Celebrated Welsh poet (1914–1953) who, before dying of alcoholism at the age of thirty-nine, produced some of the most remarkable verse of the twentieth century, including “And Death Shall Have No Dominion” and “A Refusal to Mourn the Death, by Fire, of a Girl in London.” ALS, one page, 6.5 x 8, June 25, 1947. Thomas writes from Florence, Italy to Mr. Vince. In part: “I am returning your m.s…. and would like to thank you very much for allowing me to read it. Many of the poems I liked, finding them fresh and sincere. I can see how greatly you admire Blake. I would suggest, though, that you concentrate far harder on each individual poem. It is far better to write too little than too much. At the moment, your poetry is a thing of spurts, of patches, with every now and then a remarkable line but with, too much of the time, a kind of effortless diffusion over the pages. I am sure you would be well advised to try to work hard, line by line, on each poem; rather than flowing on from one poem to another. Your true lyrical indignation deserves more laborious concentration than you give it.” In fine condition, with scattered wrinkles, creasing primarily to edges, mild soiling, and a few faint marginal spots. A fascinating glimpse into the critical mind of this literary giant! COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
