JUNE 1936

Graves continues to correspond with Fuller, clearing up legal procedural details in Antigua, Penny, Puce. He incorporates all of Fuller's corrections, makes a final insertion about oxidisation of stamps, and then gives the manuscript to Riding to read. Graves also rewrites the first page of the novel for the third or fourth time.

He drafts a poem, initially titled To Disown the Once Written. A later draft is retitled: To Disown the Records. Graves is also working on Drama for Epilogue; he begins researching the Greek dramatists - especially the tragedians - and completes four pages for Riding on Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. He continues to work on Poetry and Politics, also for Epilogue, and begins reading back issues of the Left Review as research for another article, "Poetry and Communism." Riding reads to Graves the three sections of A Trojan Ending that she has recently completed, and hands over the Schools project to Graves to continue on his own. This month Graves researches and writes on the Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Jewish and Muslim education systems, as well as women's education in the East, and early medieval education.

This month there is a strong focus on communication with family and colleagues. David and Sam are planning their summer visit to Deyá, and Graves writes them to make travel suggestions. In another letter to David, Graves discourages Nazi enthusiasm. Jenny writes to see if she can also come to visit. Graves writes back, welcoming her. He also writes to Richards, sending along a US press-cutting on Old Soldier Sahib, which is selling slowly but steadily. He sends John and Lucie a copy of Old Soldier Sahib as well. Alan Hodge confirms he will visit Canelluñ, and Graves writes a general newsletter to the McCormacks.

Finishing touches are being added to the Posada. Gardening is clearly a source of pleasure and satisfaction for Graves and Riding (despite the wet weather, which threatens the health of the apricot and peach trees), as is attending the local bullfights. The water dispute seems to be resolved and this calls for celebration: Gelat told us news of water settlement: they agreed to his terms & signed a contract. Champagne.

But domestic problems, politics and money concerns taint an otherwise idyllic June. Catalina is chastised for insolence in not listening to Laura speaking, and by the end of the month the cook is dismissed. There is a 24-hour strike in Palma in protest against the bombing of the trades-union headquarters, in which nine people were injured. Harrison Smith writes with the disturbing news that instead of recovering the $1000 Graves was expecting to get back from income tax, he must refund approximately the same amount in surtax. A few days later Graves signs and sends in his US income tax claim. Money seems tight; certainly the renovations to Canelluñ and the Posada - and to the gardens at both homes - must be a financial drain.

The weather warms by the end of the month, however, and Graves seems lighthearted. He and Riding visit with Schwarz and Strenge in the evenings. For the first time this year, the ocean temperature is mild enough for Graves and Karl to swim out to the point. By the last days of June, one needs only a single sheet to sleep at night.

There are three enclosures this month: Palma bull-fight ticket, 7 June 1936. San Juan FiestaFestival of Saint John eds. programme for celebrations on 23 and 24 June 1936. The Naval Officer, a review of Davy Jones by Alan Hillgarth in the Observer, 28 June 1936.