Larkin, Philip Arthur (1922-1985), English poet, writer and Librarian at the Brynmor Jones Library, the University of Hull, between 1955 and his death. Came to prominence in 1955 with 'The Less Deceived', his second collection of poetry. Published 'High Windows', his last volume of poetry, in 1974. Contributed to the 'Daily Telegraph' as a jazz critic between 1961 and 1971, and edited 'The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse' in 1973. Awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry. Offered, but declined, position of Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 1984, following the death of Sir John Betjeman.
1.) 12 manuscript letters and greetings cards sent by Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith, his friend and publisher. Monteith became a director of Faber & Faber in 1954, and brought Larkin to the publishing house. He was a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and became the director of the Poetry Book Society in 1966. He was also a member of the Literature Panel of the Arts Council in 1974 and a member of the Library Advisory Council for England in 1979.
2.) Letters and minutes concerning Larkin’s literary estate – sent to Monteith.
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MS letter dated 22 January 1964 from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On printed greetings slip of the University of Hull. Presumably refers to GB 473 PL / 2, a photograph of Larkin which he might be giving to Monteith whilst offering copies, “a few for possible publicity purposes”. MS annotation in red pencil on reverse, reading “Guess who?” and signed, “E”.
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Photographic portrait of Philip Larkin sitting on a stone wall into which a public sign is embedded, reading ‘England’ and featuring the St George Cross in the form of a crest. Printed in black ink, on card with a gloss finish. It is unclear whether the “few” other copies, which might be referred to in GB 473 PL / 1, had been created contemporaneously.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On commercial postcard stamped with the name ‘North Humberside, Hull’ and the date. Refers to Larkin’s hope of staying for two nights at All Soul’s College, Oxford. Mentions having invited John Wain (1925-1994, poet) to dinner at All Soul’s, and hoping “to hear all Election gossip”. The “Election” probably is for the post of Professor of Poetry at the University of Oxford, since 1978 was the last year of Wain’s professorship. Closes with a joke, metaphorically portraying the image - of a grouse and a predatory fox, on the reverse - as a “picture of British author & HM Insp of Taxes”. Addressed using Monteith’s residence [?] at 10 Wellington Road, London, rather than the office of Faber & Faber. On the reverse, reproduction of a photographic image showing a fox stalking a grouse on a hillside.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On postcard printed in Great Britain and stamped with the name ‘Lairg, Sutherland’, the time and the date. Refers both to the environment of Larkin’s holiday [?] location, Sutherland, North Highlands, Scotland, and to his travel plans. The closing line, “hope all goes well” probably refers to Monteith’s publishing work. Addressed using the office of Faber & Faber, 24 Russell Square, London. On the reverse, photographic image showing a wide view of the Summer Isles, Wester Ross, another location in the Highlands.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On postcard marked ‘Jura Hotel, Isle of Jura, Argyll’ and stamped with the name ‘Isle of Jura’ and the date [?]. Refers to George Orwell’s (1903-1950, author) residence on the Isle of Jura, and to the view shown on the reverse, which Larkin guesses “was his view”, humorously remarking that the bleak expanses of sea and sky which fill most of it, “hastened his end”. States his lack of news. Offers a self-conscious joke about his participation in the weak entertainment given on the island. Closes with a postscript which reads “no surrender”. Addressed using the office of Faber & Faber, 24 Russell Square, London. On the reverse, photographic image with a descriptive caption printed on the foot of the white border. The image shows the Gulf of Corryvreckan and the Isle of Scarba, a view from the coast of the Isle of Jura.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith [?]. On Christmas and New Year greetings card printed with anonymous wishes and a caption which describes the image on the reverse, a reproduction of a watercolour painting made in 1785 by an unknown artist. (The subject is a view of St John’s College, Oxford, from its gardens.) On the back, printed responsibility note for the Oxford Society and the Oxonian Press Ltd., Oxford. Signed “Philip (Stone the Crows!)”.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On birthday greetings card printed with anonymous wishes, embellished and signed by Larkin. Refers to Larkin’s love and admiration, claiming the authority of all Monteith’s authors. Uses the image on the front to do this, metaphorically employing the picture of a unicorn at rest among foliage to characterise Monteith. Notes “an entry from a TF Powys bibliog: 'The Two Thieves', Chatto & Windus”. (T.F. Powys, 1875-1953, British author.) On the front, printed image of a unicorn in foliage, which is inside a circular frame, bordered - in a ‘classical’ manner - by a rectangular frame. Commercial copyright material on the back.