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Laurence Housman papers
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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.
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Laurence Housman was one of the most versatile and prominent literary figures of the 20th century. Born in 1865 in Bromsgrove, England, Housman was one of seven children. Both his elder brother, Alfred Edward, and his sister, Clemence, would also go on to literary careers. After moving to London in 1883 to study art, the young Housman began work as an illustrator and designer of books. Though he received important commissions in that field, Housman quickly achieved success as a writer of fiction and verse as well, most notably with his anonymously published novel, An Englishwoman in Love (1900).
Housman served as art critic for the Manchester Guardian from 1895 until 1907. It was also in this period that he began to write for the stage. His first play, Bethlehem, was banned from public performance until 1923. This ban was the first of many censorship conflicts throughout Housman's theatrical career. Housman wrote prolifically, producing many notable works including Prunella; or Love in a Dutch Garden (1906), Victoria Regina (1935), and Little Plays of St. Francis (1922).
Housman focused much of his literary work on the political and social causes of which he was an ardent supporter throughout his life. He was an avid public speaker and worked for many political organizations, including the Men's League for Women's Suffrage, which he founded. Housman's interests included prison reform, Indian independence, and nonviolence. He was accompanied in his activism by his sister, Clemence, with whom he lived until her death in 1955. Housman died in February 1959 in Somerset.
For further information on Housman see:
Cocklin, Katharine. "Housman, Laurence (1895-1959)." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press, 2004. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/34014
Engen, Rodney K. Laurence Housman. Stroud: Catalpa Press, Ltd., 1983.
Housman, Laurence. The Unexpected Years. Indianapolis, New York: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1936.
The Laurence Housman collection is divided into three sections: Correspondence, Manuscripts, and Family Materials. Laurence Housman materials can also be found in the A.E. Housman Collection.
Correspondence is organized into Incoming Correspondence, Outgoing Correspondence, and Third Party. Most of Housman's correspondents are friends, colleagues, and business associates. Of particular note are prominent literary figures including William Butler Yeats, Edith Wharton, and Oscar Wilde. These letters contain discussions of Housman's literary and political endeavors. The majority of Outgoing Correspondence consists of letters to affiliates of the Society of Authors and the League of British Dramatists, two major literary agencies. There is also a folder within this section with materials on censorship including a list of alterations required by the censors and a written script of corrections for the Lyric Theater productions. All third party correspondence is in reference to the work of Housman. Extensive correspondence between Housman and his brother, A. E. Housman, can be found in the A. E. Housman Papers.
Manuscripts contains seven boxes of Housman's written work. These include corrected copies and prompter scripts for Victoria Regina and Little Plays of St. Francis, drafts and used scripts of other plays, manuscripts of Housman's Fiction and Poetry, and transcripts of Lectures delivered by Housman on a variety of topics, including censorship, pacifism, the women's movement, religion, and various literary themes. Other Materials includes some autobiographical accounts, manuscripts by other writers (including Clemence and George Housman), notes on his family, photographs of his plays, several dozen drawings and sketches for sets, and a manuscript for Housman's unpublished book on ethics, What I Believe.
Family Materials includes a set of letters from various family members, as well as a large body of material concerning Housman's handling of A.E. Housman's literary estate after his death in 1936.
The majority of the items in this collection are the gift of Seymour Adelman. Other donors are the Bryn Mawr College Bookstore of New York City, Frederick and Louise Maser, and the Friends of the Library. Supplementary material purchased by the Library through the Seymour Adelman Fund.
People
Organization
Subject
- Publisher
- Bryn Mawr College
- Finding Aid Author
- Alice Goff, Claire Liachowitz, Charles Reed, Amanda Young, Melissa Torquato
- Finding Aid Date
- 2007
- Access Restrictions
-
This collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
-
The Laurence Housman papers is the physical property of the Bryn Mawr College Library. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors and their legal heirs and assigns.
Collection Inventory
Thanks Housman for his contribution to "our society" and adds: "How glad I am Victoria Regina should have succeeded as it deserved"
Thanks Housman for his help with her new home
Drafts of letters to Housman. In most cases, the letter actually sent is represented by copies made from items in the Manuscripts Division of the Library of Congress (from Chester, PA unless otherwise noted): 1936 Aug. 12 via "S.S. Ile de France" (& copy of letter sent) 1936 Sept. 8 via "Queen Mary" (& copy of letter sent) 1936 Sept. 25 (& copy of letter sent) 1936 Dec. 9 1936 Dec. 14 1937 Jan. 15, np via "SS Paris" (& copy of letter sent) 1937 Jan. 20 1937 Nov. 10 (& copy of letter sent) 1938 April 18 (& copy of letter sent) 1939 Jan. 11 (may be original, rather than draft) 1946 July 25
Ainley writes Housman that he would be pleased to work with him on his play Pierrot on Toast [Prunella]. In the third letter, however, he writes: "The exigencies of earning a livelihood have rendered me incapable of assisting you with the Pierrot play."
Apologizes for not writing earlier: "I have been in the Black Forest nursing the grandson of the poet Tagore who was consumptive ... While I have been abroad and especially in Geneva quite recently I have been able to do much about India, - indeed more effective work than in England."
Refuses to sign an appeal sent by Housman "I should have no objection to the enfranchisement of women householders ... at local government elections, if I could believe that such a measure would never be extended in the future ... But ... I feel, rightly or wrongly, that this would not be the case."
Critiques Housman's play Pains and Penalties.
Thanks Housman for "a great deal of help & encouragement" and adds "We are longing for more Sabrina."
Congratulates Housman on "the production of a really remarkable & rather wonderful book [The Sheepfold] ... It's the best thing you ... or anyone has done, for a long time." Austin also responds to comments on his own work made by Housman.
Sends Housman newspaper reports of a performance of Bethlehem. "Personally I was never engaged on such an absorbing work."
Discusses her efforts to arrange a meeting between Housman and her friend Mr. Lane. Also writes of a recent trip to the country.
Discusses setting an A.E. Housman poem to music. Also informs L. Housman that "I am writing a short note to your brother to acknowledge his kind permission regarding my setting of the Threnody."
A group of friends, made aboard ship, writes to Housman, who is missing from their reunion. Includes notes of greeting by Margaret Towle, Mary and William Piercy, and Mrs. Boyd.
Comments on King John of Jingalo. "May I congratulate you? It is rare indeed for a book to become topical a quarter century after its conception." Also comments after reading the Royal Runaway: "I am sorry you found it necessary to do so much killing at the end. Did you feel like Shakespeare at the end of Hamlet?"
Apologizing for not remembering correspondence concerning a play.
"I did enjoy playing [Giacomina] so ... In fact E.B. disappeared altogether & your beautiful character was there instead."
"I am in a terrible rush of work & have hardly had time to think about my episode yet, but I must get it done next week somehow."
Sends Housman a copy of his latest book Scenes and Plays. "I hope you [and your sister] will both let the book say to you how much I value what you have done." Also discusses his views on blank verse: "I feel I must base blank-verse wholly intended for speaking upon the speech-rhythms (not speech-phrases) of my own time and usage."
Discusses productions of several Housman plays by the Glastonbury Players, and laments the censorship of Housman's Bethlehem: "It is a cruel thing that your Mary may not speak. What do you do? That's the sort of thing that makes one despair of the Censorship." Also makes reference to his changing political views: "I have modified my views a little during the last year, owing to what seems to me the possible Pauline betrayal of Lenin's work by Stalin."
"Granville Barker has mentioned to me a one act play by you. Would you allow me to read this?" Bourchier writes in the second letter that he has read the play "but just at present I do not see my way to entertaining it."
Thanks Housman for sending a copy of his Aucassin. "I thought you had caught a good deal of the medieval fancifulness and charm in your imitation." Asks if he may send Housman a copy of his own revised translation of Aucassin et Nicolete.
