POET

Miscellaneous writer (see DNB). One page, 12mo, good condition, printed slip with biographical detail laid down at base. "I have left a [retrospection?][undelrined] and there are four reviews, tied up [?] with the Landlord. Please send a boy for the ms . . . I go home on Wednesday & by Saturday will send up more reviews [underlined]: if you have any books, send them to Benhall."

80 pages. 16mo. In grubby decorated boards with white paper printed label on front. Corners bumped. Internally sound and tight, with a few pencil notes on front pastedown.

British Poet Laureate (1904-72). Day-Lewis's letter, 1 page, 8vo. On grey paper. Good, but lightly creased and with a few staple holes. Thanks Mercer for the 'kind invitation'. 'I am afraid I could not manage to prepare the paper you suggest for January 24, since I have to be busy till near the end of this year on a play.' Suggests deferment to February or March. Signed 'C. Day Lewis'. Docketed by '' on 24 July 1961, 'We can offer other times, I think, in March.' and with 'Mar 21 | 2.30' beneath this in pencil.

Schoolmaster, poet (1754-1836) Two pages, folio, fold marks, other minor defects but complete and clear and mainly good condition. It is addressed to "W Evans Esq., / Baggage Warehouse" ina different hand from all other writing, and, also on the address panel "With R.V's compts". Above another hand has written "Mr Valpy writing".

Irish actor (1916-2001). 2 pages, 8vo. In good condition though creased along one edge. Accompanying this item are a typescript (1 page, 8vo, in good condition, annotated in ink) headed 'MASEFIELD READINGS', listing 13 items alternatively allocated to 'O'Conor' and 'Day Lewis', and two typewritten slips of paper listing some of the officers of the Royal Society of Literature, one of which has corrected details of the Don Carlos Coloma Memorial Lecture on the reverse. In the letter O'Conor complains that [Masefield's Collected Poems 'seem riddled with misprints'.

English novelist, poet and dramatist (1862-1960), noted for his works on Devon. On piece of paper, 3 inches by 4 1/2. In good condition, and attached to a piece of blue card docketed with list of Phillpots works. Distinctive and attractive signature, 'Eden Philpotts | Feb: 1928'.

English poet and essayist. On the first slip: 'Winthrop M. Praed'; on the second: 'Southampton November Six | 1837'. Both slips are discoloured from pasting in autograph album.

The 1889 note: "Let me know whether you care to publish poetry - I can send you 3 stanzas". The other note: "I regret much that I am already engaged to dinner on Tuesday. If it were probable that yr party sat late into the night I would gladly join you in the coffee state of yr festivities". Two items,

The two pieces are attached on the reverse by gummed paper. The first is the head of the letter, giving place and date, and the second the conclusion, with Noyes' signature.

Poet and man of letters (1884-1958). One page, 4to, fold marks, sl. wear, text readable. " . . . I think the occasion for using that poem by Collins would be the next occasion on which we mention - as we are bound to mention - the Artist's Rifles [last work in ms.]/ It will go in very nicely if you will let me hold it up for a bit. I don't blame Wise about the Swinburne poems; I don't think there is a man in the world who could tell one Swinburne poem from another, once you have ruled out the few best.

Miscellaneous Writer (Poetry Society). Total 4pp., 8vo. He is enlisting Wilson's aid in selling his new book (favourably reviewed by Evelyn Waugh) and requesting a list of distinguished visitors to Bumpus's (bookshop) (Walter) Scott {Centenary] Exhibition to establish who was interested in Scott at that time. Frank Mumby describes Wilson as "one of the outstanding booksellers of the day" (1956 ed., p.235). Four items,

Playwright, biographer, actor and poetaster (1882-1937). One page, 12mo, in stamped addressed envelope. "In reply to your letter, I am afraid I cannot manage to come just at present as I am going abraod [sic] early in April and shall be away for some weeks, but if later on we can arrange a date I will try to do so."

Poet (1880-1958). One and 4pp., 4to and 8vo. The typed letter has a hole not affecting text. It concerns a book Noyes has sent under separate cover, hoping to arrange a meeting. In the letter to Mrs Jerrold, he is commiserating with her on the death of Walter Jerrold ("one of the most lovable men I have ever known", etc.). Two items,

Man of Letters (1801-1884). Two pages, 8vo, good condition. He has the repeated misfortune not to be able to visit Wilton beause of a prior engagement, but thanks her for the invitation. "I have been reading your trip up the iIle with great interest" and sends his latest publication the subject of which she might not like but some of her friends might. Perhaps he is referring to her "Cradle Lands" (1867). His latest publication is presumably "More about Junius" (1868).