AP Society Newsletter #11 delegation agreed that meeting Lord monograph, by former Congressman John The Society Jenkins would have been a highlight for S Monagan, concerning his long them.) friendship with Powell. This entertaining Newsletter recollection of the unlikely bond between We then heard a funny and candid opening an Irish-American politician of Issue 11 Summer 2003 50p keynote from James Tucker, author of one Democratic affiliation and a British writer of the pioneering critical studies of Powell of Tory leanings provided thoughtful post-

with Tony Robinson, a Keble alumnus in the 1970s. Jeremy Warren followed conference reading for many delegates. CHARITY who did yeoman work in setting up the with a talk on the Poussin painting which dinner. Keble, whose architecture was gives its name to Dance, revealing among The next day saw two concurrent REGISTRATION more Gothic and flamboyant, than the other things that the sources of the dance workshops, containing both formal understated assemblage of buildings at of time motif go back to the late antique presentations and freewheeling GRANTED ! Balliol, also contains, in its chapel, author Nonnus. The first session contribution from the floor. Obviously, I concerned Powell at as well as the could only attend one of these, though I Holman Hunt’s Light of the World, at More details in which we took a brief glance. The dinner Oxford passages of Dance. We then heard heard the workshop on teaching Powell “From the Secretary’s Desk” drew thirty-five or so people. It was from noted critic and biographer DJ went well. The one I attended, on Powell lavish, festive, and, in every sense, fully Taylor as he revealed new aspects on the and Waugh, was very illuminating. As the satisfying. Powell-Orwell relationship. The next speakers compared Waugh’s romantic and Conference Report keynote was by Alan Judd, on the war lyrical view of Oxford with the acerbic The conference proper began the trilogy. This talk was a particular hit, and and understated tone of Powell’s Oxford by Nicholas Birns following morning. Keith welcomed all of the American delegates, who, by and scenes, I realized that the opening us, and also made a statement of regret on large, were not familiar with Judd’s work, paragraph of Brideshead Revisted is, Yes, I actually went to this conference. the loss of Lady Violet Powell, whose were motivated to seek it out. paradoxically, Arnoldian. It is resonant Instead of an air flight from New York early support meant so much to the with appeals to “the best that has been followed by a rail trip from Paddington to Society, as well as one on the untimely After lunch (where I gazed on the portrait known and thought” in a way that Slough (which, in reverse, was the first death of Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, who of Lord Curzon, mentioned, of course, in explained why Brideshead Revisted was train ride Queen Victoria ever took) the had been scheduled to deliver a keynote Infants of the Spring in connection with precisely the success in American 2003 conference involved the same air speech. (Many of the American Oxford), we broke into concurrent middlebrow circles that Dance, ultimately flight followed by a somewhat longer, but sessions where delegates could choose for its own literary good, never was. This still very brief, journey from Paddington between papers directly on Dance itself insight would not have occurred but for to Oxford. Upon arriving at Balliol, I (including a dissection, though not a the stimulating conversation at this found that the “in relative terms” luxury of simulation, of Widmerpool’s speech in symposium. my room explained why Stringham had The Acceptance World) or those consented to spend a year at Oxford before illuminating other aspects of Powell’s life The conference was an incredible success. heading down to , Donners- and work; both sessions were pretty much It simply could not have gone better. Brebner, and dissipation. In wandering equally attended. A final session on Keith, Noreen, Tony, Stephen Holden, around the vicinity of Balliol I teaching Dance and on “manners” in the Christine Berberich (who did much of the encountered Keith and Noreen Marshall, sequence wrapped things up nicely. After refereeing of papers for the conference), already on their way to Keble to help the reception and auction, a group of us and Sue Frye (whose diligence was an facilitate Sunday night’s dinner at the found a restaurant which one of our absolute prerequisite for the conference’s High Table. Shortly thereafter, we met up number dubbed “Foppa’s”. And we had, success) did a first-rate job of organizing at two separate tables, a splendid meal. the conference and smoothing over the Registered Charity No. 1096873 inevitable difficulties. The camaraderie © The Anthony Powell Society, 2003 and the individual The Monday also saw the launch of The and good feeling among the eighty or so authors named. All rights reserved. Published by The Anthony Powell Society. Master and the Congressman, a delegates was evident from the start. The Printed by Express Printing, Peterborough, UK. 2 AP Society Newsletter #11 AP Society Newsletter #11 atmosphere of Balliol and the A Few Words to the Dinner Guests executive force to tell them what to do. where we saw the BBC video of Dance cooperativeness and friendly demeanour The text of a talk delivered at the Keble Slime mould goes ahead on its own and which has not appeared on US television of the Balliol staff made a perfect College dinner preceding the Oxford carpets the forest floor; harvester ants so far. We’re working on that. So, backdrop for the delegates to share their conference create colonies; city people create considering all of the above, one might enjoyment of this so frequently-enjoyed neighbourhoods; simple, pattern- think of our Society as a patch of activated author. (Balliol’s hospitality started from by Leatrice Gilbert Fountain recognition software learns how to slime mould moving across a forest floor, the top with the Vice-Master and Archivist recommend new books, which is the or perhaps a thriving colony of harvester of Balliol, Dr John Jones, who arranged a In his book Emergence; The Connected system Amazon.com uses. But … the ants, or merely a conglomerate of noisy, special exhibition of Powell-related Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities and Software, conditions for growth must be exactly highly articulate nuts. You may call us manuscripts and memorabilia which author Steven Johnson recalled that Alan right before EMERGENCE can happen. what you will, but I suggest we are showed, for one thing, that Powell’s letters Turing, the brilliant English code breaker Emerging, and I think we’re here to stay. arranging his matriculation at Balliol at from World War II (who also helped I propose that the Anthony Powell Society the age of 18 had nearly the exact tone of invent the digital computer) in one of his is one more example of Emergence in the last Journal entries from the early last papers demonstrated mathematically action. This is not in any way to discredit 1990s.) how a complex organism could assemble or detract from the heroic labours of our itself and take action without any master founder and web master, Keith Marshall. Academics and non-academics, American, planning in evidence to call the shots, a On the contrary, Keith so loved Anthony British, and continental European process known as morphogenesis. This Powell that he devised the ideal conditions delegates got along swimmingly. People was a startling, enigmatic precedent. It for other, like-minded readers to find each came from as far away as Budapest on the had been assumed till then that someone other, to communicate freely, and Tony Robinson incanted the Keble one hand and Vancouver on the other to or something up on top was needed to eventually to grow and increase in wisdom College grace before the pre-conference attend the conference. Beyond our shared direct the action. But Turing said this kind and numbers, even to move great dinner: interest in Powell, many of us found we of cellular change was not dictated from distances. Look at us. Here we are! First had other literary interests in common, and the top down, it could only come from the came the web site, then the ineffable List, Oculi omnium in te sperant, Domine: et tu das this made for stimulating and congenial bottom up. His new hypothesis was followed by the triumphal meeting at Eton escam illorum in tempore opportuno. Aperis conversation throughout. The workshops quickly taken up by micro-biologists who College, subsequently spinning off two tu manum tuam: et imples omne animal on the second day were excellent in that were studying slime mould, an new groups in America, first in New York, benedictione tua. Miserere nostri, te they allowed non-speakers to participate in aggregation of individual cells, acting then Chicago. Another may be forming in quaesumus, Domine. Tuisque donis quae de the dialogue on equal terms. Another together by communicating through their the Boston area, and there is a possible tua benignitate sumus percepturi benedicito; pleasant feature was the auction after own pheromones. This concept was renewal of a lapsed group in Toronto. per Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum. Monday’s activity, which not only raised enlarged further to include a study of [And not to mention the London group. – Amen. money for the society but allowed us to let harvester ants in California, then to the Ed] off steam after an exhausting day. actions of cells in a human brain. Along This is translated as: the way it was found that the same process New people appear, topics of conversation At noon on Tuesday, we all dispersed. could be applied to the growth of city shift and change, meetings occur, while The eyes of all wait upon you, O Some of us went to London for Tom neighbourhoods in medieval Florence, the Keith remains at the home base holding Lord: and you provide their food in Courtenay’s one-man show about Philip Italian hill towns, and others in more things together, observing while these due season. You open your hand and Larkin, Pretending to Be Me, followed by modern times. New fields of study are individual cells evolve into the familiar, fill every living creature with your a late supper at the Garrick Club, and, for opening continuously. organized chaos we seem to need for our blessing. Have mercy on us, we some of us, a quick return to the daily Society to grow. We read aloud, we argue beseech you, O Lord. And bless your routine of life and work. The next One might ask what peculiar features do over the characters, their acts and gifts which we are about to receive conference, a centenary celebration of such dissimilar systems share? In simplest motivations. (We’ve had a splendid time from your kindness: through Jesus Powell to take place in London in terms, they direct their own actions by lately with Pamela Flitton Widmerpool). Christ our Lord. Amen. December 2005, is eagerly awaited by all. drawing on a mass of seemingly dull Last winter Tom Wallace arranged two elements instead of waiting for a single meetings at the Century Club in New York

