Main content
Christina Georgina Rossetti collection of Mary Louise and Frederick E. Maser
Notifications
Held at: Bryn Mawr College [Contact Us]Bryn Mawr College Library, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr 19010
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Bryn Mawr College. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894): Born on December 5, 1830, the English poet Christina Rossetti was the youngest child of Gabriele Rossetti and sister to Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Michael Rossetti. Both of her brothers were well known writers and Dante was a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Christina was one of the most important English female poets of her day, especially known for her works of fantasy, children's poems and religious poetry.
Christina was a devout Christian, sustained throughout her life by her religious faith, especially during the difficult time following her father's death in 1854. It was also her religious devotion that motivated her to become a companion to her mother following her father's death. Her faith also deeply in fluenced her poetry. The collections "Goblin Market and Other Poems" (1862) and "The Prince's Progress and Other Poems" (1866), both illustrated by brother Dante Gabriel, contain what is undoubtedly her best work and established her as one of the finest poets of her day.
In 1871, Christina was stricken with the thyroid disorder Graves' disease, marring her appearance, leaving her an invalid, and causing her to live the last fifteen years of her life as a recluse in her home. Ever supported by her religious faith, she continued to write, releasing a collection of poems in 1875 and "A Pageant and Other Poems" in 1881. Her work, however, became increasingly religious in nature, often melancholic and obsessed with death, and she began concentrating primarily on writing devotional material, such as "Time Flies" (1885), a highly personal diary of mixed verse and prose. In 1891, she developed cancer and died in London on December 29, 1894.
The collection is organized into two series: Correspondence and Other Materials.
Series I, Correspondence is organized into three sub-series: Outgoing Correspondence, Incoming Correspondence, and Third Party Correspondence. Each sub-series is arranged alphabetically. Outgoing Correspondence constitutes the main portion of the series and includes letters to friends, family, clergymen, fellow writers, and others regarding her writing and her social and business activities. The most letters to any one individual are to her close friend, Caroline M. Gemmer. Almost all of the letters, which cover the period from 1853 to 1894, are handwritten and signed by Rossetti; however, many are not dated.
The Incoming Correspondence consists of four letters from Mackenzie Bell—her biographer—and one envelope from an unidentified person. One of the Bell letters, dated April 1894, offers his condolences for the death of Mrs. William Rossetti and expresses concern for Christina's health. The lengthiest of the four is unfortunately almost unreadable, but appears to contain a discussion of Dante.
Third Party Correspondence also contains several letters from Mackenzie Bell to various people in reference to the life and letters of Christina Rossetti. In addition, there are numerous letters from both of her brothers, Dante Gabriel and William Michael Rossetti, two from her sister, Maria Francesca Rossetti, and a letter written in Italian in the early 1820s from Gabriele Rossetti, Christina's father, to the Commander-in-Chief of the British Navy, Admiral Moore and his wife. The latter contains a poem as well as Exultation of Malta: a Birthday Song, written in honor of Admiral and Lady Moore's first-born son.
Series II, Other Materials is arranged into three sub-series: Writings, Materials of Mackenzie Bell, and Other. Writings contains two poems by Christina Rossetti, "In the bleak mid-winter . . . " and "Good Friday," tipped into an 1850 edition of The Germ, as well as a lecture written by William Michael Rossetti on the wives of British poets.
Materials of Mackenzie Bell is further divided into two sub-series: Christina Georgina Rossetti Materials, and Non-Christina Georgina Rossetti Materials. The former is primarily material related to Bell's book, Christina Rossetti: A Biographical and Critical Study, including transcriptions of letters from Christina to Mrs. Gemmer, lists of illustrations for the book, and research notes on her life and letters. Non-Christina Georgina Rossetti Materials is organized into Letters and Other Materials.
The third sub-series, Other, contains a fragment of Christina Rossetti's handwriting, her calling card, her signature, a receipt signed by her, and a photograph of her by Elliott & Fry. In addition, there is a check from Dante Gabriel Rossetti with the signature cut out, a photograph of an unidentified woman by Elliot & Fry, and a copy of the T. Carlyle poem "Today," transcribed, signed, and dated by Maria Francesca Rossetti.
The Christina Georgina Rossetti Collection includes an extensive selection of rare books, also assembled and given to Bryn Mawr College Library by the Masers.
The Christina Georgina Rossetti Collection was assembled by Frederick E. and Mary Louise Jarden Maser over a period of several years by acquiring individual pieces as well as small groups of items from various dealers. The collection was donated to Bryn Mawr College Library in stages, the first group coming in 1990 and the remainder in 2000. In honor of the initial gift, an exhibition was held by the college in 1990-91. An accompanying publication, "Christina Rossetti in the Maser Collection: Including a Group of Christina's Letters", with essays by the Masers and a foreword by Bryn Mawr College's Director of Libraries, James Tanis, appeared in 1991.
Gift of Frederick E. Maser and Mary Louise Jarden Maser, 2000.
People
Organization
Subject
- Publisher
- Bryn Mawr College
- Finding Aid Author
- Linda Leeuwrik, Melissa Torquato
- Finding Aid Date
- 2001
- Access Restrictions
-
This collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
-
The Christina Georgina Rossetti Collection is the physical property of Bryn Mawr College Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors' heirs and assigns.
