Add MS 88907/7/8/3

The file comprises: an exercise book of poems in manuscript; various poems (typescript); some page proofs; and the Contents pages (typescript) of Fletcher, Orisons Picaresque & Metaphysical (Editions Poetry London, 1947).

(1) A soft-cover exercise book, entitled outside front-cover 'Poems / Iain Fletcher'. Inside front-cover, a 'Compiler's Note' in which Fletcher is said to be twenty-two years old (suggesting a date of 1942 for the exercise book). Compiler (in whose hand the poems would appear to be): A J M Schooling. Many poems are dated, indicating a composition span of 1939-1942. One poem ('Homage to Edward Herbert, Lord Cherbury') was subsequently published in Fletcher, Orisons.

(2) Poems (typescript) appearing in Poetry London, 2:10 (1944): 'Metaphysical Ode to General Lord Rawlinson in Heaven'; 'Given with his picture'; 'Metaphysical Poem on a Cricket Match'; 'A Poem of Blue Arches'; 'XLV'; and 'XV'.

(3) Other poems (typescript): 'St. Sampson-Sans-Main'; 'Twin Poems on the Single Theme'; and 'MetroDelphic Inc.'.

(4) Two page proofs for Poetry London, 2:10 (1944), showing that 'St. Sampson-Sans-Main' had been, at this stage, included in the selection.

(5) Air letter (signed 'Iain') listing in typescript draft Contents for Orisons (1947), showing some small differences to the published edition. Fletcher writes: 'Could you confirm receipt of this some time and see that Tambi gets it. It's my final selection or modification of his.' (The portion of the air letter giving the the addressee has been cut away.)