Iris Murdoch, a writer at war : the letters and diaries of Iris Murdoch: 1939-1945

These never before published writings comprise Iris Murdoch's passionate wartime correspondence with two early intimates: the poet Frank Thompson, brother of the historian E.P. Thompson, who was killed in 1944, and David Hicks, with whom she had a dramatic affair, engagement, and breakup. It also includes the journal that Murdoch kept as a touring actress during August of 1939. The selection sheds new light on a brilliant young mind ("sharp and polished as a sword" as Frances Wilson describes it), while painting a vivid picture of life during the Second World War. CONTENTS 8 GENERAL INRODUCTION & CAST-LISTS 10 I: COUNTDOWN TO A WAR 20 Introduction 20 The Magpie Players – 1939 32 II: WRITING TO FRANK THOMPSON 82 Introduction 82 Frank – 1940-44 94 III: WRITING TO DAVID HICKS 166 Introduction 166 David – 1938-46 176 Postscript 302 Content: COVER CONTENTS GENERAL INRODUCTION & CAST-LISTS I: COUNTDOWN TO A WAR Introduction The Magpie Players -- 1939 II: WRITING TO FRANK THOMPSON Introduction Frank -- 1940-44 III: WRITING TO DAVID HICKS Introduction David -- 1938-46 Postscript.