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On white writing paper printed with Larkin’s home address at the head, and dated in his hand. An imperfectly erased pencil marking below the blue ink, gives the date as 15 March 1967, two days before the date written in ink. Refers to the pleasure of Larkin’s social engagement with Monteith on his most recent visit to All Soul’s College, Oxford, which he mentions enjoying both for “the unique atmosphere of the college” and for “the presence of Bruce”, in particular. “Bruce” probably refers to Robert Bruce Montgomery (1921-1978), the crime writer and composer who was - like Larkin - an alumnus of St John’s College, Oxford. Expresses gratitude for a lunch party, mentioning Larkin’s delight at meeting “H. Gardner” (probably W.H. Gardner, 1902-?, critic). Notes Gardner telling Larkin “not to worry” about the length of time he had spent editing 'The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse' (1973), and that - as editor of the 'New Oxford Book of English Verse' (1972) - Gardner had “been revising” Arthur Quiller-Couch’s 'The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900' “for 10 years”. Apologises for Larkin’s reticence in the company of Robert Lowell (1917-1977, American poet). In white paper envelope marked “personal” and addressed using the office of Faber & Faber, 24 Russell Square, London. Envelope stamped with the time and date of postage, and with the words “Hull” and “Yorkshire A”, indicating the location of the post office used.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On writing paper printed with the address and telephone number of All Souls College, Oxford at the head. Refers to Larkin’s organisation of a literary lunch party with the Bursar of All Souls College (?), informing Monteith that Jill Balcon (1925-2009, actress and wife of Cecil Day-Lewis) “will be happy” to travel for the event. Requests “advice, on guests”, citing the fact that “the Warden and CDL [i.e. Cecil Day-Lewis, 1904-1972, poet laureate] are contemporaries (Bowra’s [i.e. Maurice Bowra, 1898-1972, classicist & Wadham College Warden 1938-1970] Bright Young Men)” as a potential reason to invite the Warden. Mentions Larkin’s intention of inviting Monteith, “the Baileys, John Fuller [1937-, poet] (+ wife)”. Requests Monteith’s opinion about whether Larkin “dare ask the JIM Stewarts” (J.I.M. Stewart, 1906-1994, Scottish novelist & academic). Characterises the invitees as “fellow Hardeians, fellow ‘tec novelists”, probably referring to their shared interest in the literary work of Thomas Hardy and to those of them who wrote novels set in British polytechnic colleges where they had had teaching experience. Mentions “the Biswases”, [i.e. R.K. Biswas, Indian academic, Fellow of All Soul’s, & colleague of Larkin’s partner, Monica Jones, at the University of Leicester]. Also mentions “Bryan Wilson” as a potential invitee. (Wilson was both a fellow of All Soul’s and a contributor to the Black Papers, a political journal to which Larkin also contributed material.) In white paper envelope stamped with the crest of All Soul’s on the triangular fold, and addressed using Monteith’s name and “All Soul’s College”.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On writing paper printed with Larkin’s home address at the head, and dated in his hand. Refers to an Encaenia at the University of Oxford, a ceremony to which Larkin and Monica Jones (Larkin’s partner between 1950 and his death) had been invited by Monteith. Also refers to Larkin and Jones’s previously second hand knowledge of the Encaenia, which they had had “only through Betjeman’s (Sir John Betjeman, 1906-1984, English poet, writer and broadcaster, Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom between 1972 and his death) account in 'An Oxford University Chest'” (a book about the culture of the University of Oxford). Mentions Harold Macmillan (1894-1986, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom between 1957 and 1963 and Chancellor of the University of Oxford between 1960 and 1986) “playing his part nobly”. (As the university Chancellor, Macmillan opened the Encaenia and admitted the candidates to their honorary degrees.) Mentions being “present when ADP gained his DLiH”. Relates an anecdote about an abusive piece of graffiti, Larkin having found it in the lift of a building at the University of Hull, where he worked. Notes that Larkin continues to await information from his “other publisher”, giving the London postal address of the unnamed individual. Refers to the possibility of re-making a sound recording of Larkin’s poetry “without anything from 'The Less Deceived'” (1955, poetry collection). Finally refers to Jones’s fragile health. In white paper envelope stamped with the time, date and location of postage, and addressed in Larkin’s hand, using Monteith’s home address.