Twelve letters, 1900-1902, from Edward Thomas to Sir Owen M. Edwards, his erstwhile tutor at Lincoln College, Oxford, written shortly after Thomas had left university, their main purpose being to ask for guidance in seeking employment; they also reflect his attachment to Wales and his interest in the Welsh language.
First line: This is the constellation of the lyre. Not included in R. George Thomas, The Collected Poems of Edward Thomas (1978). Manuscript poem written by Edward Thomas in his daughter Bronwen Thomas' autograph album. It has been detached from the album and mounted on a scrap of paper. Pencil drawing on reverse signed 'Catherine W. Alexander, August 15th 1915'.
First line: The sun used to shine while we two walked. Written at Hare Hall. Manuscript draft in ink. Not recorded in R. George Thomas, The Collected Poems of Edward Thomas (1978).
First line: The sun used to shine while we two walked. Written at Hare Hall. Typescript, with corrections in Eleanor Farjeon's hand. The typescript matches the version in the Blue Notebook (in private ownership), and Eleanor's annotations match the second draft which is held in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.
First line: There was a weasel lived in the sun. Written at 'Selsfield (with Helen)'. Selsfield House, East Grinsted was the home of Vivian Locke Ellis. Manuscript draft in ink, found among family papers after the death of Helen Thomas. Titled 'For Baba' (Myfanwy Thomas).
First line: Dark is the forest and deep, and overhead. Written at Steep and Hare Hall Camp, Gidea Park, Romford. Manuscript draft in ink. Varies from a version printed in R. George Thomas, The Collected Poems of Edward Thomas (1978) by one word - 'born' rather than 'sown' in line 3.
First line: In an ash-grove among the mountains once, I was glad. Written in London. Manuscript, second draft, in ink, sent to Eleanor Farjeon with a letter dated 8 Feb 1916.