BRITTAIN, Vera ~ Two Letters, one TLS and one ALS. Signed by the writer.

London: 1937/1943.

One ALS, written by Brittain in black ink on both recto and verso to her 'Cheyne Walk' headed notepaper (17.5 x 22.5), together with one TLS, typed by Brittain to recto only on her 'Blackheath Hill' headed paper (20 x 26cm); both addressed to 'Dear Mrs Duckett'; THE LETTERS both very good, folded neatly at time of writing, a little creased, with the TLS containing some closed tears, the longest 5cm in length. The two letters come together with a collection of ephemera, including 'Letters to Peace-Lovers' (1945) and a newspaper clipping from 'The Star' entitled 'My Children' on the subject of women in the war, dated November 11th 1936. The letters and ephemeral items are all contained within a removable archival sleeve. Each letter signed by Brittain in black ink. A nice set of two original Vera Britain letters, addressed to the same recipient. The first letter, dated in 1943 and during the middle of the second world war discusses issues of childbirth, obstetric practice, anesthesia, and the risks and anxieties surrounding birth in the late 1930s. "This whole business of gynecology has been mismanaged from the beginning of time", she writes, "but the entry of women into medicine has made and is making a real difference". "Anesthetics should be made compulsory in every confinement", she goes on to write, "I had one child without anesthetics and one with them... the difference between the two occasions was indescribable." The second letter comes two years after the end of the war, in which the matter of children is discussed. "Thank you so much for... giving me your experience with your four children", Brittain writes. "you certainly have had a most interesting time in bringing them up". "My own daughter went to London County Council School", she continues, "the experience was very valuable both to her and us". Brittain concludes by referring to the 'Letter 100' symposium, the conclusion of her biweekly anti-war circular, 'Vera Brittain's Letter to Peace-Lovers', which span almost 200 issues and ran from 1939 until the end of the war - a copy of which can be found with this set. These letters served as a counter-cultural pacifist voice during World War II and are now preserved in the archives at McMaster University. Two important letters regarding Brittain's commitment to, and avocation for, women's health, childbirth, medical care and motherhood both pre-war in in wartime, as well as references to her important journal which expressed her views on the war itself. The recipient, Mrs Duckett, appears to be a regular correspondent of Brittain's, with her name appearing in other noted correspondence available commercially.

BINDING: None
CONDITION: Very Good+