Collection Inventory
3 p. Contents: Thanks her correspondent in Australia for his review of a poem of hers, which had appeared in Macmillan's Magazine. With envelope postmarked 1879 Sep 1.
1 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Thank you note for letter of kindness, and reference to recent death of her brother's wife. With envelope.
1 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Thank you note for his letter inquiring about her health. With envelope.
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: "Miss Rossetti presents her compliments to Mr. Mackenzie Bell. Thanks him for the flowers and has the pleasure of returning the two books by [indecipherable]." With envelope.
2 p. Contents: She will not be responsible for paying his or his wife's rent, though she is concerned for their well-being. With envelope.
1 p. Friday. Contents: "I have heard from and just answered ["Edna Lyall"]—but please remember that I do not mean perfect strangers (as is now the case) to be referred to me."
1 p. Saturday morning. Contents: She wishes him well in the "Infirmary."
1 p. Contents: "I am heartily glad that you are so comfortable. But please (like myself) think comforts, without luxuries in addition, not amiss!"
1 p. Wednesday. Contents: "Such excellent news of your health must encourage us all. Do not fret too much about your good wife who will rejoice so when (D.V.) you get home in a better state."
2p. Enclosing P.O. 1/ for food. It is quite out of my power to help you. Your applications distress me because I cannot respond: at present I have myself considerable anxiety from one cause or other.
1p: I trust you are the better for the treatment of which you speak so well. I will make an effort - for it is an effort - to send you 5/ (enclosed) Pray make the most of it. I will excuse the 3/ your wife still owes me, and I am glad you make no promise of repayment.
1 p. Contents: "I enclose 1/- (stamps)—pray do the best you can. With earnest good wishes . . ." With envelope.
Contents: "I send you 5/- (P.O. enclosed) for Christmas as your Husband tells me you are again in sore need." With envelope.
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Thursday morning. Contents: "I cannot keep on supplying petty sums. . . . I earnestly wish to help you to some purpose: I hope that I may yet succeed in doing so."
2 p. Friday morning. Contents: Letter to one of her clergymen friends enclosing a "printed scrap to supplement the text of [illegible]." Mentions that Maria "still lingers very patiently."
1 p. Saturday morning. Contents: "Lily Hall Caine with Christina G. Rossetti's love."
On postcard. Tuesday. Contents: Asking for him to please return the Lord's petition for "Minor's Protection." Hoping he can get some more names.
2 p. Monday. Contents: Mentions that she and her mother are visiting her uncle. Sends thanks "for the compliment you have paid my 'Advent.'" Offers any of her works for the purpose of setting them to music, and remarks that a few already have been. Recommends two engravers. With envelope.
2 p. Contents: Thanks Mrs. Eckley for her book, from which she claims her favorite is "She's gone." Wishes her the "highest and utmost happiness" for Christmas.
4 p. Contents: Expresses hope that Mrs. Eckley's mother is now suffering less, and her as well. Includes a lengthy discussion of a "choice autograph," apparently Shelley's, in which her brother and several other collectors are interested. Mentions a Miss Stisted in connection with this autograph. Talks of a six week holiday in Scotland, taking pretty walks with friends since returning, and an interest in "toy gardening."
4 p. Speaking for her mother, sister, and herself, expresses sympathy for her friend's "great disappointment and grief" [presumably for the loss of her mother]. Refers again to her pleasant stay in Scotland, where the grounds ". . . might have 'sat' for the Garden of Eden. . . ." Says they have not heard from Miss Stisted.
4 p. Contents: Responds at length to a question regarding a Mr. Baynes, whom she has never seen, but has occasionally corresponded with over the past few years. Says his letters are cordial and he has invited her to visit his house in Coventry; in return, he has a standing invitation to call on her when in London. She is not sure whether or not there is a Mrs. Baynes. Sends best wishes for Christmas and the new year.
2 p. Thursday afternoon. Thanks her for sending her book and says she admires some of the sonnets. Also thanks her for "such friendly acceptance of our little endeavour to please you...." Hopes that her country sojourn is improving her health.
4 p. Friday. Contents: Expresses thanks for her kind trouble with regard to a Shelley manuscript, possibly to be published in October, about which she is glad her brother knows nothing. Mentions Shelley ought to be abridged, because of blasphemy rather than immorality, a belief she admits is based on hearsay. Promises that the copy of "the Song," with which she has been entrusted, will be kept safely. Asks if she has met a literary acquaintence of theirs, Miss Dora Greenwell, and claims uncertainty over whether her brother has seen Shelley's letter of July 4th or Lord Byron's letter about a yacht, but will mention them to him.
1 p. Saturday. Contents: An invitation for Mrs. Eckley to spend Tuesday evening with Christina, her mother and sister, and a few friends, informally "accepting social cups of tea at 8 o'clock."
7 p., signature cut out. Thursday evening. Contents: Reply to a letter, assuring friendship and discussing Mrs. Gemmer's health, mentioning a treatment her aunt had. Also writes of "Nursery Rhymes" and her publisher, mentions William and describes books she's recently read and visits she's recently had/paid. With envelope.
