In editing these volumes of letters, Mr Percy Lubbock has had a wide field for selection. For, as he says of Henry James, “He was at all times a copious letter-writer, overflowing into swift and easy improvisation to his family and to the many friends with whom he corresponded regularly. His letters have been widely preserved, and several thousands of them have passed through my hands, ranging from his twenty-fifth year until within a few days of his last illness.” (Introd.) In addition to the introduction which opens volume 1, the editor has contributed brief illuminating prefaces to the sections into which the volumes are divided. These divisions, for volume 1, are: First European years: 1869–1874; Paris and London: 1875–1881; The middle years: 1882–1888; Later London years: 1889–1897; and Rye, 1898–1903. Volume 2 comprises: Rye: 1904–1909; Rye and Chelsea: 1910–1914; and The war: 1914–1916. Notes are often provided for individual letters and an index adds to the value of the admirably edited work.
Reviewed by Sydney Waterlow
+ − Ath p537 Ap 23 ’20 2350w
“The portrait they paint of the novelist and his surroundings is so clear that the editor has needed merely to add here and there a prefatory note. These and the introduction are finely appreciative and adequate.”
+ Booklist 16:279 My ’20
“The editor, Mr Lubbock, has compassed a dangerous undertaking in his selection and, while he offers many letters which illustrate the social side of his hero, he justly lays stress on the inclusion of literary themes. These letters bid fair to become a classic in English literature.” J. G. Huneker
+ Bookm 51:364 My ’20 2700w
“Throughout them we find an abundance of literary comment upon his fellow writers which is pungent and vigorous, even if not always convincing.” E. F. E.
+ Boston Transcript p10 Ap 10 ’20 1500w