"I shall look about alertly for John of Jingalo, when that reprobate unpucks himself in the Land of the Free! He may be in the way of making a hit over here." Also writes, "I am putting together a ... paper on the 'poetry of Christmas,' and mean to use your Bethlehem."
Note accompanying presentation copy to Housman of his book October and Other Poems.
Brown, a director of Ernest Brown & Phillips, asks Housman to identify 2 drawings of his, which may be shown in a "collection of Victorian drawings and illustrations."
"Your brother [A.E. Housman] ... tells me that you are bringing out a volume of reminiscences ... They ought to make a rich book." Also sends Housman a photograph of himself along with one of his later books. In the second letter, Bynner thanks Housman for commenting on a volume of his poetry.
Recommends that Housman call on R. H. Hobart-Cust while in Florence; agrees to sign a petition circulated by Housman regarding women's suffrage; hopes to see Housman at a 1915 Pacifist Conference; and, in his last card, asks, "Any news of that renegade E.B.L.?"
"I'm so delighted you liked Coriolanus ... I'm sorry Skillan's nose cut you so deeply ... but I had to coarsen his face a bit."
"I have been extraordinarily interested in the personality and work of Father George Tyrrell. I wonder whether your Dialogue called Prix de Rome ... is likely to be published." Chadwick would like to look through the material and give "an opinion about future possibilities."
Apologizes for not sending in his article before the end of the month. Promises to send it "in the course of a few days."
all from Glasgow
See letter from Edith Wharton 2:31, n.d.
"The Prime Minister showed me [your letter] in regard to the arrangements for Armistice Day ... and the point you raised in regard to the carrying of arms by the troops on duty ... The Government have not felt able, for the reasons stated in the [attached] communiqué, to adopt your suggestion."
Cobden-Sanderson regrets that, due to his advanced age, he is unable to do more than lend his name in support of women's suffrage.
Having heard a rumor that Housman would like her to play Prunella, Compton writes "I do hope this is so. She is someone I have wanted to play for such a long time."
Conrad agrees to sign Housman's petition supporting women's suffrage, but he remarks that "the shortest road to success for Women's Suffrage would be in its being made a party question on any ground under heaven except that of justice."
Responds in detail to Housman's review of his book, David. "Your first letter convinced me... that you had not read my book before reviewing it ... Your second letter makes me doubt whether even now you have done more than cast an eye over a few passages."
Folder also contains 3 newspaper clippings on Craig and Isadora Duncan.
Some with cartoon illustrations, drawings of stage settings.
8 undated ALsS; 1 botanical drawing ("properties"); 1 note ("idea"); undated AL fragments, undated ALS fragment.
Hove, Sussex
Discusses his efforts to sell Housman's An Englishwoman's Love-Letters to various French periodicals: "They don't care much about it. They say: ... amour and Anglaise are two words that do not go together."
signature only
Makes arrangements for visits from Housman in 1902 and from Housman and his brother, A.E. Housman, in 1934.
Writes that she is resigning from the International Franchise Club: "To my mind Peace is the only thing worth fighting for." In her second letter Despard tells of a recent campaign for the Women's Peace Crusade and thanks Housman for his "efficient help and reliant comradeship in our Suffrage Battles."
"It is very kind of you to wish to associate me with your undertaking. But I am too much worried with other work at present."
A prisoner thanks Housman for his financial and emotional support. "If I can ever be of assistance to you in any way I would be delighted. But I feel that I can never adequately repay you for that which is of inestimable value - the confidence you seemed to have in me."
Regrets that he cannot go to a performance of Bethlehem, for which Housman had sent him tickets.
Arranging meetings following various performances by Draper.
Drew writes Housman to point out, good-naturedly, the errors of fact and of character in his play The Comforter, which deals with her parents Catherine and W.E. Gladstone. She sends him her book, Catherine Gladstone, with a suggestion that he read "the chapter near the end called 'Characteristics'."
Drinkwater writes that he is "for the immediate moment out of the theatre," but if Housman sends his plays to be read, he "might be of some use a little later on." Also apologizes for inadvertently producing a play with the same title as one of Housman's.
Dulac regrets missing Housman in London and gives address at which he can be reached for the next several months.
Thanks Housman for a libretto sketch, but expresses doubt that "the action could be rapid enough for the operatic stage." However, he would like to "find some subject on which we could work together." Remaining letters explain and apologize for delays in their collaborative efforts.
Discusses printing a fragment of his Kanga Creek in Housman's Venture. Offers to send in a piece on Rousseau if Housman prefers. Mentions that a new edition of Sexual Inversion has been published.
"I am redeeming my promise and sending you 1 coat 1 cassock & 2 pr. breeches. I am afraid they are not very showy as I wear my clothes to the bone."
Sends a photograph of himself in the role of Albert. Also thanks Housman for sending him a book and mentions that he "read in an Austrian newspaper 'V.R.' [Victoria Regina] is coming out in my native town Vienna."
Agrees to read his play Pains and Penalties. After reading it, however, she writes: "I can't see myself as Queen Caroline. I do like so much of her, but I just don't feel that I fill the bill. But ... whenever I have felt like this in the past, the part has always gone to someone who has made a great success in it."
Thanks Housman and his sister Clemence for their congratulations on the passage of a women's suffrage bill by the House of Lords. Recounts "another instance & the best of all, of [John Stuart] Mill's persuasive power as a speaker" in 1870, in which he convinced supporters of "the C.D. Acts" to declare themselves opponents.
TLS, London
Discusses plans to protest censorship of plays and asks for "the facts of the Bethlehem instance" and Housman's signature: "Barrie, Shaw, ... Conrad, Wells & ... Barker ... are going to sign." Galsworthy also agrees to sign a petition being circulated by Housman. His 1913 letter pertains to women's suffrage: "The present Government is headed by an Anti-Suffragist, & contains a considerable proportion of anti-suffragists... You are wasting the time of the movement by employing its energies on a false scent."
Discusses submission of his translation of a Portuguese romance to The Venture. "The title of 'The Merchant Knight' is mine, there is no title in the original."
Granville-Barker critiques Housman's plays The Chinese Lantern, Comments of Juniper, St. Francis Plays, Prunella, and Victoria Regina, and mentions his own works, including his Prefaces to Shakespeare. Members of the theater community are also discussed, in particular Fay Compton, Gordon Craig, Bernard Shaw, Liza Lehmann, J.E. Vedrenne, and Joseph Moorat.
Contains, other than correspondence, postcards, photocopies, critical notes on plays.
Hall discusses the Well of Loneliness obscenity trials and thanks Housman for his support. "Too long has the public faced only half truths, hiding its head in the sands of convention. The time has come for honest speaking." Both Hall and Una Troubridge, in a postscript, urge Housman to contact their literary agent about publishing a work of his anonymously. Hall also mentions plans for a French translation of The Well of Loneliness.
Letters pertain to Victoria Regina, "this finest role I will ever play in my life." Hayes discusses scene changes, the New York run and subsequent road tour, as well as the London and Paris productions.
Thanks Housman for an invitation.
Henderson is delighted that Housman will pay a visit to look at Henderson's poems. He also writes that he intends to dedicate a volume of poetry to Housman, explaining that "the reason why I admire your poems is that you do modify form to meaning and that your form is controlled & moulded by a passion & fire of words." Henderson also reports that he is editing for Everyman's Library and may work on a Shakespeare lexicon and concordance.
Hewlett praises Housman's A Modern Antaeus, which he has just finished reading.
Declines to sign Housman's petition in support of women's suffrage.
Asks Housman for a photograph of himself "to go with one or two articles. One is on your poetry and your brother's ... The other ... is on the Younger English Poets." She also wonders "if the Shropshire Lad [A.E. Housman] would lend me a photograph."