7 p. Contents: Thanks her for a copy of Animal World and talks of "the budding hippopotamus of our beloved Zoo." Discusses her preference in flowers, her cousin, and a visit taken with her mother to "Battle Abbey." Mentions the "walks and drives about Hastings" and her father's discussion of the sea. With envelope.
4 p., incomplete. Thursday. Contents: Thanks her for the "pretty prelude to my volume of fairy tales. . . ." Speaks of Mrs. Gemmer's children and her own scarcity of young relatives. Speaks of a work of poems of Gabriel's edited by William. Comments on the "late Emperor."
4 p. Contents: Quotes a letter she received from Mr. Macmillan rejecting Mrs. Gemmer's "MS." Mentions having tried to get information from Gabriel about Seeley & Jackson. Comments on the memory of Mother Adèle and proceeds with a discussion about mothers in general. With envelope.
4 p., on blue paper. Contents: Expresses her opinion of a poem by Mrs. Gemmer. Mentions her mother, the coming spring, and a "favorite hymn."
4 p. Contents: Thanks Mrs. Gemmer for "Fidelis." Inquires about the address of Dora Greenwall. Talks about her poem "Hope deferred" and mentions "V" and "anti-V" literature. Mentions the death of Mrs. Gemmer's friend and talks about children, referring to her brothers.
7 p. Contents: Apologizes for not writing for a long time and says she and her mother don't know how long they will be visiting her brother. Thanks Mrs. Gemmer for "the anti-V. prayer" and for telling her about "Mrs. Banner and yourself and faithful Mr. Woodgate." Mentions Canon Burrows and the Brownings.
4 p., on black-bordered paper. Friday evening. Contents: Mentions Canon Burrows, "the truest and best of friends." Talks about the death of Michael, the youngest child of her brother and sister [in law]. Refers to Gabriel's pictures, including Lilith, Sea Shell, and Dante's Dream. With envelope.
4 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Talks about poetry of Mrs. Gemmer's son. Expresses pleasure that her friend has seen "our dear pictures once more," saying, "What a brother I have lost." Also mentions her book Letter and Spirit: notes on the Commandments. Refers to Canon Burrows and Ruth.
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Wednesday evening. Contents: Talks about her brother's "estimate of beauty "as compared to hers and Mrs. Gemmer's. Mentions the closing of "the Academy" and "the Club." Mentions a sale of sketches next May and lending "3 little pictures given me by friends" to the Whitechapel Fine Arts Exhibition. With envelope.
7 p., on black-bordered paper. Saturday evening. Contents: Expresses her concern for Mrs. Gemmer regarding her daughter. Talks about a sermon, the Civil War, her anti-slavery feelings, and judging others. Reminisces about a visit she and her mother paid to Gabriel. With envelope.
4 p. Contents: Comments on a poem of Mrs. Gemmer's. Again refers to "the frightful 'V.' subject," mentioning a "Church Magazine" and a book, The Satan of Scripture. Talks of a musical score written for "Goblin Market." Discusses the needs of the poor.
4 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Expresses concern for Mrs. Gemmer's musical grandson, asks about her "Church Times correspondent." With envelope.
6 p. Contents: Says she "Warm[s] toward Mr. Ruskin and Mr. Rendell Harris," and mentions talking to Lewis Carroll. Says that her Time Flies has come out but she hasn't seen any reviews of it yet. With envelope.
4 p., on black-bordered paper. Thursday. Contents: Talks about how, at the direction of her doctor, she is spending time alone at Torquay. Mentions Nathaniel Hawthorne and an acquaintance, Charles Wood, with whom she has lost contact. With envelope.
2 p., incomplete, on black-bordered paper. Friday morning. Contents: Asks Mrs. Gemmer to accept her donation for her "Mission of Mercy." Talks about their similarities in musical taste and an anti-V petition. With envelope.
8 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Wishes a happy new year; talks about the trials of life. Mentions the importance to her of her brother and his family. Says that allowances should be made for the young, especially men. Comments on what is presumably a written work of Mrs. Gemmer's. With envelope.
4 p., on black-bordered paper. Monday. Contents: Mentions a petition she signed. Is concerned for Mrs. Gemmer's Walter and his going to "the colonies." Asks if Mrs. Gemmer thinks "worse of men than of women" and says that she doesn't. Responds to Mrs. Gemmer's speaking of money. With envelope.
4 p., on black-bordered paper, appears incomplete. Contents: Thanks her for "transmitting [Ruth's] nice note." Talks about her nieces and nephews; mentions her brother. Talks about a "choice Tennyson" she would bid on if rich and alludes to the shortness of life. Hopes there aren't "'religious' people who pet and starve dumb animals." [Here letter breaks off.]
4 p. Monday. Contents: Says she hasn't read the books Mrs. Gemmer mentioned. Talks about old age and "trust[s] all I have vainly wished for here will be more than made up to me hereafter if . . . I endure to the end." With envelope.
3 p. Friday morning. Contents: Thanks her for leaflets and says she will sign a form. Talks about ends not justifying means, evil in a general sense, and sin as "the solitary impediment to progress toward perfection. . . ." With envelope.
4 p. Contents: Mentions a point in Mrs. Gemmer's last letter, "difficult to answer," related to obeying the Bible in faith and not knowledge. Refers to a "sad function which is to take place this afternoon. . . ." Talks about her feelings with regard to her "literary success." With envelope.
