William Worthen Appleton papers, 1773-1853
Collection context
- Creator:
- Appleton, William W., 1915-2014
- Extent:
- 0.5 linear feet 1 box (44 letters)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
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The 44 letters related to British theater in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, dating from 1773 to 1853. The collection is divided into five series: I. Letters to William Kenneth (8); II. Letters to or about Richard Brinsley Sheridan (3); III. Letters to James Winston (5); IV. Theatrical letters arranged alphabetically by sender (26); and V. Non-theatrica l letters (2). The two letters in the 5th series are a letter from a solicitor to Lady Emma Hamilton dated 1806 and a letter from Irish poet Thomas Moore dated 1832. Most of the theatrical letters deal with the engagement of players and theater personnel.
- Biographical / historical:
-
William Worthen Appleton, born December 31 1915 in New York received his Masters 1939 and Ph. D. 1949 from Columbia University after graduating with a BA from Harvard University in 1938. He taught at Columbia from 1941 until 1977 having been appointed Professor Emeritus in 1976. His area of interest was early English Theater as evidenced by the several books he wrote and edited including (1960). and In 1969, Professor Appleton donated this collection of 44 letters to the Rare Book and Manuscript Library to augment the performing arts holdings of the Brander Matthews Collection. The letters relate for the most part to early 19th century British theater and in the words of Professor Appleton provide 'a sort of cross-section of rather typical professional theatrical correspondence of that era.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
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This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
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Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); William Worthen Appleton papers ; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu