the inventory of the hugh walpole collection...
TRANSCRIPT
The Inventory
of the
Hugh Walpole
Collection
#1211
Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center
Walpole, Sir Hugh
1884 - 1941 //110 B
Purchase November 1981
Series of 30 letters (29 letters and 1 postcard). All ALS except for four,
when Walpole couldn't use his right hand because of arthritis. The letters
are all written to Mrs. Jessie (Hart) Wainwright (1874-1950) in Scranton,
Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wainwright was the wife of Dr. Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright,
an authority on cancer from which he died in 1934. 26 letters were mailed
to Scranton, 3 to Albuquerque, New Mexico and 1 to Laguna Beach, California.
They are written mostly from England: many from his country home Brackenburn, some from
Manesty Park, Keswick,AWeymouth and London. A few were mailed from Minneapolis,
New York, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios in Culver City, California and two
from Edinburgh. The twelve year correspondence starts on March 7, 1927 and
continues until October 19, 1939. With one exception, the original envelopes
are included, although the stamps have been removed. Included is a postcard
depicting Walpole's study in Keswick. Most of the letters are two, three and
four pages in length and have literary, social and archival interest. Among
the subjects discussed ar~ Walpole's own works, particularly his writing of
the Herries series, politics during the turbulent 1930 1 s and the effects of
the Great Depression.
Walpole alternates between addressing his friend as Mrs. Wainwright and Jessie.
Letters 1-7 are to Mrs. Wainwright, no. 8-11 to Jessie, no. 12 to Mrs. Wainwright,
13-20 to Jessie, 21 to Mrs. Wainwright and the remaining no, 22-30 to Jessie,
Walpole, Sir Hugh page 2
Box 1 1. ALS, March 7, 1927, 2015 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, Minn., Folder 1
2 p. on a folded leaf.
Accepts her invitation to stay with her. His agent is
working him hard.
2. ALS, March 27, 1927, 70 Riverside Drive, New York, 2 p. on
one leaf.
Remembers her fondly, wishes to see her soon "in peace and
quiet," Leaving for Carolina.
3. ALS, April 16, 1927, 117 East Seventy-First Street, New York.
3 p. on a folded leaf.
America is beginning to become part of him.
4. ALS, April 30, 1928, 90 Picadilly, W. ~ondo;J. 2 p. on a
single leaf.
Glad she liked Jeremy and Wintersmoon. The latter is his
"biggest success so far."
5. ALS, Jan. 9, 1929, Brackenburn, Manesty Park, Keswick. 2 p. on
one leaf, no envelope.
Thanks her for a cake. Announces his intention to visit
the U.S, in January of the next year,
6. ALS, March 2, 1929, 90 Picadilly, W. l5:ondo-;;J. 2 p. on one leaf.
Wonders if she got his letter about the cake. Glad she en
enjoyed his short stories. His next book will be Hans Frost
"that I want you really to like. The hero of it is my own
special pet."
7. ALS, December 16, 1929, Keswick. 2 p. on a single leaf.
Looks forward to seeing her again. Limiting himself to twen-
Walpole, Sir Hugh page 3
Box 1 Folder 1
ty speeches as he has not been well." Forbidden by con
tract to speak except under Keedick's Uecture manage~
permission. 11
8. ALS, Jan, 21, 1930, 1125 Fifth Avenue, New York. 4 p. on one leaf.
Spent a weekend at the Wainwrights, felt at home, looking
forward to their visit in England. Asked for a photograph
of little Mayhew.
9. ALS, March 6, 1930, 1125 Fifth Avenue, New York. 2 p. on 2 leaves.
Sailing on Saturday. Had a happy time in America. Hopes
to "help the Anglo-American thing." Praises little Mayhew
and young Evans who is "a noble, spirited boy,"
10, ALS, April 1, 1930, Keswick. 2 p. on one leaf.
Thanks her for two lovely books. Has "inscribed an Ameri
can 'Rogue Herries' to be sent" to her. "The Anglo Ameri
can Anthology looks lovely."
