846. EDWARD JAMES HUGHES (1930-1998) English poet and children's writer, known as Ted Hughes. Critics routinely rank him as one of the best poets of his generation, named Poet Laureate from 1984 until his death. Ted Hughes was married from 1956 to 1963 to the American poet Sylvia Plath, who committed suicide in 1963 at the age of 30. His part in the relationship became controversial, particularly to some feminists and (particularly) American admirers of Plath, who even accused him of murder. T.L.S., 1p., 4to., on an airmail letterhead, Devon [England], June 9, 1966, to composer Phillip Lambro giving permission for the use of Sylvia Plath's poems in a musical composition titled "Four Songs". In full: "Heinemann have sent to me your enquiry about using some poems by Sylvia Plath in a musical work. That will be O.K. But I'm afraid I can't get you a copy of THE COLOSSUS in England -- it's out of print. In the States it was published by Knopf though I should think you'll find that hard to find too, now that HARPERS have brought out her second book ARIEL. MIRROR, which you mention, is not collected in any book". Typed docket at the top, else very good. With carbon copies of Lambro's request to Hughes. Also accompanied by the printed booklet, 39pp, 4to., of Lambro's "Four Songs for Soprano & Orchestra" dedicated to his childhood friend Sylvia Plath and signed "Phillip Lambro" on the front cover. Very good. $200 - 300