to N'H.P. why my mss. is in such an unor
ganised mess.

I do realise what life is like for U.S.A.
professors from my contact with Boll of Philadelphia who
has had one breakdown, and, unless he can ease off, will,
I fear, have another.

The amount of help he gives to students writing theses
is fantastic.

Yet here, in Oxford, where I have a great nephew
who is a don, a young man at Oxford, he is so

bored, that he is leaving to go ba ck to his old college in -ondon
university.

Living like a hermit, as doubtful weather has delayed
the summer visitors. Doing lots in the garden, cherry blossom giv-
-en way to apple, daffs to tulips,, and lilac white and
purple loaded. Dewben more cheery, had a nose in his pension
9 gates over his I painted the mossy wooden gate white,
and fatuously pleased with myself when I look at it.
Sorry typing still erratic- the machine I had 40 years ago
rang a bell when you reached the end of a line-this doesn't
and I split words horribly.
Still I did manage to put a new ribbo
-n on-That took some doing! .

Hope by now you have sunshine, and enjoy some summer idle days.

Thank you again for your, letter, it was such a relie
f.

With much love.

Upper Landour, 11, Bunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent.

7. 6. '63.

Dear Bryher,

I have stopped at page 84 to think, and feel one gets out of any book moments of truth that are as reassuring as the recognition of the Persian duck by the two spinsters at the lost among strange forms, at the exhibition of T. S. Eliot's art.

Such moments are on every page of your book. To an ignoramus like myself, the significant detail, the faded part of a slinger's garment, Zonas' worry about his cheating the gods when sacrificing, on every page there are these touches that give dimensions of time, place and person.

And to me, every country touch adds to reality, to continuïty with 'here and now' for I crush lemon balm in hand for scent, and when I grew beans for winter use, I salted them down.

at page 84 I stopped reading, to linger on Karen's desire to crowd in a single moment's acceptance of the universe. Remember Carlyle's female admirers, I accept the universe, and his reply, You'd better

Here, with so much time, alone, the hoses now hidden by June foliage, looking at the hills, the succession of colour in flowers, hearing the cuckoo by day, and at 10 p.m. opening the back door to hear a nightingale sing in the birch trees, I stop again and again, to feel what you have put into words, which I could not not.

As ever, I wish a map had been included, not at the beginning, but at the end, where I could follow the routes of the characters. The beginning would make it look like a lost-book - at the end, I hope Pearson will put your writing completely out of his mind when he reads mine, or he will turn it aside at once.

For book, and the Yale review arrived yesterday. I see Pearson is a publisher. What is his work at Yale?

I am typing in bed, after breakfast (in bed) at 7 a.m. My day begins at 6. I know I ought to re-type this on a steady table, but something will, to me, be lost if I do. So forgive the awful ty-ping, and accept my tribute and thanks.

I can tell you why some critics find the book slow. It is because it is packed, as an egg, full of meat. One has to read slowly, to grasp the full significance of every sentence

Upper Landour, 11 Sunningvale, Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent.

27. 7. 63.

Dear Bryher,

Your letter and cheque received. I write at once as
Dewberry is coming and can post this. It is hard to find words to
thank you, I can only feel. And N. H. P. has sent such a letter
that I have had to put it aside until I can shake myself and
take in that the mss. is worth it is trouble, not only re
advice, for he is having it retyped with some editing of his
own.

He suggests continuing to the D.M.R. period which I want to do,
and if I go on to the outbreak of war, when D. left London for
good, I could include the Vicky Newburg circle of young poets,
Dylan Thomas, George Barker, David Gascoigne and Pamela H. J.
Not to make a song about them because they are names, but because
of the experience in itself.

Boat, definitely. A fortnight's st
-ay. Air there, 16. September. Leave 2. Oct. To confirm when I
go to Cunard on 8. August.

Not October. Cannot risk cold. Even
now, with a premature nip in the early morning air it is as
much as I can do to go the ten yards to the bathroom in the garde
-n. Yet when the day warms up I am a qeen, bursting with energy.

I don't want to be a liability abroad.
My hospital Service Ass. covers me in expences in any illness any-
where, and the Bank have a medical certificate that allows for mor
tan the fixed amount if needed. I've still some traveller's che
-ques left, as I always allow for possibilities.

Have a good journey, succeed in your business, and Bless
you,

With love,

Rose.

Thank for tip re gifts.

I think scarves for Patrick and his
mother, Calendar with British scenery if out, or a book of such.

With all the generous help I've had I shall make sure the
Greories are not put to waste. I had already decided to
hand Patrick money for both on trips, and prepared for
any argument by my perfect and true reply, "My doctor says I must
not be frustrated, any emotional upset might have
serious consequences."

Sorry about typing errors- so difficult for
me to go slowly, in anything, but must learn.

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent.

29. 8.63.

Dear Bryher,

Thank you very much for your letter of 23rd.

All the information about money, buses, food tipping, shopping air is just what is needed. I feel so lucky to be able to travel in comfort, and it is good of you to take all this on. If, as you say, Yale might have taken a year, that would have been too late to help Horace. Nor would travelling via Iceland be as good. I am looking forward to the sea-journey as much as all the rest.

I am taking one fair sized case, light fibre glass, with a small train case to match. I won't pack too much, it will be 1 lovely to be able to do some shopping!

With my slung shoulder-bag I shall have free hands for these.

I've looked in Bromley for sometime, and thought how these two buys would be fine, waited for the sales, and said a good bit on the price. So feeling very pleased with them I had a nice lunch, life been too hectic to cook much, and I enjoyed it. When I look at them I feel I am really going.

I have heard from and answered Patrick, sent him tims to meet me, plumped for the nearer room, and all is clear.

I shall take some pounds of course, though have found in Euro pe dollars are liked as much.

I have made a dark blue velvet beret, with a very av -ant garde lilt to it., and when I feel a bit mouldy with vac-cinated arm (usual reaction only), I look at the cases, why a air and boat tickets, and cheer up. The lilt' is my patent. I cut the inner open-end circle not in the centre. I have lined with a silky material, so that it sets well, and when I wore it at the club, people said "Paris". I had to show the inside with my uneven stitches as proof that I had made it.

What a shame you came back to coldweather. It is defi-nitely autumn here, with much rain.

I knew your birthday was in September, but not the day, and ha-ve ordered a book which I hope you will like. The writer was int-erviewed and spoke so well and clearly, I thought how good it is to be able to use all one's faculties to the full in later years. 30. 8.

7.30 a.m. Friday

Postman just dropped your letter and its gem contained cheque. which should make this trip the highlight of the year. Just realised that coming back by boat no worry about weight, so can get some nice things without this hindrance.

Bless you and thank you and wish you a happy birth-

birthday, and an and each coming year.

U

Upper Landour, 11 Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent. 21.3.64.
Dear Bryher,

Is there anyone like you? For thinking of friends
and giving pleasure. I think not. Bless you, and thank you for
my gift, I shall do nice things with it. First going to Brighton
when time and have a lovely day out with my blind friend.
Bournemouth was deadly dull, ideal for work, but once I'd finished it
the book couldn't bear to stay.

Back under my own roof-tree I recover identity. I arrived on a love-
ly day last Friday, coming from London by car, so that I was under
cover all the way, the Tatsfield man whose car I hired is very
good, brought me cheaply, and carried everything up these steps,
whilst I climbed slowly, inhaling the lovely air and looking at the
crocuses, aconites and snowdrops.

As with you, the snow came down the ext day, five inches of it
and buried all. Prepared for cold, strikes, power cuts and
other acts of God or man I brought an oil-stove that will boil a kett-
le and warm one room. Candles and a lamp are always here, and stores,
oil, papers and post-all braved the snow and arrived.

The builder here while I was away, decorated inside, moved
a door closing in kitchen, and has made the bungalow draught proof.

I am really warm inside, and can stand being housebound for a sh
short period.

I've a lot to do to get, straight, but after that
I will carry on with putting down thoughts and ideas in my little
black books, even if it is only to prevent getting mental
costipation. I've got in the habit now.

Nice letter from Patrick. When he receives carbon will
read and contact agent. Have also sent carbon to Francis who has
a friend, Dáana Athill, a partner in Andrew Deutsch, who will advise
on agent.

Gloria Glinkin, a protegee of Edel's has sent me a pam phlet essay on D.M.R., a most efficient piece of research with much new information on family history. She went to see the sister in

Texas. I am asking her to send you a copy. I have also asked Harold
Mortlake to send you a lighted-hearted book that Patrick accepted
for Knopf' an he chukled over at Palisades keep it for the time
you can flush a little over Easter I think. If by any chance he has sent

It is given to it to give it to someone nice. I shall get it at Bromley Library, am ging there once a week. Have arranged with garage to take me up the hill.

It is lovely to be back. The wall in front of me is now
all glass. The quiet of Bournemouth was a dead silence, here it
is a breathing one. I went out one night with a torch to look for
a key I had dropped: a beetle scuttled across the path, something
rustled in the leaves, life is all around.

Forgive typing-I am going to practise till I can do better
and paper -a friend left a packet and I am using it up.

Sorry the work goes slowly, perhaps a little break at Easter
may help.Did the earthquake affect Kenwin?

I feel full of energy after my long rest from chores, and its so good not to have to break off four meals at 1 and 7.

With love,

BN9/3308.

25. 5. 64.

Dear Bryher,

I am glad you are seeing the countryside in this lovely month. The alternation of rain and sun has made it more lovely than ever. Unexpected pleasures are always cropping up. In my morning walk to the bathroom, or to burn rubbish, as today, when just inside the wire netting round the compost heap and incinerator I noted the little wild cherry and lemon balm shoots now a foot high, and thought they will soon screen this untidy heap! And I shall think of this during the day.

Silly, isn't it, that such small things can bring joy. Little minds, little pleasures. Spring, in my isolation up here, in sun and quiet, acts on me like champagne.

My bank manager came, with his family, to tea, and was very impressed. From my postcards showing hut containing bathroom he expected to find a shanty I think, as seen in American films in poor white areas. I don't think there will be any financial difficulties re house, but this needs finding. And having so long lived alone, even though the plan is to have self-contained accommodation, I am naturally a little apprehensive

But the children and myself have a great respect for privacy, and I think it is as good a solution for a future in which I may be more helpful than now.

I had Sheena and the two little boys here for Whitsun, staying in the lower bungalow. We had a lovely, time in perfect weather. Francis was in France, fixing their holiday home for June.

I've had D.Athill's report. After reading her book I was preparing for this.

Here it is.

-----"After reading—

"I regret not feeling able to recommend making an offer for this book, because Rose Isserlis has had an interesting life, and one can't help liking her. But I don't think we would be able to do anything with it.

The two most important aspects of her life, growing up in the East End (Jewish immigrants from Russia) and "Bloomsbury" youth have been done so often that by now they have to be done terribly well, not to give one the feeling "I have been here before".

And although Rose Isserlis writes better than some people who aren't writers, she doesn't write well enough.

There is nothing on which to hang promotion of the book— one couldn't say either "She's famous," or "It's a work of art"—and we all know what happens in those cases. ! "

So I'm afraid there's nothing to say no.".

I think her reasons are good, and F. was right to seek the most expert D.A.

he knew. He had not read her book before I sent it, but hsd met her).

So I have suggested to Francis that he tries an agent, NOT one of the well established ones, and leave it at that.

I think had this been written earlier, before the works of Leonard Woolf, David Garnett, Wesker, and Monkowitz, and Had I practise writing for years, it might have had a chance. And when an 'edition' meant one, not several thousands.

What I want you, and all the good people whose help and encouragement I have enjoyed, to believe, is how much I have gained from the experience and discipline this imposed on me. I enjoy and appreciate the writing in books to such a greater extent, as I imagine people who can read music enjoy concerts by great artists far more than those of us who can only say, "I know what I like".

And today, in radio, television, one is constantly faced with the pro-
-fusion of gifted people around, that illusions are impossible about one
-self.

This particular winter the work was a godsend, in a dead end like Bourenmouth, which has no history and no future to visuali

My American buys have proved invaluable. Light weight corduroy slacks, in a bottle green thatsome how never shows soil marks, tough canvas non slip deck shoes, very light, and the tapestry siutcase, again very light, ideal for London weekends.

Here, though delighted with the extended space, and decoration
I was still at a loss where to put clothes, and odds that I did not store
I had also brought all the London books. With your birthday cheque I
bought a plastic wardrobe, gay exterior, easily put together, that in s
small space holds 24 garments, is very light, and on casters, move at a
touch, and a chest of drawers in the same plastic, small, yet with deep dra
wers. So can enjoy the now uncluttered extra spaciousness.

I ought to be doing a script for B.B.C. the producer of "Home this a
afternoon" said he would like ti-o see anything I sent", but I am catching
on letters, gardening and visitors., and lo ing to laze.If 'Idleness is a
sickness of the soul'(Last night quoted by a monk) then my soul is sick.
Also only just better after torn rib muscles, not serious, but painful
Gained after a week when I had no help, and expecting gB.Manager, -
Doctor couldn't do anything, but scold, but an fine now, I have more help.
Have a good time, hope you find Doris Long as cheerful as disabili
ty will allow,

With much love, and greet D.L.

Upper Landour, Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent. 4.9.63.

Dear Bryher,

It is so good of you to send this cheque. I am sure
certain I shall have plenty, more than enough. It will have to
be a very unexpected emergency to make me cable you for more.

I won't break any law, and will take one thermos. If hot wat-
-er in tap is safe, that will do for my hot lemon.

Thankyou for suggestion re Dacron. I shall look
out for such. Lightweight clothing makes an enormous differen-
-ce to me. I breathe as well as move more easily.

I am glad you like the book. I ordered it as soon as it came
out, and when I heard and saw Miss Murray knew it would be a
good.

I saw the announcement of Artemis in the Sunday Times and
enclose the cutting from the Sunday Times. It will be good to
be able to get it here, and expect will go into a second e-
dition at least.

Let me know at any time of anything in our pa
-pers apart from such notices that may interest you. For insta
-ce there is so much building going on that nearly every week
The Times has reports of unearthed finds.

I can get in a few days back numbers of any paper, and
can send cuttings. The one good service here, tho' I can't get a drawing pin that will keep its head, have to take any paper in stock, or get a man to fix line spacer on machine.

