BETJEMAN JOHN: (1906-1984) English Poet Laureate 1972-84. T.L.S., John Betjeman, one page, small 4to

BETJEMAN JOHN: (1906-1984) English Poet Laureate 1972-84. T.L.S., John Betjeman, one page, small 4to

BETJEMAN JOHN: (1906-1984) English Poet Laureate 1972-84. T.L.S., John Betjeman, one page, small 4to, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock (although on the printed stationery of The British Council, London), 13^th March 1946, to Michael Harrison. Betjeman states that he did indeed remember Harrison and thanks him for a copy of Great Expectations, further explaining 'The British Council only presents books to libraries abroad, and that is to say its whole free distribution of books, supposing the book were presented to every library abroad, would be only about 100 copies. Naturally, if we are presenting books to libraries, they generally have to be bound in cloth if they are to last. I do not, therefore, think there is much hope in sending out “Great Expectations” by means of the British Council'. Betjeman also comments on Harrison's suggestion that the books be made available to British troops serving abroad and advises him to contact the Army Educational Department of the War Office, concluding 'I wish you every success. I like the idea of the books, but do not envy you your task of having to cut down master-pieces'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise VG

 

Michael Harrison (1907-1991) Maurice Desmond Rohan. English detective fiction and fantasy author, a noted Sherlock Holmes scholar.