Ninety-three pages of unlined quarto sized writing paper (paginated [i], 1-79, 75-79, 75-82), written on rectos only in Bates's small, closely spaced hand. Numerous deletions and emendations to virtually every page. Inscribed by Bates on the initial unpaginated leaf, "This manuscript of The Triple Echo is for Frank and Joan Rodwell, dear + well loved friends of the author, H.E.Bates", and beneath, "N.B. This story was first conceived in 1943, remained in the womb of the said author for a quarter of a century + was finally born in November 1968. Father + child doing well. H.E.Bates" Bound with the corrected typescript carbon of the same novel with occasional ink corrections in an editor's hand. Red paper wrappers, originally holding the typescript, now bound at the front of the manuscript, with orange typed label to front giving title and author and signed by Bates beneath his name. Inscribed by an editor, "follow copy for punctuation / 12/13 Bembo / 22 encs". Also with label of Bates's agent Laurence Pollinger, inscribed by Bates, "Dear Frank, This is the promised typescript to go with your ms. From HE". The whole bound in green cloth with gilt titles to the spine and upper cover.

The Triple Echo, published in 1970, is the most famous of Bates's novellas, due in part to the successful film adaptation in 1972 staring Glenda Jackson, Brian Deacon and Oliver Reed (entitled Soldier in Skirts in the US). It is a moving tale of a lonely woman living on an isolated farm and her love affair with a young deserter, of their intrigues and their deceptions and the elaborate web they weave to outwit the Military Police.
It was Bates's custom to supplement his income by selling his manuscripts once a novel was published. Initially this was through manuscript dealers such as Charles Lahr and then directly to enthusiasts such as Louis Sterling, whose collection at ULL contains six Bates manuscripts, the first of which, Charlotte's Row, purchased in 1931 for £75 provided the bulk of the deposit with which Bates bought the house in which he lived most of his life.
Frank Rodwell met Bates and his wife, Madge whilst on holiday in Madeira in the late sixties and became friends and correspondents. Rodwell became an enthusiastic collector of Bates's work and as well as acquiring most of his published works was given a number of manuscripts by Bates, this example being of particular interest as it shows the creation process of the novel from its genesis to final publication.

Stock ID: 28972