"It is impossible to listen to music and get an e******n at the same time." | A journal revealing some of W.H. Auden's most intimate memories has been found some 75 years after it was written. The journal, described by experts as an "incredible discovery" covers World War II, and the period in which Auden was writing September 1, 1939 - arguably the best poem he wrote throughout his life. The 96-page memoir reveals details of his intimate affair with American poet Chester Kallman, which at the time was subject to speculation by authors and biographers, most notably for the 14-year age gap between the pair, and the fact that they were a homosexual couple in a time where it was illegal, until 1967, when the law changed. In the journal, Auden refers to Kallman as 'C' and graphically writes; "C came last night (Saturday) and we lay in bed, very domestic, listening to Toscanini conducting Beethoven's 2nd and 4th symphonies. It is impossible to listen to music and get an erection at the same time." The journal also reveals Kallman's promiscuity, and Auden often wrote of the times his partner was unfaithful to him, and how this had a negative effect on his conscience, on one entry he writes; "[had a] night of bad dreams in which C was unfaithful," The 96-page manuscript is due to go on sale at Christie's auction house next month, and is set to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000, although most of the pages are faded and hard to read, the buyer will be treated to this pivotal journal, full with the true insecurities that inspired some of Auden's work. Auden died in 1973, in Vienna with Kallman by his side. |