RENNELL (Sir James Rennell Rodd, 1858-1941, Diplomat and Writer, from 1933 1st Baron)

Fine Autograph Letter Signed ‘Rennell Rodd’ to an unnamed correspondent regretting that he “cannot at this moment give you the reference which you ask for. The volume on Sir Walter Raleigh was written more than twenty years ago and though all the best authorities were consulted I could not without looking them up again remember what the authority was for the relationships of Catherine Ashley. She was however I think I am quite safe in saying not an aunt. If I am able to find anything on the subject to guide my memory... I would let you know...”, 1 side 8vo., Ardath, Shamley Green, Surrey, 28th June

Rodd was educated at Haileybury and Balliol College, Oxford, where he was associated with the circle of Oscar Wilde. In 1880, he won the Newdigate prize for Raleigh. Wilde later assisted Rodd in securing publication for his first book of verse, Rose Leaf and Apple Leaf, for which Wilde provided an introduction. As Wilde began to court scandal in his public career, their friendship cooled. Following Wilde's trial, Rodd strongly dissociated himself from him, particularly as his own work had contained a number of gently homoerotic verses.

Item Date:  1925

Stock No:  42366      £125

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