Washington Irving Way Letters, 1894-1924

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Summary

Creators:
Way, W. Irving (Washington Irving), 1853-1931.
Abstract:
This collection contains correspondence and miscellaneous ephemera of American author, agent, and book distributor W. Irving Way (1853-1931), consisting primarily of 146 letters and ephemera from American publisher Thomas Bird Mosher (1852-1923), chiefly about business matters.
Extent:
174 pieces in 3 boxes.
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains letters and ephemera pertaining to the life and work of publisher Thomas Bird Mosher. The vast majority of the letters are from Mosher to his friend W. Irving Way and discuss business matters relating to the distribution of Mosher's books. Some letters in the collection also address Mosher's writing and the shaping of his books, as well as his opinions on current events and personalities. Issues addressed within the correspondence include Thomas Bird Mosher and his writing and 20th century American literature. Correspondents include Milton James Ferguson, Flora M. Lamb, and Mosher.

Persons represented by 2 or more pieces:

  • Ferguson, Milton James (13 items)
  • Lamb, Flora MacDonald (10 pieces)
  • Mosher, Thomas Bird (147 items)

Some notable items include:

  • Mosher, Thomas Bird. 1906, April 26. Mentions San Francisco earthquake and fire.
  • ------. 1910 May J. "...You and I know better than to write books. It is bad enough to try and sell them."
  • ------. 1922 October 16. "I am going home to-night to read the second volume of D.B. Updike's treatise on Printing Types. I have read the first volume and enjoyed it. It is a wonderful book published by the Harvard Press of Cambridge. Old Updike has done himself proud. I have only met him once or twice and I never wanted to meet him again . He is bumptous and rather unpleasant, but his book is a wonderful piece of work."

Biographical / historical:

Washington Irving Way (1853-1931) was an American author, literary agent and book distributor. He was a lifelong friend, business associate and agent for Maine publisher Thomas Bird Mosher (1852-1923), whose books he helped to distribute in California

Acquisition information:
Gift of William W. Clary, November 1948.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically in 3 boxes, with two folders of miscellaneous ephemera at the end of Box 3.

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
Website