LARKIN, Philip (1922-85). 2 autograph letters to Steve Race, the first of 4-pages, dated 2nd September 1984, discussing, amongst other things, his reviewing ("that's my life now, work all day and try to review all night"), Barbara Pym, the Sri Lanka test and his own mood: "I have fits of lowness & anxiety these days, & find myself turning to Miles and Monk - funny, isn't it? ... I should be surprised if the office of Laureate is offered to me, as everyone (I hope) knows I haven't written a poem for seven years, and don't expect to again..."; the second, dated 14th September 1985, discussing, amongst other things, Butler and Carlyle: "There are times when I wish England were covered with two feet of horse manure, spiritually, and morally, I believe some if it is..." Two fascinatingly discursive letters which shed some light on Larkin's mood towards the end of his life, his famous melancholia and often acerbic wit. (2)