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‘We make another sally today … I have the parcel, and the letters and J. Oxenham’s books … "The V.[Vision] Splendid" contains several real poems: those indeed which you [i.e., Owen’s mother] have marked. But the majority of the things have no poetic value at all. The “Cross Roads” is very very good. Otherwise the book has little Pacific Value, if you understand me … "Barbe of Grand Bayou" seems a little too idyllic so far. Oxenham’s aim seems to be to unsophisticate the reader. It is very pleasant to be reminded of Brittany, which seems not to be of this continent at all … The book is at the opposite pole from the O. Henry books which Leslie sent me. Impossible to read them together … At the same time I am at p. 50 of A. & E. Castle’s recent book: "The Hope of the House", which promises well, and which I can recommend … I am in haste to pack … I crave Travel and shall be pleased like any infant to get into a puff-puff again.’