11. ALS, May 29, 1930, Keswick. 4 p, on 2 leaves,
Herries is a great success, He is at work on a sequel,
"It has a heroine instead of a hero," The Drinkwaters
came to lunch, Mention of "the nice Evans boy" : "I
should like to help him to be a powerful Anglo American.•••
More useful I suspect than all my novels."
12. ALS, Dec, 11, 1930, 90 Picadilly, W. flondo~. 4 p. on 2 leaves.
Has been lecturing all over England and Scotland. Finished
the second Herries volume, just starting the third. Enjoying
life. Doesn't think the "general American depression
can last long in such a rich and wonderful country as
America."
Walpole, Sir Hugh
Box 1 Folder 2
page 4
13. ALS, April 6, 1931, Keswick. 4 p. on 2 folded leaves.
"I hear on all sides that things in America are looking
up again. •. In Europe it seems to me anything may
happen, ..• the world is slowly beginning to understand
its modern problems. I really do believe that war will
seem in a hundred years to have been an imbecile madness!"
He is hard at work on 1"Herries No. 3 1 and have just
reached 1837. I enjoy these books more than any I've
ever written but - they are a job!"
14. ALS, Sept. 20, 1931, Keswick, 4 p. on 2 leaves.
·Judith· 11is by far the biggest success I've had both in
reviews and sales - which is lucky as there are two more
to come!"
15. ALS (postcard), Dec, 20, 1931. Postmarked Keswick. No saluta-
tion.
Photograph on postcard depicts HW's library at Brackenburn
where the Herries books were written. Glad she liked
Judith, Wishes her a Happy New Year,
16. ALS, Aug. 1, 1932 on The Royal Hotel)Weymouth letterhead "as
from 90 Piccadilly," London. 4 p. on 2 folded leaves.
He has not been well: suffering from diabetes, taking
insulin. The Fortress "comes out this month," Happy
about the success of Judith !'because sequels are danger
ous things , , , , writing books is like horse racing and
one must just take it all as it comes."
"As to the state of the world 1 1m no good at politics but
I think that circumstances are forcing people to act to
gether and I am sure that we are moving into a new world
Walpole, Sir Hugh
Box 1
Folder 2
page 5
where we shall be compelled to consider one another."
17. ALS, Nov. 12, 1932. 90 Picadilly, W.1. {!;ondon]. 4 p. on 2
folded leaves.
The Fortress "is doing wonderfully here and now has
beaten all my previous sales. In America not so badly
either considering the times • II Just finished his
fourth Herries, rehearsing his first play, "a dramatiza
tion of 'The Cathedral' which comes on at the end of this
month. I'm still a prentice at play writing."
"If my very dear friend Clemence Dane f":riter] comes any
where near Scranton do try and hear her, she is one of
the finest women going!"
18. ALS, April 19, 1933, Keswick. 4 p. on 2 leaves.
Homesick for America. Vanessa "finally finished I have
left the Herries for a year or two!" Glad she liked
The Apple Trees. According to HW "It was what James used
to call - 'a Nothing - 'Dear Lady, a Nothing - Postively
is the most negative of all absolute negations - a Nothing'!"
"'All Soul's Night' has been praised without exception by
the critics which pleases me because I have been asked by
them incessantly; 'Why write such long novels?'"
Thanks Mrs. W for the Mary Austin ~oo0 which has just
arrived.
19. ALS, August 8, 1933, On The Arden Hotel, Stratford - on-Avon,
Warwickshire letterhead as from 90 Picadilly W.l. 2 p. on
a single leaf.
"We are all watching Roosevelt with feverish interest.
Walpole, Sir Hugh
Box 1
Folder 2
page 6
Talk of David and Goliath! But I do feel that every
thing is on the move again and that the stagnation of
last year is over."
On Clemence Dane: "She is one of the warmest hearted
most unselfish of human beings."
Vanessa is coming out in a week or two;" probably the
Herries will break out again one day."
20. ALS, Nov. 12, 1933, 90 Picadilly, W.1. {i,ondo;;}. 2 p. on 1 leaf.
Vanessa "seems to be a success both here and in America."
Glad she will see Clemence Dane who is "a fine noble
creature."
