My congratulations to the editor upon his marriage, and the new message board.

I wonder if anyone knows the fate of Mr. Quentin Keynes's collection of Burtoniana? He died in Cambridge, U.K., in February, and there is an obituary in the Independent (London) newspaper on the www.

Has the collection been left to Cambridge University library? Is it to be auctioned? All news gratefully received.

Best wishes, Neil.

I asked the same of some dealers at the Boston book fair. They are all very tight lipped about it--no one wants to let it out at this time.

I am an old friend of the late Quentin Keynes and am interested in writing an article on his exploits. Can anyone tell me who to contact to get information on him and, in particular, what has happened to his personal effects (diaries, etc?)

I see that there have been a few messages enquiring about the Burton collection put together by my uncle, Quentin Keynes, who died last February. The books, including such rarities as Bayonet Exercise, will be included in the sale of the greater part of the QGK Collection, to be held at Christie's, London, on 7-8 April, i.e. in about two months' time. It is hoped that the manuscripts will be kept together, and will find their way into a public collection.

Simon Keynes

I regret I never had the time to see this collection during earlier visits to England. I enjoyed getting a taste of its contents through his article in the 'In Search of Richard Burton' symposium proceedings (it was good to hear that he recovered the Burton diary he subsequently had published). And Lovell's biography highlighted its importance. Like many others, I hope that the most valuable components of the collection find their way into a public collection. I wonder if the Huntingdon Library in California will try to add at least the manuscript material to their Burton holdings? I will be following this matter with great interest.

I wonder if you could be of assistance? I am looking for letters from my Gt Gt Gt Grandfather to richard F Burton. My Grandfather was Burtons Factotum between 1861-65, Burton mentioned my Grandfather Selim Aga many times in his publications. I was hoping that some letters to Burton from my Grandfather were not burned by Isabel. I do know that Selim kept in touch with Burton right up until 1875 when he passed away. I would be most grateful if you could be of assistance

Your son is alive

The new and improved rapers of the future will be realising there album street dreams