However shall fix all in London, and stock full supplies here.

Have been shocked to hear today of Cacavelle crash on way from
Zurich to Rome.

Bless you and thank you and be sure that I will
be alright in every way. I jolly well ought to be, too,
with this team work, With love ever and thanks,

Rose.

*11 Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent.

14. 4. 64.

Dear Bryher,

Thankyou for letter, cheque, and thoughtful
comment. I am sure you are right about agents. Francis is meeting
this partner of Andrew Deutch in order to show her the script
and ask for an agent she will recommend.

I have just telephoned my daughter-in-law to ask the name of
the woman he is contacting. It is Diana Athill. She had asked
him to phone a month later as she was very busy. Today Francis
leaves for Paris where he has taken a photographer to get
some colourful shots - part of a campaign in his work as publicity
for British Railways to make the invitation to travel more
interesting. They have a lot of dead wood there, and his

as he will not be back till Friday.

Patrick gave me sound advice about the work which will mean adding a
an epilogueApart from an incident he wants me to re- place
there, I don't think I can make any assessment of such life as I have
described, (other than the essentials in do not change. )
One is, that is the important thing, not a classification into

One is, that is the important thing, not a classification into
ages, which sounds trite yes is often ignored.
I think it a good idea not to bank on publication before the
election, anyway. I want to get the best advice possible,
and am used to waiting for opportunity.

Surely your next book will be published here, if it is delayed
till after the election. Isaw Carnage prominently displayed at
W.H.Smith's, and as you have probably seen in the enclosed
cutting, you have an assured place in your milieu.

Patrick worries because he has not found best sellers for Knop
and certainly mine would not be such. Yet the Egyptian book
has had a good press and is published here. He is contacting
an agent there. I am very touched at the faith ou and he and Pearson
have had in my effort.

I had a note from an organiser of clubs for old people, a nice rather
naive woman, "Colonel Roberts" of the salvation Army. The New
York branch had told her of my visit there. I was asked for help and
gave her an account of the Community Settlement in N.Y., rub-

ing the need for desegregation of the ages. She took notes and is
coming to see me here.

I have had a letter from Wendy Aldridge re winter holidays,
and will help all I can. One cannot be sure of dry weather, or even
warm weather all the time on the Mediterranean coast, but many days
one can sit in the sun, and this is not the case in England.

That is why Bournemouth meant being indoors except for the hour of
or so I could keep walking. But I can give her tips. The most reliable
le climate I know is in Majorca. The fare is a lot, but if they
can get into Casa Valdes they can live well, be in lovely surrounding
on around a day a head. Next I would put Lisbon and York House.
France is very dear, but a well written advertisement in The Sunday
Times would reach people I know of who read it, and might
bring results. That was how I got good accommodation but it was long
ago. I will send possible addresses.

Here I have been so frustrated re builder's not turning up to
finish jobs promised, whilst I lived with scaffolding all
round, galleria full of tools and paint pots, and general mess,

that I really began to feel ill. Finally I finished off indoor jobs
of painting, which meant muddle inside as well, then got a temporary
cover at back, and had all builder's paraphernalia put there, so that
I could get away from it all and into galleria where I am now, and I
look out and not in.

What with doing my own chores, some cooking(minimum), sewing seeds,cl
beginning on weeds, It is marvellous really how I have found the energy
I put it down to two cause, my long rest from chores in the winter,
and the bracing air here. When I had such good cooking at Bourenmouth
I was never hungry, and now with all to do myself, am always
ravenous. (Vegetarian stores just called, and I stopped to eat two d
 dried bananas.)

I do have a woman for an hour and a half a week, and she does my
laundry, but I never know when she is coming. So I am teaching myself
not to get 'in a state' because of left-downs, but carry on myself whe
ere possible. Here too, sun, and daffodils are out.

Why I am so anxious to get decorations finished here is because
Bank Manager is calling re loan for housework. Surveyor has estimated
land alone to be worth 3000, so should be no difficulty to fix,
as I only want to raise £1000. All wrong really, for I gave £50, including buildings, and this inflated value of land means hardship for people. who want to build.

Because this rise is nothing to do with all the work I have put
into the place, just inflation and I feel guilty. Am thankful to enjoy
sun, and have strength to do the things I want to do.

Bless you, thank you also for Yale mag. I am sending
for D.A.'s book, and don't for a moment doubt your next book's public
-ation. Collin's aren't the only publishers anyway.

Forgive typing.

With love, Bo

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Ave., Biggin Hill Kent.

Dear Bryher,

Bless you for being so understanding. I have been very worried, but now learn of a week without pain, the first for month -s, so am hoping. She is to see the hospital specialist soon and then we shall know more. Thank you for your generous offer of other advice but Peter would be upset-he would think it a criticism of his ability to get and afford the necessary. I have to be very careful not to offer any advice or suggestion. It is natural he should be touchy, as he is four years younger than E., and has (he thinks), to hold his own with the Odles, who knew him at sixteen, a brash product of Darlington Hall. A former love affair with poet 10 years older than E., had ended tragically, and I was not too happy to see this lad round every evening, getting up early to walk with Elizabeth to her college. He was an art student then. They did get engaged, with two intrVALS whe-e-n E., tied up with others, but finally married during the war.

I admire him for his pluck in changing from art to time and motion study when he found, after four years in Africa training blacks to be Commandos, he could not make a living by art. Now he works at Marke-t Research with Nielson's, a big American firm at Oxford, and teaches art in the evenings. The marriage has proved a very happy one.

He is unflappable, and with Sue running the house so well, bothering Elizabeth about nothing, I do feel whatever happens, E., will be looked after, at any rate until Sue marries. And perhaps E., will be better by then.

The Radcliffe is famous hospital, with a medical school and rich endowments from Nuffield and other Oxford worthies, is very well equipped.

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent.
28 7 64.

Dear Bryher,

Your two letters and book reached me today after a
fortnight of postal strike, and 'go slow' in which I received nowt
As before that our staff of postmen was reduced from 7 to two
by resignations and illness I am lucky the delay was no more.

Thankyou for the book. I shall pass it on two John who visited the
Lascaux caves and urged me to do so. (The children do all their
travels in June and September and don't realise the difference in
mobility in winter months of an aged parent nor the lesser trans-
port facilities then.)

Poor Doris. Hard luck she had such a bad time at the end.
But as you say she would not wanted to go on, and it is a s well
for her daughter. Old people, sick, are a problem, especially
if living alone.

My 83 year old brother, who was suddenly widowed, and
lived in the wing of a manor house in three acres of woodland in
Devon spent three months in a nursing home in Edgware. He had a tiny
room, lots of extras to pay above the fixed charge of £30 a week.

shillings had to go in the gas all day, and though he
has a good pension from the Chamber of Commerce it was impossible
to go on at that rate. The proprietor was a draedful woman. She ran
me up to say that his daughter Helen was taking him way beacu
se she feared he would spend all his money, leaving her none.

The doctor(who had recommended the Home) agreed about the danger of moving him. I rang Helen, who was very worried, and again went to the Home, trying jorney in a December day, and persuaded Leon that he would be better at home. Helen had engaged the wife of a couple living in the west wing to undertake complete charge of him. The husband unbuilt a wall that concealed a door between, and this is left open. He is fed, nurses, very kindly treated, all for £12 a week, and happy to be with his books in his home, looking out into the garden and woods instead of a blank wall.

Poor Helen was on the verge of a breakdown with the worry of
having to decide against Doctor, nurse, and Leon. I backed her up
persuaded Leon, (The proprietor did not appear, or I might be
sadd said something about her accusations and charges). I have
since had a letter from him in the clear writing of his old
self, saying how kind his neighbours are, and apart from his weakness,
very content.

Helen goes down once a month. I keep in touch, send any
book that comes up and I think will interest him, and now we are both
nearer to an earlier relationship, when we were closer.
Re my future London home, I live in a state of suspended animation

Francis and Sheena find hoses, large, Victorian, with ga
ren, so essential, and then are disappointed in the Surveyor's re
port. Am awaiting one such report now of a house that is very
suitable and accessible, but if the mortgage surveyor turns it dow
they will have to look further. He still has to contact agent re
memoirs, is going to ask Navin Sullivan (Harraps) to recommend one
I don't like to press F., who is househunting in dinner hours,
and weekends, chasing frontiers of his book on London, who
are in Norwich? the postal strike has added to journeys, blocked te
- lephones making personal contact necessary, thank heavens its over

Eliz abeth is still in paster, but only by day. She has alm-
ost no pain, and gets about more. Peter propsed a seaside weekend,
fixed by him, and took her to Southampton. On arrival he produced p
passports, and admitted to having booked in Normandy'.

The two had a grand time in the sun, and we were all surpris-
sed, including their children to receive cards from France.

She is having two months of Physiopathology, arranged by
the Radcliffe Hospital. I feel she is getting better, still do a long程
T.S.inte

Sheena dictated the Guardian adv., to me, and I contact
ed Mrs. Milner. She called and I explained the position to her, t
that only after the publication of Horace's book could I help.

She is apsycho-analyst, and the book would be a tratise for
a learned society, a psycho an lysis derived from the works largely

She has written books under the name of J. Field, and is
at present on a case history of a patient who was duced by
electric-shock treatment of which Mrs. Milner disapproves strongly

My visit to U.S.A. will I hope have some effect on making
the lives of some old people happier. The organiser of 60 clubs
for the Salvation Army who interviewed me, and whose idea of
ENTERTAINING THE oldies was- a prayer, recitations by young people
cup of tea, and a prayer, was very grateful for my account of the H
Henry St. Settlement in New York, and the work the Old, "the Good
Companions" did for a hospital, an old pepli's home, and themselves
and all the fun and activities they had. I lent her the broadcast-

I have a bea in my bonne
t-the desire that old people should be thought of as People
First (so should young ones, teenagers et., not as a separate speci
The Guardian had an account of a pamphlet describing the work of ma
any clubs in the not-ig t two and sent o e to Colonel Robert
(I am sure she s id a prayer for me!) My white hairs invite con
fidences from old dear in tea shops, and I find how lonely
many of them are

Have had many visitors, the young Odles for a weekend plus
infants, the former producer 'IndianSummer', now principal of a
residential adult college for women 25 to 40 years old, with he
her two infants and burse all day Sunday, etc, A good time had b
all but glad it was before the heatwave, like yours.
Watering, in 7 levels, cool, but tiring. Heat vying - better when
but very good - makes me more tired.

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Ave., Biggin Hill, K
Kent.

Dear Bryher,

I've seen the Penguin July list, with news of 14th
October to come out in a paperback. Splendid news, entry to a w
wider public. Now for the others to come! All of them should be
in every 6th... library to give the feel of history.

It is a grand summer, and so far my visitors have
come on the perfect days, not in the heatwave which has been an
ordeal for me. Today, welcome rain.

John writes 'Thanks very much for the book. It brings
back agreeable memories of our visit to Lascaux. The whole count
-try is rather fascinating, sleepy towns and dramatic countrysi
de.(I am told this machine runs a bell at end of line but I
can't hear it) The American book I am passing on to a friend who
has had an article first printed in 'Encore', published in a
book on Theatre by an American press, in company with far mor
-e famous people, Sartre, Miller, Ionescu and such. As he is a
bit wordy and repetetive himself he may find it readable. I don
't.I think a race of thesis writers have to fill a certain spac
e, and create this style.

Grim indeed the news about French censorship. A pop outlook
for writers and public. I heard De Gaulle on radio recently.
Brought unpleasant echoes of other dictators.

I will jog Francis re agent
as soon as I know what is happening about a house we are trying
for, roomy, with a self contained garden flat that would do
for me. The building societies jib at lending on these old
well built houses. Yet here, they are building houses of breeze
blocks! These sell at £5000, which doubles the mortgage. The peo
ple who buy them can't see below the plaster. Yet some years a
ago permission to build a shed of these was forbidden by the
council.

As for Patrick, I haven't heard whether he received the
alterations and added final chapter he advised. I sent these lo
-ng ago, and have written twice since, with no reply. If, by any
chance you should be writing to the Gregories would you be kin
d enough to say how grateful I was for his advice especially
to add a tying up final chapter, which I hope met the case.

Then when they write I would know whether he received
the mss. I don't like to bother him with a third letter. He is so
gentle and kind, and shoulders ungrudgingly so much. When

I was therehe travelled three times a week, to help

Horace dress, move from his chair, walk. Staying overnight mea
-nt getting up at 5a.m. to get Horace up, help Mariya-he did al
-1 the washing up., and get to New York. A journey by bus, subw
-ay, bus again, and long walk.Knopf's is no picnic Constant int
erruptions, mostly unnecessary, by people inventing false impor
tancie. He brought much work home. He is the son of his parent
-s, certainly.-, modest, qnd unselfish.I learnt from Mariya how
brilliantly he had done at universities.

I'm still worried abot Elizabeth. She had too much pain
to continue the exercises, and after a visit to specialist was a
allowed to take off the plaster jacket, as the muscles had not i
improved. She is to do only backbending exercises, on no account
to bend forward. She is very relieved to have the plaster off, t
takes short walks, aith many rests. Perhaps there will be prog
ress now. They go on 27th. to France, Pyrenees coast. for a fo
rtnight, and I hope that may help.

I hope you have enjoyed this lovely summer and your
visitors as I have done. Flowers have been better than ever. On
the hills opposite they are already ploughing a field. After a
day in town I am glad to get back into this green world.

Enjoy your visitors, give letters and work a rest.

With much love,

BN9/3308. 20.10.64

Dear Bryher,

I came back on a wet cold evening after the third time
in one week off going to London to see telephone, electric,
plumbing, decorating men re flat. .. to find your letter and I
felt cheered.

The trouble with including March Moonlight is that the earlier
books are now unavailable to most people, and I think new readers
should begin with say, the three earlier books. As soon as Horace's
book is out Dent's have considered doing 'Pointed Roofs' but I am going to
suggest they do the first three in a paper back. It is easier to
understand M.M. if you have read earlier books.

Re my mss. Christie and Moore's still have it, at
anyrate they have not sent it back as being a non-starter, so for the
present I can only wait.