3 4 AP Society Newsletter #11 AP Society Newsletter #11 The Widmerpool Award present him with its inaugural East US Coast Meeting gracious, perceptive, and well-read, and Widmerpool Award. Named after all of whom share common interests. As reported in the last Newsletter, the Powell’s pompous fictional creation, by Nicholas Birns Society decided to inaugurate an annual , the award The attendees were: myself, Leatrice Widmerpool Award, for the public figure recognises Irvine’s credentials as, to The atmosphere of our March 15 (Ides of Fountain, Bill and Arete Warren, Jonathan who most embodies the characteristics of quote one summary of Widmerpool’s March!) meeting at the Silvermine tavern Kooperstein, Keeley Schell, Ed Bock, and Kenneth Widmerpool. The award will character, “a sad, over-ambitious grafter in Connecticut was rife with anticipation John Gould. Our next meeting will be in take the form of an engraved “wrong kind who inexplicably rises to high office”. of the Oxford conference in April, which June in another corner of Connecticut – of overcoat”, purchased by the Society (at Irvine’s “victory” was achieved, says the nearly everyone there planned to attend. details to follow on APList. no small expense) from some local flea- society’s secretary, Keith Marshall, on Since we tend to get lost on the way to the market or charity shop. Among the “the overwhelming recommendation of the Silvermine, I had boasted to Leatrice nominations received were ones for members”. Fountain that, like the resourceful Captain Meet the Committee: George W Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Gwatkin, I would bring a map to guide us Prof. Ian Young Michael Portillo, Neil Hamilton, Lord there. However, on the morning of the Radice, and a certain Sheriff Michael Powell’s Bibliographer Bound day I got occupied in reading the Saturday Ian Young was born in Belfast in 1961 Sheahan of Cook County, Illinois. for Texas papers and forgot to bring the map, thus and grew up in Belfast through the worst more or less replicating the job Gwatkin of Northern Ireland’s “Troubles”. He However, the most popular nominee by far Dr George Lilley, author of Anthony did with the company under his command. graduated in Biochemistry and then was Lord Irvine, the Lord Chancellor. Powell: A Bibliography and co-editor of Fortunately, Jonathan Kooperstein, in a Medicine from Queen’s University One nomination referred to his the Eton conference proceedings, has been moment of Kedwardian inspiration, had Belfast, and is now Professor of Medicine “unabashed exercise of the powers and awarded a Research Fellowship (one of brought a map and he guided us to the inn. at Queen’s and Consultant in Clinical privileges of his office without care of only 30 awarded world-wide) to the Harry There, we had a hearty lunch, or, as Biochemistry to the Royal Group of public opinion.” Therefore, the Society Ransom Humanities Center at the Powell would want us to say, luncheon, Hospitals, Belfast. He has published had no hesitation in awarding the first ever University of Texas, Austin. George and genial discourse on a variety of topics extensively in scientific journals, mainly “Widmerpool” to Lord Irvine. Lilley (Senior Research Fellow of the Powellian and non-Powellian. in relation to aspects of nutrition and Coincidentally, the character of Department of English at the University of cardiovascular disease, and has lectured Widmerpool is widely believed to have Wales, Lampeter) recently gained his The near-impossibility of finding an apt widely on these topics. been based upon Sir Reginald doctorate with a thesis on Powell. character model for Gwinnett was Manningham-Buller, known at the bar as discussed, and, in general, Temporary He was introduced to the writing of “Bullying Manner”, who became Lord George says, “I must have begun reading Kings emerged as a focus. Gwinnett Anthony Powell by a fellow-medical Dance when I was about the same age as Chancellor in Harold Macmillan’s struck people very differently, some student while queuing for lunch in the the central characters at the beginning of government, having been elevated as seeing him as, despite his eccentricities, spring of 1983, and subsequently read Viscount Dilhorne. the story, and I’ve been hooked ever since when the chips are down, a good fellow, Dance for the first time that summer while by its dry wit, elegance of style and clear- others viewing him as a far more pretending to work in Edmonton, Canada. The award was reported in the British sighted human observation.” malevolent, gothic entity. The fellow medical student has no press, including this article in The Daily He hopes to visit Texas in the spring of recollection of the conversation (or of ever Telegraph on 16 April 2003: The extensive discussion of Pamela on the reading any of Anthony Powell’s books!) 2004. The Harry Ransom Center is APList was also followed up slightly; especially rich in research materials Irvine lifts a ‘Widmerpool’ th interestingly, the emphasis was more on When not working, Ian’s main interests Derry Irvine - Lord Chancellor and Baron relating to 20 century literature and he the literary character-models for Cosmo hopes that the unpublished archival are spending time with his family (a wife of Lairg - hardly needs any further Flitton’s daughter than on Barbara and two children) and book collecting, honours, yet still they come rolling in. His materials at the Center will help him to Skelton, et al. The conversation was discover more about Powell’s relations with several areas of interest apart from latest gong, though, could be seen as exhilarating as it is so rare to be in a group Anthony Powell. If there is any time left, something of a mixed blessing. For the with literary agents and publishers on both of people, each of whom is intelligent, sides of the Atlantic. he loves to fish in the many lakes and Anthony Powell Society has decided to rivers of Northern Ireland. 