21. ALS, Dec. 17, 1933, Keswick. 2 p. on 1 leaf.
Thanks her for some poems she sent him. Wishes she could
see the winter scene.
22. ALS, Aug. 4, 1934, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Culver City,
California, 2 p, on one folded leaf.
Sympathy letter on the death of her husband, Dr. Wainwright.
Knows "physical death is no ending of contact."
23. TLS, 15 Jan. 1935, 90, Picadilly, W,l. E;ondo;J. 1 p. on
folded leaf.
Thanks her for a book: anthology of poetry. Suffering
greatly from arthritis in his right hand.
24, TLS, Aug. 17, 1935. MGM Studios, Culver City, California.
1 p, on folded leaf,
Started on a new picture yesterday, Looking forward to
seeing her book,
25, TLS, Sept, 27, 1935, MGM Studios, 1 p, on single leaf.
Walpole, Sir Hugh
Box 1 Folder 2
page 7
Under contract until February "but they have a right
to keep me for two more months if I am in the middle
of a picture."
26. TLS, Dec. 23, 1935. MGM Studios. 1 p. on single folded leaf,
Hand still not completely well. "I've enjoyed so very
much the New Yorker poems. They are for the most part
poems that only .Americans can write, , witty and
pessimistic and disillusioned. But that moment won't
last, I can see a change coming already."
27, ALS, June 12, 1937, 90, Picadilly, W.l. ~ndo~. 1 p. on
folded leaf.
Thanks her: "It has been a very pleasant episode because
all my friends have been so kind."
28. ALS, Dec, 27, 1937, 188 St. John's Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh,
12. 2 p, on single folded leaf.
So much admired his Gnknown authoJ 1st work. Thanks
her for sending the 2nd, He is well and happy. "I shan't
be over in .America until 1939, 11
29. ALS, May 28, 1939, Keswick. 2 p, on one folded leaf.
"A lot of people, .. have been reading my old books again.
That shows the advantage of living to a ripe old age!"
He is happy in his little house, going to London in a
day or two but ''I 1m getting more and more of a hermit."
Misses "Bro" Evans, "Such a fine good noble boy."
30, ALS, Oct. 19, 1939, Keswick, 4 p, on 2 folded leaves.
Finishing "at last a long Elizabethan 'Herries' 'and then
I go to London for war work. 11 Comments on the war and his
belief that there are two Americas, one friendly and one
hostile and jealous.
Box 1
Folder 1
Letter
WALPOLE, SIR HUGH 1884-1941
Purchase from Paul Richards June 1986
Walpole, Hugh ALS to Alice and Henry Laffin (Prof. at d'Youville College) Buffalo, NY, Feb.·23, 1930 (?) from Dearborn, Mich. on letterhead. of Dearborn Country Club. 4 p. on folded leaf. With envelope postmarked Cambridge, England.
Says he has had a safe trip by air and wants to thank them for their kindness. Hopes they will visit him in his own library soon.
1
WALPOIB, Hugh
March 15, 1995 ADDENDUM Purchase: (From: Lakin and Marley Rare B<x>ks of Mill Valley, California) •
Original manuscript of a novel published as THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. A RCMANTIC S'IDRY.
