Collection Contents

44 signed handwritten letters and 1 incomplete handwritten letter to Harrison concerning her efforts to have a volume of her poetry published in the latter part of 1851. Letters after the publication in 1851 of her Poems discuss possible strategies for advertising the volume and the possible publication of some of her translations of the poetry of Johann Ludwig Uhland. In the course of the letters Eliza Fall decides on her nom de plume Mary Maynard and she insists that her real identity be kept a secret, especially from her father, who was apparently incapable of appreciating poetry. John Ruskin and his work are frequently the subject of the letters. See Ruskin's Praeterita for his opinion of Eliza Fall.