5 6 AP Society Newsletter #11 AP Society Newsletter #11 Maclaren-Ross Defends Himself Letters to the Editor The second incident took place in the I have recordings of the interviews and by Tom Miller same shop. Maclaren-Ross was carrying a Mortimer Singer features mentioned and of some of the book, identified by a bookplate, that he Leatrice Fountain received the following from her novels-as-plays. I’m seeking especially to The information supplied by Paul Willetts had borrowed from someone else; he was friend Roy Herbert of New Scientist (for many complete my radio Dance and would be (Newsletter, Spring 2003) about Julian however accosted by “a boy of repellent years author of their column “Ariadne”) who very pleased to hear from any Society aspect, barely above school age, but actually remembers the singing lady on the crutch member who might be able to help. I Maclaren-Ross, the original of X Trapnel, outside the Mortimer. sent me up to the attic to refresh my wearing nevertheless a green assistant’s could perhaps offer a quid pro quo. memory. badge”, and taken to see the detective; but This is the further part and you might find he was released when his friend confirmed it of interest to your Powell chapel. We Details of the radio plays are as follows: Sure enough, within the pages of The Pick that Maclaren-Ross had indeed borrowed have discovered little about the singer Venusberg 3 January 1956 of Punch 1954, I found two pieces by the book. except that her name was Bridget and she Another production? 4 February 1963 Julian Maclaren-Ross himself. (It is hard was Irish. My friend Joan Bailey (London to recommend the book. Though there are This unpleasantness did not stop Library) who knew the police at the What’s Become of Waring? contributions from such luminaries as Maclaren-Ross from making further visits nearest station in Soho, Vine Street, went 20 February 1956 John Betjeman and Noël Coward, it seems to the shop, but I was not surprised to along there and asked about her. They learn that on these excursions he was From a View to a Death 7 August 1971 that the English of half a century ago were said that anyone who knew more would be easily amused.) followed about by “sullen-faced female dead by now. She asked in cafés around A Dance to the Music of Time adolescents”, and watched by “pimply- that that’s how we know those slim facts. Books 1-3 from 21.7.79 (6 episodes) In one article, Maclaren-Ross makes faced youths” through “steel spectacles.” A young waiter had heard someone Books 4-6 from 12.7.80 (6 episodes) heavy fun of his failure to get a film script talking about her several years ago. I Books 7-9 from 14.6.81 (6 episodes) accepted, despite his kind response to The implication from what we know about don’t remember her singing Pale Hands I Books 10-12 from 18.7.82 (7 episodes) appeals from producers to serious writers him is that Maclaren-Ross was properly Loved Beside the Shalimar, but popular to send in material. (His script came back, interrogated, but that his mother-wit kept arias from opera. Her voice was as Agents and Patients we are told, stained with tea and lipstick, him out of trouble … 21 December 1985 powerful as Ethel Merman’s and could cut and without its spring-binder.) through traffic noise and any other noise For anyone interested my contact details in the streets. I think I recall that she are: Barry Pike, 42 Scarborough Road, The second piece is more telling. didn’t have a bottler to collect money, but London E11 4AL. Phone: 020 8556 5243 Maclaren-Ross reports that he has been had a bag on her crutch, though I might be [Dance was actually 26 episodes and is currently wrongly accused, twice, of shoplifting in a entirely wrong about that. She seemed being repeated on BBC7, see page 11. Full bookshop. ageless to me. details are on the website. – Ed] ––––– ––––– In the first of these incidents, which he Anthony Powell on Radio Calthorpe dated 1947, the injured author just Sir, I’m interested to establish the details Sir, An article I was reading about Iraq happened to carry two novels that he had of Anthony Powell’s contribution to radio, said the man who accepted the armistice acquired the week before back to the shop whether as the subject of features and from the Ottomans on behalf of the British in which he had bought them. interviews or as author of works adapted in 1918 was Admiral Calthorpe. I wonder Unfortunately, the store detective became for the medium. I know of two interviews if this could have been the source for suspicious and Maclaren-Ross was forced and three features (but have no Powell’s use of it in the school scenes of A to explain, with success, the Uncle Giles’ untiring gyrations before the transmission dates for them). I know also Question of Upbringing? Since the senior circumstances, though, since the manager altar of the Trust of adaptations as radio plays of sixteen of Jenkins was posted in Mesopotamia was not in the shop, he was unable to the novels, all but Afternoon Men and the Powell could have read up on the subject corroborate Maclaren-Ross’ claim that he two late titles. These I do have dates for – or just have known the name by the way… had purchased the books on the earlier see below. Nicholas Birns occasion.

