ID: 1842
Autograph letter signed to his father.
THOMAS, Dylan

Category: Autograph Letters/Manuscripts, Second World War

Place/Publisher/Date:
Seaview, 29th August 1939.

Description: Autograph letter signed ("Dylan"), to his father ("Dear Dad"), written a few days before the outbreak of the Second World War. Four pages, 8vo, with autograph envelope. The letter thanks him for the "Grand, magnificent dictionary...It is a most valuable thing for me to have", he expresses pleasure that his father enjoyed, his recently published The Map of Love a collection of poetry and prose. ("Do please tell me what you liked best in it, & what seemed most difficult & unattractive.."). He refers to reviews of the work although he has only read one himself, which is not surprising as the book's reception was completely overshadowed by the build up to war. He describes the first batch of dental work he had received the day before. He follows with a discussion of unfolding world events..."These are awful days, & we are very worried. It is terrible to have built, out of nothing, a complete happiness - from no money, no possessions, no material hopes - & a way of living & then to see the immediate possibility of its being exploded & ruined & If I could pray, I'd pray for peace. I'm not a man of action; & the brutal activities of war appall me - as they do every decent-thinking person. Even here the war atmosphere is thick & smelling: the kids dance in the streets, the mobilised soldiers sing Tipperary in the pubs, & wives & mothers weep around the stunted memorial in the grist." Germany invaded Poland three days later. Very good, slightly worn at folds.

Price £6,000.00