I'm so glad to hear news of the Gregories... wouldn't I love
to come back! But one must not expect too much of the gods-
miracles don't happen twice. I can see your stunning words. .. 'Have
you ever thought of going to America?' I couldn't go on reading for a bit.
I very much want to get away for several reasons, and get abroad if
I can possibly manage. I get such capital, food for mind, sun for body,
especially if I go to a new place, it is like filling an engine with
petrol.

Sheena is expecting her third child by Christmas. If I get away
then have the late spring and summer months here, the new infant
will be over the tricky first few months, and Sheena, who is a marvel
of her vital, but gentle, makes no trouble of anything, keeps the
children happy and good, will be in trim again.

We are all determined to make a success of the venture.
There has been so much to do for both parties, in modernising a sound vict
orian house. I have to put in five power points for hot water, cooker
heaters etc.

Francis is standing the installation of sink, and decoration
of room that is to be turned into a kitchen diner for me. I shall have my
own meter, phone, self-contained two rooms, only sharing bathroom
We 've had a hectic time raising the funds to buy the house- but we've
done it! £5000 from Borough Council and £1500 from Bank.
The latter to pay back in 5 years. It must be a good house to
get such. We share the same bank manager and solicitor, the latter a young
woman and a dear, belongs to my pub club where we meet once a month.

It was such a struggle to do it all that she and the Manager
were nearly as excited as we were, and on my last visit to the bank
he brought out sherry, for her and me, and we all leaned back and rejoiced

He leaves soon and was anxious to do all before going. He came her
in June with his family, has known Francis a long time and watched his
progress.

Now there is all the practical part of the house, and won't I be glad

When it is done, and I haven't got to keep on going to London,
but am settled in.

I got a nervous rash with all the suspense, and remembering
how Dorothy fared with shingles, was scared when I saw a crop of blisters
round my body. But it wasn't. The n I had my first go of osteo-arthritis
and had several sleepless nights. Finally I went to my London doctor.
He said 'It is not a disease, but degeneration, overgrowing of the knee
-bones. It can be alleviated, but not cured. I said ' If this is so, I w
will learn to live with it. 'I have learnt to live with my heart, and I
will learn to live with this.' 'You certainly learnt to live with your he
heart, I listened to your broadcasts to heart patients' Whith I th ought
was sweet of him.He gave me the strongest pain-killers I could have -
unless I had morphia, and recommended a sun-lamp.

After all this heroic decision on my part, the pain went
completely, I have not opened the bottle of tablets nor used the lamp.

So after all these cares, delays what-have-you? I'm fine,
delighted we've got the house, dog-tired, happy, don't want to look at
any more catalogues of electric appliances, rather hope the new arrival
will complete the family, hope to-morrow will be my last necessary trip to
London, then I can gather the apples (one tree has fruited after 10
years, three large lovely Charles Ross- I haven't the heart to eat them-
they are on the mantelshelI look up and admire.)

I must think of some work to do if I go away. I can't laze
all day for weeks. The B.B.C. work was an incentive, but that's gone. I'm n
not keen on free-lancing or I'd try some articles. In a foreign country
I generally give English lessons in return for the other language, but
as a rule the other really needs English, and I end up by giving these
freely. I like teaching, watching progress is rewarding.

I've asked Mortlake to send you F.'s book on London. He refuses
to write down so it is readable. I know you must get heaps of books y
you can't keep, but London is an popular subject and perhaps some of the
American cosins children would like it.

I often think of the Gregories, they really are a heroic
family and so lovable.

I'm glad you had such a lovely time. Now enjoy your
homecoming.

With love,

house.

Early November.

London

Well send
elephane minie
when I get it

I shall have to install water, h., and c., and cooker in the
kitchen. Francis has a good man for such jobs. We took the ch

to be akitchen.Francis has a good man for such jobs. We took the ch
-ildren to see it, and they were so happy to be in a garden.
At present Sheena has to take them to the park, such a business with pram up and downstairs, to get them out of doors.

We are all excited about it, and about F.'s book. It
has fascinating pictures of early and late London. He collaborated
with a photographer. The publishers sent a copy to the B.B.C.
and they have interviewed F. for atelevision appearance, when some
of the pictures will appear on the screen. One playbill describes a
fireeater who will not only eat fire, breathe fire, but also set
himself alight. A footnote from the Water Company offers to put Ou
-t any bystander who catches fire. A moern photograph of a gambling
den shows some vicious faces. Francis hopes one subject in the picture
(who has had 40 convictions) won't see it!

There is a telephone in the house, and I am to have my own, not an
attention. The reading of H.D.'s poetry sounds good. I heard some of
her poems beautifully read at the Friday club, and some in Greek.
What a lovely language!; just the sound is music.

If all goes well I hope to be settled in London by N
November. I don't want to spend that cold month here, and undo any
good this glorious summer has done. Meanwhile I can stay any night
I want to be in town with my good friend Miss Kertesz at King's Hot
-el. When I am in town I will ring Beaumont Wadsworth and if he wou
ld like me to call will do so. My daughter continues to improve. My
brother actually wrote to me saying how well he is being looked aft
er in his own home.

I hope you are enjoying your round of visits. P
erhaps I may see you in Nov.? I don't want to be greedy, know you
have many to invite, but if a ticket is going for the reading,
will be glad, if not will understand.

Greet the Pearsons for me. I am not too pleased
with Edel. My friend the antique bookseller, Harold Mortlake, asked
him when he called at the shop whether he had called on me. Not su
rprisingly, he had not.

With love,

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Avenue, B Biggin Hill, Kent.

2. 10. 64.

Dear Horace,

As you know, Gloria Glikin called on me, said she had spent weeks in Cornwall, talked to anyone who had had any contact with D.M.R., also seen Richard Church, and a psycho-analylist who had written in the Guardian asking for information as she wanted to write a book on D. I had already seen this Mrs. Milner, and

explained that all material was tied up until your book was out. Then G.G. produced a bound volume, over an inch thick, on 'Pilgrim-age' A critical study. Naturally I thought this would not contain any biographical matter of the kind that had been reserved first for Edel, then transferred to you.

She also told me that in two years time she would spend a sabbatical year in Cornwall, an write a biography of B.

She took the bound microfilm copy to Dent's, who would not look at it, saying they were already considering a life of D., which must mean yours as they have asked me to lift them know as soon as this is to be published for they might bring out a paper back of Pointed Roofs then.

She took it to the Cresset press, asking that it might hr sent to me when they had finished with it. I t has been rej -oted by them and the book arrived to-day.

To my amazement it contains much material that was reserved for Edel, mentions stuff from letters, gives thanks for 'generous help' from me (one letter, referring to matter, mostly dates, that I did NOT know), and to Philip Batchelor, whom I had warned about her demands, and who gave very little help.

When I last saw Edel I asked for a definite time when he would be likely to get on with the life. He had had the material for two years and not started.

'When I have finished with Henry James'

'When will that be?'

'Five years'... may be dead then'

Then he gave me a choice: biography in 5 years by himself, or in collaboration with a "brilliant student, herself a writer, in two years. I chose the latter.

What upsets me is that this book shows she has had access to material I had denied to several people, not merely thesis writers, but journalists and two with published books to their credit -it, as I kept my word with Edel.

One comfort, this book, a thesis to gain a Ph.D., is unlikely to be published anytime. The Cresset Press have not even cut the pages. I am not surprised that Edel has NOT collaborated. But G. G. has used what was not intended for her sole benefit.

As from: 13, Lawford Rd., Kentish Town, N.W. 5 2. 11. 64.

Dear Bryher,

Thank you for your heart-warming letter and generous
gift. I have all I need for house adaptations as last year I had no rent
to pay in town, and saved this.

ReMarch Moonlight. I have a letter from Dent's received after
I had sent a complete collection of letters, selected, from D. to J. C.
Pows and his replies. They turned it down, but said they might
consider a miscellany, a sort of literary remains, to include these
letters and other items. M.M. could go into this, and as soon as
Horace's book comes out I will get down to it. That was the original
plan; reprint of novels and a volume such as this to follow on
biography. It is too bad that pilgrimage is unavailable in the States,
and now here. G. Glikin said her pupils begged for the books to read,
but could not get them. What is the good of all these recommendations
when this is the case?

I am so glad you like the book. It supports my faith in him,
he cannot write down, and write with feeling always.

Morocco in summer is touristy, mosquito-ridden, and in a short visit
one does not get the feel of Arabia. I get my interest in places more from
people, their way of life, than from the scene, except as a setting and
conditioning of that way of life. I found so much in Morocco, the
hill people, the lovely Spanish towns like Tetuan, the art schools
where instead of classes, a boy would work with a craftsman, and turn out
exquisite carvings with a hammer and chisel, the very differences in
the way women wore the veil in North south, the Berber women
walking miles to market with bare feet but gaitered legs to protect them
from thorny shrubs, whilst little girls carried their shoes round their
necks, and put them on their henna'd feet in town.

But I must not go on about Morocco.

I would like to go to This or Israel, but only Soth Israel
might be warm enough. And now that I have made one journey by boat,
and was alright, wouled risk another.

I'm afraid the B.B.C. work has gone, of the kind I did.
The new programme 'Home this afternoon' to take the place of Indian
Summer' is quite different. 5 50% of it is music, theatrical reminiscence
interviews with V.I.P.'s. None of the 'regulars' of the old programme
has been taken on. This may be due to the mess made by a young woman
who took the place of my former supervisor, and was actually rude,
chopped my first New York talk about so much, saying to my face 'old
people are very stupid, they will never understand that,' when I
had written that instead of a level old age pension 2/5 of a year's income
was paid, this amount taken from average of 5 highest paid years,
and I said then that I had made over 20 broadcasts and had not been
asked to use kindergarten language before. She toned down a bit after
this and accepted my next script, but was dismissed before it could be
recorded. And the producer of the new series, who didn't take it.
It is not the money I miss, but the series didn't take it.

but the stimuləus, the nice people I worked with, and appreciative
letters.

I was unlucky about the second N.Y. one, because I learnt later
that a talk on that had been commissioned, and in fact I heard it.

The letter re mine said it was interesting, and the producer
would like to see anything e lse i sent. I then wrote 'Life begin
at 70' a kind of digest of new aspects, the freedoms and in my case,
enlightening experiences of travel, with some tips on inexpensive
ways of living abroad.

Again he said he liked it, but did not take it;

So I have been discouraged. Perhaps when all this move is over
I may try for another programmeWhat I like is something definite to
to do. It is rəher late to start free-lancing. I will try to get
part time regular teaching of English, if I go east. West my age bars
me.I don't think it is vanity, it is the desire to be used, to stretch
my mind. I can teach, and I learn so much when contacting minds.
As for your hope held out of another visit to Americaa, that joyous
possibility will give me happy thoughts , lovely g you'

Yes China is indeed the threatApart from the danger, now that
she is getting all the know-how of the west, and while other countries
are considering birth-control is ready to sacrifice any number of her
teeming millions, the alliance with Russia will set back what progress
to western freedoms might otherwise increase.

The sun is shining, my cracked rib is mending, the garden
is covered with gold and red leaves, the sheep are on the hills,

I move on Wednesday, shall have twelve days before the Odles mo
move in, we are all excited about the venture and feel it is a challenge
to make a go of it. And the three of us like achallenge!

I hope your snow was but a false start of the winter.

On a day like this, with so many nice things to think about,
one's age is meaningless. In Bromley the other day, looking in a sop
shop-window mirror I saw a little old woman coming towards me.

It was myself! Surely not, I thought, but it was.

With much love and thanks,

Rose

If I don't go east, I may go to someplace in S. France.
her a fashionable place - but on autoswert, nice perhaps a few days
up with a foreigner in Florence. I've heard a sheep
good hellet just arrived in Florence, - might be warm
enough in late March. Can arrange specially to be
called in, but it is pleasant to dream.

13, Laford Rd., NW5

12.12.64

Gulliver 0437
(My own phone)

Dear Bryher,

You are incorrigible. I HAD my Christmas present, my holiday cheque. And now you send ten Pounds. The holiday money has pro longed my life, physically, and mentally. Whilst I am travel fit I cannot resist the opportunity.

My flat is finished and delightful, but workmen will be in the house for several weeks yet. All three floors are to be redecorated, the roof insulated, radiators burning electricity in non peak hours at low rates installed on all landings. So far the actual rooms we live in have been done first. There was some woodworm and all floors but mine were taken up and injected with cuprinol by a highly pressured electric pump. I came before the others to get away from cold in Kent, so my floors were left till I go aw -ay¹²

The stairs and landings make moving an obstacle race, with ladders, painting and papering going on. The children love it and the hammering. But we are all thrilled by having our ideas carried out by an imaginative and not grasping contractor who has been known to us a long time. Francis has adjustable shelves from floor to ceiling in recesses, cupboards-wherever there is room. My blue and white kitchen has apparently little in it, but the essentials are there, the right height, and it function with the minimum of movements, reaching, or stooping. All my stored furniture fitted, as did my curtains, and I had to buy nothing except kitchen units.

The Borough council made repairs and decoration a condition of their loan, (almost 80 % of purchase price.) The house is freehold, and we were lucky to get it before changing circumstances in the market. , foreseeing which urged us to speed.

Thank you for tips re Switzerland. I am sure after a few days

I shall find reasonable accommodation. I always have
done. And so long as I get one good meal a day don't need much.
Warmth is the essential. I get so much out of a new environment
, not only at the time. I see a scene from the Atlas hills,
or, as last night, Manhatten, and my mind leaps back, to things
the television camera does not show.

It was a shock to hear of Edith Sitwell's death. Some people s
shouldn't die, there ought to be exceptions.

Her portait waws shown, then that of Elizabeth 1, then the Plant-
agenet Queens,. Next her lovely voice, reading Façade (how glad I
was to have seen and heard her then). Followed an interview in
which she spoke of her childhood, her parents, her values, so simply,
with such integrity. It was deeply moving, a rare occasion, when
for once the B.B. C. struck no false note. I thought of you, what
her loss must mean. Had you stayed in England a few more days you
could have seen the t his:yet it might have made it harder for you.

The sculptured face has always been striking. I remember
best her eyes, holdimng so much wisdom, and sadness, kindness t
too, and that sudden twinkle of fun.