7 8 AP Society Newsletter #11 AP Society Newsletter #11 Anthony Powell Mention Powell First Editions conference to coincide with their planned Anthony Powell centenary exhibition. Society member, Prudence Raper, spotted Society member, Trevor Winkfield, the following mention of Powell in a noticed the following Powell books for Conference Corner The Centenary Conference dates have not recent report of the England vs Scotland sale (at a staggering $50,000 for the set) at yet been fixed but it will almost certainly rugby match by Simon Barnes, chief James S Jaffe Rare Books, Haverford, PA: 2003 Conference Declared a Triumph be towards the end of 2005, the more sports writer for The Times. The report, nearly to coincide with Powell’s headlined “Robinson stars in tale of the A set of inscribed first editions of There is a report of the Oxford conference centenary. And the conference will be unexpected”, mentioned that the said Powell’s first four novels: on page 1 of this issue. Suffice it to say organised by the winning team who Robinson (“a man worth the admission Afternoon Men … inscribed on the here that some 75 delegates enjoyed a brought you the Oxford Conference. money on his own”) evidently achieves front free endpaper: “For Bobbie highly successful couple of days. Many his results by doing unexpected things. Bevan who wears his learning as a thanks to all those delegates who returned Members have an opportunity to influence This led Barnes to write: guardsman his bearskin, from the evaluation forms which are immensley the precise timing and the shape of the author Tony Powell , October 6th helpful in planning 2005. The delegates’ conference via the enclosed survey form. “There is a story about Anthony Powell, 1932.” satisfaction measure rose from 77% for Please tell us what you would like – while when approached about a television series Venusberg … inscribed on the front the Eton conference to a stunning 83%, we can’t guarantee to satisfy your every of A Dance to the Music of Time, his great free endpaper: “For Bobbie with the with comments such as: wish, if we don’t know your preferences cycle novel. He wanted closer author’s warm regard, and in the then there isn’t much we can do! involvement than the television people hope that the new year will prove a I congratulate you on an were keen on. He was asked what he good one, from Tony Powell, Dec. immaculately organised conference This will be a regular Newsletter column, thought he would contribute. He replied: 31st 1932. ‘I love little pussy, her … attended about 200 in my time and so watch this space for more news as it ‘The unexpected.’ And so Robinson coat is so warm.’” this was one of the best. becomes available. predictably contributed the unexpected to From a View to a Death … inscribed England’s performance.” on the front flyleaf: “For Bobbie, Thank you for organising such a who covers the water front but isn’t terrific conference … a magnificent always watching the sea, from Tony team of speakers … a great success. Why Not Advertise Here? th Powell, Feb. 13 1935.” *** Agents and Patients … inscribed on … how much I enjoyed the Display Advert Rates the front flyleaf: “For Bobbie, from conference … have come away full of the author Tony Powell. For purity. new perceptions and ideas. Full Page: £30 April 19th 1936.” ½ page or full column: £20 1/3 page (horizontal): £15 Robert Bevan was, apparently, the scion 2005 Conference Early Announcement ¼ page (½ column): £10 of a family of painters, and was a 1/6 page (1/3 column): £8 legendary advertising executive who for Members will not need reminding that Flyer inserts: £10 per A5 sheet many years ran SH Benson and Hedges 2005 sees Anthony Powell’s centenary, so B&W line art only (which later merged with Ogilvy and needless to say the 2005 conference will *** Mather). be a centenary celebration. Small Ads Free to Society members

