Description

Description: In this Feb 20, 1925 typed letter signed , R.W. Chapman of The Clarendon Press, Oxford, writes to “The Reverend The President /Trinity College” (most likely John Henry Bernard of Trinity College, Dublin, who was also the President of the Royal Irish Academy) about an editorial choice of the word “shiney” over “slimey.” Chapman explains how “[the] ductus litterarum is less clear than usual [because] the long descending f of from above got in the way,” conceding, “. . . I think you are right,” that the slimey “is the vox propria.”

The typed letter is signed: “R. W. Chapman” and has several inked corrections presumably in his hand.

Written on 8” x 10” ivory “The Clarendon Press, Oxford” letter head. Item #A01183

W. Chapman (1881-1960), a British scholar, is credited with making Jane Austen popular in the early 20th century. He was a book collector and editor of the works of Jane Austen and Samuel Johnson. He retired as the Secretary of Clarendon Press in 1943. He also contributed towards the completion of the Oxford English Dictionary (1928) in an administrative and editorial capacity.

John Henry Bernard (1860-1927) served as the President of the Royal Irish Academy (1916-21) and Provost, Trinity College, Dublin (1919-27). In 1915, he was also appointed Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin.

Condition:  Fold lines, otherwise in very good condition.