[Osbert Sitwell] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Osbert') to 'My dear James' [the film producer R. J. Minney].

Sitwell and Renishaw collaborated on the play 'Gentle Caesar' (published in 1942), and the last two letters would appear to concern a possible film adaptation. All three items very good on lightly aged paper. Letter One ('Friday Renishaw'): 12mo, 2 pp. 18 lines of text. Apparently written around the time of the play's composition. Sitwell is 'delighted' that Minney is 'already immersed in Pares's book. I have just read the Czar and Empress Marie's Letters.' He has 'marked (in the preface mostly) what I thought helpful for atmosphere, or amusing'. The 'dates are wrong', but they 'help one, again, to understand the psychological side'. Letter Two (5 April [1942?]): 12mo: 1 p. Eleven lines of text. Letterhead with engraving of Renishaw Hall. Apparently written around the time of the play's publication. He thanks Minney for 'that telegram' and hears that 'the book is going well'. Asks for news of 'the film', and gives details of his plans for next few days. On his arrival in London asks Minney to 'Just send me a card.' Letter Three (4 January 1944): Landscape 12mo (leaf dimensions 12.5 x 20 cm): 2 pp. Thirty-four lines of text. In stamped envelope, addressed in autograph. Written in green ink. He meant to reply, but 'was so behindhand with [his] work, owing to that wretched run of illness', that he 'was in bed altogether a fortnight'. He wishes to 'finish the 2nd volume [of his autobiography] before we begin on the film'. 'What a bore about Gentle Caesar - But this year will, I believe, be better for it. Unless my St. Joan of Arc voices deceive me.' He looks forward to 'better news' of 'Gentle Caesar', though he admits he doesn't 'see where it's coming from': 'Is it true that C. B. Cochran has gone to India?'.