The manuscript is contained in twelve. (12) holograph notelX>oks of colored linen
covers (red, blue, green) and laid paper on which the author has written and revised
in blue and red ink. The notebooks are treated as volumes and are housed in two (2)
full Morocco cases of cobalt blue with gold embossing measuring 9½" high, 8" deep,
and 3¼" wide. The interiors of the cases are fully lined with French marbleized
endpapers. The overall arrangement of the volumes is as follows: Case 1: MS. I-VI,
Case 2: MS. VII-XII. In Volume I there are holograph notations in light pencil
which are presumably by a dealer. The first of these notations appears on the verso
of page one of Volume I and indicates that the dedication is in Volume III. The
second appears on the back inside cover of Volume I and provides information on the
title, date and pagination of the manuscript. In Volume I, page one the author has
bracketed an inscription which states that the lX>ok was tegun at the hane of Joseph
Conrad on October 11, 1920 which was, ten (10) days after the publication of THE
CAPTIVES and five (5) days after the author had lunch with Melchior. The book is
in fact dedicated to David Lauritz Melchior and that dedication is inscrited on the
second page of Volume III. The author completed the manuscript on May 12, 1921 and
had written it at various locations in England, Scotland, and Denmark. He gave the
locations and dates for each of the twelve (12) volumes., The original main title of
HENRY AND MILLICENT appears in Volume Io~ the fir~t page opposite the author's
bookplate which is affixed to the inside of the front cover. The final main title
of THE YOUNG ENCHANTED first appears in Volume II on the opening page. A sub-title,
which was ultimately discarded tefore actual publication, recurs throughout the
manuscript in various revised versions. All of the revisions of the sub-title are
shown in:the formal pagination of the manuscript which follows:
-2-
THE YOUNG ENCHANTED: A Romantic Story, London, Macmillan, 1921
Case - 1.
Volume I: HENRY AND MII.J..ICENT .• Their Adventures and Misadventures; Their Friends and Their Enemies; and the Times They lived _in.
Book: .I. 'lWO DAYS.
pp. l - 93
Volume II: THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. Their Adventures and Misadventures; Their Friends and Their Enemies; and the Times They lived in.
Book: I. '1W) DAYS.
pp. 94 - 184.
*Volume III: THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. Their Adventures and Misadventures; Their Friends and Their Enemies; and the Times They lived in.
Volume IV:
Volume V:
Book: .. I. '1W) DAYS.
pp. 185 -· 235/pp. 336 - 375. *(lacuna of 99 pages or 99 page numbers).
Dedication: "TO DAVID IAURITZ MELCHIOR. IN LOVE AND .Ar:MIRATICN .• THIS Ra-'IANCE IS DEDICA'IED."
24 York Terrace November 17, 1920
THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. A Ra-1ANCE. Telling of their adventures and misadventures, their surprises and their disappointments, their friends and their enemies during the strange year, Nineteen~ty.
Book: II. HIGH SUMMER.
pp. 376 - 465.
24 York Terrace December 8, 1920
•'
THE YOUNG ENCHANTED,.. A RCMANTIC STORY10 0Telling of Their Adventures and Their Misadventure~, Their Surprises and Their Disappointments, Their Friends and Their Enemies, and the Times They lived in,
Book: II. HIGH SUMMER.
pp. 466 - 557.
1 Eglinton Crescent December 22, 1920
Vollllne VI :
-3-
THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. A. ROMANTIC STORY. Telling of Their1 Adventures,
Their Misadventures, Their Surprises and Their Disappointments, Their Friends and Their Enemies, and ... the Times They lived in.
Book:. II. HIGH SUMMER.
pp. 558 - 646.
1 Eglinton Terrace Edinburgh December 31, 1920
Vollllne VII: THE YOUNG EN'CHANTED. A ROMANTIC STORY. Telling of Their Adventures and Misadventures, Their Surprises and Their Disappoint-
Case - 2. rrents, Their Friends and Their Enemies, and the Times They lived in.
Book: IL HIGH SUMMER.
pp. 647 - 736.
24 York Terrace Regents Park January 12, 1921
Volume VIII: THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. A ROMANTIC STORY. Telling of Their Adventures and Misadventures, Their Failures and Successes, Their Friends and Their Enemies, and the Times They lived in.
Book: III. FIRST BRUSH WITH THE ENEMY.
pp. 737 - 829.
Copenhagen January 29, 1921
Vollllne IX: THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. A ROMANTIC STORY. Telling of Their Adventures and Misadventures, Their Failures and Successes, Their Friends and Their Enemies and the Times They Lived in.
Book: XII. FIRST BRUSH WITH THE ENEMY.
pp. 830 - 921.
Copenhagen February 8, 1921
Volume X: THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. A ROMANTIC STORY. Telling of Their Adventures and Misadventures, Their .. Failures and Successes, Their Friends and Their Enemies and the Times They Lived in.
Book: III. FIRST BRUSH WITH THE ENEMY.
pp. 922 - 1014.
