the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Hugh Clifford : Studies in Brown Humanity

'Mr Clifford's book reached me only yesterday--the 15th [...] The book is interesting, has insight and of course unrival[l]ed knowledge of the subject. But it is not literature.' (Then follows a justification of the responsibilities of a critic to sign reviews even if unflattering.)

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

Hugh Clifford : Article in Singapore Free Press

'I had a treat in the shape of a number of the "Singapore Free Press" 2 and a half columns about "Mr Conrad at home and abroad". extremely laudatory but in fact telling me I don't know anything about it. Well I never did set up as an authority on Malaysia. I looked for a medium in which to express myself. I am inexact and ignorant no doubt (most of us are) but I don't think I sinned so recklessly. Curiously enough all the details about the little characteristic acts and customs which they hold up as proof I have taken out (to be safe) from undoubted sources--dull,wise books.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Newspaper

Hugh Clifford : In a Corner of Asia

'I received the book only three hours ago--and it is only too short! I've read it twice.[...]. Many thanks. I've lived for a few hours in your pages.Of the sketches I've not previously seen, "The Central Gaol" and "The Vigil of Pa' Tua" are the two I like the best. Of the others,"The Death March" has always been my favorite; indeed all are absorbing--to me at least.' Thereafter follow almost three pages of detailed and constructive criticism.

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

Hugh Clifford : Father Rouellet

'As to your sketch (for it is that) in last "B'wood", it has pleased me immensely. The simplicity of treatment is effective.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Serial / periodical

Hugh Clifford : Bushwhacking and Other Sketches

'As to "Bushwhacking" you know I prize it above anything that may be written in acknowledgement of a presentation volume.[...]The book I consider as the best expression of your talent. All is seen and all is felt, with that gift of expression peculiar to you which suggests action itself underneath the record of vision and emotion.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

Hugh Clifford : A Free Lance of Today

'I ought to have thanked you before but I preferred to read the book first. I've read it twice with casts back here and there. The book is remarkable- and that it will be very much remarked I have no doubt.' Thence follows eleven lines of qualified praise though comparing the book rather unfavourably with Clifford's 1898 work "Since the Beginning".

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

Hugh Clifford : The Downfall of the Gods

'What I set out to say was that all these delays, vexing as they were, gave me the time to read "The Downfall of the Gods" three times from end to end. As to pages and psasages read and re-read and meditated over I can 't give you that tale of them even approximately'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

Hugh Clifford : Malayan Monochromes

'Your good letter arrived yesterday--a great pleasure and a source of serious misgivings. I have had your latest volume and surely I acknowledged it! [...] You mean "Monochromes" don't you? Well I have that volume of which I wrote to you that it delighted me [...]'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

Hugh Clifford : Address to the Legislative Council of Nigeria

'I had letter from Sir Hugh Clifford. He sends me six copies of his address to the Legislative Council.[...] The report is very interesting.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      

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