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"On Reading Shakespeare"

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-975-07-089

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of the single volume handwritten manuscript of Logan Pearsall Smith's "On Reading Shakespeare,' originally published in 1933. The manuscript explores Shakespeare's writing, particularly his characterization and command of language. The manuscript is handwritten and includes various edits and annotations made by Smith.

Also included are the notes on the manuscript from Scribners (where the manuscript was purchased by Christopher Morley), and a letter by Morley written at the time of his donation of the manuscript in 1952.

Dates

  • Creation: 1932

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical Note

Logan Pearsall Smith (1865-1946) was born on October 18, 1865, in Millville, New Jersey, the son of Robert Pearsall and Hannah Whitall Smith. He attended Haverford College, Harvard University, and Balliol College in Oxford, England. Smith was an essayist and critic, and published a number of works, including: The Youth of Parnassus, and other stories (1895), Trivia (1902), Afterthoughts (1931), and Last Words (1933). He also wrote biographies and criticisms such as The Life and Letters of Sir Henry Wotton (1907), On Reading Shakespeare (1933), and his autobiography, Unforgotten Years (1938). In his later years he wrote mostly letters, especially to his young students such as Robert Gathorne-Hardy, John Russell, Desmond MacCarthy, R.C. Trevelyn, and Hugh Trevor-Roper. Smith died on March 2, 1946.

Information from: Kent State University, Special Collections and Archives, Logan Pearsall Smith Manuscripts, 18881-1943 Finding Aid.

Extent

0.13 linear ft. (1 volume)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Logan Pearsall Smith's "On Reading Shakespeare,' originally published in 1933, explores Shakespeare's writing, particularly his characterization and command of language. The manuscript is handwritten and includes various edits and annotations made by Smith.

Also included are the notes on the manuscript from Scribners (where the manuscript was purchased by Christopher Morley), and a letter by Morley written at the time of his donation of the manuscript in 1952.

Custodial History

Christopher Morley purchased this manuscript from Scribner's in the fall of 1951, and donated the manuscript, with a letter written by Morley, in May of 1952. The letter Morley sent with the manuscript, and the description provided by Sribner's, is also included in the collection.

Acquisition

"On Reading Shakespeare" was donated to Special Collections, Haverford College in 1952 by Christopher Morley.

Related Materials

  • HC.MC.807 Morley family papers
  • HC.MC.950.164 Hannah Whitall Smith correspondence

Processing Information

Processed by Kara Flynn; completed October, 2015.

Title
"On Reading Shakespeare," 1932
Author
Kara Flynn
Date
October, 2015
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Find It at the Library

Most of the materials in this catalog are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Please see our website for more information about visiting or requesting repoductions from Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections Library

Contact:
370 Lancaster Ave
Haverford PA 19041 USA US