Letter from Edward Thomas to his wife, Helen Thomas. Incomplete, first page held at NLW MS 22915C, 35r-v. Archival reference: 424/1/1/1/1/193
15 Feb 1903?
And now about the book. Messrs A and E Black wrote to Nevison last week, asking him to contribute 50,000 words on Oxford to accompany a series of Oxford pictures by John Fulleylove. I enclose the letter with his additions. I didn’t like the idea apart from its difficulty. Still I wrote to Black said I should be glad to do it and could call this week. He invited me to call today, after a very short talk he gave me the work. He apparently thought I might do it for less, said ‘of course we expected to pay something for Mr Nevison’s name’? However, I said I thought £100 a fair price, and he agreed. He gave me a copy of Fulleylove’s Holy Land pictures and I am to have proofs of the Oxford set as they come out. My words - 60,000 instead of 50,000 - must be finished by June 30. The book will be published in September. And
Of course I must try to get some chapters into the Atlantic or elsewhere. He is sending the agreement tonight.
You can understand that I am rather afraid and I dont feel able to write in London. But of course I can’t make plans just yet. Nevinson is now back and writes asking me to meet Fulleylove at dinner if you are successful. Think will probably help me. Nevinson advises me to write a series of essays ‘not necessarily light’. And anyhow I must spend a week or two in Oxford - perhaps in the vacation when I should be out of temptation. I shall also have to be a good lad in London to refer to books at the museum - I only hope I shall find it possible to do the actual writing at Bearsted with you.
I am too floored to write much sweet heart. But I know how glad you are and that makes me happy. I must do 2 reviews for the “Wales”
This afternoon then see Nevinson and dine with Hoyles.
I had a fine walk with Haynes yesterday over Oakham House to the Leather Bottle at Upper Warlingham, but a depressing one with Harry through 5 miles of streets, cheered only by butchers shops. Harry’s jests were more frequent and more disgusting than usual. He asked if Bronwen was the name of a suburb.
Goodbye my own sweet little one. Kiss Merfyn and Bronwen many times for me. I am ever and wholly yours,
Edward.