A small archive of correspondence to Leonard Green and his family, comprising: - 7 Autograph Letters signed- 2 Christmas cards with a printed greeting in facsimile of Edith Sitwell's hand, but Osbert's name added in her holograph- 2 Telegrams- Sundry other pieces, including a signed Compliments Card

Bookseller Notes

The basis of the friendship from which this correspondence arises was medical - a staple concern of both Edith and her brother Osbert for much of their life. Leonard Green was a physiotherapist, based in Chesterfield, who treated both Osbert and Edith, who had experienced problems with her joints throughout her life. Though the letters often refer to this professional acquaintance - praising Green as a worker of 'miracles' uniquely able to 'understand the bones and nerves of hands' - they also show that the relationship extended to personal, family matters; in the last of the letters, on Green's retirement, she thanks him for a 'friendship of so many years'.The letters begin during the War, with Edith Sitwell apologising for not being able send 'My dear Mrs Green' any Charbonnel & Walker chocolates - rationing dictating a single purchase per household, their allocation having been used up by Osbert having 'sent off some [...] to Queen Mary', though she has now ordered a pound for them that should arrive 'in a day or so - even if they do come one at a time!', before checking on their health and then reverting to her own, promising to return 'before long, creaking like a door that is off its hinges!!'In the next long letter, 4pp. in June 1949, to Mrs Green on the death of her mother, Edith extends her 'deepest sympathy', and assures her that 'nobody can ever have been a better daughter'; the following, from August 5 years later, conveys an urgent need to address 'sudden burning, shooting pains in my hands' whilst she is in London (and cannot come for treatment), and refers to their son Geoffrey (the recipient of one of the letters, a brief undated note); a letter from the following month, Sitwell now in Florence, offers effusive thanks for their kindness - her response delayed by a 'stupid accident', falling into a lift. The longest of the letters is the last, 6pp. in December 1958: Green's retirement is 'to us, such sad news', but 'we are determined not to let your retirement put an end to that valued friendship, and we hope you feel the same'. Once again a delay in writing has been caused by poor health, and other 'maddening things' - on this occasion having had 'to sign my name literally 19,800 times (!!)' so that 'I could hardly write at all', and then her 'brother's secretary' being afflicted with mastoiditis, and all the servants 'sneezing at each other' and falling 'down like ninepins'. In the sole reference to her literary work she mentions having 'had to correct some urgent proofs', and offers 'no other news excepting that there was a very nasty earthquake' (they are in Florence again) - closing by wishing them both 'a very happy Christmas and New Year'.An excellent group, shaped by a particular association but with various characteristic flourishes.