24 York Terrace February 27, 1921
Voltnne XI:
Voll:nne XII:
-4-
THE YOUNG ENCHANTED. A ROMANTIC S'IDRY. Telling of Their Adventures and Misadventures, Their Failures and Successes, Their Friends and Their ;Enemies and the Times They Lived in.
Book: III. FIRST BRUSH WITH THE ENEMY.
PP.- 1015 - 1118.
The Cobbles Polfuro? ••• possibly Polpero April 21, 1921
THE YOUNG ENCHANTEDi- A ROMANTIC S'IDRY. · Telling of Their Adventures and Misadventures, Their Failures and Successes, Their Friends and Their Enemies, and the Times They Lived in.
Book: IV. KN:tGHT ERRANT.
PP. · 1119 - 1201 (recto only). pp. 1202 - 1222 (recto with verso inverted from:
pp. 1243 - 1223).
Mullion? May 4, 1921
-A-N.B. · The dealer's notations in Volune I indicate that there are 1243 pages to this manuscript. In actuality there are 1144, SEE: Voll.:nne III. The author appears to have made a mistake in nurnl:ering page 236 as nurnl:er 336 thus causing the numerical discrepancy in the pagination. -
**N.B. In addition to the manuscript volumes, the purchase from Lakin and Marley Rare Books included a·cloth, limited edition (1 of 250) printed in October of 1921. The publisher was Macmillan and Canpany, Limited of St. Martin's Street, London. The edition was actually printed by R. & R. Clark, Ltd. of Edinburgh. The work is printed on cotton rag with a HOLBEIN watermark and all the signatures are uncut. This edition is signed and the author's signature appears on the verso of the half title page under the printing history. The dedication reads: "To my friend Lauritz Melchior and, through him, to all my friends in Denmark this book is dedicated."
Book I, Chapters I-V, pp. 3-84.
Book II, Chapters I-VII, pp. 95-201.
Book III, Chapters I-IX, pp. 217-342.
Book IV, Chapters I-X, pp. 359-425.
Box 1
Walpole, Hugh, Sir (1884-1941)
#llOB
Addendum October 1995. Purchase from David J. Holmes, Philadelphia
MANUSCRIPT
THE CATHEDRAL. London, Macmillan, 1922. New York, George H. Doran, 1922.
Holograph signed in two bound volumes of red buckram inserted in 2 green quarter morocco slipcases with gold stamping. Ca. 1320 p.
With revisions consisting chiefly of numerous brief passages omitted from the published version. With eight trial title pages, an abandoned opening page, marginal notes thoughout, and the authoe s own note concerning the inception of the novel: "This novel was begun on March 19, 1919, in Joseph Conrad's house ... on the table on which he wrote "Victory" and "A Smile of Fortune". The book was mostly written at Ryder Street, Wilton Park, and Polpero and is dated at the end, March 1, 1922. This novel reflects Walpole's youth in Durham and was his own favorite among his works. It is also his best known novel. From the collection of Arthur A. Houghton, with his bookplates.
LETTERS ( #3)
ALS January 25, 1910. Glebe Place Chelsea to Cazenove, his literary agent. 3 p. on folded leaf About his literary contracts.
ALS June 8, 1930. Brackenburn, Keswick to the writer Robert Nichols (1893-1944) 2p. on 1 leaf About America. With holograph envelope.
CONTRACT
With Metro-Goldwyn Mayer and HW for his story "Vanessa". Printed form signed by HW with carbon typescript insertions.
October 9, 1934. (#3)
Box 1 LETTERS (#4)
Walpole, Hugh 1884-1941
Purchase from Bertram Rota Addenda: January 1996
ALS, April 26, 1928, 9o, Picadilly, W.I. [London]. 2 p. On 1 leaf Tells unknown recipient what he considers as his best works.
ALS, Sept. 1, 1931, 90, Picadilly, W.I.[London], to Mr. Evans. 2p. On 1 leaf Thanks Mr. Evans for his hospitality on HW's visit to Sheffield.