Hobhouse congratulates Housman on his "beautiful set of plays" [Angels and Ministers].
Hyde-Lees discusses the clairvoyance of her son Harold. "Just before his 16th birthday I discovered that my boy had a clairvoyant gift. He held a letter in his hand & described the writer exactly and the place she lived in ... I gave him a letter of yours. I enclose the result."
TLS; Leeds
As editor of The Hibbert Journal, Jacks writes to accept an article of Housman's for publication.
ALS; Harrogate
Before he can give his permission, Jeans asks Housman to specify which passages from Mysterious Universe he wishes to quote.
In the first letter, Jones discusses a letter he is writing to the Censor. In the second letter, he states "I am a mugwump on woman's suffrage - a hateful and distressing position to take up."
Kingston discusses British filmmaking and the theatre, the merits of various actresses and actors, the writing of her memoirs, her health, and the successes of others: "It is a curious fact that every person who has had anything to do with me has soared to success." She discusses Housman's Pains and Penalties, Victoria Regina, The Unexpected Years, Lysistrata, and Bethlehem. Other people discussed are Sydney Carroll, Lucie Mannheim, Fritz Lang, H.G. Wells, G.B. Shaw, and A.E. Housman.
Comments on a story Housman has written.
Apologizes for his review in the Athenaeum of Bethlehem: "I have all conceivable respect for it and you & could not go out of my way to be intentionally offensive ... I should be sorry at the close of life to leave the suspicion that I was in any way churlish or hostile to new developments of genius." Also thanks Housman for sending tickets so that he may see Bethlehem a second time.
"I would of course support the proposal concerning the Armistice demonstrations ...I think you ought to also write to the Secretary of State for War." 1938 letters ask Housman for "some big help for the War Resisters' International."
Informs Housman that a copy of The Rainbow may be obtained from its New York publisher.
Apologizes for having "stupidly forgotten the amount of my debt - kindly let me know that I may at once send you a cheque.
She would like to read his Chinese Lantern and also mentions that her husband tells her "Victoria Regina is a great success in New York and he enjoyed it very much." After reading The Chinese Lantern, however, she writes: "I don't think that I could do justice by playing the part of Mee-Mee."
Refers to Housman's St. Francis plays: "I like your stage sermons ... You have chosen the right vehicle for prophetising to us of today in the myth-play."
"I am very pleased at the opportunity you have kindly offered me of signing the petition."
Thanks him for his letters and wishes she were well enough to once again act in his plays.
Admires his pamphlet entitled The New Humanism.
Admires his pamphlet entitled The New Humanism.
Returns the manuscript of More Poems of A.E. Housman with comments on several of the poems therein.
Sends Christmas and New Year wishes. She also notes: "In case you haven't seen the use that the Shropshire Advertising Committee have made of your brother's Shropshire Lad ... I am passing it on."
Thanks Housman for the pleasure her family has received from reading his stories, and asks to be remembered to his sister.
Thanks Housman for a copy of Prunella. "I shall make less tedious the hours on the ship by reading it."
Asks Housman to illustrate Pelleas & Melisande: "There is no one who is so near the soul of Maeterlinck as yourself;" congratulates H. on An Englishwoman's Love Letters, and discusses life in the theater.
"Many thanks for your letter. I return your Memorial signed. Wishing you many signatures."
Letters discuss contributions to The Venture, of which both Maugham and Housman were editors.
In the first letter, Maurois thanks Housman for Pains and Penalties, writes of his wife's illness, and mentions Victoria Regina. In the second letter, he says he gave a speech on the occasion of the 100th performance of Victoria Regina and would like it very much if Gaby Morlay were to return in the role. Also comments on Housman's recent book of short stories, several of which he claims would shock readers.
Apologizes for confusing, in his book John Lane and the Nineties, Housman's frontispiece to Francis Thompson's Sister Songs with that in Thompson's Poems: "It was a lamentable fate that divorced your beautiful drawing from its context and placed it in such inappropriate surroundings."
Meynell comments on several Housman publications. She is "taken by the life, the heart, and blood and thought" in his selected Poems; she is grateful for his letter in the Westminster Gazette on "the South African shooting case. You have said the only just and honourable words on that deplorable legal crime." One letter asks for "a revise of my small article for the Venture. Wilfrid tells me that I must change a word - one."
Thanks Housman for his kind letter of condolence upon the death of Alice Meynell.
Writes to ask Housman to contribute a fairy tale to a children's annual she is proposing: "What I am trying to do is make a children's annual definitely revolutionary socialist, but not correct communist with short stories, pictures, articles and so on."
Details legal agreements for disbursement of royalties from her late father's music for Prunella, Bethlehem, and The Chinese Lantern.
Letter refers to their financial agreement over Prunella.
Asks for details of Housman's duties as art critic of the Manchester Guardian, for which post Moore has been proposed as his replacement. Also comments on Housman's play Bethlehem; "I was greatly impressed by the performance and quite converted to Craig's new staging."
ALS; London.
Thanks Housman for tickets to see his play, and adds: "I need not assure you of my sympathy in your battle with the Censor."
Comments, and congratulates Housman, on his books Golden Sovereign, Wicked Uncles, and on the opening night of an unidentified play. Also thanks Housman for being one "of the generous contributors to the presentation made me on June 30th [1933]."
ACS; London
Oliver writes regarding Cyril Clemens's solicitation of material for a biography of A.E. Housman: "I should be unwilling to contribute to the Clemens scheme unless it has your sanction & cordial approval." In the second letter, Oliver agrees to ignore Clemens's appeal and includes some anecdotes regarding A.E. Housman.
Thanks Housman for giving a copy of his play Prunella to Page's daughter, who is named after the title character.
"The reasons why my name has not appeared in the list of great authors in favour of woman's suffrage are probably that I am not a great author and that I am not in favour of woman's suffrage."
Thanks Housman for his positive comments on Nude Souls.
3 ALsS; London, 1937 Nov. 19; Birmingham, 1938 Mar. 16; Birmingham, 1938 Mar. 24 3 TLsS; London, 1938 Mar. 3; 1947 Jan. 20; 1947 Aug. 1 3 TLS; London, 1939 Jan. 9; 1938 Oct. 24; 1938 Nov. 29 Housman's Book Shop Ltd Booksellers to the Peace Pledge Union: TLS; London, 1947 June 18
Discusses the recent International Labour Party split, "an unhappy affair ... A government that professes socialism & has to buttress up an individualist society is almost a contradiction in terms."
Regrets he could not sign the dramatists' protest of the censorship of Housman's Bethlehem because he "didn't like its wording."
Apologizes for the troubles caused by his brother.
Pollard engages in lively debate with Housman on such topics as the state and "the will to power" versus "the will to live," recent world events, and conscientious objection. Pollard also advises Housman to "go on writing, but don't publish for a year or two," and critiques his works, including the St. Francis Plays, The Sheepfold, and Nazareth.
Responds to Housman's 4-page questionnaire (included) on court etiquette. She also adds: "If Marie Löhr plays ... Q.V. again do tell her to look at the actual cap & bonnet & hat ... she was wrongly dressed last time."
Likes his play but doesn't think she could "put it on for quite a long time."
Discusses illustrations for Housman's article to appear in The Universal Review and the fee Housman is to receive.
Discusses the failings of the French when it comes to writing fairy tales, and also thanks Housman for offering him verses to illustrate.
Discusses and critiques a script of Housman's: "The script is vastly interesting - full of points of real importance, alike in their criticism of conventional orthodoxy & in their hints of a restatement of religion."
Writes to praise A Modern Antaeus, by which he has been deeply affected.
Acknowledges receipt of a check for work done.
Rothenstein discusses details of subletting his rented home to Housman; responds to Housman's criticism of "lack of feeling" in his work and, in the last letter, asks Housman's permission to include a quote from a letter from A.E. Housman in his own memoirs.