2 p. Saturday. Contents: Writes in regard to the death of Mrs. Gemmer's daughter. Thanks her for thinking of her, mentions her own health, and says "I wish to wish only for God's Will." With envelope.
4 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Mentions the coincidence of their being at West Brighton at the same time but never meeting and says the trip "did her good." Talks about possibly moving to a cottage near her brother's place sometime. Expresses sadness over Miss Ada Tryon's death. Mentions outliving loved ones. With envelope.
4 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Comments on the deaths of Michael and Gabriel. Talks about "the burden of responsibility," her books, some of her brother's paintings and a memory of a visit to him. Talks about Mrs. Gemmer's son and daughter-in-law.
4 p., on personalized stationery. Contents: Informs Mrs. Gemmer that her Babyland "is registered, as it well deserves to be." Says, "No book" of [hers] need be looked for just now. . . ." Talks of the coming spring.
2 p. Contents: Expresses her pleasure at returning to Mrs. Gillum "the perfectly correct proof" just received from Lucy. With envelope.
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Tuesday. Contents: Sends a copy of "the 'Octave' of St. Barnabas at the time of its consecration."
2 p. Monday evening. Contents: Writing to break an engagement for the following day.
1 p. Contents: Sends her love to "dear Golde and best wishes to her and hers for 1886...."
2 p. Contents: Thanks her for a letter. Speaks of Mrs. Heimann's health as well as her own, wishing to be younger and lighter, but then claiming that in truth she would not change these points, as she is "not at all afraid of being forgotten or mis-provided for." Also discusses the "terrible Indian news," writing that "our Indian crown is in great measure the trapping of spendid misery. . . ." Remarks that when such an empire is based on "so much injustice and bloodshed," it "would be a world
8 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Refers to the difficulty of raising boys. Mentions present and pending visits from various family members. Says that her father is quite feeble and feels that Mr. De [Gea?] might possibly make "an agreeable aquaintance" for him. Says that the school "remains in status quo" and if it "is meant to succeed, I should think very likely we might have an accession of pupils in July." With envelope.
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Regrets missing her call and expresses thanks for the "valuable information" in her letter. Sends four French stamps for Golde and compliments to Miss Charles. With envelope
3 p. Wednesday morning. Contents: Invites all of the Heimanns for tea next Monday, saying it will be just "ourselves and no ceremony; though it is possible we may ask one other lady to meet you, a Mrs. Gemmer, a new acquaintance." Sends thanks to Golde for the valuable stamps, and asks the name of the "Professorial admirer" of William's Dante. With envelope.
3 p. Saturday morning. Contents: Says she has been ill, but is now better and ready to get underway with her "enterprise," for which she has selected the colored wools and is sending Mrs. Heimann the pattern. Mentions the pleasant Monday evening they all spent together, and now that she is homebound, looks forward to more such visits. With envelope.
3 p. Tuesday morning. Contents: Includes thank yous for an "elegant bodice," a nice little lozenge box, stamps from Golde, and a "previous batch of stamps and crests hitherto unacknowledged." Hopes to visit soon, but claims that the weather and her health are not cooperating. With envelope.
5 p. Monday. Contents: Pleased that their "old-world custom of writing to each other has not died out." Writing from a farmhouse in Sussex, she expresses delight in "the greenness and flowers to refresh our London eyes, and a small population of beasts and birds around us." But says they are contemplating moving on to Brighton if they can find lodgings with "every convenience on the ground floor." Hopes that they may run into the Heimanns in Brighton. Mentions Cathy Brown's wedding, and says Henrietta has returned from America and is not worse than expected. With envelope.
4 p. Tuesday afternoon. Contents: Again extols the "friendly old custom" of letter writing, as having advantages especially "when breath fails or legs fail." Says the family is staying at the seaside, but she and Henrietta are confined to wheelchairs. Speaks highly of the place and their lodgings. With envelope.
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Encloses a little book on "a most painful and shameful subject." She is trying to get signatures for the "Protection" petition to both Houses of Parliament. Would like to visit, but her mother's advanced age and her own and her mother's deteriorating health make it difficult. With envelope.
2 p. Contents: Writes to cancel their upcoming engagement.
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Thursday morning. Contents: Again requests her friend's signature and influence to "help the poor kindly beasts" [referring to fallen women]. Notes receiving a letter of sympathy from their old friends the Harrisons.
2 p. Saturday evening. Contents: Expresses her pleasure at forwarding a "Shanghai introduction" for Charles, as well as the letter that accompanied it. Says this letter mentions Mr. Dulcken and Mr. Clayton of the firm Clayton and Bell. Wishes to arrange an evening next week for them all to get together.
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Thanks her, Miss Janet and Miss Margaret Henderson for the kind letter and beautiful photographs, which give an idea "of the grand desolate coast where you live...." Sends a small volume of her prose, which she thinks may be unknown to Miss Henderson.
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Thanks her for another letter and photograph, as well as a promised book. Hopes Miss Margaret Henderson is "able to enjoy the great pleasure of a literary success such as an exhausted edition indicates." Empathizes with being ill as well as recovering. Gratified that she likes "Seek and Find." With envelope.
1 p. Contents: "Thank you warmly for permitting 2 "V." forms to be sent you…." With envelope.