Do any Society members know anything The Centenary Conference will be in Others 10p/word, minimum £3 Sillery was a mysterious, politically further about Robert Bevan and his London (Anthony Powell was, after all, *** minded, cardinal of the academical world, friendship with Powell? born in Westminster) and we are delighted never taking tea without an intrigue to announce that the Society has accepted Contact the Hon. Secretary or the The Wallace Collection’s offer to host the Editor for further details

9 10 AP Society Newsletter #11 AP Society Newsletter #11 Dance Radio Dramatisation Vice-President Monagan From the Secretary’s Desk whose work on this has now just begun: on BBC7 Digital Radio he has the unenviable task of putting the We are delighted to announce that John S This April was not just a month of sweet required accounting and taxation Many members will have spotted that the Monagan (“The Congressman” of Chaucerian showers but also one of sweet processes in place to ensure we fulfil out BBC’s radio dramatisation of Dance from Powell’s Journals) has been appointed the successes for the Society. Within a few legal obligations and reap the benefits. the late-1970s/early-1980s has recently Society’s first Vice-President. This days at the beginning of the month we been repeated on BBC7 digital radio. appointment is in appreciation of “The achieved three major milestones. Members will find a Gift Aid Declaration Unfortunately we didn’t know in time to Congressman’s” long-standing support for form enclosed with this Newsletter. If you be able to mail everyone with the details! the Society, his memoir of Powell, The Firstly our first non-conference are a UK taxpayer, please complete and Master and The Congressman (available publication saw the light of day. The return the form as this allows us to reclaim At 26 episodes there are two episodes per from the Society), and his contribution to Master and The Congressman is a short the tax you have already paid on your book with Books Do Furnish a Room and the wider understanding of Powell’s life memoir by John S Monagan (“The subscriptions, donations, etc. – at current Temporary Kings getting three episodes and works. Congressman” of Powell’s Journals) of UK tax rates this is worth an additional each. Frederick Bradnum’s dramatisation his several visits to Powell and Lady 28p for every £1 you give us! is excellent – for my money far superior to Violet at the Chantry. Partly in the Channel 4 films, good though they are. recognition of this John has been For the record we are Registered Charity Bradnum really does capture the whole appointed as the Society’s first Vice- No. 1096873. ethos of Dance despite the inevitable President. omission of some good scenes. This is helped by the division of Jenkins’s role Secondly the long awaited Oxford into two – Jenkins the protagonist and Conference, of which there is more Jenkins the narrator, played by different elsewhere in this Newsletter, was a actors. resounding success.

At the time of writing about one third of But thirdly, and most significantly, we had the 26, one hour, episodes have been confirmation that our application for broadcast; the plan is that we record them charitable status had been approved and that the Society is now a charity registered In addition there have also been a number all for the Society’s archive. We are in Local Groups of minor successes … discussions with the BBC in the hope that in England and Wales. we may be able to make a copy of this NE USA Group Earlier in the year we were asked by Book dramatisation more easily available to While this does put some administrative Area Covered: NY & CT area, USA & Magazine Collector (a UK monthly) to members, or perhaps cajole them into burdens on us it should have significant Organiser: Leatrice Fountain submit an article on the history and releasing the radio plays on tape or CD. Email: [email protected] benefits, not least financially, and is recognition of the value of our aims. activities of the Society to kick-off a new series they are running on literary [Please do NOT ask us to send you tapes, Great Lakes Group societies. The article, written by the CDs, MP3 files, etc. of the plays unless we This has taken about 18 months hard, and Area Covered: Chicago area, USA Society’s Hon. Archivist, appeared in the announce here that they are officially at times dispiriting, work – mostly Organiser: Stephen Pyskoty-Olle June issue of Book & Magazine Collector, available. Apart from the huge amount of answering the Charity Commission’s Email: [email protected] which is now in full colour! The article is work involved, the dramatisation is seemingly interminable questions. While reprinted elsewhere in this Newsletter. subject to UK copyright law and to none of the committee have been London Group circulate it in any way without the BBC’s untouched by the work I would Area Covered: London & SE UK And finally, in March we enrolled our permission would very clearly be illegal.] Organiser: vacant particularly like to thank Tony Robinson th 200 member. who patiently and expertly guided us through the application process. I must also thank our Treasurer, Ian Young, We really have had a good few months!

