Research papers of Professor R. George Thomas, mostly comprising typescript transcripts and photocopies of letters (the originals of which are held in English, American and Canadian repositories, and in private hands) from the poet Edward Thomas (1878-1917). The letters were assembled by R. George Thomas in preparation for his edition of Edward Thomas: Selected Letters (Oxford University Press, 1995), and are duplicates of copies deposited in the Edward Thomas Archive at Cardiff University.
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.
Over a hundred letters, 1901-1991, of miscellaneous provenance from twentieth-century Anglo-Welsh writers to various recipients; the correspondents include Gillian Clarke (10, and three poems) 1986-1988, Rhys Davies (10) 1928-1929, 1975-1978, W. H. Davies (13, together with press cuttings, 1905-1950s, and four printed poems) [1909x1913]-1925, David Jones (8) 1960-1973, John Cowper Powys (7) 1927-1953, Dylan Thomas (10) 1938-1952, Edward Thomas (7) 1901-1912, Gwyn Thomas (2) 1952-1953, R. S. Thomas (6) 1956-1960 and Vernon Watkins (5) 1962-1966.
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: 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).
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