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On writing paper printed with Larkin’s home address at the head, and dated in his hand. Refers to Larkin and Monica Jones’s (Larkin’s partner between 1950 and his death) visit to Lords, the cricket ground in London, where probably they were due to watch England play a match in a series of tests against Australia, “on July 2”. (Mentions the previous match, which had been played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.) Also refers to a party at the offices of Faber & Faber, 3 Queen Square, London. Notes that recently Larkin has written an introduction “for the last B Pym novel, the one everyone turned down in 1963”, which is The Sweet Dove Died, the novel Barbara Pym published in 1978, having had it rejected by publishers in the 1960s. Relates Larkin’s opinion of the novel. Mentions “Evans, Pike, Dunn and Larkin” attending a boxing match in Hull, expressing Larkin’s expectation that Monteith “heard about it”. (Perhaps Monteith heard about it from Douglas Dunn, the Scottish poet who has been published by Faber & Faber and who worked under Larkin at the Brynmore Jones Library, the University of Hull.) Also relates that “Andrew Motion [(1952-, English writer, Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom between 1999 and 2009)] has resigned”. (Motion taught English at the University of Hull between 1976 and 1980, where he met Philip Larkin.) In white paper envelope stamped with the time, date and location of postage, and addressed in Larkin’s hand, using Monteith’s home address.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On white writing paper, addressed and dated in Larkin’s hand. Note at the head of the paper, apologising for the omission of “Dr”, Monteith’s title, from the envelope, and joking about a friendly letter from the Ulster Defence Regiment, which - Larkin possibly suggests - have been incorrectly informed that he is attempting to contact William Monteith, a renowned protestant Officer of the RUC. Thanks Monteith for recommending a doctor for Monica Jones (Larkin’s partner between 1950 and his death), who had retired from the School of English at the University of Leicester on grounds of ill health in 1981, when she was only 59. The doctor is likely to have been based in London, since Larkin refers to himself as being “in the provinces” by comparison. Also thanks Monteith for “an advance copy” of Required Writing: Miscellaneous Pieces 1955-1982 (1983, Faber & Faber, prose non-fiction collection). Relates Larkin’s positive impression of the publication. In the context of a “signing day”, refers to John Bodley (1930-2004, editor at Faber & Faber). Also relates Larkin’s “wish” that the book “could have been laminated” (and its white back cover kept clean). Refers to Larkin’s recent state of health, both in terms of a virus and in terms of his emotional condition. Wryly jokes about his “usual sunny self”. Notes Larkin having “bought a bottle of Night Nurse for M, who thinks it good but very strong!” Posits the idea that Larkin should use it, “to be less irritable, etc.”, possibly referring to insomnia as well as to his other illnesses. In white paper envelope stamped with the time, date and location of postage and a Royal Mail Special Services mark, and addressed in Larkin’s hand, using Monteith’s home address.
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MS letter from Philip Larkin to Charles Monteith. On white writing paper, printed with Larkin’s home address and dated in his hand. Mentions “your relapse”, probably referring to Monteith’s heart condition. Also mentions Larkin’s desire to know “all the news”. It seems likely that this implies ‘news from London,’ since the letter uses Larkin’s intransience to support his supposition that he “almost certainly shan’t know”. Notes that Larkin “declined to review Auden in Love” (1985), Dorothy Farman’s biography of W.H. Auden (1907-1973, Anglo-American poet). Relates Larkin’s inability to explain the “story” of Auden’s relationship with Chester Kallman, his American partner between 1939 and Auden’s death. Refers to Gerald Haxton (1892-1944), the extra-marital partner of Somerset Maugham (1874-1965, British writer), Larkin asking whether he and Kallman shared negative characteristics. Relates Larkin’s negative judgement of Kallman’s character specifically. Also mentions an article profiling A.L. Rowse (1903-1997, British author and historian) in The Spectator, Larkin jokingly asking Monteith whether Rowse wrote the piece himself. Possibly refers to Rowse’s inclusion in a shortlist for the position of UK Poet Laureate, remarking that “the prospect of him as Laureate is a diverting one”. Mentions “Ted”, probably referring to Ted Hughes (1930-1998, English poet and children’s writer), since he was UK Poet Laureate between 1984 and his death and regularly published by Faber & Faber. Also mentions a letter from an unnamed “woman in Colerado”, Larkin summarising its content. In this context refers to Required Writing: Miscellaneous Pieces 1955-1982 (non-fiction collection, Faber & Faber, 1983) and mentions an unnamed work by André Gide (1869-1951, French author). Humorously relates Larkin’s expression of a cautionary attitude towards admirers. Also refers to Larkin’s ill health, which had become magnified “since Christmas” – with his cancer of the oesophagus developing. Mentions the dysfunction of Larkin’s liver and “a halving of drink in consequence”. Directly refers to his oesophagus, Larkin expressing uncertainty about its future state. Also mentions the poor health of Monica Jones (Larkin’s partner between 1950 and his death), Larkin dismissing a doctor who had suggested that she was suffering from “’early Parkinsonism’”. Reports on “Kingsley”, who probably is Kingsley Amis (1922-1995, English writer and critic) – Larkin relating that his friend has been unsuccessful in attempting to sell his house, since someone with the potential for buying it had died. Mentions “The Garrick” (private members’ club in Covent Garden, London). In white paper envelope stamped with the date, time and location of postage, and addressed in Larkin’s hand, using Monteith’s home address.
