Four Autograph Letters Signed (two in full and two as 'L. H.') to the biblical scholar and Quaker theologian Herbert George Wood (1879-1963), first Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham.

Author: 
Lawrence Hyde (b.1894, fl. 1954), English journalist and spiritual philospher [Herbert George Wood; Quaker; Society of Friends; Selly Oak College; Fircroft; Woodbrooke]
Publication details: 
Between 1930 and 1931; all four on letterhead Rosedean Cottage, Shipley, Sussex.
£250.00
SKU: 5655

All items very good, on lightly aged paper. Four closely written and interesting communications on his writings and philosophy. LETTER ONE (16 June 1930, 2 pages, 12mo): On the question of 'that misunderstanding regarding our last visit', the rest of the month is 'booked up', but 'perhaps the postponement - I hope it is no more than that! - of our coming may not be a bad thing'. Since their last meeting he has been 'passing through a phase of extensive internal adjustment, the physical aspect of which has taken the form of very bad health'. He has 'hardly written a line', and it is 'a time, for me, of extreme introversion and apathy and I am really not fit to appear in society!'. Although 'friend Halliday would probably be sceptical regarding the fact', '[i]t is one of the things to be expected on the rather curious path which I am following'. When he emerges hopes to 'dash off in fairly rapid succession' essays on humanism and religion. Is on friendly terms with Hugh Fausset [Hugh l'Anson Fausset, 1895-1965, English poet and religious writer] ('whom I admire greatly and whose religious development is I think going to be remarkably interesting'). Asks how Wood and his colleagues 'got on with Rabindranath' [Tagore, 1861-1941, Indian poet]: 'I gather that he was a bit of a nuisance!' LETTER TWO (28 October 1930, 2 pages, 12mo): Responding to an invitation from Wood, he is looking forward to a visit to the Quaker educational settlement at Woodbrooke: 'I might have the delightful experience of posting off the MS and then stepping into the train for Woodbrooke for a badly needed rest'. Discusses possible itinerary. Referring to Wood himself, hopes that he and his wife Lorna will 'see something of the Professor of Theology and the Philosophy of Religion at the Selly Oak College'. LETTER THREE (14 March 1931, three pages, 12mo): Announces the publication of his 'Prospects of Humanism'. 'I shall of course be very interested to hear what impression it makes upon you.' Hopes Wood will review it. He is 'far from satisfied' with the book, which 'bears the marks of having been written during a period of strain'. His thoughts 'have already turned to Op. III, by which I shall stand or fall in the end'. Three paragraphs discuss the 'Kosman Church', on the subject of which Hyde can 'quite sympathise' with Wood's 'uneasiness': 'My aim [...] is to define the conditions which, in my opinion, will have to be complied with by a truly modern Religion'. Asks if Wood has seen Geoffrey Heard's 'Ascent of Humanity': 'in a large measure it expresses the same type of consciousness with which Fausset, [John Middleton] Murry [1889-1957] and myself are so directly concerned in our different ways'. LETTER FOUR (2 April 1931, three pages, 12mo): Is pleased with Wood's 'favourable verdict on the Prospects'. 'You are one of the few whose judgement I trust in these matters, and your appreciation is one of the things that helps me to go on'. Is happy that Wood considers his book better than its predecessor, and discusses the two books. Is glad that Wood feels that he has 'sounded the Quaker note': 'this brings us together'. Feels that the author of 'that extraordinarily hostile notice in the T[imes]. L[iterary]. S[upplement]. 'at least did me a service by taking two columns to dismiss me!' Enjoyed Hoyland's essay and asks how Wood's own book is progressing. He 'will not anticipate' the arguments in his 'Opus III': 'I am philosophically a resolute Occidental!' He refuses to 'entertain the idea that matter is evil', and believes 'firmly' in progress. Discusses some recent essays by Middleton Murry. Discusses the 'Nation' and 'Everyman', the editor of the latter having 'asked me to give him some of my new book in the form of articles'. Also included is a Typed Note Signed to Wood from Horace Fleming, Honorary Warden, on the letterhead of the Mary Ward Settlement, 20 March 1931, sending Hyde's book.