Books / Poetry
Bookseller finds previously unseen letter from war poet Keith Douglas
A handwritten letter written by World War Two poet, Keith Douglas, has been discovered in a Bristol city centre bookshop.
The letter was discovered by John Sidwell, owner of Dreadnought Books on Deanery Lane close to Jacob’s Wells roundabout.
Sidwell recently bought a collection of Douglas’ books from a friend of Douglas’ mother. When he opened an early edition of his poems, he discovered the letter.
is needed now More than ever
Owen Sheers, writer of Unicorns, Almost – a one-man play about the life and work of Douglas which opens at the Bristol Old Vic on Tuesday – was surprised to learn of the letter, which is not cited in any of the poet’s biographies.
Written in Douglas’ tell-tale ornate script, the letter is beautifully composed and evokes vivid images of life on the North African front.
The letter will be displayed at Bristol Old Vic before and after performances of Unicorns, Almost.
Unicorns, Almost is at Bristol Old Vic until September 7. For tickets and more information, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/unicorns-almost
The letter was discovered by John Sidwell, owner of Dreadnought Books
Read more: A forgotten piece of Bristol’s First World War history
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