2 p. Saturday. Contents: Expresses concern for the preservation of "common lands" and the natural country landscape. "Parks are admirable, but they are no complete substitute for delightful free-&-easy fields & heaths...." With envelope.
1 p. Wednesday. Contents: A terse reminder that the copy of Goblin Market borrowed by Mr. Ingram last winter has not yet been returned.
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: "I will try and form a fair estimate of Mrs. Radcliffe's powers from her voluminous works...." Says he need not send "The Italian" as she can borrow it from her brother, but requests a page of the edition he edits, so she can determine how much of her own manuscript "will go to the 180 or 200 . . . pages of print required." With envelope.
1 p. Contents: She will try to get the "needful books of reference" from Mudie's, as she can't get to the Museum. With envelope.
2 p. Contents: Says she can get "the 4 books in question at Mudie's," but is too weak to work under time pressures. She will see if there is enough information for "the Memoir," and knows of an acquaintance of her brother's, Mr. Jeaffreson, who may be able to help. With envelope.
1 p. Contents: Thanks him for his "concession to [her] weak point." And suggests fifty pounds as payment for her work. With envelope.
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Tuesday night. Contents: she has heard nothing from her potential contact for information. Suggests another possibility. Says that the books she has found so far have had "few biographical facts, alas!" With envelope.
4 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Asks for Mr. Jeaffreson's address, unless Mr. Ingram would rather write to him himself. Agrees that a "review of Mrs. R.'s works and...estimate of their calibre is quite in place in her Memoir" but is concerned about the lack of biographical information. With envelope.
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Today she heard from her brother that Mr. Jeaffreson cannot remember any sources that would be of help. "So now all fails us except Mr. Garnett and possibilities contingent on our making our wants public." With envelope.
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Thursday morning. Contents: Says her "proof of 'Athenaeum' letter has just come." She writes to tell him that she is leaving town soon and going to Birchington, and sends the books she's borrowed back to him. With envelope.
1 p. Contents: Expresses obligation for Lady Jenner's vote for her "Incurable."
1 p. Tuesday evening. Contents: Thank you note for her "kind hospitality."
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Saturday morning. Contents: Thanks her and Lady Bath for their kind sympathy regarding the death of Aunt Charlotte. Gives details of the funeral plans.
4 p. Tuesday. Contents: "You and Mrs. Moncrieff give me pleasure by making use of my words as you propose." She didn't know writers were paid for such things and requests that he settle the matter with the publisher. She is glad he is pleased with "the Pageant," and claims, "It was very pleasant to write, but that by no means guarantees its being at all pleasant to read."
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Returns her "revised" and hopes, with minor corrections, it is ready for press. [Probably a hand-copied version of Verses.] Says she is the "executrix" of the estate of her late aunt Eliza Harriet Polidori, who has left fivehundred pounds to the S.P.C.K. (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge).
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Invites her friend to an exhibition [of the works of brother Dante Gabriel, who has just died] to be held at the Burlington Club. Writes, "I need not tell you how deeply interested we are both in this exhibition . . . , and in the simultaneous exhibition of the R[oyal] A[cademy] at Burlington House.
1 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Thankfully acknowledges receipt of a royalty payment, which she claims is better than that of the previous year. Says that in England her sister's "Shadow of Dante" is in its 5th edition, which she feels it certainly merits.
Friday. Inscribed in: A Pageant and Other Poems by Christina Georgina Rossetti, PR5237 .P3 1881b
3 p. Contents: Expresses thanks for her letter and "a volume in which I find form for admiration, & spirit for sympathy" and is pleased to find such "distinct Christianity in combination with intellect." She is unsure if she is addressing "Mrs." Preston by the correct title, but guesses from the tone of her poems that she has at least one child.
3 p. Saturday evening. Contents: Refers to a petition for which she has been soliciting signatures and says she will keep it pending further instructions. Discusses several upcoming "bazaars," one for "anti-Vivisection" and another for "a certain ragged school," but states, "I do not like the bazaar system: there must, I fancy, be better ways of attaining the same result."
2 p. Thursday morning. Contents: Announces that she and mother will not be able to visit him at his studio that afternoon, but hope to do so soon. Says that the beauty of the "large modern clematis" is quite different to that of the old-fashioned garden variety, and feels that "it must be a flower adapted to pictorial purposes."
3 p. Tuesday evening. Contents: Says that their mother "is delighted at the lovingness of [his] thought for her and for us all" but feels they should go home the same night. Asks for an address to which she might send acknowledgment of an etching by William Davies sent to her at his suggestion.
4 p. Thursday morning. Contents: Expresses concern for his health. Arranges plans for having Christmas dinner with him, but says they have promised to have lunch at William's first. Says that mother "is delighted with the Maenza letter, & . . . means herself to preserve it." Mentions having seen Isabella Rossetti, Mr. Graham, and Mrs. John Marshall.
4 p. Monday evening. Contents: Thanks him for two letters. Discusses upcoming plans for Christmas day. Thanks him for "unfailing brotherliness, negociating [sic] between Mr. Watts & me." Mentions her hope of doing more writing soon.