Good to have news of Horace and the book. He has got
as far as contacting possible publishers.

I expect to spend my super, plus, cream-on-my coffee extra
Christmas present in Switzerland. I love to look round and see
my Portuguese water jar, Moroccan slippers, American umbrella
and suitcase, so I lead many lives in many places.

Had such a jolly letter from Margery, could hear her talking.

Francis typewriter is still. He has finished his next book,
and relaxes. As I hope you do.

Thank you for my lovely quite unexpected
extra Christmas cheque. Do have a good time and rest.

With love,

Dear Bryher,

13, Lawford Rd., NW5 Gul.0437

Thank you for letters and helpful information re trains. If my plane is on time I should be able to get the 1.15 comfortably as this gets in 12.15. But our weather is as changeable as yours appears to be. Snow, fog, rain, sunshine, alternate. If I get in late at Zurich will get a bed somewhere near the station, but hope to get the journey over in a day. Service in London of all kinds is apalling. I rang a 24 hour taxi service to book a car 10 a.m. Tuesday to take self and luggage to air terminal, and again 7a.m. Wed., to take me. They were (practically sure but could not guarantee) this from a service advertising 24 hour taxis.

Buses are so scarce and irregular that taxis are at a premium. However with luggage there I can travel easily the day following.

We had a pleasant family Christmas. Sheena cooked the bird and carried on normally as she has done within a few day's of Peter's birth. She, certainly, is good example of the modern technique of taking chilbirth easily.

Last night, no, New Year's Eve they had a few friends in, journalists, and such, and the talk was good. A great treat for myself. And as one does when parties are over, this one was from 8 to 10, we three sat down, had a fine meal of the goodies, stilton and burgundy, and saw the New Year in. All happy to think we were together, and for me, aftir many years of being alone at such times, particularly pleasant.

The children enjoyed their presents, among them a car that put on lights when moving, skittles, and a carved wwooden rabbit that moved any part of its body into endless combinations.

Re Miss. I have not given up hope. I will contact Christie and Moore and find what they have done, and I may, in view of Macmillan's letter (U.S.A.), add a chapter on the later lives of my brothers.

There is a reason for the omission. We had been so close in my childhood that I sensed a feeling in their wives, both of whom I liked, of being left out when I called, and I was careful not too be too intimate.

You may be interested to hear that Navin Sullivan whose last book had excellent notices, and does get published in America, has decided to offer future books to America first... prefers dealing with American publishers.

I haven't said anything about your suggestion re a possible visit to U.S.A. in the spring, for I would like it so much that I don't want to raise my hopes too high.

I see in a brochure that Lugano has over twice as much sunshine from December to March as London. So I hope this will do my knee some good, which has played me up. I booked three nights at the Bristol (all nights)

(eduction given on 3 nights) and then ~~will look~~ round will look round.

I've heard from Patrick, Horace and Norman, think
of them often, and Norman sent a warm appreciation of Francis'
book. (I can hear him tapping away upstairs at the one after the
next, the latter is at the printers). I was glad of an opportunity
to send people from whom I have had books in the past.

Only wish it were my own work to send. One day., perhaps.

So nice to have your letter sent on Christmas Day.

May it be a good year for you with success in
work, happiness and good health, and peace for the world. With
all my love,
Rose

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill,
Kent. 2. 9. 65

29 COLVILLE TERRACE,

LONDON, W.11.

RAY 7850

BN/9/3308

Dear Bryher,

At last I begin to see the end of this painful feet
condition approaching. I became very depressed in to wn
walking as much as I could to 'harden' the feet, the
pain increasing, myself getting weaker, and decided to
come here. Since last Tuesday, here, walking only when
when I must, lying with feet high up, exposing wounds
as much as possible to the open air, living in this hill
air, I have really improved. The right foot is healed,
the left still raw, but clean, gradually closing in,
now not much bigger than 1s. The doctor and nurse
here treating so successfully. And today a home help
arrived. She can only come once a week, but works well

I have to do everything very slowly, resting constantly.

But feel much more cheerful. I don't lock my door at night so that if I had to send for the doctor he could get in. Am not nervous, being too high up for easy access.

Wonderful news yesterday. De Dent@sare arranging with Knopf for a reprint of Pilgrimage in sets of 4 volumes. To sell here at £6, and in U.S.A. for

£25. Owing to high pæ-costs of production Dent's ask meb to accept 5% royalty instead of the former 10%. I have asked

Mark Paterson, an agent who has worked in U.S.A. and long ago contact me re D.M.R. whose work he admires, to act for me. He will contact

Dent's by phone and sound the possibility of say 7½% the reprint, even at no financial benefit, but on principal.

Why should economy be made on royalties? The printers won't be asked to take less. I am to have them on the American books too.

Well, all my efforts to get a come back for Dorothy have not been in vain. I have persuaded all the seekers for information to complain to booksellers, to Dent@s complete sets are now unobtainable here, and only the three universities lecturers who came to see me not any of her works they said were available for students in

U.S.A. Then Horace and Norman have played their part in producing this

2

BN(5308

10. 6. 66

Dear Bryher,

I expect you are glad to be back in spite of the difficultie
Now, an extraordinary thing has occurred. The Victoria and Albert
Museum, staging a Beardsley exhibition, have contemporary items;
some drawings of Alan Odle's, and the painting of Alan by Adrian Allm-
Allinson, that was in the Cafe Royal for some time, showing him in
Yvette jacket, holding a cigarette in one hand and a wine glass in
the other.
You may have seen a large photograph of this at Hillside: we
have this now. The picture is labelled and listed as that of a
Mr. Watkins, who died young in Paris, and was an illegitimate son of
Beardsley!

If you have a copy of 'Cafe Royal' by Deghuy and Wat
Waterhouse, (Hutchinson)-I think Dorothy or myself sent you a copy-
you will find the picture on page 44. Francis went to the exhibition,
protested to Brian Reade, the Deputy Keeper of the print room,
that this was a portrait of Alan. Even if this could be proved,
the title might be corrected, but not the catalogue. Bazaurocracy!

He went again with John, but had no luck. Bertrand Allinson,
Adrian's brother, wrote protesting, said he would know Alan among a
thousand, has had no answer. I have phoned and written: they want incon-
testable evidence, the agreement of the owner before they make any a
alterations. The owner is Basil Fielding, whose address I have asked fo-
I am especially concerned at the error, not only for the
slur on the family-there, are many descendants on the Elsden side who
would not consider a link with Beardsley an honour, but because I
want to have copyright permission for Gloria Glikin, and others who
may write on D., to reproduce this.

The keeper has asked for photographs of Alan, which I am sending by this post, registered. Reade tells me that Fielding bought the picture from Lord Tedegar, who I think, is either Ivor Montague, or a relative. Adrian and Allinson were friends of Montague. If the picture was commissioned, the owner has the rights: if not, the artist has the copyright, in this case, the executor, Lolly Smith.

There is some mystery about the present owner, whosaid he
was given the name of Watkins, and the legend, when he bought the pic-
ture.

When I saw the repro. in 'Cafe Royal' I wrote to authors and
publishers, neither could, or would give the name of the owner.

In Compton McKenzie's talk on Bohemia the picture was flash-
ed on the tel. screen. I wrote to the B.D.C. or ownership of c. right
they said they did not know.

Now, if you have seen therepr oduction- I may have

4. 11. 66

13, Lawford Rd., NW5

Gulliver

0437

Dear Bryher,

So good to have your letter, news and Yale Review-always something of interest in latter. A relief to know the Icelandic b book was welcome. After a favourable review in the Times, a very bad one in Yesterday's T.L. S. What standards, if any, have reviewers? My friend Watts, a classical scholar and teacher, had his Propertius translation reviewed, in the hard backed edition, in the T.L.S. when it came out. 'Smooth, elagant verse,' many oth -er pleasant things were said of it. Yesterday, in the same paper , a beastly review of the Penguin appeared. Absolutely off-puttin g. Regretting that being in paperback so many would read it. As Everett said when I phoned, do they expect every translation to be by a majo r poet? To ignoramuses like myself an easy reading translation of any classic is welcome. Soon

I am glad you saw the Gregories. I do hope he will walk- it takes a long time to recover from operations. I feel so alive and vigorous in myself that it seems to me some stranger is crawling r round. Yet to walk at all after the last year is a miracle.

I have a lovely flat. Francis and Sheena have done so much to make it good. No stairs, and the smallest bathroom and kitchen ever, but with just one o r two more days work, t he builder will have completed all mod. cons. The children gave up th their usual holidays in France to do this: I thought we should nev -er manage it all, but it is done, and a perfect winter home for me. I have two very large rooms, leading into each other by an arch, then another openig, curtained to kithen, and a door of pleated plast leads to tiny bathroom. I face south in this room where I type, and th sun pours in. I look out on the tiny front garden, and similar garden opposite.

I rather dreaded the invasion of privacy with three little boys in the house. But they are very sweet, and well- behaved, and wh the curtain is drawn separating the two main room they don't come in.

I have a former help, a friend of all of us, coming in on a week, as much a social occasion as domestic aid, who gives all a thorough clean, takes my laundry home and brings it back clean.

She also brings shopping in- I cannot go out at all in this cold weather, which has come as suddenly as with you.

If you saw the letters enclosed, please return, or, if writing to Norman, would you be kind enough to send them for the Richard -son archives. The story is sure to crop up again. I thought being a away you might have missed them. I think it was disgraceful of the T.L.S. to publish a hearsay very derogatory account of Alan.

My American visit has re percussions. An neighbour of the Gregories, that came to visit me in Biggin Hill, wanted to get me on a programme for the Aged, in New York. This had an excellent noti

13, Lawford Rd., NW5

Gulliver 0437

5 12 66

Dear Bryher,

The dear little ever so useful diary arrived on Thursday and I wanted to write then to thank you, but my usual Christmas visitors came early, with a series of late nights- very enjoyable, but I have to slow down a bit after. On the Thursday my Thursday club members came, on Friday Richard Baker, who often interviewed me for 'Indian Simmer, with his wife came, on Friday. On Saturday Elizabeth (who is at last more mobile) with her husband, daughter Sue, and her infant, my great grandson. The latter, a year old, with only one eighth non english ancestry, looks very Russian, redcheeked, black-haired cossack. A great time was had by all.

Richard (who has a book just out! Here Is The News', suggested I made a book out of my broadcasts. I may have a go, now that I am practically straight. All that has to be finished now is another set of shelves to be built in the window side recess in the lounge, such a fine, large, high ceilinged room, with the corniced ceiling, arch leading into my bedroom, the rooms like the exterior, having little Victorian features, arches, bricks patterned over windows, that are so welcome after a surfeit of matchbox architecture. I do hope you will come and see my lovely flat if you come to London (And I will make a special lunch in my diminutive but very functional kitchen). I have heaters everywhere, bathroom too, and so good to be on ground floor.

Whenever it is not too cold, I get out, and the walking has improved my condition, I crawl less, walk more.

Herbert Van Thal, (James Agate's 'Bertie in 'Ego') wrote to me from 'The London Author's agency' saying he found my letters in the T.L.S. very interesting. He was an admirer of Alan Odle's work. Had I ever thought of writing a book? I had him over to lunch, told him of the memoirs, -I know they are not good enough on present form- with help I might turn out something publishable. What I would want is a collaborator with a tape recorder. And a more definite emphasis on the theme. It is only after having written the mss. that I knew what I was trying to communicate- the stimulating childhood, disappointing change from the lively intellects I had met among the East End foreigners to the academic students at the University. This was bad luck really, for my scholarship labelled me, most of the students were then fee-paing-and a few were a part. Also, of course, I should have been on the arts not science side. The meeting with the Odles, and a renewal, an entry into the inner circle of people who spoke my language.

Then too, I would like to go more deeply into what I have written, and fill out portraits of Alan and Dotothy because so few living now knew these exceptional, unique characters. Now that I am stronger, I really am, I will try, whether Van Thal gets me help or not, to get this down. Elizabeth an Peter on Saturday here, urged me to try. Even if no one wants it publi shed now, the matter might be of interest later. With all the

family so active, I feel a lazybones. But getting installed meant a
lot of work, and really I have been convalescent till now.
Francis had two more books out this year, John has received the silver
medal of the Photographic society for the best research of the
year, and finished his work on the Br. Museum catalogue- in less than
the time he contrived. That special photographic apparatus designed
in his laboratory has made history. sSheena, my daughter-in-law, (She
spoils me, her children and her husband- and we like it- )
has persuaded the polytechnic here to let her have a room, free, for
her work for the homeless and such), You never leave off work,
all your books are in the exc. library here, I'm looking forward to
the new book- and I have at last thumbed my nose at the
little disabilities, and with all the comfort I have here, am asha
-med to be idle.

The children here are sweet and good. With fi ve ypung
mothers near, a playgroup is held every weekday morning in
one house, every mother getting four free mornings a week. Here it
is on Wdènesdays, I have so far been out that day! Several profess
ional people have discovered these fine houses in the quiet bacw re
waters of Kentish Town.

I have done no Christmassing yet, but am to have a day in
the west next week, going fairst too the B.B. C. to make rough cop
ies of scripts I have not got- they won't let you take them out,
and then have a gorgeous look round Lewis's bookshop in Gower Steet.

No bookshops in Kentish Town.

My daughter is going to sell her lovely Cotswold house and
get a ground floor flat in Oxford. Adrian doing an arts design course
has to be next year in Oxford, then two years in London. So I hope
to see more of them. Elizabeth will help me sort out a lifetime accu
lation of stuff, letters etc. Alan and D. things. They should get
enough for the house to have a little bungalow for holidays, perhaps
in Dorset.

I hope the new heating keeps you warm, that you have a
lovely Christmas, the best yet. And thank you for the diary,
that I love to have.

With much love,

13, Lawfrd Rd., NW5

4 1 67 my

My dear Bryher,

What a time you have had, all the worry and the travelling
, and in winter. I'm glad you have Ines to look after you; whether
she can replace Elsie, who wasashelp and so much more than a house
keeper is another matter. It does seem hard when people who have
worked hard and in old age might look forward to more ease are
struck down. And now you have her future to think of.

