Scope and Contents: This volume contains 33 items related to the Aurora Borealis, a literary annual published by members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in 1832. George Atley Brumell, one of the annual's founding editors, dedicated this bound group of manuscripts to his granddaughter, Mary Beatrice Cooper, on May 7, 1875.
The first three items, consisting of a printed notice and call for submissions, an article reprinted from the Sunderland Herald, and personal recollections by George Atley Brumell, provide a concise history of the Aurora Borealis. Fourteen manuscript submissions and two engravings, including poetic and prose works that did not appear in the published volume, follow. Thirteen letters, addressed primarily to Joseph Watson and Charles Bragg, relate to various aspects of the publication process; the correspondents include prospective authors, engravers, and publishers. One additional letter to George Atley Brumell is apparently unrelated to the Aurora Borealis.
See Administrative/Biographical History for more information.