4 p. Monday. Contents: Talks about a misunderstanding with the postal service regarding a parcel--"the grouse." Says that Aunt Charlotte "did ask about the strong young woman." Mentions a mix-up in getting a copy of "Pageant" to the Saturday Review office, and refers to reviews in the Tablet and St. James Gazette, the latter being more favorable.
4 p. Thursday. Contents: Thanks him for his help, but rather than going to the seaside, they hope to secure a place at Tunbridge Wells, as "the green refreshing country promises to suit us all." Talks about a letter of Signor Gambearale that Gabriel must have sent her, and whether to honor his request for books. Says mother and she hope he "will carry out [his] Cumberland plan." Talks about when their books will be out.
4 p., in blue ink. Friday evening. Contents: Says that everyone but her went to look at a house they might rent in a nearby village. She describes the house and its surroundings and gives the agent's address, in case Gabriel has any questions.
1 p. Friday morning. Contents: Says she has found an American owl for sale that she would like to give him, if he likes.
4 p. Contents: Talks of the good weather and hopes that it helps to restore his health at least a little. Remarks in his new volume, which she and their mother are reading, noting the force and pathos of the "King's Tragedy," as well as marvellous "Cloud Limits." Says both William and Lucy have been ill, but not seriously. Mentions that her "Called to be Saints" is out and supposedly selling well, and her first American review was "fairly favorable."
3 p. Tuesday. Contents: Mentions sending an "at home" back to London for her. Says to tell William that Dr. [Hake?] "appears gratified at the prospect of an Academy review from his pen," although none was guaranteed. Sends kisses to Olivia and hopes that her "poor little arm has recovered from its vaccination," and sends her remembrances to Mrs. Bromley.
2 p., on scrap paper. Contents: Eagerly announces that mother's health is much better and "the present danger is quite over." Hopes Lucy's recent attack is over and that Olive's throat gets better soon.
4 p. Wednesday. Contents: Sends love, saying mother liked Olive's letter and Mary's composition. Mentions looking at portraits of Gabriel when Mr. Brown and William visited, and Dr. Littledale dropped in as well. Speaks of several acquaintences, including Mr. Scott, Louisa Parke, Miss Everitt Green, and Mlle. Cambrisson, and reports fairly of both Aunt Charlotte and Aunt Eliza.
4 p. Saturday night. Signature cut out. Contents: Inquires about her knowledge of suitable lodgings at Brighton, describing what their party of four is looking for. Asks to be remembered to Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and wishes Lucy, Olive and Helen well.
2 p. Friday. Contents: Thanks him and Lucy from Miss Wilson and herself "for all their details." Refers to Arthur's accident and hopes that he is "continuing to convalesce." Asks if he is interested in this month's Macmillan, which contains Mme. Darmesteter's historical article, "Capt. Antonio Rincon." Mentions a Mr. Shields.
3 p. Contents: Asks if he can show her how to get to the "Probate Office," assuming he is going to Somerset House on Monday. She witnessed Sarah Catchpole's will and is needed to "give evidence on account of an inaccuracy."
1 p. Contents: Thanks her for the introduction to Mrs. Plowright, who has now completed her trial month and joined them permanently. Sends remembrances to Mrs Bunting. With envelope.
3 p. Tuesday night. Contents: Thanks him for a gift and wishes him great literary and artistic success, "exceeding . . . Jean Ingelow's." Looks forward to his Normandy.
2 p. Contents: Encloses a proof and describes some changes to be made with regard to Time Flies, Sing Song and Seek and Find. Clarifies a point about her mother in "the prose article." She's glad the S.P.C.K. "proved propitious." With envelope with date discrepancy.
3 p. Contents: Refers to Time Flies and the "fine collection" [Mrs. Tebb's antique glass collection] dominating the entries of July 13 and 14, of which she "retain[s] a faithful memory." Mentions her friend's daughter and how beautiful it is to be nineteen. With envelope.
3 p. Contents: Says she is at the old address because her aunt cannot be moved and she herself has been "invalided" since last summer. Thanks her for the favorable review of her last book and asks which volume she would like for her charity bazaar. With envelope.
3 p. Contents: Encloses a few autographs and says that if any are of particular interest she can attempt further explanation, but admits her knowledge of them is limited.
4 p. Tuesday. Contents: Describes a "one volume edition of [her] verse," soon to be released. Talks about a recent trip to Clifton and a Dora Greenwell autograph she would like to give Miss Jones' cousin.
4 p. Tuesday morning. Contents: Thanks her for books lent. Gives the name and address of a former neighbor whom she thinks might "fit into [her] attractive niche." Mentions pleasure at having seen Mr. Christie.
Acknowledges that it is her lot in life "to dissent from people [she] like[s]." Claims that if she were a man, and therefore "a born teacher & preacher," she could work for him in a position of "protest & of fellowship," but feels he would need more than her to influence those he refers to as "publicans & sinners."
1 p. Contents: "Happy you should avail yourself of the 7 sonnets you name."
1 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Expresses pleasure that "Twilight Calm" and "Sparrows" could be of use to him.
2 p. Contents: Sends thanks for the volume "in which [her] brother's name is so sympathetically memorialized." Discusses his tombstone being prepared and her mother's plans for a stained-glass window overlooking his grave.