(Forgive this wretched type-I've rung up two stores for ribbon-unavailable in Kentish Town-in vain. Must go west to get one) We were all down with the in various stages at Christmas.

We sat at Christmas dinner, with two of the children able to keep
little food down, Sheena with a high temperature, unable to get the tar
taste of delicious food she had made. But made the best of being together
, put off visits and visitors, and have been catching up on commit-
ments.

Luckily I went shopping before Christmas to spend some of my cheq-
, laid in non-perishable stores as you advised, able to store these as I
two floor to ceiling fine Victorian cupboards. The wood of these old de
doors is hard that the builder had to get special tools to loosen screws
when doors had to be taken off during carpeting.

Also clothes- including a lightweight wool stockinette costume,
jumpers, ideal for day use, and under cbot. I shall get another. And
on off chance of evening invitations, a darkish dress and jacket
that will last years and not date. It has atiny thread of lurex in
material that gives a festive look.

Mark P aterson, the agent who did st well in all

D. M.R. affairs, asked me to dinner in their lovely Georgian house,
and I asked them both here for N.Y. Eve. At the last minute Yitka was
not sufficiently recovered to come. I had Sheena a nd Francis too,
and the men both being in publishing had much too talk of. Mark has live
in Ame ica six years, been in publishing with Oxford Univ. Press and oth
ers, Certainly knows his onions. He has all the Freud remains -lit.

in hand. (He turned down my memoirs, thought I was only successful in
humour parts). The wed. before had a call from Paris. A mother
and daughter I met in Casablanca were coming to Eng. for 3 dqays.

They arrived in London on the Thursday, 10 p. m. called here at 11,
stayed till one a. m. Very pleased to see them. On Friday I went to the
at the connaught, to tea with more Ams. the dinner out and a
theatre. Sat. had to get ready the N.Y.Eve dinner. Well my frock a
jacket were just right. I am warmly invited to Paris for a week in S.

June. Dr. Butchern, the mother, works at the Am. Embassy, and has
a huge flat- was having 25 to lunch on the Tuesday. Well, I need not
worry about any possible health bothers, the Embassy wd. loo k after me
My friend wd. be at work all day, so Icd. go quietly, but the evening
pace of living, in Paris, with Americans, I don't know about!

13, Lawford Rd., NW5

Gulliver 0437

14 3 67

Dear Bryher,

How can I thank you, for your lovely Easter gift,
and for much more, as you will see when thr new edition posted last we
reaches you. For your encouragement and help to live in comfort,
during this long ten years before publication, kept me, and the effort
to get renewed interest in Dorothy's work. I do hope you will like
the covers. I told Dent they must produce the backs attractively.
(compare your Pantheon productions) and kept on about this.

There is a craze for Victoriana and the sketches on the jackets cash in on this. Now I am going to push on plans for a volume of her stories, to be followed later by one of letters. I haven't the energy, nor the years before me to do these, but hope after the books have come out, for surely there will be some good reviews, to interest others in such.

The Gregories were very upset at the commission for preface going to Walter Allen (I had suggested Edel), and Knopf's cabled Dent to prevent this, but it was too late. I don't think Allen has done badly. Apparently he had earlier written denigrating her work.

I went to Broadcasting House, after a fortnight's notice,
to see my scripts. The B.B.C. insist that none can be taken out of
the building. They seem unaware that my producer (now principal of
a women's college) went up and filled a suitcase of these, of which two
were mine, and those I have. When I got there, an enormous pile of
Indian Summer' scripts were put before me, and it took me four hours
to find five, and make rough notes, no time for more. They have some
25 there, and I've got copies of only a dozen, because I did not
keep carbons, or if script was written, they just took it.

I don't think it is worth spending many days h unting.
Anyway I shall have some mention in Gregory's book, and the
T.L.S. letters too have brought a little publicity. Also a recent book
about Victor Neuberg I was asked to do a piece and sent a paragraph
included with acknowledgment.

heard of
The T. L. S. brought a call from a friend I had not
me for 20 years. In the War I twice met Joyce Winer at a friend's house
in Jordans. That was before I had ever made a broadcast, or
any thing worth mentioning, to be noted. Nor had Joyce then the
highly successful agency she runs now. As I like her very much, I
was very pleased that she turned up. We had a grand evening, and
tho' hesitant to mix business with pleasure, I did, and shed her one o'
chapter of the Memoirs, and the 'innocents in Bohemia ' broadcast.

As my agent had not been at all enthusiastic, I wastaken aback
at her warm approval. And after her visit, she wroteto me'Do, do go on
with the book. What you have to sayis valuable and attractinve, but
keep the direct approach of your verbal and broadcast material'.

She has asked me to come to her cottage in
Battle later.

Now I am going to concentrate on the book all the summer.
After the help you, Norman, Patrick, and now Joyce have goven
I must live on till I have completed the revised version. (I kept m
my word with the Bank when I had an overdraft to build this lovely
flat, promising not to die in the red)

I am glad the Pearsons are visiting you. Do give them wa
rmest greetuings from me. I leave here on the 28 for Biggin Hill.

I've laid on regular help from a couple. The wife to clean up
weekly, the husband to cut grass etc. and I hope to keep my mornings
frss for work. They have a car and can shop for me.

Please don't attempt an answer. A card to say book
have arrived, no more

I could not believe the books were real, after all the
dealays, threats to drop it because of Moonliпт charge by my agent.

Of course the old misprints are there, but as I
rarely pick up a book or paper without this is not surprising.

And perhaps I am to blame. I did not wabnt to give my coie
copies, with D's marks in them, gave theem my own set for the
printer. Never occurred to me that errors moght not be corrected.

Have a good aaster, enjoy your company,
the spring flowers in the garden, and may the sun shine on all,

With love, thanks, hollanngs

from Rose

In the tem garden facing as I
boule - 20 daffodls, 5 hyacinls out, 1 ne
litle handkerchief sages leam vaid wile Spring greea.

BN9/3308

7 4 67

Dear Bryher,

Here I am, back to the hills and my hemisphere of sky.
Sitting in the glass room looking dow n on the valley. I came on the 28
th. I never get used to it, daffodils and bursting blossom-lovely.

I am so glad you liked the books. And thankyou for the Yale.
Yes I am working on my own stuff. Trying hard to get into good habits.

So, far, have got down to work mornings, rest in afternoons, then an
hours gardening.

Press cuttings re P. so far not bad, except for the 'Scotsman'
Of course D. would outrage self satisfied male Scot.

Myron Grindea, the editor of 'Adam', called on me. The first
time to find if D. had written anything on Proust-she had, an
article. Got interested in her and Alan, came again, is to do a
D.M.R. number in '68.

I have his Dylan Thomas symposium, and one of
Katherine Mansfield. For thirty one years had produced this
International magazine under great difficulties. The current number
is about the recent Nobel prize winners. Always manages to get some
unpublished writing or letters of authors. Very vital personality,
sincere. I gave him a piece D. wrote on 'Old Age'. to photostat.

I did not mention this to him, but wonder if you would
care to do a littlearticle on D.? He is making photostats of Alan's
drawings, the number will be about A. as well.

After years of struggle, bringing the journal out on his
own, with yearly subscribers paying two pounds, he is now to have
publisher Routledge's backing. Makes a living with odd bits of jour-
nalism, wife gives music lessons and sings at concerts. Anxious to
say all contributions would be paid for, daresay this was not always the
case. His part, a labour of love.

I hope you enjoyed your visitors, and had sunshine for
them. We had a good Easter, with the arrival of the books, the birth
day of Cristopher, 6 year old, your lovely cheque, which I shall
spend when I take a day off and go to Bromley, and an early show
of daffs and hyacinths in the little gardens at 13.

Great comfort to find all well here, garden clear of lea
ves, and even some weeding done.

Would you like to see the press cuttings later, when
more have come? If so, will send.

Enjoy the spring, good luck to your work, and much love

from

13 5 67

Dear Dryher,

Bank Holiday weekend, so you get this late. The weather
for Italy, hope you enjoy it.
Reviews out 23.3 of near likely to have meant hurried reading, as
pub. darte 23. 3. Younger men less prejudiced than her contemporaries.

<u>Tansley St.</u> is Endleigh St., near Br. Mus.

'Amabel'

—met D. at Arachne Club. Am. was working at boarding house in Endleigh St. On 21st. birthday, went to D's room at Woburn Place, now Woburn walk. Opposit Yeats above a cobbler's.: now plaque commems. Yeats. A. born 1885. A. moved in to W. Pl. and they shared a large room. until A. went to Holloway with suffragettes. 1905—b

F.E. W. is Florence E. Worland- married Ch. Daniels Tolstoyan
Socialists.J.H. B. is the dentist Babcock.

Winifred Ray, A. thinks is the young woman who did automatic writing.
D. was always quoting her.

<u>Amabel</u> was Veronica ( have to get maiden name from son who is to call)

. Married Benjamin Grad. (Shatov)

Dorothy's orders on death : to notify myself, Batchelor, you, and
David Grad.

I heard of D.'s death 7a. m. 'a.m. hysterical call from V. at 8a.m.

D. had @ruined her life' on and on. Further calls that week, D, had broou
ught her the greatest happiness ever. She, A. had led D.'s life for
30 years. Calls and letters (busy week for me without all this)

Visitors. V. and David. Letter from V. asking for D.'s wedding ring. Contacted Nursing home, undertaker, hospital, finally unearthed and sent. The Odles had been hard up, and V. had bought the ring.

I expected an emotional hysteric. V. was tall, slim, elegant,
72, with the manner of an accepted beauty. a <u>nice</u> person, liked her at
once. Poor, distinguished. ? and afraid of her son, who practically
forbade her to say anything about D., r<sub>o</sub> r<sub>e</sub>th

David v. unpleasant. Why Had I shut Dorothy up in a home!
Looked suspiciously at various belongings of D.,s. Made me feel I had
stolen them. (That week, Batchelor, too, accused of taking things, <del>beca</del> me
use the will said nought of goods to me. We had each had a letter, <del>in</del> 52
of goods, my address, each matching halves of saving cert. for £50, to
pay rent for Hillside, and carriage to B.Hill. (D. got the w<del>exactly</del> cost £
(£25).- he kept saying 'Its not in the will'. I had h<del>ad</del> letter saying
nothing worth taking, may as well leave the lot to Simmons. He wasn't go-
going to lose 3 more dayS work.<del>He said I had to</del>, he cashed the c.s

Up 13, Lawford Rd., NW 5

Gulliver 0437

4 11 67

Dear Bryher,

Herewith Joyce Weiner's illuminating comments on mss.

The last part was rushed, for I wanted to get it finished whilst I had my good typist at hand, I had 2 bad turns, and if I passed out, wished to leave it finished. I knew the end was poor, beginnings are so much easier because one has less selection to make- the significant events only stay in the memory. Perspective is easier.

And, as I think you had a little knowledge of happenings at h
time, I had from '32 to '42, ten years when I was neither wife, maid, nor
nor widow, and from '35 only my earnings to maintain the family,
pay for their education, compensate as best I could for the absence of a
father, and on the rare meetings with him, be one quivering ear, hearing
of his love troubles with my successors. Don't think me self-pitying,
those 10 years and several before it, are rolled in a ball in my mind,
and I do not unfold it.

So, of course, much is not said. I am fortunate in having
come through, without too much price paid by the children.

Whilst they and their children are in communion with me, one must
dwell only on less harassing events.

Now what I have to think of is this:- many writers succeed,
as I have done, when writing of early days. Have I really the necessary
art, analytical powers, to conclude? I doubt it.

What sapped my self confidence, in 35 yaq years of working
was my feeling of guilt. Housekeepers complained of the children,
children of the housekeepers, my husband of both. So much so, that in
later time, when out with a friend, and it rained, I was told 'You
don't have to apologise for the rain'.

Guilt too, because , even if the precarious nature of E. V. O.'s
livelihood had not made it essential for me to earn, I nevertheless
found fulfilment in my outside work, and however much I cared for my husb
and and children, would not have been content to stay homebound, with
no other outlet for my energies.

'Qui s'excuse, s'accuse'. but not only in the last months was
I very tired, but disturbed by the pressures upon me by the American
Gloria Glikin, the mess up about the photograph, knowing how worried
Marya and all were by the letters in the Am. papers, and undecided what to
do. Finally I wrote the enclosed, then a week in Oxford helped, and
I picked up.

Yet, whether I am tired, or ill, I must do something,
can't live with a mental vacuum, so perhaps, if things are quiet, surely
than can be no more bothers about the ph. error, I might have a go.

It is true my conversation is more revealing than writing,
because ides bubble up continually- writing to you is like talking,
e. g. I had not before realised how deeply this guilt situation
had affected me, and perhaps if I enlarged on that, and could slide over
other consequences, I might do better.

from Biggin Hill for the Sitwell do, was going back in the morning and had nothing in the flat but coffee (and I let yours get cold, because I talked so much and was so pleased to see you.)

I had a charming card from Wendy Aldridge, shall be writting to her, and to Margery. They've had a togh time in the last years, and are stoics.

Mark Paterson, the agent for D. is delighted at the success of Pilgrimage, and is calling tonight to fetch me for dinner. I first knew him and Jitha when they were engaged ten years ago- he has got on since, now has all the work to do for Sigmund Freids literary remains.

Well, Bryher, you will see by this letter I am in one of my 'Up&es'-when I'm up, I'm very up, and bad when down- no good I can alter.

Elizabeth said to me 10 years ago 'What you want, mother, is a nice quiet rut' but I have not got there yet.

One other nice bit. Brown, on the phone, congratulating me on sales of P. -he is lit. ed. of Dent's reminded me that I had made a fuss about the dull covers of the old. ed. hence the new interesting ones and he felt this helped.

Well, now i have done with all my showing off, but really am delighted about D. reviews, sale s, Horace's book and all- I feared I wd. not live to see a new ed.

I liked very much your piece about d. and Alan. -that table. Sam Odle, father, visiting and writing out the f&trtnightly cheque, asked for blotting paper, and remembere seeing it 7 years before- it was in the same place under that wall of books where it had been before. The boys for bade it to be moved- Alan drew on one side of the barrier Edwin wrote on the other, never seeing the other's work.

Now this is not a letter for answering, just my Christmas report. I'm sure you are up to your eyes with letters an' visitors. You've done you bit in encouraging me to have another go.

