JULY 1936

What begins as an idyllic summer becomes increasingly violent as the civil war in Spain erupts and Palma becomes a battlefield. There are the usual anxieties about money, and mild gardening frustrations as the almond trees continue to die, but Graves enjoys swimming with Karl and Alan Hodge (who arrives for an extended stay on the 2 July), and expresses his satisfaction with the new cook Francisca, the best yet, who makes almond ice cream and cooks the joint beautifully. Relations with Schwarz and Strenge are a bit strained, as Schwarz has refused to sign the libel clause in his Almost Forgotten Germany contract, but the group still enjoys punch parties and afternoons together. An article in the Daily Chronicle makes mention of Graves and Riding, making going to a café or bar in Palma impossible, although the tone of the diary hints that Graves might be flattered by the attention, nuisance or not.

But the political situation begins to break down before mid-month. The radio announces insurrection at Melilla and Seville, and reports violence in several provinces. Writes Graves, Troops came through at night in camionsbuses eds. with cannons, shouting 'viva el Fascismo.' There are postal disruptions and radio reception is intermittent. There are sugar and coffee shortages, and Graves predicts flour and petrol shortages are not far off. Citizens begin to flee Palma for outlying villages as the city is bombed: The bombs are 'cannisters' like the sort the Germans used at Fricourt filled with scrap metal; great moralGraves probably means "morale," as in 'a bad affect on the troop's morale'? eds. effect, kill many, do little harm to property. Graves' birthday on 24 July is marked by a warship visible off the coast. Restrictions are placed on social gatherings: no one is allowed to meet in groups of three or more in public, or to listen to neighbours' radios, or to circulate unfavourable comments about the military. Fascists eat and drink in town at the shopkeepers' expense, at gunpoint. Foreigners begin to leave Majorca, but Graves and Riding indicate to family and friends their intention to stay at Canelluñ for the present at least.

Despite political upheavals, the month is a productive one. Graves continues to work on Schools, now researching the medieval school system, but towards the end of the month he loses his initiative: he writes that he could not bring myself to work on Schools and confesses a revulsion against education. He is also working feverishly on Antigua, Penny, Puce, incorporating Riding's suggestions and Harold Cooke's comments about stamps. Constable sends a telegram indicating they would be very glad to publish Antigua.

Graves goes over Honor's novel The Heathen with Riding, as well as Alan Hodge's Drama for Epilogue. Riding also charges Hodge with the task of completing Poets, and begins going over his homily on courage."Courage" eds. Graves goes over Fame and Book Advertising for Epilogue III. The printed Epilogue II arrives.

Riding is writing the final sections of A Trojan Ending, including the death of Hector, and will finish the draft before the end of the month. Graves begins a read-through. He also drafts a new poem - The Half-Penny - and re-tools several others. Riding makes a few editorial suggestions for It Has Happened Well, which is eventually retitled End of Play. Graves also reworks To Disown the Records, which is now Birthday.

There are two enclosures this month:

News clipping. Almudaina, Saturday, 25 July 1936: Noticias dadas por radio ayer,(trans.) beside which Graves has written, Typical news! News clipping. La agresión de ayer manana.(trans.)