15th July 1953.
Dear St.John,
Here Is my adaptation of Mrs. Martin’s Man. I have let
Harold Goldblatt read it, and he has accepted it for the Group
Theatre. You will see his pencil note on page I.
You will see I have changed Jamesy to Johnny: I thought
there would be some confusion between Jamesy and his father
James.
I am very anxious indeed to know what you think of this,
and I hope that I have been faithful to the theme and characters
of the novel, I certainly enjoyed very much making this
adaptation and would be grateful for your criticism.
I am rushing off to London now where I shall be staying with
Bill Naughton, 64 St. George's Square until the morning of
27th July. If you get an opportunity of reading this in the
next ten days or so perhaps you would forward it to 64 St.George’s
Square. I am sending, it by registered post and enclose registered
onvelope for its return. This is the only full copy in existence
and I am heart scared of losing it.
I hope your visit to Edinburgh to see the specialist turned
out well. If by any chance you are in London during the next
fortnight perhaps we could meet and have a meal, but I expect
you are working at home. I know your visits to London these
days are not too frequent.
Best wishes,
Ever,
(JOHN BOYD)
Dr. St.John Ervine,
Honey Ditches,
Seaton,
Devon,
England.
PJ
