[Sir John Betjeman, poet laureate.] Typed Letter Signed from Elizabeth Moore (‘Dorinda’), ‘Secretary to Sir John’, telling Paul Furness that he cannot help in his 'researches into pubs with connections with the Socialist movement’ due to ill health.

Betjeman’s daughter Candida Lycett Green, in her edition of her father’s later letters, refers to Moore as the his ‘gentle secretary’, ‘whom he always called “Dorinda,” and who lived on the other side of the street’. She also states that after his stroke in 1981, the poet could no longer sign his name, and dictated letters to Moore. 1p, foolscap 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded once for postage. On his letterhead (‘Sir John Betjeman’ at top left, and address at top right) printed in brown ink on cream paper. Addressed to ‘Mr. Furness’. (The recipient Paul Furness was contacting a number of English authors with regard to a book he was planning to write on writers and their pubs. A number of the letters are offered separately.) The letter reads: ‘Sir John has asked me to write to thank you for your letter of 6.2.82. He much appreciates your asking him help [sic] in your researches into pubs with connections with the Socialist movement but unfortunately he is in poor health at present and can not undertake any extra work. / He sends you his warmest good wishes.’ She signs her name beside the words: ‘Yours sincerely, / Elizabeth Moore / Secretary to Sir John’.