LARKIN

On the letterhead-side of an unillustrated postcard. In fair condition, aged and worn, with pin holes to one corner. Reads: 'Dear Mrs. Russell, | We have so enjoyed the Japonica jelly. I had never tasted it before. It is a most delicate preserve, and so pretty. | With many thanks, | Yours sincerely, | Ruth Pitter.' Note in another hand in pencil on reverse, including the address of Dr F. S. Wallis, City Museum, Bristol. Initially encouraged by Hilaire Belloc, Pitter was a traditional poet four of whose poems were included by Larkin in the Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse.

59 + [1]pp., 8vo. Stitched and disbound. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The author is not named on the title-page, but the text ends, p.59, with the signature in type of 'CHARLES LARKIN.' The final page carries a list of 'Errata'.

Both letters are 3pp., 12mo, and both bifoliums. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. An interesting couple of letters, with Larkin advising the engraver on how to extract payment from the publishers, while stressing in both letters that he does not wish his own name mentioned. The first letter begins: 'The Printer has had the Woodcut and printed it, so you can go ahead!

All items clear and complete, on aged paper. Letters totaling: 4to, 1 p; landscape 8vo, 5 pp. The two cards carry long messages, written in red ink in Grubb's close, neat hand; one is standard size, the other 27 x 13.5 cm. Five envelopes are stapled to their letters. Grubb ('one of the last survivors of the famous 1960s Hampstead coterie of writers, actors and critics') writes entertainingly in an emphatic, energetic manner marvellously evocative of the 1970s London literary scene.