'Yesterday my Elizabeth and I went to the most remarkable poets' Reading I have ever attended. It was held at Lord Byron's beautiful house in Piccadilly... I was moved by Mr de la Mare reading five poems of great beauty. Elizabeth was thrilled at seeing for the first time W.H. Davies, a strange tiny poet. He read "Love's Silent Hour" and three others. Hilary [Hilaire Belloc] read "The Poor of London" and "the Dons". He got a big reception'.
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: William Henry Davies
'Thanks very much for the book and the "Spectator" page.[...] These are all delightful pieces. You must autograph the book for me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
‘You mention Ian Hay and MacGill. I had a glance at Ian Hay, and wished I
could read it, but had to leave it. What I saw was very good indeed … By the
way have you ever read W. H. Davies "Autobiography of a Super-Tramp". It
would delight you immensely by its simplicity and plain truth … The only thing
poor about Autobiography is the title. I hate “Super” things.’
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ivor Bertie Gurney Print: Book
‘Your book—my book [Davies, "Child Lovers"] has just arrived, and it is
finished. Only to increasing certainty that Davies was once an exquisite
poet—of which time he has now but occasional memories, and that he
knows himself to be failing in power and is bitter at the knowledge. I
happen to know it is true, from private information, but anyone who knows
his earlier work must feel sad … Thank you very much for such a charming
present … Thank you also for sending me the "Times Literary Supplement",
but I have one sent already. However both are passed on, and read with
enthusiasm by one and another … I might be a good soldier if I could forget
music and books. Indeed I try to full my still-sick mind with thoughts of
these. Which makes a strange combination, as you may imagine.’
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ivor Bertie Gurney Print: Book
‘Well … our gallant regiment … have been in it a damn sight more than ever
they expected, by the Lord. We are hardened veterans, fed up to the neck,
muddy to the eyes, for the weather is execrable. And like Justice Shallow
we have had our losses. Two of the nicest chaps in the whole crowd killed.
And of our very best Lieutenants more gone than I like. So it goes with us
… Have you seen "Child Lovers", W. H. D.’s new book? It has some good
stuff in it—but he would do well to shut up shop … Mrs Abercrombie has
sent me [Lascelle Abercrombie’s] "Deborah", which I like immensely, except
the "Gabriel Hounds", which are poor tykes not worthy of poetic license.
And the blank verse, also very fine, is hardly often enough simple. It is too
skilled, too educated … But how good the storm is! And the marsh! And
Barnaby! … One thing that runs continually in my head out here is L.
Binyon’s “To the Fallen” which delights me ever more and more. Did you see
Bridges’ Sonnett on Kitcher? That was fine too … I would not believe the
news at first—it sounded so like the obvious rumour. Oh, but it’s raining like
the blazes!’
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ivor Bertie Gurney Print: Book
