Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Rose') from the English historian John Holland Rose, writing, while on active service in France with the British Expeditionary Force, to Alfred Tresidder Sheppard to commend his latest novel.

2pp., 4to. 53 lines. Fair, on lightly-aged paper, with minor traces of previous mounting at head, and a light and unobtrusive water stain. The letter is headed by Rose 'Y.M.C.A. B.A.P.O.2 B.E.F. France'. Regarding Sheppard's recently-published 'Quest of Ledgar Dunstan', Rose writes: 'You have a wonderfully keen mental eye which sees everything with extraordinary sharpness, & you have a literary hand which etches with just & delicate touch. The book is also one of singular intensity of feeling which carries the reader along fascinated & thrilled. The mad-house scenes are like Dostoievsky for pathetic vividness & power.' Rose continues with a detailed analysis of Sheppard's 'rvery remarkable book' and literary talents, before reporting that he is 'out here for six months, giving talks on the war & its issues to the troops every night'. He returns to Cambridge on 8 October, 'for a very dull Term'. He regrets that he is 'out of touch with the literary papers', but will be pleased to be of service. The letter ends: 'Remember me to your brother, whom I have not seen for long.' A postscript reads: 'By the way, suitable Y.M.C.A. workers are badly needed out in France.'