Answers a question posed by Housman as to how to find out which members of Parliament favor women's suffrage. Also discusses printing a pamphlet of Housman's in the International War Resisters' Tribunal. Third letter praises Housman's Mr. Trimblerigg.
Discuses drawings he has done for the Cape edition of Angels & Ministers.
Sends her effusive praise of Housman's play Victoria Regina.
Sabatier expansively describes his admiration for Housman's Little Plays of St. Francis. He states that the plays are the closest to the real spirit of Francis, compared to all the works produced during his 700th anniversary. Letters arrange for meetings in Assisi as well as for Housman's introduction to Sabatier's friends in Italy.
"We shall never forget your reading of your plays. They hang like pictures in my mind."
Writing from Craiglockhart War Hospital, Sassoon thanks Housman for supporting his anti-war statements. "I am under W.H.R. Rivers ... He says there's nothing wrong with me, & quite sees my point of view."
Signs Housman's petition in support of women's suffrage.
"I have received your ms safely & look forward to reading it."
Asks Housman's help in finding him work in the theater.
"Open the door Posy! has won great favor in our eyes ... It is a charming story."
Addressed "Dear Odrik" and signed "Becket" or "Becky," these letters discuss women's suffrage, her upcoming marriage to Henry Wood Nevinson, and Housman's success with his play Victoria Regina.
Thanks Housman for the opportunity to illustrate The Golden Sovereign, and arranges a meeting. Also discusses the progress of his background research and the final published results.
Congratulates Housman on the publication of Little Plays of St. Francis.
Declines her permission to let Housman dramatize her "little adventure at Balmoral ... The R. Family were very kind to me and, I shouldn't like the incident to be used in any way." Also writes to say that she would like to set a poem of his to music.
Thanks Housman for "what you say about the children's singing ... I noticed the difference myself." Somervell expresses his disgust with the way a play of Housman's has been treated by the press: "I am writing to a good friend of mine (one of the Times Editors), asking him to come or send some really responsible man."
"I'm awfully sorry to hear of the monetary worries. Cheer up there's a good time coming. I'd love to have that plot yes, do let's have it."
Stanley discusses her role in Victoria Regina, comments on Housman's Little Plays of St. Francis, and thanks him for sending her The Chinese Lantern to read.
Stewart informs Housman that Edith Wharton has written "expressing concern over a projected biography [of A.E. Housman] by Cecil [recte Cyril] Clemens. She doubts his capacity & wonders whether he has the authorization of the family." One of several such letters about Clemens; see Erich Walter and Edith Wharton as well.
Accepts Housman's congratulations on his election to the Royal Academy and also praises Housman's articles in the Manchester Guardian on a recent exhibition at the Royal Academy.
Strachey advises Housman to poll members of the House of Lords to determine where they stand on the issue of women's suffrage. He also suggests Housman revise his petition because "the clause for signature which you circulated previously was a little too emphatic to secure your object."
The strain of his recent lecture tour prevents Tagore from visiting Housman in Somerset. He hopes to meet Housman at the home of an acquaintance.
Terry writes that he is "too busy trying to manage my Theatre to give the time I should to the question of Women's Suffrage, and I therefore regret it is impossible for me to give you permission to use my name."
Discusses the character of Lady Macbeth: "I feel, with you, that there is little room for doubt about Lady MacBeth's death being suicidal." She also mentions that "the new Prunella end sounds good to me."
Trevelyan discusses Housman's recent books, including Trimblerigg, King John of Jingalo, The Royal Runaway, and Dethronements. He urges Housman to write a book on the Russian Revolution: "I think you have a remarkable political grasp ... Why is this power of reading public events and tendencies only used for the laughter of a leisure hour?" Trevelyan also discusses events in his political career, and the future of the Labour Party.
Asks Housman to send his St. Francis plays. "I shall read every word with great interest and expect to be charmed." Trollope disagrees with Housman's views on the actions of the Catholic Church during World War I: "I understand your not agreeing with Her that in some cases a defensive war is both just and necessary ... but I think the charge you bring against her ... is unfounded."
Invites Housman to join him for lunch with Randolph Churchill.
signature only
Thanks Housman for his letter and describes his recent film work: "I have been acting 'in an advisory capacity' with the filming of Three Fevers and I feel I have been rolling in a dung pit - no, dung is clean stuff compared with the mind of the movie man."
Sends an obituary of A.E. Housman and mentions admiring a set of drawings for Laurence's play Victoria Regina. She also mentions some design work she is doing and asks "Can't you find a job for me now you are doing so much?"
"I should like to protest to you that Mr. Cyril Clemens is not the man to write A.E. Housman's biography. Mr. Clemens may be an organizer and a promoter; he is not a literary critic." Letter includes a transcription of an essay in the New Yorker by E.B. White mocking Cyril Clemens. One of several such letters about Clemens; see H.F. Stewart and Edith Wharton as well.
2 TLsS; Middlesex
Describes her interaction with Cyril Clemens, a would-be biographer of A.E. Housman: "Our (one-sided_ correspondence was enough to show me that he was hardly the person for the projeced task, + I was horrified to see, in his letter to the Times, that he hinted at the approval of the family. But then, in his letter to me, he described your brother ("the last time I was with him at Cambridge" as surrounded by my works, + treating his visitor to an eloquent discourse on my genius!! All this was so nauseating that I felt I must intervene..." Wharton concludes: "May I venture ... to tell you of the lasting delight you have given me ... in writing the scene of Mr. Martin Tupper's visit to Buckingham Palace? It is a masterpiece." One of several such letters about Clemens; see H.F. Stewart and Erich Walter as well.
Folder contains photocopy only of ALS of 1898 Dec. 14 and two typed transcripts of the letter.
Wilde thanks Housman for sending his book All-fellows: "Your prose is full of cadence and colour, and has a rhythmic music of words ... I have lately been reading your brother's lovely lyrical poems, so you see you have both of you given me that rare thing happiness." He also writes of working on a poem "terribly realistic ... and drawn from actual experience," and describes the scenery and people of Napoule.
2 ALsS; Dieppe; Berneval-sur-Mer (folder also contains typed copies of each)
In the first letter, Yeats states "I am sorry that I have no present intention of publishing an illustrated edition of any of [my poems]." In the second letter he responds to Housman's criticism of a review by Yeats of Housman's Selections from the Writings of William Blake. "Of course you have a perfectly clear right to take Blake as a writer of 'belles Lettres' only you should make this compatible with a respectful attitude towards his mysticism also. Mysticism has been ... and will be one of the great powers of the world and it is bad scholarship to pretend the contrary."
Congratulates Housman on Prunella.
Thanks Housman for his letter, which congratulates her upon the publication of William.
Zangwill admires Housman's work for women's suffrage, congratulates him on publication of The Sheepfold, and expresses a wish to speak with him further concerning Zangwill's Plaster Saints.
22 items
5 items
Discusses fee he will receive for granting permission to produce Prunella.
TLS; Cardiff
Asks permission to translate Little Plays of St. Francis into Esperanto.
Welcomes Housman to Paris with "news of the success of your lovely 'Victoria Regina' ... Thank you for having trusted me with the play's destiny in France."
Unless otherwise noted, all letters by Housman were wriyten in Somerset.
A series of letters, mostly concerned with Seymour Adelman's collection of A.E. Housman materials. Housman, who is cordial throughout, thanks Adelman several times for his delicacy in handling the materials, and on several occasions, offers him the opportunity to purchase A.E. Housman manuscripts and other memorabilia in his possession.
ALS: 9 July 1945
Declines to write either of two possible essays on "Christian Revolutionaries" - Dick Sheppard or Lansbury. Purchased with the Adelman Fund.
On his illustrations for Goblin Market and his further illustrations. Accompanies by a calligraphic copy of the note by the recipient and his note on the correspondence. Gift of Frederick and Louise Maser, May 1995.
