Bidspirit auction | BLUNDEN EDMUND: (1896-1974) (x3)

BLUNDEN EDMUND: (1896-1974) (x3) - BLUNDEN EDMUND: (1896-1974) English poet, author & critic, a friend of Siegfried Sassoon. Small selection of three A.Ls.S., E. Blunden , each one page, 8vo, Hall Mill, Long Melford, Suffolk, March 1965 - August 1966, all to Alfred Patrick Ryan. The correspondence includes references to Sassoon and other literary figures and events, in part, ´A letter from S. Sassoon says, much as I expected, that he doesn´t feel equal to writing anything for his 80th birthday (he points out that this will not be until 1966); but your alternative plan of sending an interviewer finds him willing......There is so much in him that ordinarily does not appear except to a few´ (9th March 1965), ´Thank you for what you have done and think of doing concerning my Oxford appearances.....”Experience of Poetry”, the first lecture, is an attempt to gather some descriptions of what poems have seemingly done on first encounters to, or for, some readers or listeners......I mean, those lines for instance which Coleridge wrote after hearing W. Wordsworth read ”The Prelude” (it took a fortnight?) at Sir George Beaumont´s home....S.T.C. really said something then, being such a man of genius, yet he had sat listening and learning. I should perhaps avoid these authors for my lecture and seek out the simple souls.....´ (4th May 1966), ´You had a wish that I should perhaps write an article on S. Sassoon at eighty & his outlook on things today.....I have been rather unwell & a hospital period has delayed far too many things due (I have also written two poems about S.S. as desired for his celebrations). I will take the liberty of making a suggestion. For years S.S.´s most constant friend has probably been D. R. W. Silk......a delightful writer (and a great reader)......I believe Dennis Silk would be able to speak of S.S. now with deep understanding´ (8th August 1966). Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG, 3 Alfred Patrick Ryan (1900-1972) British journalist, editor of the BBC News Service 1940-47, and assistant editor and literary editor of The Times 1947-68. Dennis Silk (1931-2019) English cricketer and public school headmaster, a close friend of Siegfried Sassoon, of whom he spoke and wrote extensively.