Harris-Oliphant papers, 1867-1940

Collection context

Creator:
Harris, Thomas Lake, 1823-1906, Markham, Edwin, 1852-1940, Schneider, Herbert W (Herbert Wallace), 1892-1984, and Lawton, George, 1900-1957
Extent:
9 linear feet (21 manuscript boxes and 1 custom CMI box)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Letters written by and to Harris and his associate, Laurence Oliphant. In addition to the correspondence, these papers include manuscripts of books, miscellaneous biographical materials, and photographs.

Biographical / historical:

Thomas Lake Harris (May 15, 1823-March 23 1906) - American Christian mystic. Born in Fenny Stratford, England he was brought to the United States as a child. In 1845 he was called to the pulpit of the Fourth Universalist Society in New York City but three years later, deeply impressed by spiritualism, Harris organized the First Independent Christian Society. During that period he dictated long poems for which he said he had received inspiration while in trances. He wove the ideas of Swedenborgianism into his religious teachings. He established The Herald of New Light (1857-1861), a monthly journal.

Under his leadership, the Brotherhood of the New Life established (1861) a community in Wassaic N. Y., later moving it (1863) to nearby Amenia and (1867) to Brocton near Buffalo where it was known as Salem-on-Erie. In that year Laurence Oliphant joined the communal religious settlement. Harris and part of the community moved to Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1875. Oliphant remained behind and in 1881 broke completely with Harris. Ten years later Harris left the Santa Rosa community. His later years were spent in New York. His poetical works include The Epic of the Starry Heaven (1854), A Lyric of the Morning Land (1855) and A Lyric of the Golden Age (1856) His writings include also Hymns of Spiritual Devotion (2 vols. 1861) The Wisdom of the Adepts (1884) Star-Flowers (1887) God's Breath in Man and in Humane Society (1891) and The Song of Theos (1903).

Laurence Oliphant (1829-1888) was a British writer and traveller.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection has no restrictions.

The following boxes are located off-site: Box 21 [cmi]. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least five business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Terms of access:

Reproductions 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); Harris-Oliphant papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
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