Purchased with the Adelman Fund
ALS, Kensington
Carbon of typed page, Somerset 26 Sept 1936; copy of AL, Somerset, 12 Dec 1936
ACS, Dorset.
Gift of Bryn Mawr Bookshop of New York City, Oct. 1995.
ALS, Kensington
ALS; TLS
Purchased with the Adelman Fund
Purchased with the Adelman Fund
ALS
ALS, Kensington
5 ALsS; 27 Oct 1922 New Milton; 27 May 1905 Kensington; 27 Sept 1905 Kensington; 19 Nov. 1905 Kensington; 4 Oct ny Kensington. photocopy ALS (initials); Hants, 15 Oct 1923
Purchased with The Adelman Fund, 1991
some letters addressed to Harold Rubenstein
Gift of the Friends of the Library, 1979.
Folder includes unsigned typescript extract from a lecture on A Shropshire Lad.
17 Apr 1942, 7 July 1942, 10 July 1944 (but Housman notes in the letter that it is written in Coleford in the Forest of Dean), 12 May 1946 (with sheet listing photographs and documents that Martin might buy in support of Save Europe Now fund), 14 May 1946 (2 associated sheets enumerate A.E. Housman Oddments for sale), 31 May 1946 (associated sheet lists A.E. Housman mss sent to Martin with agreed prices), undated (c. June 1946), 8 July 1946, 30 July 1946, 8 Nov 1946, 31 Dec 1946, 30 Jan 1947, 5 Mar 1947, 27 Mar 1947, 24 June 1947, 17 July 1947, 24 Nov 1947, 9 Dec 1947 (includes typed sheet with 3 insertions for Cynthia for omitted lines to which reference is made in letter.)
TLS with a signed carbon copy (The date 12 Jan 1940 is corrected to 12 February in the original and to 19 Feb in the copy).
15 Feb 1948, 20 Mar 1948, 7 June 1948 with associated sheet containing copies of two letters (1925 and 1934) written by A.E. Housman from Cambridge, 24 June 1948, 12 July 1948, 15 Sept 1948 with sheet listing prices offered by Martin for some letters of A.E. Housman, 25 Sept 1948 with sheet of copies of 3 letters of A.E. Housman (1895, 1907 and 1925), 27 Oct 1948, 12 Jan 1949, 5 Feb 1949, 5 Apr 1949, 21 July 1949, 27 Aug 1949, 12 Sept 1949 with separate sheet concerning publisher of Cynthia, 16 Oct 1949, 24 Mar 1950, 26 Apr 1950, with AL copy of his poem Love-bound Time.
Purchased with the Adelman Fund, 1998
ALS
AL fragment
7 ALsS (c.1900): London, 20 June 1905 Kensington, 19 Feb 1908 Kensington, 28 Feb 1908 Kensington, 3 April 1908 Kensington, 18 July 1908 Kensington, 19 Aug 1908 Kensington, 23 Sept 1908 Kensington; ACS 30 Sept 1908 Kensington; AL fragment 24 July (1958?) Kensington
2 AlsS
Purchased with the Adelman Fund, 1992
ALS
2 TLsS
ALS fragment undated np (contains copies of correspondence apparently marked for sections to be omitted in publication); TLS 16 July 1931; AL fragment undated, np (with handwritten copy).
letters addressed to George Thring, S. Lister-Kaye, Kilham Roberts, others
Gift of Bryn Mawr Bookshop New York City, Oct 1995
Purchased with Adelman Fund, 1986
Purchased with Adelman Fund, 1986
Purchased with Adelman Fund, 1986
8 items
concerning broadcast of play and attaching typed My 50 Years Fight with the Censor
Examination of Plays based on scripture
TLS, "Dear Mr Granville Barker", London; AL, "My dear Gerald", Ramsgate
"Dear Sir" copy (presumably from Society of Authors)
ALS, "My dear Friend", London; TL carbon, "Dear Mr. Blackburn", np
to Seymour Adelman, New York
with hand-drawn illustration and list of proposed subjects for caricature
"Dearest Lady Stepney", London
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman MS fragment TS printed version
Carbon TS with correction by Housman
MS with corrections by Housman
2 TS with corrections and emendations (one with stage directions crossed out) MS
TS with corrections by Housman
MS (partly TS), rough draft with corrections.
3 TS corrected by Housman (one Housman's personal copy) MS TS bound in orange paper, "Old Majesty: The Command Performance", signed by Sylvia Lloyd, 1945 Dec.
TS with corrections by Housman Partial MS
MS and partial typed copy
MS draft TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS and copy with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections and additions by Housman TS "Baroness Lehzen's part: A Fall from Power" with insert and corrections
TS with corrections by Housman
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
TS MS
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS Copy with corrections by Housman
TS "General Grey's part: The Popular Voice and Intervention" with staging written in TS
TS Copy with corrections by Housman
Carbon TS with light corrections by Housman
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
2 TS with corrections by Housman TS of earlier version, Second Thoughts
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman MS
TS with corrections by Housman
Carbon TS
TS (partial) with corrections by Housman Carbon TS with printed revisions
TS Copy with corrections by Housman
TS Copy script for Governess (other roles omitted)
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman MS (partial)
TS includes A Heavy Change, The Bell, Order of Precedence, The Popular Voice, Extremes Meet, 'This is the Heir', A Domestic Difference, Life in the Highlands, A Visit to Birmingham, Ruling Powers, The Superlative Relative, The Command Performance, Recollections with explanatory note and corrections by Housman
TS with corrections and emendations by Housman
TS with corrections and emendations by Housman
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS containing three plays: A Fall from Power, The Popular Voice, The Anniversary, with corrections
TS or complete script (for New York performance) with corrections by Housman
TS or complete script (for New York performance) with corrections by Housman
TS
MS
2 MS, "Two Versions in the Rough"
TS
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS and copy with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
Carbon TS "New Version" with corrections by Housman 2 TS "Brief Brother Life" with corrections by Housman MS (partial)
TS and carbon with corrections by Housman
TS (copy?) with corrections by Housman; label on front requests that "all communications respecting this M.S. be addressed to - James B. Pinker & Son"
2 TS with corrections by Housman
2 TS with emendations and stage directions by Housman
2 TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS and carbon with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
MS
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
TS and copy with corrections by Housman
Script made of pages torn from Little Plays of St. Francis with marks by Housman TS "Mendicants Script"
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS and partial copy with corrections by Housman
TS and copy with corrections by Housman
TS and copy with corrections by Housman
MS TS with corrections by Housman TS of Francis' script
TS and carbon with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman MS "Brother Gile's Carol" TS "Footnote to Lovers Meeting"
TS copy with corrections by Housman
MS
TS copy with corrections by Housman AMsS draft with corrections by Housman and unidentified hand.
