Russell: The Journal of Bertrand Russell Archives

A conversation with Dora Russell by W. R. Valentine ~ , I VISITED ENGLAND recently to work on the international aspects of my master's thesis in telecommunication. One morning I read an article in The Guardian about Mrs. Dora Russell and the second volume of her autobiography, entitled Tamarisk 2. I have always admired the work of Mrs. Russell, as well as that of her former husband, Bertrand Russell. I then became interested in the idea of having an interview with this remarkable woman. I thought of many questions I would have asked if I were that newspaper reporter. I contacted the newspaper, but they would not give much information other than to suggest contacting her agent. I did so, but was told Mrs. Russell does not give many interviews and, perhaps, if I made a request in writing ... A visit to her publisher, the Virago Press, produced even fewer results. My grammar school Latin should have forewarned me, since the women in this small walk-up editorial office near Piccadilly Circus seemed annoyed by my very presence. Finally, I turned to the public library for help. Success came from the section containing phone books for the whole country. I was not sure there would be a listed number, until I located an entry for Mrs. Dora Russell in St. Buryan. After determining all the necessary codes for a long distance call from London to Cornwall, I was ready to give it a try. I had rehearsed a little introductory plea for the secretary or butler wh() would probably answer. Based on my experience in 137 138 Russell winter 1981-82 London, I expected a pre-programmed negative response. Much to my surprise, Mrs. Russell answered the phone herself. After fumbling for words and untwisting my tongue, I was able to obtain an interview. She said she didn't get into London much these days, but was willingto talk with me if! could come to Cornwall. While riding the overnight train to Penzance, I was reminded of an episode Dora Russell had related in the first volume of her autobiography, The Tamarisk Tree. This concerned another American visitor she and Russell had received in 1919. They found this gentleman to be a minor nuisance. I wondered what kind of impression I would make with her. Once in Penzance, one must continue by bus to St. Buryan and, finally, on foot to her country house at Carn Voel. The distance is only about eight miles, but it is very hilly and the roads are narrow. The area is rich with ancient monuments erected by the druids and Christians of the dark ages. The famous little town of Land's End is nearby on the Cornish coast. The walk paths through the area are maintained by the National Trust. These treks were always a favourite jaunt of Bertrand Russell, as well as of Merlin in King Arthur's time. When I reached the house, I was greeted by Mrs. Russell and her granddaughter, Sarah. The eldest child ofBertrand and Dora, John Russell, also lives there. The house contains many things from the school, as well as from her trips to China, Russia, America and Europe. I was glad to learn that we had similar views about the article in The Guardian. She felt the journalist had treated her like an old museum piece and dwelled on her personal relationship with Russell. Mrs. Russell was anxious to discuss an idea she had been nurturing for many years. She intends to write a book about the machine age and its impact on civilization. I realized her knowledge and experience would make this an engaging discourse and pursued the topic at length. The subject had been a point of contention between Dora and Bertrand. She referred to many works, such as The Myth ofthe Machine, by Lewis Mumford, The Medieval Machine, by Jean Gimpel, Falling Apart, by Elain Morgan , and she quoted freely from Shakespeare. Many years ago, Mrs. Russell had exchanged views on this subject with H. G. Ii conversatzon WUfl Uora .f(USSCU 139 Wells and found him to be very encouraging about the book. Her idea is to give her book the title...