Cecil Day-Lewis., 11/20/1969-06/21/1971

File — Box: 1, Folder: 9

Identifier: 55435

Collection-level Scope and Content Note

From the Collection:

Note to the legacy print version of this finding aid.

The Elizabeth Jennings papers 1 consists of correspondence sent and received by the poet. Correspondence is organized by individual name and arranged alphabetically.

Also included is correspondence from cultural organizations, museums, and publishers, as well as fan letters.

Notable correspondents include many contemporary poets and writers such as, John Betjeman, Charles Causley, Cecil Day-Lewis, Margaret Drabble, Roy Fuller, Laurie Lee, Peter Levi, Ruth Pitter, Anne Ridler, A.L. Rowse, Stephen Spender, Anthony Thwaite, and John Wain. Internationally acclaimed actors Sir John Gielgud and Alec Guinness are also represented by lengthy correspondence. Of special interest is the extensive correspondence from long-time friend, Dame Cicely Veronica Wedgewood, the well-respected historian and writer. Dating from early 1969 to the end of 1971, the letters were sent when Jennings was going through a long period of depression.

Dates

11/20/1969-06/21/1971

Collection-level Access Restrictions

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.84 Linear Feet (2 Hollinger Document Cases)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Container Summary

Contains 2 TLS, 1 ACS, 1 ALS + envelope to EJ from the famous poet (1904-1972). Includes an anecdote about his slight acquaintance with T.S. Eliot: @ "I never thought that Eliot had much influence on me techincally. I hardly knew him in the thirties; but I was always much influenced by his ideas on the poet's self-discipline....The anecdote about him I most vividly remember is that, after presenting the prizes (for the first time) at a school, I happened to have lunch with Eliot and began to boast about it. He gave me a considering look and said, "Do you do this very often?" I replied that this was the first time. He pondered for a few moments, and then said "If I were you, I would not do it too often - perhaps once a year."