TS copy with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS copy with corrections by Housman
TS paste-up with extensive annotations, corrections and stage-play directions by Housman
TS paste-up with extensive annotations, corrections and stage-play directions by Housman
TS paste-up with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections and holograph introduction written over title page by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS and copy with corrections by Housman
MS (partial) TS and copy (partial) with corrections by Housman
3 items (together 49 p.) ; varying sizes MS fragment (11 p.) and 2 TS corrected by Housman. Published in Palestine plays, 1942
1 item (29 p.) ; 27 x 20 cm TS. Play, corrected in the author's hand. Published in The Wheel, 1919
1 item (13 p.) ; 25 x 19 cm AMs. Play, corrected by Housman
9 items (together 134 p.) ; varying sizes Typescripts. Play, corrected by Housman; 3 carbon typescripts (2 corrected), as well as 5 typescript parts of performers, some annotated by the actors. Published in 1916
1 item (10 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm TS. Play, corrected in the author's hand
3 items (together 57 p.); 26 x 21 cm Typescripts. Folder contains 1 typescript and 2 carbon typescripts. Play published in Palestine plays, 1942
1 item (35 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Summary Typescript signed. Play, corrected in the author's hand
2 items (160 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Summary Typescripts. Play, heavily corrected in the author's hand with carbon and typescript also corrected by Housman. Published in 1908 by Sidgwick and Jackson
2 items (together 19 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Summary Typescript. Play, corrected by Housman with carbon typescript (fragment). Published in False premises, 1922
2 items (together 44 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, corrected by Housman. Together with carbon typescript. Published in Angels and ministers, 1922
1 item (14 p.) ; 27 x 21 cm Summary Typescript. One-act play, published in Ye fearful saints, 1932
3 items (together 42 p.) ; varying sizes 1 Typescript Play signed corrected by Housman. 2 TS published pamphlet versions with corrections in unidentified hand. Published in Cornered poets, 1929
1 item (23 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Summary Typescript. Play, corrected by Housman. Original bears title The visitant. Published in The wheel, 1919
1 item (47 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand. Published in 1925 by Sidgwick and Jackson
2 items (together 6 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Typescript. With a carbon typescript, both corrected in Housman's hand
1 page MS of emendations
4 items (42 p.) ; 27 x 21 cm Play based on an imaginary encounter between Lenin and Mussolini. Several typescripts, drafts, and notes, including an 8 p. manuscript, all corrected in Housman's hand. Typescripts are incomplete.
2 items (together 12 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript. Play
1 item (113 p.) ; 27 x 21 cm AMs. Play, corrected in Housman's hand. Epilogue is missing. Published in 1950
1 item (15 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript signed. Play, corrected in Housman's hand. Published in False premises, 1922
2 items (together 39 p.) ; varying sizes AMsS. Two drafts of a play found together and labeled "Eighteenth Century French Play" by Housman. One bears the title "The French Play" and the other "Tell-Tale Time."
AMsS, dated 1936 Sept.
5 items (together 32 p.) ; varying sizes AMs. Play, in ms. form, together with 2 typescripts, 1 carbon typescript and published pamphlet. Manuscript and typescript have corrections in Housman's hand. Pamphlet is labeled in Housman's hand.
1 item (57 p.) ; 33 x 18 cm AMsS. Corrected in Housman's hand
1 item (14 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Summary Carbon typescript. Play, heavily corrected in Housman's hand. Published in False premises, 1922
7 items (together 459 p.) ; varying sizes Summary Typescript. The play exists in the form of 3 typescripts and 3 carbon typescripts of varying lengths together with 6 p. of manuscripts. Much of this is corrected in Housman's hand. Published in Palestine plays, 1942
Published pamphlet, copyright 1935 with corrections in an unidentified hand.
6 items (together 57 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand, together with 5 carbon typescript copies of varying page lengths
2 items (together 34 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Summary Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand, together with a carbon typescript, also corrected. Published in Dethronements, 1922
8 items (together 266 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript. Items consist of typescript, typescripts of scenario and epilogue, carbon typescript, most corrected in Housman's hand, together with both typescript and manuscript fragments
1 item (16 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Summary Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand. First published in 1916
1 item (13 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Summary Typescript. Corrected in Housman's hand
5 items (together 42 p.) ; varying sizes Summary Typescript. Corrected in Housman's hand. Together with 2 carbon typescript copies corrected by Housman and typescript and carbon of the "Crowd's" lines. Published in 1916
1 item (19 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Summary Carbon typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (together 44 p.) ; varying sizes Carbon typescript. Being scene II of the play, corrected in Housman's hand, together with a 10 p. typescript fragment. Published in 1911
2 items (together 58 p.) ; varying sizes Summary Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand, together with a carbon typescript, also corrected. Published in Dethronements, 1922
2 items (together 20 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, together with a carbon typescript, both corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (together 72 p.) ; 20 x 13 cm Typescript. Play, accompanied by a carbon typescript, both corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (together 24 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, accompanied by a carbon typescript, both corrected in Housman's hand. Published in Ways and means, 1928
1 item (20 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand. Published in False premises, 1922
Copies of partial TS and reference material
5 items (together 42 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand. Together with 2 carbon typescripts, manuscript and typescript of The prologue. Published in 1916
MS-draft
1 item (92 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, with substantial emendations and deletions in the author's hand. Published in 1911
4 items (194 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand. Accompanied by a carbon typescript, together with a scenario for the play in typescript and carbon form, both corrected, one in Housman's hand, the other possibly in Granville-Barker's
1 item (19 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Carbon typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (107 p.) ; 27 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, together with a carbon typescript, slightly different, both corrected in Housman's hand
3 items (together 62 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Drafts and notes on the play which seem to be in an unfinished state, with corrections in Housman's hand
2 items (together 38 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, together with a carbon typescript, both heavily corrected in Housman's hand. Published in Ways and means, 1928
4 items (together 68 p.) ; varying sizes AMs. Play. Manuscript is titled "The Utility Man". Together with typescript corrected in Housman's hand along with 2 carbon typescripts
12 items (together 257 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Carbon typescript. Collection comprises only Act III which exists in 2 carbon typescripts, both corrected by Housman, a new version of Act III which was never published (in both typescript and 2 carbon forms), an earlier draft of Act III in typescript form, corrected by Housman, a printed version of Prunella used by Housman in readings, a German translation of Prunella in typescript form as well as "Mouth's" script. Published in 1906
2 items (together 28 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. An incomplete typescript and carbon, the former corrected in Housman's hand
3 items (together 28 p.) ; varying sizes AMs. Play, comprises a ms. fragment of 10 p., together with a typescript and carbon, both corrected in Housman's hand. Published in Palestine plays, 1942
1 item (17 p.) ; 27 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, substantially corrected by Housman; 9 p. re-written in his own hand
1 item (16 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand
4 items (together 230 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript. Play. Group includes a carbon typescript, corrected in Housman's hand, together with a small number of fragments and drafts in manuscript, typescript, and carbon form. Published in 1944
2 items (together 18 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play. This and earlier 5-page incomplete typescript have been corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (together 18 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, accompanied by an incomplete carbon typescript, both corrected in Housman's hand. Published in Ye fearful saints, 1932
1 item (9 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, with minor corrections in Housman's hand
2 items (together 40 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, together with a carbon typescript, both corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (together 43 p.); varying sizes Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand, together with another typescript
2 items (together 86 p.); varying sizes Typescripts. Play, Act I and scenario for Act II, both typescripts lightly corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (together 42 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand, together with an uncorrected typescript copy. Published in False premises