Bless you, all my love,

13, Lawford Rd., NW5

Dear Bryher,

13 2 68

It was heartwarming to have your cable and know you thought of me when away, and in such good company. It stands proudly on the mantel shelf besides that of another friend, now in the wilds of Wales, breeding Arabian horses.

I had a wonderful day, and celebrations are continuing with visits and invitation from friends not here then. The children gave me a surprise party, contacting friends and relatives, some of

whom I had not met for many years. The only hint I had was a suggestion that it might be as well to get my hair done. The flat looks like a conservatory- so many flowers came. These large rooms are fine for a party: the arc between leads into the second room where Sheena had laid on delicious food. Francis said afterwards that people did not drink enough, he had bottles left over. 'Because they all talked so much', I said. 'You are used to journalists' parties'

said Sheena. And after most had gone, an old schoolfriend of F.'s and his wife stayed behind, and Francis and Sheena sat down with a plate of food for themselves at last. So we had a party after the party, which is what happened nine years ago, with the same friends, at F. and S.'s wedding, but we broke up earlier. Then

After washing up we went to bed at 2 a. m. At 7 a.m. on Thursday, Christopher (§) came to me for his reading lesson before school, and had it.

Richard Baker, the schoolfriend, has had a parallel career to Francis. He, in Cambridge, F. at Oxford, Richard in the Navy, Francis in the Army, Richard in B.B.C. Francis in Journalism-Francis with 3 sons, Richard with two.

I sympathise with you, losing your schoolfriend- it is a little bit of one's own life gone. Elsie's tragedy is worse than death- death in life.

Joyce Weiner is coming to dinner tomorrow. Pressure put on me to finish- she wants to handle this before selling her agency- made me struggle to finish last summer- I worked long hours, too long, and the result was not good- She thinks the matter of the later years interesting, but needs better writing.

This winter, I have sat down mornings, about two hours: that is about how long I can really concentrate- the few paragraphs may not be much, but is what I want to write, not 'made up'.

I must keep within my limitations. These are not merely physical- after 2 or 3 hours, my mind flags, is not to be whipped up.

I think I can get over the break-up period. I had to stop writing for a bit, reliving a narrowing timetook a lot out of me, but I have got over it.

Seeing John, Francis, and Elizabeth (Now quite recovered from back
trouble and well advanced in Russian), I felt the struggle had been
not in vain.

Joyce, like Diana Athill, favours name dropping. I
don't. I write about Dorothy because she and her work meant much to
me: I can't bring in people as a selling asset. If it is not good
enough without, that is that. I hope to finish, in the way I
want to write. If it is not finished (I am not immortal) for it is
not published, I have asked Francis to send you the ms.

One advantage of this drink bill is that more minicab firms
have sprung up, and I can get such and go places, and have
accepted invitations. One such I had from my former pupil whom
I taught English when she was a refugee-now owns the King's
hotel) for dinner and theatre on Thursday. A great treat, I love be
being in a theatre, whatever the play.

People have been so kind, I am very touched. This
has been a great week for me - at my age one fears one has to
one's welcome.
to our stay

I am glad you had such a good time at Copenhagen,
also to see 'January's Tale is out here, with a good notice.

All my love, and know that to
have reached this age, and the ability to enjoy it, in this
you have taken part.

Ever,

Rose.

You have had losses so far
This year, I hope the rest of the year
will be kinder.

13BF04H

13, Lawford Rd., NW5

19368

Dear Bryher,

I hope you had a good time in Cornwall. Poor Elsie, it might be better if she were not conscious. This is a death in life. Yet my mother's brother in Russia spent 10 years paralysed in both arms, till he died in his 80's, ruling his household with a rod of iron. My mother, on a false passport (needed for she had removed sons illegally), visited him just before he died. The passport said 'blue eyes and fair hair' and she cd. have been in trouble! She had black hair and hazel eyes.

What a terrible journey you had- and in vain for she cd. not know you. Have you been able to get at least some of the help she gave You?

I have been trying to keep to my two hours a day at work, but it moves very slowly. The early part was so much easier. And every day when I read the bit written the day before I see weaknesses, and re-do. And the longer I write, the more I see lacking. Joyce does not think there is a chance of its standing on the early part alone.

At present I am busy putting things together for B. Hill, always a long job, as I have to take so much.

One cheerful note- on this budget-to-come day.

I have bought a coat- remembering your advice. My present tweed was made for me 7 years ago, and refuses to die. It is a good coat, really only for real winter days. Now I have a mohair one, warm and so light that it can be worn most days of the year. And so classically cut that a sixteen size (normally I take 18) fits perfectly, and over a costume too. A dream of a coat. I don't know whether you have shoppong trolleys in Switz. Here I have one, and push instead of carrying goods. Well, I've bought an elegant one to be the bag part in dark plaid, and the size of a suitcase. So if I go anywhere to stay (my artist friend has invited me for a week to her Surrey house in April), I will carry it, and wheel it down the 200 feet of steps at Biggin Hill, and am independent of porters.

So even if I don't go to Paris (though I hope to), I have the coat and trolley, with love and thanks to Bryher in her help and wisdom.

Now by Friday I shall have typed copies of the Amabel letters. I have also carboned and phototots, to keep when/if I send the originals to Yale. At sometime I hope to write my version of talk and meeting the writer, that really should go with the letters.

May I send you the typescript? What do you think? I wd. also include a note or card in the writer's hand, which is so different from that of D.

I have had more visitors this year than ever. Shall have more working time uninterrupted at BH. Yet is myself, not

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Avenue,
Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent, 75.67
Dear Bryher,

I had sent Horace 'Sunday Times, so enclose copy you
may like to have. Have made a note of papers you take, what reviews I hav
sent you and Horace, what copies of letters, all in the blank pages of
of the dear little diary. Give carbon, but I am sending H. the
typescript for he or P. may make use of it with Knopf or Holt.

Having ghosted reviews myself I know how often one would
like to say more. (I did myself in once, when E.V. was on The New English
Weekly, by saying of a thriller that from the first page the village
idiot could detect the Gulprit, and actually this happened. But the write
was a friend of the proprietor and was the trouble! EV. as sub-editor,
had printed it.)

Still New Statesman to send- have sent for copies but the
take a time. The Telegraph after 4 days, replied that they could not
trace the review. I then phoned the Sunday Telegraph, who said it was
in the D.T. So I phoned and wrote again, and one copy arrived. I had
paid for four, no 6. threedays later, the rest came. I always ask for
review pages only to save postage. I send rev. to you, Horace, Globe & children.

Here I reread mostly. Am rereading Artemis. As first reading of
a book I like, I just gobble it up, greedily. Reading again, am both
stimulated and depressed. Depressed because I see how far behind any
thing I write can compare, with the writing and the the experience.

Stimulating, because of shared experience in time, though
at different levels. If you were here I should fire questions at you, with
frequent 'Yes, yes,' and BUT, but' I don't know which was worse, your
subjection for so long, or my unlimited freedom from the day when I had
a latchkey, (I was 12), and from the time my brothers left home,
no criticism, no discipline, over appreciation, -spoiled by teachers and
 lecturers, forgiven laziness, sloppiness in work, conscientious only
arrived when I began to teach, and continued in marriage responsibilities

I had my reward, but like you thinking of the lost years when
frustrated, I am ashamed of the lost opportunities I had in study.

It has made you understand others' frustrations, and my experience made me unrelenting in standards I knew children could attain.

One boy, had up for talking in the line, asked what he said
answered 'Isaid to Jones, watch out, She'll make you work like the devi
1, but she does like a joke'

I have not read development, I would try much like to.
I don't suppose you have a spare copy to lend, but may try

Margery. It has occurred to me that among Dorothy's books, I found
none of yours, except a book of poems. She surely had them, and I
know of others missing. Did you know that Gwen Simmons has notebooks of
Dorothy's that she has absolutely refused Gloria Cliburn even to look at?

I dare say you, having excreted your book don't want to think of it
again. But excretions act as manure, on barren soil, and I keep thinking
about much you say. This freedom business:

It isn't only parents and teachers - most people resent anyone being free to follow their daimon. In my family Elizabeth and John do not

Francis is I think disappointed I don't stay all the summer in the nice flat. What can I look at there? Here the 50 feet tall camores are beginning to hide the rash of suburban villas, put up, the apple blossoms have fallen and pinker buds than ever, blue bell, primroses, tulips, aurebretias and rockplants on the walls a riot of colour. I go out to garden, doddering, holding on to rake for support, sitting on a plastic cushion, laced in corset to hold up hernia, tablets in pocket for climb back, in unglamourous clothes, sometimes lying full length to reach the Deansold Dewberry I think of as I see the white blue belis replacing the dying daffs round the fruit trees, because I meethe

The birch trees at the top are dotted with green points against cotton wool clouds and blue sky, have doubled their height since I have lived here.

I am so glad to be mobile, even if I only crawl. In London in spite of the mild winter, even walking from a warm room across the pavement to a taxi gave me a bad attack of angina. So forgive this lyric outburst. And, as you will guess, this must be a day off from the Memoirs-well I do tajke Sundays off. I do work most mornings, and try to consolidate what I have mentally, instead of despairing at not having more.

Talk of consolidating- I had for some ten years up here a rockery built of odd stones bits of brick, anything, (Even If I bought rocks they would be left out in the road, 200 feet below, as were 2000 bricks when I had the steps renewed.) Now I have a young man, husband of my help in the house, working 4 hours a week. He has brought barrowloads of enormous prehistoric flints from excavations where roads are being made up, and

made a grand new affair. One flint looks like a shrunken head, and one he kept for himself has a fossilised sea urchin in it.

Oh dear, you will say, how Rose does run on, and I've visited us, and so much to do!

Blame your book, I'm in the middle of it, and it brings you near. Thinking of what you said about people you had nursed and helped in so many ways, well I'm only bothering you to share what I enjoy so much,

With much love,

Rose.

When I was teaching, it was my habit to take prayers, but to add a little one, thanks, for books. The children engaged and produced pictures for their picture book, not only this thanks, but

old reviews will arrive, but I have no knowledge of the book.

Upper Landour, 11. Sunningvale Ave., Biggin Hill, Kent. 29 7 68

Dear Bryner,

I have just heard of the death of a friend of 60 years.

I met Gerta Lieben at Univ. Coll. London when she was over for a year's course in Eng. Lit., and we have kept in touch ever since. You met a number of her brotner, Dr. Lieben, and know all that happened to him and his widow. Gerta was 79, knew of you because she did much translation for psychological clinic in Vienna. At 17 she was far better read than myself in English, and other languages. For many years she came over every summer to England, and when the Nazis took over I kept in touch with her from Switzerland- sending mail and food through the Swiss. I tried to guarantee her stay in England, but the Home Office thought my income- I had only mine, not enough. But another friend helped, and she got here in '38.

When I met her at the airport the first thing she did was to put down a drain five tablets, kept for worst possibility.

The tales of horror are compensated a little by the great and dangerous help so freely given. She had for years invested money in England, letters coming to me via Switz. and then to her bankers. I was asked to call on them, and learn balance- at the time the Nazis were appropriating funds of nationals abroad. I had to call after 6, when the City was dead. Taken up 6 flights of stairs, doors locked behind me, I was vetted for security. Then my interrogators said they had been asked to declare their balance, to be given up, but they made a mistake, finding this to be 160 instead of 3460. So she had enough to live here until an Am. sponsor guaranteed her in u.s.a. and she has lived and worked there as foreign corespondent. In her last letter she wrote of arranging to go into a home for Sen. Cities. rather than wait till she was de repit. Lively to the end, she died suddenly, without suffering, of cerebral thrombosis, on vacation. To the end she attended courses in Lit. at Berkely Univ.

She was so alive, intelligent, and great hearted, a loss to many friends beside myself. By a lucky stroke I was able to visit her in Vienna.

The L. C. C. sent me one week a Penny stamp, overpaid income tax, and the following week &c. the price for a ticket that we take me via Paris, Innsbruck, and Vienna. So with a friend (the children were on holiday at Aldeburgh, ) I spent 11 days in prewar Vienna with her, also went to Salzburg, and at Grinberg, sitting at an outdoor cafe overlooking the lights of Vienna, stars above, thought one day I would have a glass room, high up, with a view of hills, and got it 25 years later.

The goodness of people- you may know that a doctor who met the young Dr. Lieben on a seatrip, when Lieben helped with an operation, an old man in '38, made two trips later in Blackout, in long slow trains to the Home Office, to get permission for the widow and daughter to stay. With the world news today so depressing, and frightening today,

it is a comfort to remember such things. I thought you would be

Upper Landour, Upper 11, Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent
10 6 68

Dear Bryher,

I am glad you had the holiday, needed after all the harassment of losing Elsie: to be in Italy, enjoying the beauty, and with friends. A relief to know you have the book, hope you will like it.

At the moment, life all lawyers and chores, with the only regular help 2 hours a week. Finally John advised a London expert, who would work out tax quickly (one lawyer said it might take two years) for a fee of 50 gns. I agreed, he came, measured, listened, and then pumped a local surveyor for two hours about conditions here, and did not even offer him lunch. However, he has produced 2 useful facts: the tax will be below £1000 and even if I sell privately, and the new owner builds, or sells for building, myself as original vendor since the act, will have to pay dev. tax. The govt. are determined that property owners small be fleeced. Which defeats their purpose, for less people are selling, builders are closing down, the bank squeeze stops mortgages, and the house shortage increased.

So I have decided to sell to London firm who offered £4000, and who can afford the expensive excavation ofchaik (thirty feet deep on adjoining land where they are putting up 5 houses(4 to build here when I sell)as slope of road is so deep, as well as hillside.

Having cast my bread on the waters re fee, behold the next day I received a royalty cheque for 48£- quite unexpected after advance last year.

Of the £3000, I pay back the bank £700- John and I und-
erwrote a loan for Francis when housebuying, I gave Landour as secu-
-ity- Francis has already repaid £800 out of the £1500, and will pay
interest to me on this, and as I leave all between the three children,
rest if not in my lifetime, to the others out of any property I leave

So now I am looking for a small bungalow, on the level,
in a quiet part, with easy access to buses. I can manage country
buses and towns, and, with luck, such might be obtained here. I
have just missed one, with all these: they are only available
when old people, who did not sell to developers, die and their heirs
want one of the shoddy brick builthouses the builers are putting up.