11 12 AP Society Newsletter #11 AP Society Newsletter #11 Members’ Survey Dates for Your Diary Annual General Meeting 2003 trustees under English law and a majority of the Executive Committee must, in the Now that charitable status has been Saturday 2nd August 2003 Notice is hereby given that this year’s Charity Commission’s words “be achieved the Executive Committee would London Group Pub Lunch Meet Annual General Meeting of The ordinarily resident in England and Wales”. welcome members’, and non-members’, Venue: The Anchor Bankside, Anthony Powell Society will be held on thoughts on the development of the 34 Park Street, London, SE1 9EF Saturday 20 September 2003 at The Motions for discussion at the AGM must Society. Please spend a few minutes Time: 1230 to 1530 hrs Albert Public House, Victoria Street, also be submitted to the Secretary no later completing the questionnaire enclosed By popular demand a repeat informal London, SW1H 0NP commencing at than Monday 28 July 2003. They must be with this Newsletter. lunchtime meet at this historic London 1430 hrs. clearly worded, proposed by at least two riverside hostelry: members and contain a statement in This is a good opportunity for you to good beer, good food, good chat It is hoped that the meeting will be support of the motion which will be influence the direction of the Society and followed by a guest speaker and a short published to members. the shape of the 2005 Centenary Saturday 20th September 2003 walk to Powell’s birthplace which is Conference. It is also an opportunity for Society AGM nearby. Refreshments will also be The agenda for the AGM will include a you to offer to help us. So please tell us Venue: The Albert Public House provided. motion to make a small amendment to the what you want! Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0NP Constitution which has been requested by Time: 1430 hrs Nominations for the three Executive the Charity Commission. This will clarify All questionnaires received by 31 July Details elsewhere in this issue Officers (Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer) the size and composition of the Executive 2003 will be entered in a draw for a and Executive Committee Members must Committee and if passed will mean that up year’s free membership of the Society. be received in writing by the Secretary no to six committee members (in addition to later than Monday 28 July 2003. the three officers) may be elected. All the information is provided in confidence and your identity will not be Maggie Noach, our current Chairman, has The formal agenda for the meeting, disclosed outside the Secretary’s office. indicated that due to pressure of work she together with proxy voting papers, will be wishes to stand down. Consequently a sent to all members in early August. We will aim to report back at the AGM vacancy exists for a new Chairman to Proxy votes must reach the Secretary no and in a later copy of the Newsletter. share and enhance our vision and guide us later than Monday 15 September 2003. through this new and exciting phase of the Society’s development. Membership Renewal Contributions to the Newsletter All nominations must bear the name & are always welcome and should Second Reminder signature of two proposers and the be sent to: signature of the candidate accepting the Members are reminded that subscriptions

declaration (shown on the form below). were due at the end of March. Those Newsletter Editor, Stephen Holden, Electronic signatures will be accepted in whose subscription has now expired will The Anthony Powell Society the form of e-mail(s) from the find a renewal reminder enclosed with this 76 Ennismore Avenue proposer(s)/candidate to the Secretary. Newsletter. Greenford Normal mail and faxes (preferably using Middlesex, UB6 0JW the form) will also, of course, be accepted. It would be appreciated if members would UK renew their subscriptions promptly – it

Please note: The members of the only causes embarrassment, expense and Fax: 020 8864 6109 Executive Committee (the three officers unnecessary work if we have to send out Email: [email protected] and the committee members) are the reminders. Society’s legal trustees. This means those elected must not be barred from being 13 14 AP Society Newsletter #11 AP Society Newsletter #11 when he eventually created his web pages, words ‘Gone away’ on a returned letter The Anthony Powell Society – Officer/Committee Proposal Form especially as it soon became apparent that make the narrator think of a fox? Even

there was nothing else Powell-related on those who had most detested this kind of We the undersigned nominate ______for the post of the Web. Initial interest in this section of exercise in English lessons at school ______the website was boosted with the 1997 hurried to explain and even to look things dramatisation of A Dance to the Music of up. The appeal of AP’s writing lies partly Time for Channel 4, starring Simon in his accurate ear for dialogue, his Proposer:______Signed:______Date:______Russell Beale and Miranda Richardson. characterisation and his wit; he also That interest increased when fellow evokes a setting so convincingly that the Seconder:______Signed:______Date:______Powell enthusiast Julian Allason contacted reader can, as it were, go and spend a Keith Marshall to discuss the possible real weekend there. life sources for some of Powell’s fictional Candidate’s Declaration characters. Powell himself detested this The final catalyst for the founding of the If elected I agree to serve as ______and to act at all sort of thing (although he was a keen user Society was Powell’s death in 2000 at the times in the best interests of the Society. I am not barred from acting as the trustee of a of real life incidents and remarks), but it age of 94. The sheer volume of tributes charity under the laws of England & Wales. I am/am not* resident in England or Wales. continues to fascinate his readers. In paid to him on both sides of the Atlantic particular, who can possibly have been the made the APLIST members realise that an Name: ______Signed:______Date:______model for the character who is arguably international conference was needed to Powell’s finest creation, Kenneth celebrate the man and his work. So the * Please delete as necessary Widmerpool? Answers on an e-postcard Society came into being for a purely began to arrive, the website section practical reason – to organise the first The Anthony Powell Society: the probably the first literary society to expanded, and the e-mail discussion list Anthony Powell Conference. Having emerge from an Internet discussion list. (APLIST) began in mid-1998. started on the Internet, one of the first History of a Twenty-First Century options considered was to have the Organisation It all began when Dr Keith Marshall, now Most people, including many Powell fans, conference there, too – but it was soon assume that such a very ‘English’ author realised that a ‘virtual’ conference was by Noreen Marshall the Society’s Hon. Secretary, was recovering from glandular fever back in will attract readers only in this country. going to be difficult to do well; it would Hon. Archivist But there are Powell enthusiasts all over also have excluded Powell devotees who the early 1980s. A friend suggested that he might enjoy reading Anthony Powell’s the world, and the APLIST meant that did not have Internet access. One of the The Anthony Powell Society was formally they could constantly talk to each other by conference team then discovered that Eton founded on 1st June 2000 in the elegant 12-volume novel A Dance to the Music of Time (often referred to by its fans simply e-mail at negligible cost. And as they are College was keen to host the event, and surroundings of 7 Ormonde Gate, London, a wonderfully mixed bunch of academics, that was an offer no-one wanted to refuse. by a handful of enthusiasts gathered as Dance). By the time his recovery was complete, he had not only read and enthusiasts, journalists and students their Eton is not only Powell’s old school, but is beneath the rather severe gaze of Tsar discussions have been equally full of also the thinly-disguised setting for A Peter the Great, whose portrait hung in the enjoyed all twelve books, but Powell was one of his heroes. This was not just the variety. Hymns, steam trains, cocktail Question of Upbringing, the first volume room. Its aim is “to advance for the public ingredients and the hanging of peers have of A Dance to the Music of Time. benefit, education and interest in the life admiration that many of us have for a particular personality, but a recognition been among the elements which have and works of the English author Anthony recently contributed to the e-debates on So the Society’s first biennial conference, Dymoke Powell”. So far, so traditional. that here was someone who was a skilful writer and literary critic – and with a circle characters, locations, real life parallels and Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of A But its roots and much of its working are AP himself. APLISTers also found Dance to the Music of Time, took place at in the Internet, where for some time it had of friends and acquaintances which included many of the twentieth century’s themselves helping with some of the more Eton College on 23rd April 2001, opening existed in all but name as an informal obscure details for a translation of the first with a message from Powell’s widow, the group which discussed Anthony Powell great writers and characters such as Evelyn Waugh, Osbert Lancaster and four volumes of Dance into Dutch: what writer Lady Violet Pakenham. Delegates (AP) and his work by e-mail. It is not exactly is a regiment of the line? What are came from all over the world, and listened only a modern organisation, but also George Orwell. So to Keith it seemed only natural to include a section on Powell co-respondent shoes? Why would the to a fine variety of papers, among them

