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Burns' American Diary, an Englishman's view of American society, is the fruit of his Laura Spellman Rockefeller fellowship, 1926-1928. Very descriptive of his tour of U.S. and Canada (Quebec, Vancouver), numerous illustrations and clippings are laid in. In addition to his economic and social concerns, of particular interest are the architecture of major cities, their theatrical life, their politics; his visits to certain universities (Harvard, University of Chicago, Stanford), and his long visit to Washington with other Rockefeller fellows and their ongoing meetings and discussions with members of the Federal Board of Trade and professors from all over at what was to become the Brookings Institute. Competition in business was his major interest; it is discussed in the Diary, and his 1936 book, The Decline of Competition, is said to be a major influence in undergraduate teaching in the U.S. Included in the Collection is a cassette of his memorial service at Columbia, 24 April 1981.

Eleven diaries which reveal a sensitive and perceptive young woman. With her family, she traveled extensively in England, the United States, and most countries of the Continent. Her diaries describe her reactions to foreign scenes and places, and contain numerous references to her father and to her visit to Columbia University early in 1889. Also, a typewritten description of the diaries of Eleanor Joy's son, Sir Douglas Busk; and a copy of THE ANCESTORS OF PATRICK AND PERONELLE KINNEL, compiled by Sir Douglas Busk in 1970.