17.07.04. Today I learnt of the recent death of Stephen Clarke who traded as Clearwater Books of Bridport, Dorset. I cannot recall when Stephen first started trading books, because he seemed to have always been there. Onetime key-member of the PBFA, from the good old days when bookdealers were proud of their eccentricities.

Stephen specialised in Henry Williamson, and must surely have been the leading expert : among his other specialities were Great War (1st World War) and T.E.Lawrence.

Just over six weeks ago Stephen's health deteriorated : he suffered double-vision at a Dorchester bookfair and was diagnosed as having a brain tumour - I understand that it was a very large tumour. Stephen had been given the hope of a further 12 months life if the chemo-therapy worked : he had kept details about his deteriorating health to all but his closest family circle.

The last time I saw Stephen was two months ago when he came over to the area to collect some bookbinding from a mutual colleague : Stephen popped by my store, resplendent with pony tail, shorts, and sandals on his bare feet. This is the Stephen that I will always remember : we did a trade that day on some Great War ephemera, which he planned to keep for his personal collection.

Stephen was, I believe, only a mere 58 years old, a bookdealer in his prime whose catalogues were a pleasure to read.

Clive
Keeble Antiques