[C. E. M. Joad, popular philospher and member of the BBC ‘Brains Trust’.] Autograph Letter Signed, in pencil to V. H. Collins, complimenting him on his book [‘The Choice of Words’].

A poignant letter, written during Joad's final illness (he died on 9 April 1953). Joad’s entry in the Oxford DNB ends with this assessment: ‘Cyril Joad was an outstanding educator, a tireless proponent of ‘progressive’ causes, and one of the best-known broadcasters of the 1940s.’ The recipient Vere Henry Collins (1872-1966), was an author and grammatical stickler, and the letter concerns his 1952 book 'The Choice of Words'. 2pp, 4to. Aged and discoloured, and cropped at the head with loss of a line of text. Folded once for postage. Date given in ink at head, presumably by Collins. Written in pencil in a barely-legible hand. Signed ‘Your old friend / Cyril Joad’ and beginning: ‘Vere, / You’ve written a lovely book. I’m ill in bed - have been for a very long time; prostate! - and have therefore read it with continuity and attention as it is “sweet” in the Victorian good sense of the word - the sense in which there aren't any ‘sweet’ girls now.’ The concluding half of the letter is difficult to decipher. Postscript: ‘PS For the next impression should not “Sydney” on p 154 be Melbourne? / PS (2) Why not continue in the same vein up to our time / Come and see me’.