An archive of material Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) gifted to the landlord of his local pub has been consigned to Bonhams' Fine Books auction on November 12 in London.
 Thomas was a heavy drinker, and lived in poverty in Laugharne |
With a combined high estimate of £1,600 ($2,600), the lots include two bounced cheques from Thomas to the landlord. A notorious alcoholic, Thomas and his family lived hand-to-mouth in Laugharne, Wales in the early days of his career.
Thomas' favourite drinking hole in the village was the Cross House Inn, with Phil Richards the unlucky recipient of his cheques.
Also starring is a selection of books inscribed to and by Thomas. Some were gifted to Thomas by the authors, while others were presented to Richards by Thomas and his wife, Caitlin.
It appears Caitlin was in contact with Richards long after the family left Laugharne, with eight cards remembering the village included in the lot.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a great selection of literary collectibles for sale.