2 p. Contents: Asks him not to include the "November" song from the "Pageant" is his volume, as she thinks "extracts far less advisable than whole compositions." But does not object to his use of the stanza from "Windfalls," since it is not a favorite. Asks that he first obtain consent from Messrs. Roberts Brothers of Boston.
1 p. Contents: Thanks him for making an opening for her article, but says she doesn't think she can take advantage of it at present.
3 p. Tuesday morning. Contents: Invites him to call on her, as she is "so much at home," although less of an invalid than when she saw Mrs. Dodge. Says she would like to be included in the "attractively beautiful" pages of St. Nicholas, but fears she will not find a piece that is suitable.
1 p. Saturday. Contents: Sends a postal order and "[h]earty congratulations on . . . [his] permanently improved prospects."
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Saturday. Contents: Sends "L'Arpa Evangelica" for his acceptance and sends back his extract, pointing out that a certain poem is her father's and not Dante's. Talks about the history of this poem, called "Minaccioso l'Arcangel di guerra," claiming she knows nothing of Sr. Zambelli setting its words to music.
1 p. Contents: Asks the person not to respond, as it is "most imprudent policy to bore . . . those of whom one asks favours!"
1 p. Contents: Refers to an Italian prince, whom she claims has done well, and hopes "will never repent of having foregone a kingdom."
2 p. Contents: Sympathy note regarding the death of Mrs. William Rossetti.
1 p. Contents: Says he is glad if his words gave her any comfort, and thanks her for telling him so.
Thanks her for her letter; is glad her health is better and would like to see her soon.
4 p. Contents: [Almost unreadable] Mentions Dante. Forwards a copy of Poems and Verses.
Envelope only.
9 p. Contents: Says he hasn't forgotten her and the Christina Rossetti letters, but has been very busy. Says his Life of Christina Rossetti still sells slowly. Asks if he can keep all the letters, reminds her of some past favor he's done for her, and mentions her and his own health. With "Returned Postal Packet" fragment.
7 p. Contents: Says he will have a copy of his Life of Christina Rossetti sent to her as well as any future edition containing the letters she has supplied to him. Thanks her for letting him keep all of the letters and asks her to let him know if anything else comes to mind. Asks some specific questions in a post script about some references made in Christina's letters.
4 p. Contents: Thanks her for her letter. Mentions that he found the source of a quote about Christina which Mrs. Gemmer referred to in 1898. Remarks that he is pleased that she appreciates his biography and has promised him any other Christina Rossetti letters that she might come across later.
7 p. Contents: Thanks her for ten more letters of Christina's and says they will be very useful in in a later edition of his biography. Agrees to her request to leave something out of it. Returns five letters, about which he outlines several specific questions.
2 p. Contents: Thanks her for the information she has given him and asks what is the first line of "the Athenceum Similies." With little note to himself.
2 p. Contents: Refers to Miss Lisa Wilson, whom he says he has known for a long time and is a "genuine friend." He is glad that Mrs. Gemmer liked her and says there must be some delay in sending her book.
2 p. Contents: Pleased by Ingram's reference to The Same Bog in the Woods and his kind hope "to respond suitably somewhere." Says he would be grateful for anything to help the book.
2 p. Contents: Thanks him for the 14 pages of manuscript and letters. Agrees to his wishes with regard to W. M. Rossetti.
3 p. Contents: Thanks him for the opportunity to read his correspondence with Christina Rossetti, which he is returning. Says if space permits, he will make some quotations, but not without the proper permission from William Michael Rossetti, who has agreed to read the manuscript before publication. Hopes to send him a proof, but cannot promise anything.
3 p. Contents: Thanks him for valuable information and answering his enquiries. Would like to see Christina's poems if possible and convenient for William and would like to call on him after his return.
4 p. Contents: Sends her a note of Mrs. Gemmer's and asks that she "give [him] as long an account as feasible of her." Mentions enjoying a recent talk with Mr. W. M. Rossetti "about his literary projects."
2 p., signature cut out. Contents: Has received her letter and mentions Scott. Remarks, "of course you had better stay and keep the little boy with you. Asks her to tell him if she wants money.
4 p., on blue paper. Contents: Says he is "very welcome to all Miss Rossetti's letters" and will send others if she finds any. Gives her opinion on Christina's writing and requests a copy of his book. Mentions "Mrs. Patmore & Bertha." With envelope.
1 p., on blue paper. Contents: Thanks him for his book. Closes with, "O happy Christina! Why am I kept so long? What purpose can I serve?"
4 p., on blue paper. Contents: Says she cannot remember about the letters, but knows that she never saw his book before, which she now thanks him for sending. Answers his questions about references in Christina's letters regarding cabbage roses and Master and servant. Returns his letters, and says she is too weak to write any more. With envelope.
1 p., on postcard. Contents: Says she has already sent him everything of interest, but has kept back "2 or 3 & a piece of one, & 2 cards in which [Christina] say[s] writing has become painful to her, poor dear!"
1 p., on postcard. Contents: Says she discovered a passage, which she had completely forgotten, that shows he is right. Says she is alone and mentions her grandchildren and her son's old job.
4 p., on blue paper. Sunday. Contents: Remarks she can barely write, but answers some specific questions about the Christina's letters, inluding an anecdote about her "ruined" Babyland, which resulted in her and Christina being "estranged for a time." Mentions her opinions on some of Christina's works.