15 16 AP Society Newsletter #11 AP Society Newsletter #11 one by the intelligence historian Nigel greatest interests) at the College of Arms, friendship with Anthony and Violet Officers & Executive Committee West on Powell’s possible connections led by Patric Dickinson, Richmond Powell spans twenty-five years and is with Bletchley Park during World War II, Herald, who also happens to be a member; gently humorous. As a member of the Patron: John MA Powell and journalist Simon Barnes’s analysis of and dinner and a talk by Hugh Alliance of Literary Societies, the the consumption of alcohol in Dance. The Massingberd at his and AP’s London club, Anthony Powell Society hopes to achieve President: Hugh Massingberd Society also welcomed Anthony Powell’s The Travellers’. recognition for AP’s work much as some younger son John as its Patron, and the of the longer established groups have for Vice-President: writer and Powell family friend Hugh The Society also has three Local Groups other authors from Lascelles Abercrombie John S Monagan (USA) Massingberd as President. This first major organising events for members in their to Charlotte Yonge. The continued event was much enjoyed by all who came area: the NE USA group, covering New availability of many authors’ books for *Chairman: Maggie Noach to it, and the proceedings published by the York and Connecticut; the Great Lakes new readers to buy and to collect will Society. The second conference has just group, based in the Chicago area, and the almost certainly depend on interest shown *Hon. Secretary: Dr Keith Marshall taken place at Balliol College, Oxford, London group, for London and SE in their work by academics and *Hon. Treasurer: where AP read History in the 1920s. This enthusiasts, and the Anthony Powell Prof. Ian Young (N. Ireland) time the topics included the Poussin Society plans to go on growing and painting A Dance to the Music of Time progressing, and providing an enjoyable *Committee Members: which inspired the title of the sequence; resource for its members. Dr Nicholas Birns (USA), Powell’s acquaintance with George Leatrice Fountain (USA), Orwell; and the ‘Oxford effect’ on various A slightly edited version of this article first Stephen Holden writers. The overwhelming verdict from appeared in Issue 231 of Book and Magazine Collector published in June 2003. It was Tony Robinson delegates was that they had enjoyed this England; other groups seem likely to commissioned as the first in a series of articles on conference even more than the first. Work Newsletter Editor: Stephen Holden emerge. The American meetings have UK literary societies. The Society is grateful for has already started on the 2005 conference permission to reprint the article. in London, to tie in with the Wallace done rather better than the English ones at Hon. Archivist: Noreen Marshall leading structured discussions of various Collection’s proposed exhibition to mark the centenary of Powell’s birth. Several AP-related subjects, such as the PR/Media Adviser: Julian Allason Newsletter Copy Deadlines venues are already ‘bidding’ to host the prevalence of art in the first three books of

