In this handwritten letter dated January 25, 1937 (the year is stamped on the reverse), Welsh writer and poet Dylan Thomas cordially agreed to allow the BBC network to use one of his earliest poems for a broadcast. Penned entirely in Thomas’s hand, the note reads in full: “Of course, you may certainly use my poem, ‘Especially When the October Wind’ in the broadcast of the sixth of February, and I am, of course, agreeable to the fee of fifteen shillings (providing the poem is actually used).—Yours Faithfully, (signed) Dylan Thomas.” Adding to the superb quality of the writer’s very clear and potent scripting is the fact that items penned by Thomas of this early date are quite uncommon. To be sure, the tone of the message renders the youthful poet somewhat humble—indeed, he was but twenty-two years old when addressing the BBC brass. The 5.25 x 6.5 page remains in very good condition, with a few pencil and color pencil marks (stroke through text), staple and file holes (tears to latter), and light soiling, creasing, and handling wear. The writing is clear and dark. RRAuction COA.
