Havelock Ellis: 'Poems', London, Richards Press Ltd, 1937, 1...

Hammer

£170

Havelock Ellis: 'Poems', London, Richards Press Ltd, 1937, 1st edition, signed to verso of title page by Ellis, and further inscribed by author to Agnes "Brownie" Merrills to FFEP "For "Brownie." 2 Oct./37.", original black cloth lettered in gilt, with 4 page Autograph Letter Signed by Havelock Ellis to Agnes "Brownie" Merrills loosely inserted "I have both your letters Brownie dear, & there is no need to ask me to "forgive" you for anything. I like you to write just how and when you want to & you may be sure I will understand. I quite understood what you said about being "starved", and I think it is quite natural & right. I don't know about being over-sexed, but you certainly have a sensitive & emotional temperament which demands love. It has never seemed to me that you are neurotic. I quite think you are sane-minded & healthy-minded. But a serious operation is a great strain on the nervous system & you are really in need of special petting & consideration, while you have had troubles & anxieties to struggle with instead...So far as you and I are concerned, there is no need for anxiety. You are not "in love" with me, & I am not "in love" with you. The difference in age should alone prevent anyone being alarmed about us! But we are loving friends & need not be afraid of anything. I wish your husband could just accept the fact that we are friends & that I am not his enemy. I see no reason to be shy of the "marvellous brain". I am a simple & natural person. The "marvellous brain", if it exists, only comes into the books. You can easily reserve any shyness for when you are alone with them! Lovingly, Havelock", modern typed transcript of letter also loosely inserted, together with a photograph of Havelock Ellis with his housekeeper Christay, this corner mounted in folding card holder, signed Havelock Ellis & dated 1938 to cover