MERTON

The six items are all disbound and in fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. Items One and Five are not productions of the Society, but are closely connected with it. The first five items are scarce: the only copies of One on COPAC at Oxford and the British Library; no copy on COPAC of Two; the only copies of Three and Four at Oxford; Five is a galley proof; and Six only to be found at Oxford, the British Library, the LSE and University College, London. ONE: 'The Idea of an Oxford Modern Ethical Society.

On one side of a long strip of vellum (circa 80 x 13.5 cm), made up of two pieces attached together. In fair condition, aged and worn. In English. The locality is not stated, but John Dunkin's 'Oxfordshire' has a reference to a will witnessed by both Hunt and Brooks.

On both sides of the 11 x 9 cm card. Very good, with light signs of age. He feels he must thank him for 'two numbers of the North American Review, both containing interesting articles'. despite 'their anti English spirit'. He was glad to read 'Bryce's article' to which he feels 'some injustice has been done'.

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. Fair, on aged paper. De Grey begins: 'You have very much obliged me by accepting a small Present of Game, and many of my neighbours as well as myself will rejoyce in your Correspondent supplying me with a pipe of Port and a Hogshead of Calcavalla, [sic] if a Hogshead of Sherry could be procured without any additional trouble, it would add to the Obligation'.

The five items aged and worn, with slight rust staining from previous attachment. Both of RC's letters signed 'Merton Russell:Coates -'. TLS (8 October 1917): 1p., 4to. A rather sniffy letter, with RC stating that he has 'quite a number of photographs of Sir Henry Irving of various kinds', and instructing Mrs Rothsay to 'please take the frame off as I would rather have it unframed'. ALS (29 October 1917): 2pp., 4to.