2 items (together 32 p.); varying sizes AMs. Play, together with a 12 p. typescript, both corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (together 16 p.); varying sizes Typescript. Play, corrected in Housman's hand, together with fragment AMsS (page 1 and page 15)
1 item (71 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Typescript signed. Corrected in Housman's hand
3 items (together 42 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript signed. Play, together with another typescript and carbon, all corrected in Housman's hand
1 item (20 p.) ; 27 x 21 cm Typescript signed. Play, corrected in Housman's hand
3 items (together 39 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript. With 2 other typescripts, all corrected in Housman's hand. Published in Ye fearful saints
1 item (16 p.) ; varying sizes AMs. Play. Manuscript draft
6 items (together 247 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript signed. Play, corrected in Housman's hand together with 4 other carbon typescript copies, all corrected in Housman's hand. Contains manuscript and typescript fragments. Published in Palace plays
1 item (128 p.) ; 26 x 20 cm Typescript signed. Corrected in Housman's hand
Miscellaneous AMs and TS notes and fragments for various plays, not catalogued above
1 item (221 p.); 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Corrected in Housman's hand. Preface contains 5 pages in Housman's hand
Descript 1 item (9 p.); 25 x 20 cm Summary Carbon typescript. Short story, published as The great adventure in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
1 item (4 p.); 25 x 20 cm AMsS. Short story
3 items (together 39 p.); varying sizes AMS. Short story (11 p.) corrected in Housman's hand
2 items (together 16 p.); 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Together with a carbon copy corrected in Housman's hand. Short story published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
1 item (2 p.); 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Untitled short story
2 items (together 35 p.); varying sizes AMs. With extensive corrections in Housman's hand. Short story published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
Complete AMs, enclosed in green folder, with table of contents
TS, long poem, with corrections by LH. Includes list of omitted lines
2 items (together 18 p.); 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Short story, together with a carbon copy, both with minor corrections in the author's hand. Published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
1 item (8 p.); 23 x 17 cm AMs. Short story, incomplete, with extensive corrections in the author's hand. Published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
1 item (12 p.); 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Short story, heavily corrected in the author's hand. Published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
3 items (together 234 p.); varying sizes Typescript. Short story, heavily corrected in the author's hand, together with another typescript and manuscript fragments (Folder labeled Rupert: A Novel)
TS. Paste up of series of short verses describing the kings of England
1 item (6 p.); 25 x 20 cm AMsS. Short story, corrected in the author's hand. Published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
1 item (6 p.); 25 x 20 cm AMsS. Short story, corrected in the author's hand. Published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
1 item (8 p.); varying sizes AMsS. Short story, drafts and fragments. Published in 1911
1 item (7 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Carbon typescript. Short story, corrected in the author's hand. Published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
1 item (119 p.) ; 23 x 17 cm AMsS. Short story, drafts and fragments, corrected in the author's hand
1 item (12 p.) ; 20 x 16 cm AMs. Short story, with minor corrections in the author's hand. Privately published
1 item (13 p.) ; 20 x 16 p AMs. Short story, with minor corrections in the author's hand
1 item (38 p.) ; 27 x 21 cm Typescript. Short story
3 items (together 66 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Short story, with minor corrections in the author's hand, together with 2 carbon typescripts. Published in 1926
2 items (together 15 p.) ; varying sizes Typescript. Short story, with minor corrections in the author's hand, together with a 5 p. manuscript fragment in Housman's hand. Published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
1 item (7 p.) ; 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Short story, published in Strange ends and discoveries, 1948
4 items (5 p.); varying sizes 3 TLS
1 item (3 p.) 25 x 20 cm Typescript. Short story
TS short story, published in Nash's(?); stamped with date 1935 Sept. 3
1 item (8 p.) ; varying sizes AMsS. Short story, manuscript fragments, some heavily corrected. Unpublished
2 items (19 p.) ; varying sizes 2 Typescripts. Short story, one with minor corrections in the author's hand, the other a published copy, cut from a magazine perhaps
1 item (163 p.); varying sizes Typed printer's copy. Made up of typescripts, carbon typescripts, and previously printed versions, many with corrections in the author's hand. Contains all stories but one. Published in 1948
1 item (34 p.); 23 x 17 cm AMs. Play heavily corrected in the author's hand
ALS with AMsS poem, dated 1946 Apr. 15. Letter addresses the editor of Time and Tide magazine and "on the chance that it may not be too late" encloses poem manuscript
1 item (12 p.); AMs. Short story
1 item (3 p.) AMs. Short story, untitled
3 items (together 17 p.) AMs, TS, TS fragment
1 items (12 p.) AMsS. Short story
1 items (29 p.) AMs. Short story by Clemence and Laurence Housman, in the latter's hand
AMs drafts and fragments of prose work
Untitled, incomplete TS and AMs fragments of poetic works, many with corrections by LH
Unidentified, incomplete TS and AMs fragments of fiction works, many with corrections by LH
Unidentified, incomplete TS and AMs fragments of fiction works, many with corrections by LH
Small TS and AMs fragments of prose, plays and stories
Very small fragments from unidentified works, notes, sketches, etc
2 TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
AMs fragments, notes labeled "Holy Wars" on the topic of conscientious objection
AMs and TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
AMs and 2 TS with corrections by Housman; labeled "Broadcast on January 14, 1928"
TS with corrections by Housman
TS
TS with corrections and additions by Housman
AMs, Carbon TS
5 AMs fragments
2 TS, one with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman, AMsS notes, fragments
TS
TS
ALS, "To the committee for the 'Garden of Remembrance'..." AMs, "Details of Proposed Alternative Design" 2 ALS, "To the editor, The Central Somerset Gazette" TLS, from N. L. Bartlett, Street Garden of Remembrance Committee Typed minutes from the meeting of the Garden Remembrance Committee Newspaper clipping, Central Somerset Gazette, June 30, 1950 ALS From Stephen Clark, June 24 1950
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections by Housman, on the reading of a section from Little Plays of Saint Francis
TS with corrections by Housman, TS copy
TS
AMs (incomplete) and TS (untitled)
TS, "published in an Oxford [---]"
TS
TS
TS
TS with corrections by Housman
AMsS, preface to King John of Jingalo, initialed
TS
"Lest We Forget"
AMs on religion
TS, with corrections, "Wedmore Memorial Lecture" read May 18th, 1949
MS (missing 1st page)
AMs, undated; TS dated July 1922
TS with corrections by Housman
AMs rough draft and partial TS
TS with holograph emendations and additions and AMs notes for lecture
TS with corrections by Housman
AMs rough draft and TS with corrections by Housman
TS with sparse corrections
TS
TS corrected with MS addition
TS with corrections by Housman (?)
TS with corrections, alternate title crossed out: "The Faith that Rebels"
TS, untitled
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections and additions; folder labeled "Seminal TS on Man's Use of Reason"
AMs, page 3 missing
AMs and TS with corrections
TS with corrections by Housman
TS
TS, unfinished lecture, includes section labeled "Forbidden Things: "Our fathers have told us". Law and Custom. Taboo. Masters and Servants."
AMs preface to Housman's Palestine Plays
Partial TS corrected, pg. 1 missing
Many AMs fragments of notes on peace-related lectures
"Peace Notes"
TS with corrections by Housman
AMs rough draft, notes
2 TS, AMsS ("Preface") with initials, rough draft
2 AMs of "Old and New Poetry" and many AMs of notes for various poetry-related lectures, including "Notes on Blake" and many versions of notes on "Wordsworth"
TS Essay with corrections by Housman
AMs (partial)
TS with corrections by Housman and 2 TS sections labeled "Longer version on p. 15 to 19 (inclusive)" and "Longer version on page 9 to 14"
TS with corrections by Housman
TS (incomplete) with corrections by Housman and AMs preface (approx. 100 pages total)
AMs notes and fragments on prison reform
TS with corrections by Housman
AMs concerning religion
TS
TS with corrections by Housman; text for a reading of Victoria Regina plays
AMs, with note on the top by author: "The following was written as the preface to a book on the Religion of Humanism which is shortly to be published; but was turned down as unsuitable"
AMs fragments and notes: "The Living God"; "Church Use of Scripture"; "Stoves of Stumbling", most without title
TS
AMs with heavy corrections
TS with heavy corrections by Housman; critique of Christianity, particularly its link to war
TS with corrections, original title, "Artificial Morality" crossed out
TS with corrections by Housman
TS, untitled, with AMs addition
AMs Fragments
AMsS and fragment
TS, unfinished lecture
TS
TS emendated, 1st and 2nd pages missing
AMs about the beauty of Somerset
TS, incomplete
AMs and heavily corrected TS
TS with corrections by Housman (note labels it as part of "Preparation of Peace")
AMs about Clemence's Sir Aglouale
MS and TS with corrections of complete lecture made of this MS and another talk (according to Seymour Adelman)
TS with corrections by Housman
TS, untitled
TS with corrections by Housman
AMs, TS with corrections by Housman
TS, 33 p.
