TS letter from Anthony Thwaite to Charles Monteith, 21st May 1986

TS letter from Anthony Thwaite (1930-, English poet and writer) to Charles Monteith, with attachment of notes on discussions between Monica Jones (Philip Larkin’s partner between 1950 and his death), Andrew Motion (1952-, English writer), Thwaite and Terry Wheldon (Larkin’s solicitor), May 17th/18th 1986. Letter on white A5 writing paper officially printed with the name, address and telephone number of André Deutsch, the London publishing house where Thwaite was Director between 1986 and 1992. This printing crossed out by hand, Thwaite’s private address printed in typescript below it. Refers to the notes, explaining Thwaite’s purposes in making them. Also refers to Thwaite’s understanding of Monteith’s relation to Larkin. Mentions Thwaite sending copies of his notes to Jones, Motion and Wheldon as a matter of course. Claims the existence of notes by Motion, Thwaite suggesting that the group “ought to try to collate them”. Promises Monteith some of Larkin’s papers which Thwaite is in the process of inspecting and photocopying. Summarises the papers as “poems, Trouble at Willow Gables (Trouble at Willow Gables and Other Fiction 1943-1953, first published 2002), some bits of prose and even a couple of playlets”. Mentions Thwaite’s preoccupation “with recording “Critics’ Forum”” (a BBC Radio 3 arts programme), “at the BBC” (BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London). Suggests that Thwaite and Monteith could meet at The Garrick (private members’ club in Covent Garden, London). Signed “Anthony”, by hand. Attachment of notes on discussions between Monica Jones, Andrew Motion, Anthony Thwaite and Terry Wheldon, 17th/18th May 1986. Notes cover the following topics: preservation of Larkin’s papers; deposition of the Larkin archive in the Bodleian Library, Oxford; publication and editorship of 'Collected Poems' (1988); preparation, editorship and publication of 'Selected Letters of Philip Larkin' (Anthony Thwaite ed., 1992); authorship and publication of 'Philip Larkin: A Writer’s Life' (Andrew Motion, 1993); press release to give information on Larkin’s literary legacy. Notes dated 20th May 1986. In white paper ‘Dudley’ envelope with purple marbling on inner reverse. Envelope stamped with the official mark of André Deutsch and the date and location of postage. Monteith’s private address printed on front. Thwaite’s name written on the front by hand, along with a telephone number and a note reading “Ring him to fix apt. for June 5”. Number and note obfuscated in pen line.

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