Orwell george

1949 · 150472 — Cranham: 10 February 1949. From one novelist to another A testament to the literary and personal friendship between two of the leading English novelists of the 20th century: Orwell writes to Powell while being treated at Cotswold Sanatorium for the tuberculosis that would kill him a year later. Orwell writes in reply to Powell's letter suggesting a visit from himself and Malcolm Muggeridge. "It's very tough of you to decide to walk I suppose you know this place is 900 feet up and I trust you'll have decent weather". Orwell specifies times and that he'll arrange a car to catch the 18:30 return train. "I've no doubt you could get dinner in the train going back but perhaps it's wise to carry food. In Scotland one gets into the habit of never going anywhere without a 'piece' as they call it and often I've been glad of it. So looking forward to seeing you both". Although only two years apart at Eton Powell and Orwell did not meet until 1941 when they were introduced by mutual friend Cyril Connolly. Powell had read Down and Out in Paris and London and had been sufficiently impressed by Keep the Aspidistra Flying to write on Connolly's encouragement a fan letter and to send a copy of his satirical Scottish poem Caledonia. Orwell replied politely but no further correspondence ensued until their meeting some five years later. Despite their radically differing outlooks and political views Orwell's friendship with Powell grew into one of the most substantial of his adult life. Powell and Malcolm Muggeridge were Orwell's closest literary friends during his final illness visiting and corresponding regularly and were the principal organizers of his funeral. Single sheet 249 x 203 mm typed on recto only letterhead of Cotswold Sanatorium in Cranham. Light creasing from general handling and as originally folded a little toned; in excellent condition. unknown