Edward Thomas

Eleanor Farjeon, first met Edward Thomas in 1912, when her brother invited him to tea. It was the beginning of a deep friendship between the shy 31-year-old woman and the reserved writer. Though he died at the Battle of Arras in 1917, it was a friendship which for Eleanor did not end with his death, but lived beyond in his letters and poems. This double memoir uses Edward's letters and Eleanor's diaries and linking commentary to provide a candid account of their developing friendship. Edward was often deeply depressed but Eleanor also shows another side to his character, capturing moments of joy and humour. She offers a unique account of Thomas' development as a poet, including the momentous meeting with American poet Robert Frost whose encouragement led to Thomas' first poems. Thomas describes for her his family, his friendships with other writers, including D.H. Lawrence, and provides a detailed account of his First World War experiences. First published in 1948, this is an acclaimed classic. This edition, published for the 90th anniversary of Thomas' death, includes an introduction by Anne Harvey, a selection of Eleanor's sonnets, and "Walking Tom", the little-known poem about Edward by Clifford Bax and Herbert Farjeon.