Add MS 88908/3

An extensive span of letters from Duncan to March, discussing aspects of Duncan's work and life, tracking the development of a mutual friendship, and including various incidental comments on other writers (e.g. Pound, Eliot). The majority of the letters span 1938-1942 and are written on Townsman letterhead (a journal edited by Duncan, from Morewenstow, Cornwall). A few later letters (many without date) make limited reference to Poetry London.

In the main, the earliest letters (1938-1939) are typescript, and subsequent letters autograph. Letter dated Oct 4 [1939] is incomplete, first sheet only (numbered 37). Two of the letters in the sequence are from Rose Marie Duncan, wife (sheets 53-4, dated 'Saturday' only [1939 or 1940], and 12 July, 1940), and one is from Bunnie Duncan, sister (typescript, 5 March, 1940). In addition, there is a letter from Pearn, Pollinger & Higham Ltd (Authors' Agents) to March (30 June, 1952) expressing Duncan's wish to purchase the remaining 50 copies of Duncan, Jan's Journal (William Campion imprint, 1949).

There are two letters from March:

• March to Duncan (typescript, 16 April, 1940), offering close analysis of passages of Duncan's dramatic writing;
• March to 'Bun' [Bunnie Duncan, sister] (typescript, Townsman letterhead, 8 February, [1940]) referring to sending on certain 'specimen copies' to two addresses.

As well, the file includes, in Duncan's hand: outline notes relating to Duncan, The Rural Landlord, extracts from a verse play, and a poem ('Song') dedicated to Richard March.