Add MS 88909/92

Seven typescript letters from Ian Hamilton Finlay to Bob Cobbing concerning the publication of Finlay, The Dancers Inherit the Party by Fulcrum Press (1969), together with two manuscript letters from Sue Finlay (wife) to Cobbing.

The letters are dated:

• 17 July 1969;
• 24 July 1969;
• 31 July 1969;
• 18 August 1969;
• 26 August 1969 (with original date in pencil: 27 August 1969);
• 1 September 1969 (with original date in pencil: 2 September);
• 15 September 1969;
• 15 October [1969] (Sue Finlay);
• letter without date (Sue Finlay).

Also, a brief covering letter from Deirdre [Montgomery] (18 October, 1972), with original buff envelope, returning the Finlay letters to Cobbing: 'Enclosed your letters from Ian Hamilton Finlay with thanks'.

Finlay's strongly-worded letters to Cobbing at ALP concern (chiefly, but not only) Finlay's objection to Fulcrum Press (Stuart Montgomery) designating The Dancers Inherit the Party as a first edition (originally published by Migrant Press in 1960 and 1962). Finlay's first letter (17 July, 1969) expresses the wish that Fulcrum Press be expelled from ALP forthwith and gives notice that he will be taking legal action against Montgomery and Fulcrum Press. The remaining letters detail his grievances, and express his anger and frustration at Cobbing's alleged inaction about the matter.

In addition to the letters listed above, a related copy letter (21 October, 1969) from G B H Wightman to Stuart Mills, Tarasque Press (added to the file by the archivist from loose papers).