Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) - photo 1
Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) - photo 2
Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) - photo 3

Dylan Thomas (1914-1953)

Lot 183
15.12.2023 11:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 9 450
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1108983
Lot 183 | Dylan Thomas (1914-1953)
Estimate value
£ 3 000 – 5 000
Dylan Thomas (1914-1953)
Autograph letter signed ('Dylan Thomas') to Ernest F. Bozman, Boat House, Laugharne, 11 September 1953
Three pages, 230 x 178mm. Provenance: Charles H. Williamson (1926-2005) and Tucker Fleming (1924-2010) – their posthumous sale, Bonhams New York, 20 April 2011, lot 135.

'Oh, Lord, I am in a mess': less than two months before his death, Thomas writes about the completion of Under Milk Wood, his upcoming US trip, future writing plans, and pressing financial problems. Thomas hopes to have lunch with Bozman before his departure for the United States in early October: 'Well before I leave, I'll have finished the final corrections and amplifications of "Under Milk Wood". I think it's much better now – (it sounds as though it had been ill). One of the reasons I'm going to America is to take part in three public readings of it ... (The other, and main, reason is to go to California to begin work with Stravinsky on a new opera)'. He discusses plans for further performances and a broadcast of Under Milk Wood, before going on to a proposed book of stories, for which he suggests the title Early One Morning: there are eleven stories, and he plans on adding 'two or three more, still on a childhood theme ... In spite of what you rightly say about the "rawness" of the other, and earlier, stories I sent you some time ago, I still think that one, and one alone, of these, "A Prospect of the Sea" could well take its place in the volume'. He is pleased too to hear that Bozman is prepared to consider again the short novel Adventures in the Skin Trade; he intends to finish that, and another radio play, on his return. The letter then veers into the territory of Thomas' financial difficulties, acknowledging David Higham's management of his affairs, but begging Bozman's help: 'really, I'm sick with anxiety'. The problem is that 'I can't say "Stravinsky" to tradesmen, Insurance, etc. etc. Oh, Lord, I am in a mess'. Thomas asks for Bozman's help: 'Could Dent advance me any good sum on "Milk Wood", or on "Early one Morning"?'.

Ernest Bozman (1895-1968) was editorial director of Thomas' publishers, J.M. Dent & Sons. Thomas' plans for the future are rendered poignant by his imminent death; he left Laugharne on 9 October, already suffering from severe breathing difficulties exacerbated by his alcoholism. His stay in New York culminated in his admission into hospital in a comatose state on 5 November, and his death four days later.
Place of origin:United Kingdom
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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