Nine Autograph Letters signed, to Brian Hobson.

Bookseller Notes

Murdoch writes to Brian Hobson, a banker who opens the correspondence whilst living in Hong Kong - later returning to the UK, to an address in Norfolk. The basis for Hobson's initial letter, December 1988, is in pursuit of the author's signature on his extensive collection of her work - assuring her that he is no 'amateur book dealer seeking to enhance book values', and will make an 'anonymous contribution of 500 to a charity of your choice'. Murdoch, in reply, declares 'please no!', explaining that she is overwhelmed with like requests and struggles to accommodate them - having no secretary, and therefore having to respond personally to everything (and on the strength of the present evidence, not being inclined to do so briefly), as well as the onerousness (and responsibility) of packing and sending. A 'compromise solution', she regrets, does not present itself; however, by the time of her letter the next month, Murdoch is agreeing that Hobson's parents could both deliver to the porter's lodge at St. Catherine's College (for the attention of Professor John Bayley) and collect once signed - and would he like them inscribed, or simply signed (and if so, to the title-page or flyleaf)? Two subsequent short notes arrange this matter with his father. The charitable donation, she stipulates to Hobson, should be for the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Cancer Research.Her letters to Hobson are friendly throughout, and occasionally extend beyond practical arrangements - touching upon her own work by congratulating him on obtaining some of the rarer titles, commenting 'How interesting' with regard to his disquisition on Vietnam (prompted by her contribution to 'Authors Takes Sides on Vietnam' in 1967) and asking whether he will return to Hong Kong.