The Letters of D. H. Lawrence (Volume 6) - Correspondence 1927-28

In this review of The Letters of D. H. Lawrence (Volume 6) the reviewer finds a dense, indispensable volume for readers who study Lawrence's life and work; the single biggest reason to buy is the sheer immediacy of nearly 770 letters from March 1927 to November 1928 that document the writing and fallout of Lady Chatterley's Lover. This edition is scholarly without being dry, and it situates personal exchanges about travel, plays and publishers within Lawrence's most controversial period, making it a must for researchers and serious enthusiasts seeking original context.

Key Features

• Extensive correspondence: Almost 770 letters provide a continuous, first-hand window into Lawrence's thoughts and activities during a pivotal 21-month period.
• Historical context: Letters cover the Etruscan tour, the London performance of David and the creation and consequences of Lady Chatterley's Lover, clarifying literary and personal events.
• Network insights: Correspondence records new and renewed friendships with European writers and publishers, useful for tracing literary influence and support networks.
• Family and local ties: Repeated mentions of family and Eastwood acquaintances reveal Lawrence's personal anchors and emotional landscape during illness and controversy.
• Scholarly annotation: The edition provides editorial annotation that identifies people, places and events, helping readers interpret references and historical detail.

Who It's For

This volume is ideal for literary scholars, graduate students and dedicated readers who need primary-source material on Lawrence's late 1920s life, especially those researching Lady Chatterley's Lover, the Etruscan writings or Lawrence's professional relationships. The close editorial apparatus and dense letter chronology make it valuable for citation and archival work.

Casual readers of fiction or those seeking a concise biography should look elsewhere, since this is an editorially heavy correspondence volume that prioritizes completeness and documentary value over narrative synthesis.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unparalleled coverage of a critical period with nearly 770 letters offering detailed primary evidence.
• Illuminates the background to major works and public reactions, aiding textual and historical study.
• Annotations identify people and events, making obscure references accessible to modern readers.

Cons

• Dense and volume-heavy, which can be overwhelming for readers without research needs.
• Focus on letters and annotation means limited biographical narrative or interpretive essays for general audiences.

Specifications

Title	The Letters of D. H. Lawrence (Volume 6)
Coverage dates	March 1927 to November 1928
Letter count	Almost 770 letters
Key subjects	Etruscan tour; David play; Lady Chatterley's Lover
Editorial team	D. H. Lawrence editorial edition with George J. Zytaruk, Margaret H. Boulton, James T. Boulton, Lindeth Vasey
Intended use	Scholarly research, primary-source reference

Our Verdict

This volume is essential for scholars and serious students of D. H. Lawrence because it compiles an unusually large, tightly dated set of letters that illuminate creative processes and public controversy. While not for casual readers, its editorial notes and exhaustive coverage make it good value for anyone needing direct documentary evidence from 1927-28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this volume include letters about Lady Chatterley's Lover?
Yes. The correspondence documents the writing, private publication, promotion and immediate consequences of Lady Chatterley's Lover.

What period do the letters cover?
The letters span from March 1927 through November 1928, encompassing the Etruscan tour and related events.

Is this edition annotated for researchers?
Yes. The edition provides annotation identifying people, places and events to aid interpretation.