PHOTOGRAPH (#4)
HW in his garden at Brackenburn, 4" X 6"
Box 1 (F.5)
WALPOLE, HUGH 1884-1941
#ll0B Purchase from David J. Holmes Autographs
Addenda: July 1997
I. CORRESPONDENCE 15 ALS from HW to F.J. Ratcliffe at MacMillan, mostly to do with the publication of Walpole's books, illustrating what a fine self-publicist he was. The letters date from 1929 to 193 5 and were mainly written from London and from his country home, Brackenburn, in Keswick. There is also an ALS from Frederick MacMillan to F.J. Ratcliffe congratulating him on his successful interview with Walpole.
ALS from Frederick MacMillan to F.J. Ratcliffe, Sept. 5, 1929. 2p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, Sept. 22, 1929, Brackenburn, Manesty Park [Keswick]. 2p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, Oct. 31, 1929, 90, Picadilly, W. l [London]. lp. on l leaf.
ALS, March 21, 1930, 90, Picadilly, W.1 [London]. 4p. on 2 leaves.
ALS, Aug. 9, 1930, 90, Picadilly, W.1 [London]. lp. on 1 leaf.
ALS, Aug. 28, 1931, 90, Picadilly, W.1 [London]. 2p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, Sept. 4, 1931, 90, Picadilly, W.1 [London]. 2 p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, Sept. 6, 1931, Brackenburn, Manesty Park [Keswick], 2 p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, Sept. 23, 1931, Brackenburn, Manesty Park [Keswick], lp. on l leaf.
ALS, Jan. 4, 1933, 188 St. John's Rd., Corstorphine [Edinburgh]. 4p. on 2 leaves.
ALS, Aug. 17, 1933, 90, Picadilly, W.1 [London]. 2p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, Aug. 28, 1933, Billingham Manor [Isle of Wight]. 1 p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, June 13, 1933, Brackenburn, Manesty Park [Keswick], 6p. on 3 leaves.
ALS, Sept. 22, 1933, Brackenburn, Manesty Park [Keswick]. 2p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, Oct. 30, 1933, Brackenburn, Manesty Park [Keswick], 2p. on 1 leaf.
ALS, July 5, 1935, Brackenburn, ManestyPark [Keswick], 2p. on 1 leaf.
Box 1 F.6 I.
WALPOLE, HUGH 1884-1941
#llOB Purchase from David J. Holmes Autographs
Addenda: Jan. 1998
CORRESPONDENCE
ALS, May 30, 1910, 20 Glebe Place, Chelsea, to his literary agent, Casenove, dismissing him
ALS, Oct. 31, 1925 [?] and TLS, March 5, 1928, 90 Piccadilly, London, W.1., to a Mr. Wilson, arranging a meeting and giving suggestions for the serial publication of his stories.
II. MANUSCRIPTS A. An autograph quotation, signed, Ip., New York, Oct. 28,
1919 from Walpole's work THE SECRET CITY
III. PRINTED MATTER A. ''The Story of a Dream as it was Told to the Friends of Mr.
Walpole at the Club of Odd Volumes." First edition of a scarce leaflet, bound in a half-Moroccan slipcase
Box 1 F.7 I.
WALPOLE, HUGH 1884-1941
#ll0B Purchase from David J. Holmes Autographs
Addenda: Feb. 1998
CORRESPONDENCE
ALS, 16 Nov. 1925, Brackenbum, Manesty Park, Keswick, to "dear old Frank," saying that a "mysterious missive" had arrived, then a beautifully bound copy of THE OLD LADIES, and then "complete silence. What do you want me to do? I would do anything in the world for you. But what? ... Shall I sign THE OLD LADIES and return it to you?"
Box 1 Folder 8
I.
Walpole, Hugh 10/13/99 Addenda
Professional Con-espondence. A. Handwritten signed letter to George Sutcliffe from HW regarding how
much Sutcliffe had like HW's book, JEREMY AT CRALE. February 5, 1928.
B. Handwritten letter to Eric from HW regarding royalty payments. April 4, 1928.
C. Handwritten letter to Roland Young from "Hugh" regarding a meeting to see the "Jubilee Procession." April 25, 1935.