Henry James Manuscript Collection MS-0411
Special Collections & University Archives
5500 Campanile Dr. MC 8050
San Diego, CA 92182-8050
askscua@sdsu.edu
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & University Archives
Title: Henry James Manuscript Collection
Creator:
James, Henry
Identifier/Call Number: MS-0411
Physical Description:
0.42 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1867-1912
Language of Material:
English
.
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of fourteen outgoing letters from Henry James; one book review manuscript; one letter from William
James; one letter from Henry James, Sr., and two letters presumed to be from Henry James, son of William James.
Arrangement Note
The items are arranged alphabetically by correspondent's last name, then chronologically. Items relating to Henry James are
first, then other family members.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with
the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections
is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. Requests for permission to publish must be
submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission
is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission
of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available
for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including
but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.
Source of Acquisition
John and Jane Adams
Related Materials
Henry James Book Collection: http://libpac.sdsu.edu/search/X?(%22henry%20james%20collection%22)&b=cdsc%20&s=&m=&l=&Da=&Db=&p=&SORT=DX
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, folder title, box number, Henry James Manuscript Collection, Special Collections and University Archives,
San Diego State University Library.
Biographical Note
Henry James was an American novelist, essayist, and critic.
Accruals
9999-146
Subjects and Indexing Terms
James, Henry, 1843-1916--Correspondence
Personal Papers
James, William, 1842-1910--Correspondence
box 1, item 1
Colles [William Morris]. ALS, 4 pages Item 1
June 19th, 1899.
Scope and Contents
James writes from Rome and agrees to write a short story, setting forth several conditions.
box 1, item 2
Holland, Dr. [Josiah]. ALS, 4 pages Item 2
May 3rd
Scope and Contents
James informs Holland that he has posted to Holland a recently finished story, which he thinks "is quite as good as anything
I have done." He promises the 4th and 5th installments within the month. He asks Holland for prompt payment. He adds a plea
to the printers on the subject of typographical errors: "It is a great affliction to me in a thing of this importance that
I don't see a proof. I write an abominable hand & my Ms. is rich in erasures, so that misprints are very easy; but I beg on
my bended knees & with tears in my eyes that they be as nearly as possible avoided."
[3, Bolton Street, Piccadilly. W.]
box 1, item 3
Lang, Nora. ALs, 3 pages Item 3
August 20th, 1912
Scope and Contents
Written to Mrs. Lang apparently upon the death of her husband, James writes about Mr. Lang's "extraordinary gifts" and "his
so individual literary + scholarly figure." He ends by expressing his desire to come to London soon and by wishing her "all
possible peace."
[Lamb House, Rye, Sussex]
box 1, item 4
Lindsay, Lady [Caroline Blanche Elizabeth]. ALS, 4 pages Item 4
Friday, n. d.
Scope and Contents
James presents Lady Lindsay with two tickets to an unnamed play, and apologizes for not being able to grant her attention
during "the misery + bewilderment of rehearsal."
[34 De Vere Gardens. W.]
box 1, item 5
Lindsay, Lady [Caroline Blanche Elizabeth]. ALS, 3 pages Item 5
July 6th
Scope and Contents
James thanks Lady Lindsay for her "sketch" recently sent to him, and declares that "it can't fail to excite further sympathy
with the capital cause...". He informs her that he is sending the magazine to America, and tells her he is feeling better,
"ut this inhuman summer puts a premium upon neuralgia."
[3, Bolton Street, Piccadilly. W.]
box 1, item 6
Lindsay, Lady [Caroline Blanche Elizabeth]. ALS, 2 pages. Item 6
January 28th
Scope and Contents
In a brief note, James apologizes for not coming to see her, as he "had to go to Hampstead to see a dying friend--poor Cotter
Morton."
[34 De Vere Gardens W.]
box 1, item 7
Lindsay, Lady [Caroline Blanche Elizabeth]. ALS, 8 pages Item 7
August 23rd
Scope and Contents
From Dover, James writes Lady Lindsay to excuse him for not being in touch as his sister has been very ill and he was occupied
with her lately. He says he will be abroad for a few weeks, and hopes to see her after his return. He hopes that "your wearisome
ordeal is drawing to a close and that you are on the point of being restored to your friends."
box 1, item 8
Lindsay, Lady [Caroline Blanche Elizabeth]. ALS, 10 pages Item 8
October 18th
Scope and Contents
James thanks Lindsay for the book of her poetry that she recently sent to him [About Robins], and praises her efforts. She
has apparently injured her ankle: "But surely rabbit-holes and ankles and sofas are minor matters, are indeed conscientious
traps, when you turn your misfortunes to such account as in the delightful picture & poetry book." He praises her drawings,
"reproduced by such an effective process, are full of observation + vividness." He promises to see her upon his return from
Paris in six weeks.
