Margaret Busby papers, 1978-1989
Collection context
- Creator:
- Busby, Margaret
- Abstract:
- Papers of British publisher, Margaret Busby, related to her publication of books by and about C.L.R. James.
- Extent:
- 2 linear feet (1 record storage carton 1 flat box)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
These papers contain records related to Busby's role as C.L.R. James's publisher. Busby published several books by or about C.L.R. James, and these files include correspondence, photographs, and bibliographies, as well as editorial files related to C.L. R. James: His Life and Work, Cricket, and three volumes of James's selected writings.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Margaret Busby (Nana Akua Ackon I) was born in Ghana and educated in Britain where she earned a degree in English from London University. Shortly after graduating, Busby, along with Clive Allison, co-founded the publishing house Allison & Busby making Busby the first black female publisher in the United Kingdom.
Allison & Busby began as a small publishing house dedicated to producing affordable poetry books, but soon branched out into novels and political writing as well as poetry. Included in their catalog were several books by the Trinidadian scholar, Marxist, social critic, and cricket enthusiast C.L.R. James, including The Black Jacobins,C.L. R. James: His Life and Work edited by Paul Buhle, Cricket, and three volumes of James's selected writings.
Busby remained the Editorial Director of Allison & Busby for 20 years, leaving to take the position of Editorial Director with Earthscan in 1987 when she and Allison sold Allison & Busby to a larger house. Busby stayed until 1990, and since then has focused on her career as a journalist, critic, and broadcaster.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
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); Margaret Busby Papers; Box and Folder (if known); 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