[Foyles Literary Luncheon for Sir Angus Wilson, 1980.] Autograph Letter Signed from ‘Dolly’ [Mrs A. G. Dowdeswell] to ‘Philip’ [Philip Dosse of ‘Books and Bookmen’], with reference to Wilson, Melvyn Bragg, Simon Young of John Murray, Ian Jack.

See the entries for Angus Wilson and Christina Foyle in the Oxford DNB. ‘Dolly’ is clearly the ‘Mrs. A. G. Dowdeswell’ who was secretary of the Johnson Society of London in the 70s and 80s (arranging luncheons) and named as a member of the Johnson Society at least as late as 1992. The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. See ‘Death of a Bookman’ by the novelist Sally Emerson (editor of ‘Books and Bookmen’ at the time of Dosse’s suicide), in Standpoint magazine, October 2018. The present item is 2pp, 4to. Forty-seven lines of text. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Possibly related, the pair were at least on a level of intimacy. Addressed to ‘My dear Philip’ and signed ‘With love, / Dolly.’ She reminds him that she ‘sat next to Simon Young of John Murray at the b & b Dorchester luncheon’ [for the twenty-fifth anniversary of ‘Books and Bookmen’], and that ‘he indicated that he was desirous of doing some more reviewing’. She lists five of his interests, adding ‘a little nebulous, but he is apparently quite a bod at John Murray (493 4361) and has been masterminding series on flying and sailing there for many years. I went round the drawing rooms and saw the Byron relics in Albemarle Street last week. He is very pleasant.’ She was present at ‘the next Literary Luncheon for Sir Angus Wilson last week. It was a success and Angus was in good form and pleased with both honours. After luncheon, (a better one) he suddenly dashed round the end of the top table and made a dive for me. He had an animated conversation for quite a few minutes while Melvyn Bragg was waiting to kick off. He didn’t dive for anyone else and my table 8 were over-awed, so I was told. My husband and I have known him for thirty years or so. We never pushed our knowledge of him, but he has always called himself a friend and on many occasions has made a point of deliberately seeking us out. I must tell you that the room was not half so full as for your 25th anniversary. I think his new novel not his best.’ She has been in London for five days, and names an eye surgeon she wished to consult, ‘but six weeks must elapse before he can see me so I shall try to fix it for the time of my Lichfield visit’. She is glad Dosse has got Ian Jack to review ‘Dictionary Johnson’. ‘I wonder if you have had a copy of Johnson’s Dictionary, a £45 facsimile from Times Books Ltd? I am also pleased that Lady Huntingdon will do C. H. Rolph’s “London Particulars” and Nigel Nicolson is in good form.’