Two Autograph Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Signed (all three 'H A L Fisher') to 'Ronnie' [Ronald Chapman], and one Autograph Letter Signed ('Herbert Fisher') to the latter's mother, Mrs Chapman, concerning his education.

Author: 
H. A. L. Fisher [Herbert Albert Laurens Fisher] (1865-1940), British historian, Liberal politician and Warden of New College, Oxford [Ronald Chapman; Limnerslease, Compton; G. F. Watts]
Two Autograph Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Signed  'H A L Fisher'
Publication details: 
1938 and 1939. Three on letterheads of New College, Oxford (one from the Warden's Lodgings), and one from Thursley, Godalming, Surrey.
£120.00
SKU: 9379

Each of the four items has text clear and complete. The four are in fair condition, on aged paper, with minor staining from the paperclip used to attach them, and a small closed tear at the foot of the first letter. Letter One to 'Dear Mrs Chapman'; the other three to 'Dear Ronnie'. Letter One (4to, 2 pp): 19 November 1938. Chapman (referred to throughout as 'Ronnie') has not been well, and Fisher makes a suggestion to his mother regarding his 'future': 'Cecil Rhodes spent seven years on this process and never regretted it. [...] I do not, of course, wish to imply that a degree is indispensible. Many good Oxford men have progressed without it - but it is useful and an encouragement to those who have earned it, and Ronnie, once returned to normal health, could so easily achieve it [...]'. Letter Two (12mo, 4 pp): 29 November 1938. Fisher has been discussing matters with Chapman's tutor 'Brydon', who finds that as his 'work has been so much interrupted by illness' a place in the Honour School that summer would be a 'risk'. Discusses possible courses of action. Letter Three (12mo, 2 pp): 21 August 1939. He is sorry to learn of Chapman's 'eye trouble', and suggests that he apply to the BBC for employment, using Fisher's name as referee. Letter Four (4to, 1 p, typed): 20 April 1939. He is pleased to learn that Chapman is working at a publisher's office, and that his health is improving. 'Later on when you have made a success of your profession you must replace your name on the books and renew your contact with New College and Oxford.' He is sorry to hear that 'Limnerslease' (now the G. F. Watts museum) is up for sale: 'I have so many delightful recollections of that beautiful house'. Chapman is the author of 'The Laurel and the Thorn: A study of G. F. Watts (London: Faber, 1945).