Modern literature and drama
The History Centre collections include a wealth of material
relating to modern literature and drama.
The collections relating to the poet Philip Larkin, who served as University
Librarian from 1955 until his death in 1985, are well known.
However, there are many other valuable collections and individual
items, ranging in date from Andrew Marvell in the 17th century to Alan
Plater and Archie Markham in the 21st century.
The main focus of the literary manuscripts held is
post Second World War English poetry, but there is also good
coverage of other literary and dramatic work, including plays,
works for television and radio, novels, literary criticism,
biography, autobiography and journalism. There are also
complementary archives for a number of poetry editors, publishers
and magazines, theatres and local literary organisations. The rare
and special book collections are more eclectic and relate not only
to literature, but also to the study of history, science, politics,
philosophy, education and theology.
- Literary manuscripts
- Archives of local literary organisations and publishers
including poetry magazines
- Letters, diaries and autobiographical writings
- Rare and special book collections?