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TS draft template for a letter – from Richard Wilberforce, Baron Wilberforce (1907-2003, Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, Chancellor of the University of Hull between 1978 and 1994), Kingsley Amis (1922-1995, English writer and critic), Max Wyndham, 2nd Baron Egremont (1948-, British biographer and novelist, chairman of the Friends of the National Libraries since 1985), Ted Hughes (1930-1998, English poet and children’s writer) and Andrew Motion (1952-, English writer). Leaves stapled in the top left corner. Reviews private and public responses to the death of Philip Larkin in general terms. Suggests the existence of “a widespread desire to establish a more permanent memorial”, and announces the setting up of an appeal fund “to commemorate his life and work”. Explains purposes of the fund’s use, listing both supporting acquisitions of “modern literary manuscripts for the libraries of the United Kingdom and Ireland” and assisting the University of Hull “in its purpose of establishing a Philip Larkin room in its library”, a room which would house collections relating to him. Expresses hope for the support of “Philip Larkin’s friends, colleagues and readers”, the authors claiming that “the fund would have met with his approval”. Underscored spaces left both for the bank details of the fund and for the name of “The Secretary”. Finally mentions availability of “a leaflet giving details of the appeal and a tear-off slip for any gifts”. Authors’ names and a date printed below the main text. In white paper envelope with transparent address box – stamped with the date and location of postage and labelled “Philip L. Appeal Draft Letter” and “P.L. Appeal”. Accompanied by white paper address slip addressing letter from “Faber and Faber Limited” at 3 Queen Square, London, and to Monteith at his home address.
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Photostat of Philip Larkin’s Will. On white paper, the leaves stapled in the top left corner. Lists legally binding statements which relate to Larkin’s legacy. In yellow paper envelope headed “STRICTLY PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL”, stamped with the date and location of postage, labelled “P.L’s Will” by hand and addressed in typescript, using Monteith’s address at Faber and Faber.
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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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TS letter from B.C. Bloomfield (Director of Collection Development at the British Library, London) to Andrew Motion (1952-, English writer), Monica Jones (Larkin’s partner between 1950 and his death) and Anthony Thwaite (1930-, English poet and writer), copying-in Maeve Brennan (1929-2003, Larkin’s friend between 1955 and his death, librarian at the Brynmor Jones Library, the University of Hull), Charles Monteith, Brenda Moon (1932-2011, Larkin’s colleague at the Brynmor Jones Library, the University of Hull between 1962 and 1979) and “Professor J A V Chapple”. Official logo of the British Library printed in the top left corner. Sending address and telephone number of Humanities and Social Sciences division of the British Library printed on the right. Both addressees and those copied-in listed on the left, in typescript. Refers to notes of “meetings and consultations” which have taken place between Bloomfield and the addressees. They regarded “the establishment of a “Philip Larkin memorial fund””. Also refers to a press release on the same subject. Mentions attachment of a “draft”, although there is no attachment. Ask both for agreement on the procedure of establishing the fund and for “any comments”. Refers to Thwaite’s recent return from Japan. White paper address slip stapled in the top left corner, printed both with the official logo of the British Library and with address and telephone number of the Humanities and Social Sciences division of the British Library, and signed “Barry” by hand.
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