If I have main services, I can make any building, if not too
bad, livable, and with £22,300, £2,300, and a little over
there is a possibility of getting something here. The one I missed was
that price.

I spent a day at Battle with Joyce Weiner at her cottage there. She understands now about what I must omit in mss. I not only want to do it, I need to finish it- its admission of failure to not to- but at the moment, with only two hours work help in the house weekly, all my chores to do, house nunting, and trying to keep some order in garden- so that when government officials come they see what I am sacrificing- it must wait until I get me!

crumb of country home.

The telephone engineer has been about a fault, and tells me
what I can transfer my phone within a fortnight if I move.

The buyers here won't start for some months, and even if they
do, I can stay up here whilst the start demolishing below.

As all is coming down I have to dispose of furniture and
fixtures, keeping only what I need in smaller place.

Joce weiner, still in ambivalent frame of mind, re-
selling agency. Successful agents don't need it, the others won't
be able to buy it, and she worries about authors-dare not tell of giving
up-being let down. all of which leads to blood pressure,
frequent stays in nursing homes. I can't expect her to bother
much about me/she and her sister have a charming cottage, and tiny
garden in which they grow soft irmit and flowres, but can never sit, as
the path outside is an ancient right of way-so they have made a
patio, shutting off neighbours, very pleasant, but tiny. I thought
how lucky I have been all these 30 years to have this complete seclusion
and quiet, and 1/3 of an acre to play with.

Say grace for past mercies.

Photo on 80th. to return at leisure.

L.to R.

b'day

Adrian, Elizabetn's son, artist, Susan, her daughter, and mother of Nicholas, aged 2, John, self, Francis, Elizabeth, and Sheena, Francis wife, a beauty, but laughing so much you can't see her face.

2 husbands were away, Sue's in Scotland, works for Thomson
papers, and Eliz. husband was in Bristol, he is an artist, works for
Market Research, and teaches in local Art School in Witney.

Phone just rang? estate office to say bungalow I missed may be available. I am to wait for call-ble- marvellous if O.K.

You must be in suspense too, and leaving the last stable country in the west.

May the changes be good?

Forgive typing-tel. engineer playing w

fault as I type.

With all my love, and wishing you comfort
and good company during the se times, when all the
news seems bad,

13, Lawford Rd., NW5

Dear Bryner,

14 11 68

Gulliver o437

'The Lyre and the Lotus' has filled gaps in my ignorance of Greece and Roman civilisation, and the impact of the East. I found reading a little slow, because he writes as a painter. I had to stop and visualise so much that was new to me: and am more convinced than ever that I should have taken history instead of science at college. I am very grateful to the writer and you for the book.
(don't worry about defects in this machine- if I get to Faversham I shall get a new one- I dare not do it here- it would look like a claim to immortality).

I hope that buying and selling and moving will work out as happily as things seem to be emerging here. My solicitors are so confident of clinching of sale that they are going ahead with buying at Faversham, subject to surveyor's reports: afe lending John and myself the extra money needed, and tho' I offered repayment in 5 years are making it 9, so I shall be noworse off than at present.

I would like, if possible, to move furniture, now in store as soon as possible, so that I could go straight in to live in March. Of course I should always winter here. I have made an offer for floor coverings and curtains already there, to save a lot of work: all are pleasing. The owners tell of good neighbours and domestic help available in the village that can keep an eye on the place in winter.

What niggles like a bad tooth is the desire to pull the biography together. I've learnt so much in the last two years- rereading the piece in 'Evacuees' showed me how far I have travelled since I wrote it.

There was much more to the whole experience than I wrote of. But it was already typed, part of the hurried summer's work when Joyce Weiner kept urging me to finish. I wrote too much, too fast, without depth in the work.

I too, cannot write in town- it is not enough to have the few interruptions - the family try heard to make- I want no possibility of such, that I can only get when alone. Francis is a trained journalist could write on a bus stop- I'm not.

I think you are right-to take it up to my marriage and the Odies and Dorothy. If Joyce won't handle that as a book, she has areputation that she might not want to jeopardise, I might try Herbert Van Thal, who came here to persuade me to do my life. But Joyce's criticism has been valuable, I relaise this now- I raised her hopes with the freshness of the early part, then spoilt the book by flogging myself to finish.

I could not face rewriting when Van Thal came- I was tired and exhausted after illness and pain.

Do you like Angus Wilson's books? I thought 'The Middle Age of Mrs Eliot' showed understanding of human problems, as did 'Late Call'

43, Water Lane, Ospringe, Faversham, Kent. 3 10 70
Dear Bryher,

Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed your stay in the States,
and found all your friends well. One of the sad things about getting
older is finding friends with setbacks in health. Old friends, I
mean. I have to thank you for your journals and books, always helping
to interest me, and fill gaps in my reading.

I've asked Armchair book service to send your birthday book about
now, so hope you vhave it.

Re enclosed I would not dream of offering an article to the
Times, normally. This is what happened. Having joined a class in my
advanced years, this inspired a reporter in the local paper to inter
view me. I gave him sherry, we swapped tales about U.S.A. which he had
visited several times: he writes about music for Sing, and Am, papers,
and chatted away. He wrotw such a flattering article with huge headlin
es, that I dared not send it to the family (except Elizabeth, who is
so understanding). But I sent a the paper to my dear old Londone
help, and on her day helping at Lawford Road she showed it to the
Odles. Sheena, my daughter-in-law, rang me up, and reported Francis
as saying 'Oh, I suppose she'll be in The Times next'. Right, I
I thought. I will be. I sketched out a plan of the enclosed, and
Moira Keenan wrote that she was interested, would I do a piece on
spec.? I replied that at my age I had not the time or energy to
write on 'spec.). I enclosed the Faversham interview, and my

broadcast about Bloomsbury, and asked whether she thought I would
interest her readers. By return she commissioned a thousand words.
I rang Francis and thanked him for having given me the idea. I was so
furious really, because in a family that contained three editors
any writing of mine was never taken seriously-I'm the amateur,
which is one reason I could not write in London: my work did not ma
tter, I could be interrupted any time. Since being here I have got
on the memoirs, planned the final chapters, pruned the earlier ones.
without spending a great deal of time, for I had much to do

on settling in, a lot of worry about giving up the flat-they took
it so badly, then 3 months worry about income tax on Royalties I had
paid, the third time I had a threat to distrain within seven days,
wheras actually the Inland revenue owed me four pounds after a
reassment! All this maddening as I had receipts, registered all
letters. The Town Clerk here visiting me over someting else, I had

to make an affidavit for the Land Commission, took the distraining
threat seriously, and offered to contact the Inc. tax people himself,
I said give them one week more, and in that time I received an apology

pamplet ad vertising for blackspot, winterwahes etc. Looking
out on drainsodden garden, grey skies, I cheer up thinking of spring
plans.We are all getting on, Bill nearly seventy, unable since
Christmas with weather and colds to do much, My help Mrs. Scott
, near 60, off last week with flu, and back with a cough, and we
comfort one another.

And if the children don't come, and the radio or television do's
don't come off, well I've still got the frock.

Bill has just eased a door that opened with difficulty,
and this set me thinking o' a door I have written about in my saga
of Landour. I had, by buying an aeroplane box of Canadian hardwood,
when wood was rationed, had built on to lower bungalow a kitchen
, but had no floor, only a plank to the sink. The hut was on
stilts so it was pretty draughty. Finally I got enough rationed
wood for a floor. This was wonderful, I got up at night to
confirm it was there, and waked all over it. Still I had no
door, only a table tennis top cut in halves, so when top half was
down, and I looked out Elizabeth said I looked like a horse in stable.

One day friends came to tea, but not a husband. 'Where?' Ever
ett'? 'gone to Mr. Allen's. Mr. Allen has doors.

'Doors!'- watch the kettle, and I was off. Islowed down before
getting to him. 'The garden looks fine'- talk about gardens,
Mrs. Allen, his new modern fireplace. Casual- 'I did hear you had
doors. (these were from bombed houses).

'maybe I have, some doors'. We walked slowly and looked.

'Too high, my opening is only 6 feet.'

'Maybe I could cut one'.

A'And it would need painting'.

'I could splash a bit of paint on it',.

'I can't fix it myself. Oh that's no trouble,
I've got some hinges.

Well the door was fixed, fitted perfectly, had a real
handle, and lock with a key, and was in perfect condition for the
nxt 28 years. All that first week I was opening and s
shutting it quite unnecessarily. And the total cost was 10s.
a consideration, when I had only my salary, Francis to keep,

of using the ground space for bulbs and viled, adding much
to their gain. when Italian peaches came in, and french and
cornish flowers arrived by air the business was a loss.
Jim sold the ground for building-at Ham Common, and sixty
men were out of work. He kept a piece, and when eighty,
built his wife the house of her dreams. She was housebound in
the last years with arthritis, but always cheerful, did not
mind living alone. I last saw her three years ago, I was stayin
in Richmond with my B.B.C. producer, and she drove me over.

After a drink, Jim left us, sayibng, 'you two together n
never stop talking, so I'll leave you to get on with it.'

This is self indulgence writing so, but is a way of bein
g with her-so hard to believe she won't ring again.

So much for the past; now for the future. John Rosenburg, a
stranger to me, wrote wanting to do a book on D. a full
account of her life and work. Said his publishers would
viouch for him, was sure I should see him first. He came.
I asked him whether he made his living by writing novels. No, he
don't was in administration of film company. I did not want someone to
do a book as a find of someone not written about here.

He was born in America, came here when 18, married
the sister of Francis King, the novelist, herself in
publishing. He has a flat in London, a house in Hampshire,
where they all (two children) spend weekends. Really knew Dorothy
books, had read all he could get hold of about her, and
brought his last book published to me. Could not understand
why she was so little known, and certainly not sufficiently
appreciated here. I liked him very much, agreed to help all I
could. He has been three times, taking home material I have.

I am so glad I had all the articles, stories, bits and pieces
she had stuffed into kitchen drawers, typed, and all the l
letters I received after my request in Times Lit.

He is 450, does not look Jewish, being tall and dark, i
the son of a German Jewish mother, Russian Jewish father.

His first books were published by Hogarth Press.
Writes because he must, not to earn his living, which he does
in business.

machine.

Say how things are with you.

With all my love,

I had John, Elizabeth, Francis, Peter, Sheha, and the three
Odle grandsons here on my 83rd. birthday-nine of us.

A lovely day, they brought all the food. The children
had lunch first, and played all the time in the garden, in
subshine. I now have three great grandsons. In fact I'm
an ancvne monument.

breeze due to nearness of sea, that in spite of less help, due to
fruit pickung season, I manage pretty well.

I think apples will be as with you here. Last year many were left
ungathered. Strawberries and cherrie I get from Bill's garden help)
Dorothy who both desert me except for looking in to pick.fruit
This year for the first time, I have rows of peas, french beans,
spring onions, as well as the usualdal runner beans.

Swelled with pride on Sunday when I gave my visitor with
his omelette my own just gathered peas, spring onions and new pott
oes.oh, and tomatoes are coming on. My neighbour gives me
lettuces.

No answer to this. I will write again when I hear from
John, and give definite writing name.

What a headache the reconditioning of house must be, I can
imagine. To consolidate what one has is I think the best way.
bless you for everything, keep well, enjoy your renewd home,
All my love ever,
Rose.

Rose.

43 Water Lane, Ospringe, Faversham, Kent. 8 4 72.

Dear Bryher,

Margery phoned today date of publication, April 17th. so next 10
days will be hectic. Leaflets and letters to go with review copies all to
be stamped with this date, and sent off. Also shd. be sketching out
ideas for possible radio or other interviews. The long cold days, keep'ing
me housebound have pulled me down. Much sun, but always cold wind.
However I've stopped worrying over errors too late to mend, know better
in future.

Find it difficult to relax. I reread Artemis, but so stimulating,
makes me think and speculate too much. So watv-
ched television, film om Herman Hesse. I expect your American friends
will tell you about it. His books the best sellers in America among
youth today, looking to him for direction. Wonderful face, I can imagine
the sympathy between you and what a loss his death meant.

I had a quiet Easter, Elizabeth and Peter in France, still there, John
on his boat, the young Odles waiting for warmer days for visit.

I gather your Easter was a busy one, still good to have
been with the Pearsons.

Do you see this typing? It is on an electric typewriter. A friend
who is a social worker for spastics can sometimes get reconditioned ones
for £25, and got me this. It is marvellous, so little effort required.
I have put it on large table in spare room, in good light at right angle to
window. I enclose Leaflet- Piccadilly is misspelt. And in book date of
Boer war is wrong. I keep hearing Francis voice on phone, "Verify your
facts" but tool at

Never mind, I've learnt a lot. I ought not really bother you with
letter when I'm so tired, but thought you'd like to know date at once.

Words fail to describe Margery's goodness and patience.

All my love, wish my book was bettr.

3, Water Lane, Ospringe, Faversham, Kent. 17 5 72

Dear Bryher,

Hereis one letter that does not need an answer. I know what
letters take out of one: if I do a few in the morning am finished re work.
I am so relieved you liked the book. I fear delay was Fisher's fault, for
books ordered here a month ago, have not arrived at the two shops that ordere
d. When asked they did send cash, . Books I sent by post in England, (not(mine
other books) reached friends in two dayds. Meanwhile have had marvellous publ
icity, keeping this letter open till Friday when anothe review appears.
I did ask for your and Norman's and Perdita's and Patrick's to g by

air, but whether he has done this I don't know, he said he had but had
already lied saying he had snt no books out wiynot blurb, and I know of
three such. I am to blame, I should have let people apply direct to Worden'
-those who did got it. But I thoughtI wd. do local shops a turn as they wd.g
t discount, and display the book, which they are anxious to do, but they
don't arrive.
Pardon over exuberant reviews: here a minnow is a big fish in

a little pond.
I have most of the material for another book in hand ; i got

many of my broadcasts on foreign travel back from B.B.C., and have all cut out from present book. What I want to thank you for, is getting me to write, this has giiven a purpose to my later life: made me think, and now become a need. And in spite of Fqisher'r maddening faults, the get up of the boo k, paper, print, charming hats on cover(his idea) could not be better. And Hilda Quick's delthful drawing, Margery, putting up with all my moans,, I owe so much to them.

