Details
CARDUS, Neville -- A collection of 7 autograph letters on white and blue paper, small 8°, signed "Neville Cardus" and "Neville," from the National Liberal Club, Whitehall Place, London and 112 Bickenhall Mansions, London, to Sybil [Parkin], daughter of Cecil, 18 October 1960 - 20 July 1970 (minor fraying to one letter on airmail paper). (7)
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Further details
Cecil Parkin (1886-1943) and Cardus had been close friends, united by their love of cricket and the wit which earned Parkin the nickname of "Cricket's comedian." Cardus's correspondence with Parkin's daughter commenced after the cricketer's death in 1943, and their developing friendship is apparent from the plea in one letter: "Please drop the Mr. Cardus when you write!" Cardus says much in praise of Parkin on both a personal and professional level, revealing that in a Guardian article called "'A Century of Lancashire Cricket' ... I mention and praise your father" (8 May, 1964). In another letter (20 July 1970), he refers to a published reminiscence in which "I purposely disguised the character I was depicting; but many readers could identify Cecil. He is not forgotten." Cardus's criticisms of the modern game are acerbic. He insists that England "is the only civilized place left in the world, in spite of the horrific trippers now swarming in London; and in spite of the boring cricket, played by human computers, none of them with half or quarter of the great personality of your father." He refers to his own books, and Sybil's comments on them: "I am much touched by the things you say about my 'Autobiography'. Perhaps some day I'll write another; you certainly encourage me to do so" (18 Oct.1960). A letter dated 21 Aug. 1969 mentions work on a book "which is supposed to be about all the pleasures and places that have given me the most memorable experiences." Knowing he has young readers is a great source of pleasure: "I am very much thrilled about the boy who likes my cricket books! This is my greatest satisfaction -- to know that I am read by young people."