[34 De Vere Gardens]
box 1, item 9
Lindsay, Lady [Caroline Blanche Elizabeth]. ALS, 4 pages Item 9
November 4th, 1894
Scope and Contents
James thanks Lady Lindsay for her gift of the "charming volume" of her poetry, and praises her talents. He bemoans his own
lack of talent writing verse.
[34 De Vere Gardens. W.]
box 1, item 10
Lindsay, Lady [Caroline Blanche Elizabeth]. ALS, 4 pages. Item 10
July 31st, 1898
Scope and Contents
James writes from Rye and thanks Lady Lindsay for her note earlier in the month, and begs forgiveness for not having been
in touch. He is anxious for news of her and asks for further contact.
[Lamb House, Rye]
box 1, item 11
Lindsay, Lady [Caroline Blanche Elizabeth]. ALS, 4 pages Item 11
April 2nd, 1900
Scope and Contents
James asks forgiveness for not having been in touch, excusing himself by listing his many activities. He asks Lindsay to "do
please send me as many of the beautiful little printlings as five shillings will purchase," and praises her poetry. He announces
that he has just received word and is shocked to hear from Edith Peruzzi "the notification of poor dear gallant old Simone's
death." He comments that he is worried about Edith and hopes she can come to England from Italy.
[Lamb House, Rye]
box 1, item 12
Terry, Ellen. ALS [fragment], 2 pages (5-6) Item 12
unknown
Scope and Contents
James wishes Miss Terry all "peace and plenty, the highest possible good fortune" in her efforts, and assures her that Mr.
Irving hopes the same. He notes the effort that must be involved in "mounting or presenting" a play, and admires her work
at the Lyseum.
[34 De Vere Gardens.W.]
box 1, item 13
Terry, Ellen. ALS, 3 pages Item 13
May 25th, 1895
Scope and Contents
James tells Miss Terry not to trouble to "send back my Scenario," as he has a duplicate for working purposes.
[34 De Vere Gardens.W.]
box 1, item 14
Terry, Dame Ellen. ALS, 2 pages Item 14
September 7th, 1899
Scope and Contents
James thanks Miss Terry for the "wondrous green pouches - the beautiful fan-pockets, or pocket-fans." He hopes that she is
well but fears "reality or rehearsal are again upon you."
[Lamb House, Rye, Sussex]
box 1, item 15
"Life and Letters of Madame Swetchine," manuscript book review Item 15
1867?
box 1, item 16
Offprint, "The Science of Criticism," with added manuscript title page bearing title in author's hand and autograph Item 16
box 1, item 17
William James to Mr. Hale, ALS, 3 pages Item 17
December 23rd, 1907
Scope and Contents
William James discusses his desire to sell his part of an estate, and his opinion of Elizabethtown versus East Hill or Chocorna.
box 1, item 18
Phelps, Mrs. ALs, 3 pages Item 18
Friday, n.d.
Scope and Contents
By Henry James, son of William? Apologizes for double-booking engagements--his niece accepted an invitation in his absence.
[28 Wilton Place, Belgrave Square]
box 1, item 19
[unknown correspondent]. ALs, 2 pages Item 19
May 26, 188?
Scope and Contents
By Henry James, son of William? Is enclosing small subscription to the Leeman Memorial Fund, and asks to be told if any further
funds are ever needed.
[28, Wilton Place, Belgrave Square]
box 1, item 20
[unknown correspondent]. ALS, 4 pages Item 20
January 10th, [1872]
Scope and Contents
By Henry James, Sr? He writes from Cambridge. He is apparently replying to an inquiry on his thoughts on spiritualism, and
declares he has never been particularly interested in the subject and has "felt personally indifferent to the alleged manifestations."
He does not believe in the authenticity of the communications. He refers the correspondent to his forthcoming article on spiritualism
in The Atlantic Monthly, which will tell more than he can in a letter.