I owe so much to them.
RE holiday, which I do long for, after long cold
winter, don't like travelling far alone, but Elizabeth has saved her ear-
nings for the last three years, and she and Peter have bought a stone co
cottage near Cahors in France. There is electricity and water on site, and
besides a barn also 8 1/2 acres of woodland, near a village with one shop, and f
our miles from a town-all for £2500. And in summer they are taking me for
a few days to stay. That will be marvellous.

My niece with her son came on Sunday, and brought me a photostat of an
article in Jewish Chronicle Focus. (In memory of lost glory. And this is to
commemorate the centenary of my ancestor, Rabbi Isserles,; includes a
picture of the synagogue in Cracow, of my ancestor with a God the Father
beard, and : what I found most interesting, tracing the family back to
In 1394, when they lived in Provence, them a centre of Hebrew learning,
exiled by Charles VI, came via Perodin-Prague to Cracow. And as synagogue still
exists, I presume light on tomb for 4000 years, put out by H'tler, is on
again.

my book

again.
So I sent a paper back, alas, had not got hardback, still waiting for
five ordered weeks ago to editor.
Now NONE of this wants answering: i put in little bits to amuse you. Will enc

I must add a bit, when unable, too worried
over all this book, business to concentrate on other books, I reread Artemis,
what you missed in not having a bicycle.
Nearst thing to flying, when freewheel

ing downhill, and your feet on the handlebar, like floating in the air.
No answer needed.

ose Cottage, 43, Water Lane, Ospringe, Faversham, Kent.
4 6 72

Dear Bryher,

Letter not for answering, except for letting me have Patrick's address. You did give it, an I think I sent it to Fisher, ordering hardback, but can't rely on Fisher. So if I don't hear from Patrick, as well as Pearson, Gregory, and Perdita- a-11 of whom I asked him to send, say by mid July- )(I ordred 17th. April, I will write and find what has happened. The other names you gave Margery I I wrote at once to Fisher to send.

Here no bookshop, but two stationers, both ordered and both sold out, waiting fresh supplies. These are so long coming that I fear interest will drop: this is the time books should be in shopwindows. Canterbury Pilgrim's book shop sold out waiting fresh supplies. Personal friends, the few people I know here give definite orders will call for books, but other seeing none in stock will give up. I am enclosing some reviews, you may already have had one, is so forgive. The one that matters is the Kent Messenger: the most widely distributed paper in Kent, but here again if Fisher does not buck up with supplies, especially to libraries, interest will fall.

You can imagine what a relief it was to me to know you liked it: what I see always is how much better it could be. However I may have a chance to improve. Joyce Weiner was so taken with it she came here on Friday especially to stand me a dinner to celebrate( a very good dinner) at THE Ship in Faversham and advise me on book to write, which she will handle and hope to recommend to publisher. I could not have better tutoring. She waited two and a half hours in the queue for the Duke's funeral, interested because it was her research for the Windsor Tapestry that brought her into contact with Compton McKenzie and for whom she acted until her retirement. She stayed overnight, I made a Morrocan chicken lunch, and in the afternoon my friend here took us both through glorious country side roads to Maidstone where Joyce caught her bus to Battle, where she lives in Kent.

Some inaccuracies in reviews, but except in the case of Sue Walls, no notes taken in interviews. One reason why country reviews kinder is because writers interview authors. My niece brought me account in Jewish Chronicle of celebration of 400th. anniversary of the famous Rabbi Isserles' In Memory OF Lost Glory" in which I learnt that the family lived in Provence until exiled by Charles VIth in 1394. This is interesting because all my three take holidays always in France, and Elizabeth and Peter have just bought a some cottage the 1t area 4½ miles from Cahors. I immediately sent a copy of the book to the editor of THE Jewish Chronicle, as he might be interested in direct descendant, but alas had only paper back minus blurb, wrapped in paper jacket with blurb Books I ordered here, hardbacks just four emergencies only arrived last week. I take advantage of any straw that blows in the wind: last week a Times letter giving enormous advance in profits of Collins, Heinemann and othere- between 27 and 31 % over last year, and seeing no reason why in proposed fee for library borrowing publishers shd. have 1¼ authors three quarters of fee charged. I wrote agreeing, enclosed leaflet to writer- Hampstead bookseller, and he wrote back saying he had ordered copies.

Still wet and cold. If we don't get some warmer weather soon will lose use of my legs. Do hope your book out in England soon, so looking forward to it and also Margery's. Now don't bother to write a lette, just give Patrick -s address, and return reviews when finished with

@/, Water Lane, Ospringe, Faversham, Kent.13 6 &*

Dear Bryher,

Herwith another review. Local papers are kind because theynsend

an interviewer.

If Fisher was not so anxious to get paid in advance I am @syun sale'
would be much higher. TO demand this from firms like Harrods and Selfridges,
put them off ordering more copies. Both expressed indignation to friends who
ordered.

JoyceWeiner came last Friday, took me out to dinner to celebrate the
book, and will act for me with next book.STayed overnight and gave me , very
tactfully, a sort of tutorial over next book.Sghe has sold her agency, but has
a tiny interest and percentage for the next five years.

Even the two shops here,

tho' only stationers, are very old established, and said if they had not known
me personally would not have bothered with further orders, especially as delivery s
o slow. So I wonder whether all the hundreds of leaflets sent out will do any good
at all, as the only shops I know personally are the two here and Pilgrim's bookshop
in Canterbury. I follow any trail that may lead to sales: off ered an article on
" ardening At 84" to "Age Cpncern", and on B Iggin Hill in the twenties to The Kenti
sh Times, each commissioned, and have accepted offer to give a talk to
the Rotarians- a club of men, where only one of each profession or business: one lawyer,
one doctor, one stationer etc. They dine every Monday in Faversham and invite a
speaker. When idea of article accepted, then I sent a book.

So concentrating on everything I can think of to help sales.

Don't bother to answer this, just pop reviews, no rush, into
envelope, know how busy you are and don't want to add to commitments. Still cold he
ere, and housebound.
Wit love,

ROSE COTTAGE, 43 WATER LANE, OSPRINGE, FAVERSHAM, KENT

Telephone 3677

25th August, 1972.

Dear Bryher,

Sorry not to have written earlier but, after being so glad to be home and having good health, I've had a set-back. The hospital was marvellous, I saw the doctor every day and specialists, and the first few days at home were all right.

Elizabeth gave up a week of her holiday in France to stay with me. She had had two grandchildren, 7 years and 18 months old, a week in Witney and a week in France and was to have stayed on a week without the children, but came here instead. The parents had been given a fortnight's holiday in Corfu by the Times, where Bruce is in the Circulation Department, but they could not take the children, and as Bruce had been hurt in a motor crash recently, Elizabeth thought it would ease their minds if she had the children.

Now I'm a bit disappointed to find, after a visit to the specialist in Canterbury Hospital fixed by my own doctor, that I have a stoppage and unless this is operated on, shall not be able to keep food down. The specialist assures me it will only mean 10 days in Canterbury Hospital, a fortnight's nursing at home (I shall get a trained nurse) and that in a month I shall be my normal self.

One thing I very much wanted to let you know re. Joyce Weiner. She really turned down "Salt of Our Youth" because I had said nothing about husband and family. As ever, I accepted this criticism and wrote the chapter "Progress of a Writer". I did not send this to her, or any more Mss. it was the success of the notices, and really she liked the whole

Telephone 3677

book so much that she contacted me about the next, but I realize that you had sufficient faith in my work to do what you have done, although you had only read a few early chapters and I do appreciate this.

I'm sorry you had bad weather for the holiday, but hope that you got to Italy safely and enjoyed the visit of the Goughs.

I can only manage to dictate one letter a day and may leave suddenly for Canterbury Hospital, so have not written to Margery about this.

Re. finance, I thank you for the cheque, very generous, but am well off for all present needs, as I have saved in case of having to meet such expenses, such as having a nurse.

Except for being furious at having to go to hospital again, I am an U.K. and have a marvellous fan mail, including two letters from titled ladies. Dame Margaret Cole of the Fabians is reviewing my book in the "Fabian News" and a former student teacher I trained 60 years ago is now Lady Brodie, wife of the Emeritus Chief Rabbi of the U.K., a position in Jewry equivalent to being wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury, plus many more from people quite unknown to me. So although feeling rather weak and feeble at home, there have been pleasant interludes with letters, calls and friends.

Elizabeth comes tomorrow and will stay overnight. After a miserable summer which helped, by keeping me indoors, to make me ill, I am now enjoying glorious sunshine, so hot that I've had to have a blind put over

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningdale Ave., Biggin Hill, Kent.
When phoning from London, BN9/3508

Dear BryHer,

Anyone coming to talk about Dorothy is sure of a warm welcome. And for a meal, no one is let go without cooking and gardening are my two escape, but can't bother when on my own to do much. The only time people are not offered is when I go up for a nap, as I did on the Sitwell eve. and have nothing in London but tins.
Rose showing off

I gave out some recipes on B.B.C., and Invite people especially so that I can enjoy a recent meal instead of grabbing anything quickly. Grindea, of Adam, not only asks for my applecake before coming, but takes a piece home for his wife.
I keep cold drinks for postmen and carmen climbing these steps, and if we ever meet before you go to U.S.A. I hope you let me show off with a meal. As my shopping is delivered only once a week here I keep a big storecupboard. So look forward to meeting Mrs. Mackenzie, and hope she can spend some hours here, and a Meal.
But had not time to settle local planning

I keep cold drinks for postmen and carmen climbing these steps, and if we ever meet before you go to U.S.A. I hope you let me show off with a meal. As my shopping is delivered only once a week here I keep a big storecupboard. So look forward to meeting Mrs. Mackenzie, and hope she can spend some hours here, and a Meal.
The Council met, but had not time to settle local planning permissions, these will have to wait until next meeting September.
Maudening, because I can't buy anything till this is sold, and am less mobile in the winter. However, knowing the worst, I went back to mss. and revised some. Even it turns out you are my only reader, I do want to improve it.
My poor daughter-in-law after a month in hospital,

Maudening, because I can't buy anything till this is sold, and am less mobile in the winter. However, knowing the worst, I went back to mss. and revised some. Even it turns out you are my only reader, I do want to improve it.
My poor daughter-in-law after a month in hospital,
given only 48 hours to find a help, good, but very expensive, came home
on crutches, leg in plaster. Hoping after three weeks to have plaster
off, instead found it must be renewed at intervals, as leg and foot
ina line, and normal position must be reached gradually. The help goes
next week, but they are a very happy family, Francis always gives a
hand, when home, And Christopher, 7, can be helpful. I did not realise
before now much travelling some work necessitates. Francis this summer
has been to Cheshire, Dorset, Wales, and often goes to the new
agricultural experimental gardens of the I.C.I. Sion House, in Kingston
Switzerland, and had a week in Stockholm, and the day after return, a week
in Scotland. All strenuous but interesting. And the same with my son-in-law, and grandson.
I can let her read Horace's book when here, for a quick look.
Mrs. M. I mean. I have had so much happiness from meeting your friends

I can let her read Horace's book when here, for a quick look. Mrs. M., I mean. I have had so much happiness from meeting your friends -The Gregories, Pearson, Margery, Wendy, they have given another dimension to my life. This summer, rain, the railway strike, the Paris Revolution, have all prevented meetings with people. I've seen no one for a month but my weekly help and am losing her today. Sne's moving.
Dr. Butcher, my Amer. friend in Paris, has invited me before she leaves for Washington, but I must save all my resources for energy for matters in connection with selling and disposing of things I may not need in a new home.
Thank you for Yale received, and for Elixabet's books

Thank you for Yale received, and for Elixabet's books.
delighted to have them. Not rain, but due & cloudy, I look

Upper Landour, 11, Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent. Good Friday.

Dear Bryher,

Thank you, my very dear friend, for your kind and thoughtful gift. I have not bought a summer dress for years, but as I go to a friend in Surry on the 24th. for a week, and I hope to Paris in June, my old gardening overalls and slacks, for that, and alas, other reasons must give way to proper summer clothes.

For like you., I am trying to sell Landour. After a fortnight am still not out of trouble here, the only help in house is a one morning a week, by neighbour with a two year old, whom one of us is continually rescuing from steep garden or house dangers. The garden, tho' gay with daffs and primroses has not been touched for months, the grass, four lawns and one long slope, uncut. The old boy of 78 has so far spent mornings mending fuse, seeking source of overflow fro -m bathroom that has flooded bath and lav all the time, and the plumbers left ripped off boards and tiles after mending bursts in Lower bungalow.

For three years I have had builders trying to buy this place. Single houses are not given permission. A builder who owns adjoining plots and could build 3 or 4 on this land has permission. For three years I have refused his steadily rising offers, but it seems the time now to sell- in spite of a crazy 40% 'betterment tax' Even this wd. be better than the latest proposal to charge tax on gdi diff. between price I bought- £150 in '38, (and took 5 years to pay on my only means, my salary) and price offered of 2300222- £4000.

If I cd. sell Iwd. pay off bank loan I underwrote with John to help Francis buy the house, invest rest, and use interest for country holidays in summer. John is doing all negotiations for me, and getting expert advice, but betterment tax is so complicated that few people understand it, a book has been written about it, my own solicitor (who helped us to get the tenant out at 13, and who is so expert re conveyancing that she broadcast on the subject, confesse -s to being at sea about it.

This place costs - permanent outgoings before I have put a light on or made a phone call, £150 a year, and all meter and phone rentals are going up. With that I could, plus investment if I sold, spend summers in country. In London, as soon as spring comes, I feel stifled. In spite of all the difficulties, physically I am far better than when I came. Note the typing- I thought in London the machine fau lted in making incomplete letters- but it is myself- in this air I gain strength.

The plumbers only left yesterday. I had great difficulty in getting them to replace tiles, I'm longing to get back to routine and my 10 to 12 writing. The very nice young airman who had my bungalow free for a fortnight last June in return for garden help(One of the happiest times in my life!) is coming tonight with his