2007 conference. Dance, whereas the English members 2005 Conference Committee: The deadlines for receipt of articles and seem to prefer to come along to the pub or Dr Keith Marshall (Chairman) advertisements for the Newsletter are: The APLIST is particularly well suited to bistro for wide-ranging conversations those who want to access and take part in which drop in and out of Powell’s world. * Members of the Executive Committee Issue 12, Autumn 2003 discussions about Powell from a distance, who are the Society’s trustees. Copy Deadline: 15 August 2003 and e-mails and telephone conferencing In its three years of existence, the Anthony Publication Date: 5 September 2003 are widely used in the Society’s work, but Powell Society has certainly exceeded its All officers are resident in England or Wales unless stated. real events are very much what the original aim of staging a conference. It Issue 13, Winter 2003 members want. One of the earliest was an has over two hundred members, has just Copy Deadline: 14 November 2003 Please send all correspondence to: invitation to a group of Society members been granted charitable status, and is Publication Date: 5 December 2003 to attend the dedication of AP’s memorial, beginning to build up an archive of AP- Hon. Secretary by the sculptor Richard Kindersley. This related material for the use of researchers Issue 14, Spring 2004 The Anthony Powell Society was followed by tea at the Powells’ house, and enthusiasts. It has also just launched Copy Deadline: 13 February 2004 76 Ennismore Avenue, Greenford The Chantry, with Lady Violet. Other its first non-conference publication, The Publication Date: 5 March 2004 Middlesex, UB6 0JW, UK events have included lunches at the Master and the Congressman, a

Wallace Collection (handy for viewing the monograph by former US Senator John S Phone: +44 (0)20 8864 4095 Issue 15, Summer 2004 Poussin painting already referred to); a Monagan (nicknamed ‘The Congressman’ Fax: +44 (0)20 8864 6109 Copy Deadline: 14 May 2004 session on genealogy (one of AP’s in Powell’s Journals). His account of his Email: [email protected] Publication Date: 4 June 2004 17 18 AP Society Newsletter #11 Society Merchandise Audio Tapes of Dance. Copies of the The Anthony Powell Society following audio tapes of Simon Callow Registered Charity No. 1096873 The Master and The Congressman reading (abridged) volumes of Dance: A 40 page monograph by John Monagan A Question of Upbringing describing his meetings with Anthony The Kindly Ones Membership Form Powell. A small treasure for all collectors The Valley of Bones Member Information Payment Information of Powelliana. The Soldier’s Art Type of membership (please check): Total amount payable : £ ______Price: £5 (post free to all members) Price: £2.50 each (postage rate C) ¨ Ordinary Member – £20 a year. (No. of years x membership rate) ¨ Joint Membership – £30 a year. ¨ I enclose a sterling cheque drawn on a UK Society Postcard Newsletter Back Issues Any two persons at the same address. bank. Please make cheques payable to The ¨ B&W postcard of Powell with his cat Back numbers of the Newsletter are sold Gold Member – £30 minimum a year. Anthony Powell Society. out, with the exception of issues 1, 6, 9 ¨ Student Member – £12 a year. Trelawney. Picture on page 13. ¨ Please debit my Visa / MasterCard and 10. Please send a copy of your student card. Price: £1.75 for 5 (postage rate B) ¨ Organisation – £100 minimum a year. Price: 50p per copy (postage rate B) Card No.: Wallace Collection Postcard Subscriptions are due on 1 April annually. If Valid from: Expires: –––ooOoo––– joining after 31 December membership includes The Wallace Collection’s luxurious Name & address of cardholder (if different from following full subscription year. postcard of the Poussin’s A Dance to the above): Postage. All Society merchandise is post Full Name: Music of Time. Picture on page 13. Price: £2 for 5 (postage rate B) free to members in the UK. Regrettably Address: we have to ask overseas members to

**NEW** Wallace Collection Poster contribute to airmail postage using the following rates: The Wallace Collection’s 48.5 x 67.5 cm I agree to the Society holding my information on (half life-size) poster of the Poussin’s A Postcode/Zip: computer. Rate UK Europe World Country: Dance to the Music of Time. Mailed in a A free 20p 50p poster tube. As we don’t know how well B free 30p 85p Email: Signed: poster tubes will survive air mail handling, C free 50p £1 Number of years membership being paid: mailing outside the UK is at buyer’s risk. D free 70p £1.40 Picture on page 13. 1 / 2 / 3 / more (please state): Date: Price: £5.75 (postage rate D) Non-members will be charged postage & packing at cost. Gift Membership Information Gift Aid Declaration Society Bookmarks If this is a gift membership, please enter the name I want the Society to treat (please delete as Price: £1 for 5 (postage rate A) –––ooOoo––– & address of the recipient: appropriate): · the enclosed donation of £ ______

Eton Conference Proceedings Ordering. Post, phone or fax your order · all donations I make from the date of this

Limited edition of 250 numbered copies to the Hon. Secretary. Payment by cheque declaration until I notify you otherwise · all donations I have made since 6 April 2000, each signed by the Society’s Patron. (UK funds drawn on a UK bank), credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or cash. and all donations I make from the date of this Price: £15 (post free to all members) declaration until I notify you otherwise

as Gift Aid donations. Eton Conference Delegates Book Hon. Secretary, Anthony Powell Society 76 Ennismore Avenue, Greenford To qualify for Gift Aid: The book given to delegates on the day of · you must be a UK taxpayer, and Middlesex, UB6 0JW, UK Where shall we send the membership? the conference. Final remaindered copies. · what you pay in income tax or capital gains tax ¨ Direct to the recipient Price: £1 (postage rate C) must at least equal the amount we will claim in ¨ To you to give to the recipient personally Tel: +44 (0)20 8864 4095 the tax year. Fax: +44 (0)20 8864 6109 Oxford Conference Delegates Book Please send the completed form and payment to: As given to delegates at the conference. Hon. Secretary, The Anthony Powell Society Phone: +44 (0)20 8864 4095 Price: £1.50 (postage rate C) 76 Ennismore Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 0JW, UK Fax: +44 (0)20 8864 6109

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