| Description | Includes letters of a personal nature concerning the outbreak of the Second World War, Toynbee's plans to enlist, day to day work in the civil service and his experiences throughout the wartime years generally, with regular references to his position as a 'non-combattant'. Letters also concern discussion of mutual friends and family, with particular reference to wartime activities, and domestic matters - including Toynbee's marriage to Anne Powell and the birth of his daughter Josephine. Letters also include references to Toynbee's writing & literary concerns including books he considers inspirational as well as the publication of his novel ''The Barricades', and involvement in the magazines the New Stateman and Horizon.
Of particular note:
-two letters, dated November 1939, concerning Toynbee's decision to marry Anne Powell
-two letters, dated 19 July & 1 August 1940, concerning Toynbee's desire to leave the Welsh Guards and join Military Intelligence
-letter, dated 6 March 1943, concerning the state of the English novel and Toynbee's vow to be 'acknowledged as the best living English novelist'
-letter, dated 14 February 1944, castigating Nicolson for his 'smugness' in relation to their respective wartime experiences. Also concerning reviews of 'The Barricades' and concerns over the fall of Italy.
-letter, dated July 1944, concerning news of Jasper Ridley's death; life in London in wartime
-letter, dated 18 January 1945, concerning a two month visit to Paris and Brussels shortly after liberation carrying out 'literary research'. Also concerns Picasso and his reception in France.
Also includes a letter from Esmond Romilly to Philip Toynbee, undated, concerning the loss of friends during wartime, Communism and Rubashovism. |