Contraception Advocate Naomi Mitchison Writes to a Fellow Lady of Letters

Contraception, Naomi Mitchison

TLS : Typed Letter Signed

Naomi Mitchison TLS, Oct. 10 [n.y. but circa 1900] --Letterhead of River Court, Hammersmith Mall, W.6. To “Miss Finnemore.” 1 page on a single sheet. Most likely her recipient is Emily Pearson Finnemore, noted authoress active around the turn of the century.

“I am always glad to hear of new books, not only for bibliographies in future editions, but also because I am also in touch with various schools and, of course, numberless parents! So I shall be delighted if you will send me a copy. ”

Scottish novelist and poet. Often referred to as the doyenne of Scottish literature, she wrote over 90 books covering a wide range of genre including historical, science fiction, travelogue and autobiography. Her novel The Corn King and the Spring Queen (1931) is regarded by some as the best historical novel of the 20th century. Mitchison was a prolific writer, completing more than 90 books in her lifetime, across a multitude of styles and genres. In 1932, Mitchison was commissioned by Victor Gollancz to edit a guide to the modern world for children. Mitchison's book, An Outline for Boys and Girls and Their Parents, included several distinguished contributors, including W.H. Auden, Gerald Heard, and Olaf Stapledon. On publication, An Outline was praised by the The Times Literary Supplement, the New Statesman and the London Mercury. However, several clergymen, including the Archbishop of York were angered by the book's lack of emphasis on Christianity, while other right-wing authors objected to what they claimed was the book's sympathetic attitude towards the Soviet Union. Conservative writer Arnold Lunn wrote a lengthy attack on An Outline in the English Review. As a result of this negative publicity, An Outline was a commercial failure. She was also a good friend of the writer J. R. R. Tolkien and she was one of the proof readers of The Lord of the Rings. Mild toning and remnants of former pasting to verso, otherwise very good. Naomi Mitchison was a vocal feminist, particularly campaigning for birth control. We Have Been Warned (1935) is regarded as her most controversial work due to explicit sexuality. The book was rejected by leading publishers and ultimately censored.

Item #16091

Price: $185.00