Collections Database Manuscript & Object Collect... Extensive archival and manu... H.G. Wells Papers Finding AidTitle: H.G. Wells Papers, 1845-1946
ID: 01/01/MSS00071
Primary Creator: Wells, H. G. (Herbert George) (1866-1946)
Other Creators: Wells, Catherine (1872-1927)
Extent: 207.0 Linear Feet
Date Acquired: 00/00/1954
Subjects: Wells, H. G. (Herbert George), 1866-1946
Languages: English
Papers of Herbert G. Wells, English novelist and essayist. Includes correspondence about business and legal affairs; letters to the press; engagement books; drawings; publication records; manuscripts and proofs of published works; speeches; unpublished material; and photographs.
The letters contain general family correspondence, communications, from publishers, material regarding the Fabian Society, and letters from politicians and public figures, most notably George Bernard Shaw and Joseph Conrad. A catalog of correspondence, arranged alphabetically by correspondent, is published in Volume 11 of the Catalog of the Rare Book Room, University Library, University of Illinois (G. K. Hall & Co., Boston, 1972, 547 pp.) and in a supplementary 1978 edition.
About forty full-length books, as well as many shorter pieces, are represented by typescripts or manuscripts, often in many drafts, which show the evolution of each work. Among these is an unpublished draft of The Wealth of Mr. Waddy (characterized by biographer David Smith as a “false start,” later becoming Kipps, The Story of a Simple Soul (1905)) and early version of Wells' copies of his printed works. These include first editions, revisions, translations. Among the remaining items is the diary of Wells' mother, begun before his birth, Wells' letters and stories written as a youngster, collections of clippings from newspapers and magazines, account books of his contracts and earning, and other business records.
The main collection was acquired in two parts, labeled WELLS-1 and WELLS-2. WELLS-1 consists of over 2,500 letters from Wells and 65,000 to Wells. WELLS-2, a major collection added in 1990, supplements the extensive book collection from Wells' personal library, personal and business correspondence, and criticism. Wells-3 is the Kennard Collection which includes correspondence between H.G. Wells and Annajane Kennard and Amber Reeves. Wells-9 is a collection of supplementary items purchased separately, on an ongoing basis.
Repository: Rare Book & Manuscript Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Access Restrictions: The collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions:
This collection is the physical property of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Intellectual property rights, including copyright, may reside with the materials' creator(s) or their heirs.
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library's reproduction and publication policies are available here. The library welcomes requests for reproductions made from works in our collections, though restrictions may apply to certain materials. Please contact the library with any questions.
Related Materials: The Rare Book & Manuscript Library holds numerous additional items related to H.G. Wells, including manuscripts, books, and artifacts. Please search the library's finding aids or contact the library for more information.
Other Note: Click here to search the H.G. Wells correspondence database.
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