In July 1943, the young Welsh poet and soldier Alun Lewis, already recognised as one of the outstanding writers of his generation, arrived on sick leave at the house near Madras of Freda Aykroyd, a devotee of literature and the wife of a British scientist. Lewis and Aykroyd fell in love instantly, recognising in each other similar temperaments and artistic interests. Their affair, which lasted until Lewis' mysterious death on the Arakan Front in March 1944, inspired some of the finest of his wartime poems as well as an extraordinary cache of letters published here for the first time. The letters throw fresh light on Lewis' passionate and troubled nature and the background to his literary output at a time when he was at the height of his creative powers. In her preface, Freda Aykroyd charts the haunting story of their relationship and its tragic outcome.

About the Author
Alun Lewis (1915-44) was born in Aberdare, South Wales. He won a scholarship to the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, gaining a first-class degree and taking up a research studentship at Manchester University, before training as a teacher. His poetry collections include Raider's Dawn (1943) and the posthumous Ha! Ha! Among the Trumpets (1945). A collection of stories, The Last Inspection, was published in 1943.

Reviews
'Enthralling' - The Guardian 'A wonderful collection of letters...[they] offer an extraordinary inisght into the final year of [Alun Lewis's] life.' - The Saturday Guardian



Book Information
ISBN 9781904634300
Author Alun Lewis
Format Paperback
Imprint Enitharmon Press
Publisher Enitharmon Press