Hand-notated typed manuscript, fourteen pages, 8 x 10, with “G.B.S. and W.H.D. by Lawrence W. Hockey,” typed across the top of the first page. Manuscript features whole pages and sections crossed out by Shaw in blue pencil, numerous cross-outs and 57 words penned by Shaw in black ink, including “G.B.S.” (page 12) and “to the Shaws” (page 11). On page six, Shaw crossed out the lower half of the page in ink and pencil and hand wrote 16 words (edits in CAPS): “The next business was to find a publisher; and Thomas and Garnett thought that the book would stand a better chance, would receive greater attention and gain wider popularity if it contained a preface by Mr. Shaw, WHO AT ONCE WROTE A LENGTHY FOREWORD WHICH SECURED SPECIAL ATTENTION FROM PUBLISHERS AND THEIR READERS.” The rest of the page and pages 7 and 8 have been crossed out in blue pencil by Shaw. On pages 11 and 12, Shaw crossed out 92 words and handwrote 26 words (including “Shaws”) to read (edits in CAPS): “WHEN forwarding A PRESENTATION COPY OF HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY TO THE SHAWS, Davies PROPOSED TO dedicate HIS ‘Nature Poems and Others’ (1908) TO THEM. Mrs. Shaw wrote back to say that G.B.S. WAS AGAINST dedications, SHE QUOTED HIM VERBATIM, THUS. ‘Dedication be damned! Poetry is a very big thing AND SHOULD BE DEDICATED to the whole ETERNAL world. Davies doesn’t understand about dedications.” Manuscript has been signed on the final page by Hockey. In fine condition, with small stain to first page, expected handling wear, and some scattered light creases.
“G.B.S.” of course represents Shaw’s name with “W.H.D.” the initials of Welsh poet William Henry Davies. In 1905, Davies sent Shaw a book of poetry he had written. Shaw responded to compliment him on his verses...but also to tell him he could not make a living as a poet. In 1908, with the assistance of Shaw, Davies published The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp. Shaw wrote the preface and also helped Davies negotiate the rights and royalties. Hockey—the third name on these pages—was a Welsh poet, literary critic, and author who wrote a biography of Davies and corresponded with Shaw. Hockey’s book, W. H. Davies, was published in 1971 by the University of Wales Press in Cardiff. Great literary association and editorial input from Shaw. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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