2 p., on blue paper. Contents: Says she thought she had found a new friend in Miss Lisa Wilson, but has not heard from her, and comments that she does not know "what is to become of me." She may stay where she is or move closer to her grandchildren. With envelope.
1 p., on outside of half an envelope only. Contents: Explains Master & Servant and "Cabbage Rose" references in Christina's letters, apologizing for writing on the envelope.
Envelope only.
2 p. Monday. Contents: "I find I shall have to go out his evening, so will not expect you to dinner."
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Says he thought he knew where the black skirt was, but cannot find it. Claims it must be with his family in Albany St., and he will get it and send it as soon as possible.
Tipped in: The Germ, AP4 .G415 1850, c.3
3 p. Thursday. Contents: Thanks her for the [wood] block she has made for Macmillan's, which is fine except for the "plugging." He insists she charge them for her work. Adds in a postscript that he will ask her also to prepare a plug with the words "Second Edition" on it, to be inserted above the vignette.
4 p. Contents: Sends him a copy of Christina's new book of nursery rhymes and asks him to notice it in the Athenaeum. Mentions a picture he has just finished and a new poem he has written. In a postscript he adds that Arthur Hughes's illustrations in Christina's book are "beyond all praise." Inlaid on a paper along with envelope and description.
2 p., on personalized stationery. Contents: "I had engaged [Louder] & wife some days before getting your note. They are here now & very satisfactory hitherto." Thanks him for his letter and hopes to see him soon.
1 p. Contents: Thanks him for his check towards the price of a picture. Says he does not think the plate monogram suits the note paper and will "send another sketch immediately for [this new] purpose."
2 p. Contents: Written in Italian to the couple who sponsored his entry into England and its society. Includes a poem titled "Goda Penelope."
5 p. Contents: A song titled "Exaltation of Malta: A Birthday Song," written in Italian by Gabriele Rossetti in honor of Admiral and Lady Moore's first-born son.
3 p. Tuesday evening. Contents: Says goodbye in case she cannot come to "the dear Home tomorrow." Sends the autograph of George Cruikshank for Miss Jones or her cousin. Gives her future address.
3 p., signature cut out. Friday afternoon. Contents: Says she will be by in the morning if Lucy would like her to look over her answers before copying them.
3 p., on blue personalized stationery. Contents: Writes about a photograph "from the portrait of Swinburne," which he trusts Mr. Colles has now received. Is pleased he received a copy of his brother's poems.
5 p. Contents: Responding to a letter from Dooley, comments that his reading plan is "about the best." Reveals very personal sentiments regarding his religious convictions, stating that he is "not an adherent to the Christian or to any religion," and discussing his thoughts on the immortality of the soul. Mentions Swedenborg's views. Refers to the publishers of his brother's poems and then continues with an interesting appraisal of Tennyson and Buchanan. With envelope.
2 p., on personalized stationery. Contents: Encloses a copy of "the little print" of his sister's poems. Says "please to accept it in friendliness notwithstanding its uninviting exterior."
Tipped in: The Germ, AP4 .G415 1850, c.3
3 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Writes regarding Wheeler's inclusion of a "juvenile poem" by Dante Gabriel in his book. Says that only giving the "external particulars" rather than reprinting the verses themselves is allowable. But makes it clear that to publish the poem would require his permission, as the owner of his brother's copyrights, and that he would respect his brother's wishes to never publish something that was merely "boyish stuff."
2 p., on black-bordered paper. Contents: Refers to an order of several photographs, including one of Dante and one of Christina. Says he is sure Christina will sign the photograph taken from her portrait, and having been an invalid most of her life, genuinely sympathizes with suffering.
2 p. Contents: Says she has two letters of the late Christina Rossetti, which she would be happy to sell. Mentions that one contains a "funny little poem about a picnic" with her old friend Mrs. [Belescoli], who was a relative of Miss Sutherland.
3 p. Contents: Thanks her for the lovely "artistic" card. Mentions another biography of Christina written by a Mrs. Shove, who she believes is also a poet and writes "most sympathetically, and from the religious point of view, which neither Miss Sanders nor Miss Stuart have done." Mentions she would be very pleased if Josephine could bring Janie for a visit, but fears it is too far.
2 p. Contents: Expresses sympathy for her loss of "poor Arthur," but says "it is a relief poor little dear to think he is now out of all his pain for ever." Signature cut out.
Envelope only.
"Good Friday." Tipped into: "The Germ," AP4 .G41 1950, c.3
"In the bleak mid-winter...,"
Contents: Sends seasons greetings and the framed proof of "a beautiful Blake plate entirely unknown to the public & Blakean scholars also." Says the book is progressing as fast as possible, with over a dozen people engaged in the printing process. But says it is so costly, that they desperately need more subscribers. He is including over 30 extra plates and 3 or 4 new letters of Blake to make "this 100th memorial a veritable treasure."
Encloses five sonnets, holograph, signed.
Contents: Letters enclose poems, printed and holograph. With two clippings of Sinclair's obituary, 1917 Dec.
Clipping regarding dissolution of partnership between Thomas Bell and William Boyle Barbour; clipping regarding dissolution of partnership between Thomas Bell, Robert Robinson, and George Mackenzie Bell.