John Masefield collection

The John Masefield collection houses the correspondence and other personal papers of the poet John Masefield, who was best known for his poetry about the sea. The collection ranges from 1894 to 1944.

The collection is divided into four series: “Series I: Correspondence,” “Series II: Writing,” “Series III: Photographs and prints,” and “Series IV: Other Material.”

“Series I: Correspondence” is divided into correspondence “From John Masefield” and correspondence “From Third Parties.” The collection contains a number of letters by John Masefield, most regarding his work, from 1906 to 1944. “Series II: Writing” is divided into two subseries, “Writings by John Masefield” and ‘Writings by others.” “Writings by others” includes a small group of material about the December 1920 edition of The Chapbook (published by The Poetry Bookshop) which contained a musical composition by Malcolm Davidson based on Masefield's poem, "A Christmas Carol." This material includes the handwritten score and letters to and from The Poetry Bookshop about the publication. “Series III: Photographs and prints” contains two prints and three photographs of Masefield, all from the 1920s, four of them signed by him. There are also two landscape photographs, with a note by Masefield. “Series IV: Other Material” contains the earliest item in the collection, a nautical certificate dated 1894, which was presented to Masefield from the ship “Conway.”

Masefield was best known for his poetry about the sea. Although small, this collection provides a useful, well-rounded look at his personal and professional life. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in Masefield’s poetry and correspondence.