AMs and TS with corrections by Housman
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman
AMs and TS, which continues with "Rival Gods"
2 TS
TS, with corrections
TS with corrections by Housman
AMs, Dialogue between Dick Sheppard and Housman
TS with corrections and TLS from Stuart Morris at the Peace Pledge Union
2 TS with corrections, from [Partial Christianity]
Carbon TS with corrections by Housman; note says it was published in Reconciliation
TS with corrections by Housman
TS with corrections, noted as part of "Prep. of Peace"
TS, 1940 Jan 1
Groups of AMs note cards for lectures on various topics including literature, art, drama, religion, ethics, and politics.
Box 13 skips Folder 5.
AMs, TS and TLS documents evidently gathered as part of an autobiographical work. Folder includes notes for Housman's autobiography, The Unexpected Years on the "Vicar of Wakefield" incident.
Folder 2 contains TS and AMs copies of an introduction to The Essential Laurence Housman by Reginald Reynolds and revised by Housman; numerous newspaper clippings of Housman's obituaries in New York papers, and a revised copy of a critical essay on Housman by Katherine Bregy. Folder 3 contains "A Brief Catalogue of the Collections of Books, Manuscripts and Drawings, presented to the Street Library by the family of Roger and Sarah Bancroft Clark, 1965", and many bibliographical lists of Housman's published works, including some notes to publishers on details of production.
AMs describing the royalties due for the performance of Housman's plays: "Note on Joseph Moorat's musical settings to 'Prunella', 'The Chinese Lantern' and 'Bethlehem'"; AMs describing royalties owed for the performance of Victoria Regina; TS legal document: "Memorandum of Agreement made this day of ____ 1942, BETWEEN LAURENCE HOUSMAN, c/o James B. Pinker....of the one part and THE OLD VIC COMPANY..."
TS of unpublished book by Housman concerning his family. Includes 3 pages AMs fragments.
TS and AMs sections of what seems to be an autobiographical work by Housman which discusses his adolescence and sexuality, detailing his relationships with men and women throughout his young life. Folder contains copies of the forward to this book.
Unpublished book on ethics. Includes Housman's autograph notes under a number of titles, with fragments.
Newspaper clippings on the Paris production of Victoria Regina including the program from the show at Theatre de la Madeleine.
Two copies of French translations of Little Plays of St. Francis.
Miscellaneous printed material (not by Housman) on current events, politics...includes the program from a dinner in honor of James B. Pinker and a pamphlet sample for an illustrated edition of Daphnis and Chloe with woodcuts by Charles Ricketts and Charles Shannon.
Miscellaneous printed material (not by Housman) but with corrections or annotations in Housman's hand. Most materials are political essays or literary criticism with.
3 AMs notes and essay, "Retirement of Mrs. Henry Siddons from the Stage" by unknown authors.
2 TS of short story by Clemence Housman
2 TS copies of a short story by George Herbert Housman. Document labeled: Works of George Herbert Housman. Poetry and History
TS of a prose spin-off of Little Plays by an unknown author, signed "Dvdsr."
AMsS of a short story by Charles Marriott
TS of adaptation of Housman's The Magic Casement by Gertrude Kingston.
TS of parody, Victoria Invicta: Incorrectly Remembered by Elizabeth Bowen, along with 2 ALS and 1 TLS of letters from Bowen to "Graham".
Printed material on the Peace Pledge Union and other peace associations including details of the structure and mission of these organizations.
AMs short-hand manuscript, author/title unknown.
1 receipt for 2 jars Cashew Cream and 4 Maple Fruitarian Lunches, 1948; 1 newspaper advertisement clipping from the NY Times, June 11, 1976 for Bombay Dry Gin proclaiming "Try this or you'll make Victoria cross."
Miscellaneous sketches and caricatures; some appear to be scenic designs.
Some may be family photographs.
Photos from productions of Housman's plays-- many of Victoria Regina and some hand-labeled by Housman.
Accompanying notes states, "A "composite photograph" made in 1868 by a Manchester man named "McLachlan". He was assisted by Frederic Shields who made watercolor drawings at Windsor of carpets, furniture etc. and posed the royal figures etc. - describing the work as "loathsome slavery". The photograph was the subject of a lawsuit in 1886." Photo signed by [La---] McLachlan.
Ascribed by the folder to Housman, though mostly unsigned. These paintings mostly depict stage scenes or characters, as well as a caricature of Gordon Craig accompanied by AMsS explanation by Housman of the disagreement between Craig and Housman over the production of Bethlehem, for which Craig was producer.
Various pen-and-ink drawings and other media, some labeled. Most appear to be designs for plates or stage scenes/designs.
Printed colored book plates by various artists.
Pen-and-ink drawings and other media, mostly small plates and figure studies.
Copies of illustrations of what seems to be medieval scenes by Housman and various folders used by Housman for notes and manuscripts, some with doodles.
Housman's stepmother writes affectionately and in detail of family news.
In the first letter, Symons wishes her brother a happy birthday and describes a local church bazaar and tennis tournament. In her second letter, she attempts to mediate in a dispute between Housman and their stepmother. Two Empty envelopes (in Laurence's hand?) addressed to "Miss Housman/ Long Meadow Street/ Somerset"
Thanks his brother for his "threefold surprise - a present, an advance copy of your book, & a dedication." Second letter contains a lengthy solution to a geometric question involving artillery fire. In the third letter Robert expands on his earlier musings about peace and religious faith. Includes a signed fair copy of a 14-line poem, "Evening", a sonnet.
Poem addressed to "My dearest Kate" sign "Your doting brother A. Edward H.".
Reassures his sister about financial matters and a loan.
Apologizes for tardy reply. Discusses literature and writing: "We share I think in a sense of word value, - for selecting and arranging words with great pains for exact effects; and also in attraction for tragedy and failure." Purchased with the Adelman Fund, 1995
Letter's to Lucy's step-daughter on financial and family matters.
Requests of her cousin the "annual cheque". Describes daily events and routines of "your Master".
Begs Housman to give him news of the recent death of Lucy Housman, who was an old family friend
Expresses condolences to Clemence on the death of her brother, Robert Housman. "The saddest thing about death always seems to me that so often we cannot be sad. I always liked Robert and have often looked forward to seeing him again and am so much the poorer because that hope is gone."
Kate writes to her sister concerning family matters, issues of business and the payment of a loan.
Condolence letter in regards to A.E. Housman's recent death.
Condolence letter.
Condolence letter
Answers Partridge's questions pertaining to funeral services and burial of A.E. Housman.
Sends his condolences and congratulates Housman on the success of Victoria Regina.
Writing as secretary of the Street Men's Adult School, Summerhayes sends condolences on the death of A.E. Housman.
Letters are primarily concerned with the disposition of A.E. Housman's estate following his death. Housman writes of poems and manuscripts found among A.E.'s effects and also discusses funeral arrangements. He mentions seeing Pamela Stanley in a play and visiting with his publishers in London. In a letter from New York, Housman describes a tour of the Cloisters given by its owner, George G. Barnard. Also included is a copy of an early letter to his sister Kate regarding disposal of their stepmother's estate.
On Ludlow Rectory stationery describing A.E. Housman's funeral services.
As a representative of the Council of Trinity College, Thomson writes to thank Housman for donating his brother A.E.'s books to the college's library.
6 leaves filled with notes apparently concerning A.E. Housman and his poetry. Empty envelope marked in Housman's hand "Letters of A.E. Housman to Housman with reference to poems, etc. 1908-1933"
Addressed to various publishers and secretaries, primarily at the Society of Authors about the management of A. E. Housman's literary estate and particularly concerning publication of his poetry in anthologies and collections. References are made to a misunderstanding of a contract with the Library of Congress
Folder includes letters concerning reproductions of A.E. Housman's works, as well as fragments on him by Housman.