Autograph Letter Signed ('C R Hewitt') to Sewell Stokes.

Author: 
C. R. Hewitt (1901-1994) (Cecil Rolph Hewitt, who wrote under the pseudonym 'C. H. Rolph'), English policeman, journalist, editor and author [Francis Martin Sewell Stokes (1902-1979); G. W. Stonier]
Publication details: 
21 November 1957; 6 Liskeard Gardens, London, SE3, on New Statesman letterhead.
£45.00
SKU: 6830

8vo, 2 pp, 33 lines. Good, on lightly aged and creased paper. An interesting letter, written by a former policeman to a former probation officer, on the subject of the latter's book 'Come to Prison: A Tour through British Prisons today' (Longmans, 1957), about which the former has written a negative review. Begins by praising Stokes' 'really generous letter, written at what cost in self-control I can only dimly imagine'. When Hewitt 'read the published review', he thought 'that it was still on the whole unfair'. 'I hate reviewing really, and am a bad reviewer. Objectivity eludes me, and I pontificate, as if I were the only man in the world with the knowledge of the subject.' He claims what he 'really thought' was that 'the name of Sewell Stokes commands respect'. He remembers 'how very impressed G. W. Stonier was years ago with Court Circular, though I thought that book was unfair!' He is writing 'an Observer "profile" ' of Sir Lionel Fox, whom they both admire. Concludes 'I'm afraid your very readable book will be a success, despite the price!'