View source for Letter to James Payn about Rodney Stone (1 august 1895)

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This letter was written by [[Arthur Conan Doyle]] on 1st august 1895 from Maloja Hotel, Maloja, Switzerland, addressed to editor James Payn, about his new book about prize fighting (i.e. [[Rodney Stone]]). 


== Letter ==

<div align="right">Maloja Hotel,<br />Maloja,<br /> Aug 1st 1895</div>

My dear Payn

How I wish I could waft you up here, for it is a very charming place, but decidedly inaccessible to any man who is not very robust. I do hope that the warm summer has done you good. I see from the Illustrated that your wit and cheeriness never fail you, but I know that in your case that is no proof of health or strength.

I have been very busy on the buck and prize fighter book of which, I think, I said something to you. I think it will work out fairly well, but I dare not be too sanguine. I remember that you were disposed to think that I was dealing with an unsavoury subject in the prize ring — and Robinson took the same view very strongly, But I hope that it may justify itself. I think I have done it in such a way that it is picturesque and not offensive, though I have two big fights in the book. It has never yet been done, as far as I know, and yet the Ring is the one typical Anglo Saxon sport which has never existed outside English speaking countries, and which has now, I believe, a very deep hold of the people — in spite of the unspeakable state to which it has been reduced. In the old days it stood for chivalry, gallantry & fair play, and I am sure I would rather fight in the lists with lance and sword than stand up to a good man for a hundred rounds, as far as the bravery & endurance which is needed goes. I hope when it comes your way that you may think I have made it interesting.


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hope to have our house built by the end of next summer and to settle once more. I bought the land, but the Tyndalls now claim that there is a right of way through it. I recall a painful story I read somewhere of a man who had actually finished his house when such a claim was made & proved. As a result he had the whole parish continually passing in at his back door and out at the front one. Warned by it I shall settle this matter before I build — and I have no doubt.

My kindest regards to Mrs Payn, and my wife sends her love. I hope to be in town with an M.S in my pocket, somewhere about October.


With all that is cordial to you

Yours always

A. Conan Doyle.



















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