James L. Clifford papers 5012645Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Butler Library, 6th FloorColumbia University, Mail Code 1127535 W. 114th St.New York, NY 10027Business Number: (212) 854-5153Fax Number: (212) 854-1365rbml@libraries.cul.columbia.eduURL:

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This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-01-19 09:47:46 -0500.Description is written in: English, Latin script.Describing Archives: A Content Standard2011-02-22File created.2013-03-08ead document instance created by Carrie Hintz2019-05-20EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.2025-01-17Expired restriction on box 17 folders "Nicolson, Marjorie" removed. kws Rare Book and Manuscript Library James L. Clifford papers Clifford, James L (James Lowry), 1901-1978 5012645 MS#0235 English . 43 linear feet 85 boxes 1774-1978 Arrangement

Arranged into 6 series.

 Restrictions on Access

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

 Restrictions on Access

This collection has no restrictions.

 Restrictions on Access

Reader must use microfilm where available.

 Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); James L. Clifford papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

 Alternate Form Available

Also available on microfilm

 Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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.

 Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Gift of James L. Clifford. Date of acquisition--1973.

 Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Gift of Mrs. James L. Clifford. Date of acquisition--1979, 1980.

 Biographical / Historical

James Lowry Clifford, 1901-1979, was a professor of English at Columbia University. He wrote two biographies of Samuel Johnson as well as works on the writing of biography.

 Processing Information

Papers Processed MBB 11/79.

 Scope and Content

Correspondence, manuscripts, documents, notes, photographs, and printed materials of James Lowry Clifford, 1901-1979, professor of English, Columbia University. Historical and literary letters and manuscripts collected by Clifford include letters from Samuel Johnson, diaries of Hester Lynch Salusbury Thrale Piozzi and those of her second husband, Gabriel Piozzi; a review of Clifford's book on Mrs. Piozzi and approximately nine drafts of one of Virginia Woolfs last typescripts.

 Scope and Content

The collection includes correspondence, manuscripts, clippings, research materials, and photographs for Cliffords several works on the writing of biography, and for his two biographies of Samuel Johnson, YOUng Samuel Johnson (McGraw-Hill, 19552 and Dictionary Johnson: Samuel Johnson's Middle Years (McGraw-Hill, 1979).

 Scope and Content

There are also printed materials from various Samuel Johnson sqcieties, and some related photographs .

 Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

 Biography as a literary form Letters (correspondence) Diaries Manuscripts (documents) Photographs Clifford, James L (James Lowry), 1901-1978 Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784 Piozzi, Hester Lynch, 1741-1821 Woolf, Virginia, 1882-1941 Woolf, Leonard, 1880-1969 Orrery, John Boyle, Earl of, 1707-1762 Swift, Jonathan, 1667-1745 Series I: Cataloged Correspondence and ManuscriptsScope and Contents

Historical and Literary Materials Collected by Clifford

Subseries I.1: Historical and Literary Materials Collected by CliffordAlexandre, Mme.A1Baretti, JosephA1Bossa, JohnA1Bromfield, P.R.A1Calvert, PeterA1Campbell, ThomasA1Chapone, Hester MulsoA1Cotton, ThomasA1Coxeter, Thomas, the youngerA1Durand, JohnA1Ferns and Leighlin, The Bishop ofA1Graves, RichardA1Hayter, G.A1Herne,-A1Johnson, •SamuelA1Knollys, Amicia Mary Mainwaring (Mrs. William E.)A1Montagu, ElizabethA1Orrery, John Boyle, 5th EarlA1Orrery, Margaret [Hamilton, Lady]A1Piozzi, GabrieleA1Piozzi, Hester Lynch Salusbury ThraleA1Swift, JonathanA1Welch, AnneA1White, JamesA1Woolf, Leonard SidneyA1Woolf, Virginia StephenA1Piozzi, Hester Lynch Salusbury Thrale DiariesA2Miscellaneous printed materialsA2Subseries I.2: Cataloged Correspondence to CliffordScope and Contents

(includes photocopies of Piozzi diaries at National Library of Wales)

Barzun, JacquesBCampbell, Oscar J.BCecil, (Lord) DavidBChapman, Hester Wolferstan PellatBChute, MarchetteBClifford, James L.BEdel, LeonBFlexner, James ThomasBHolroyd, Michael de Courcy FraserBKetton-Cremer, Robert WyndhamBKrutch, Joseph WoodBMalone, DumasBMaurois, AndreBNamier, (Sir) Lewis BernsteinBNicolson, (Sir) Harold GeorgeBPhelps, William LyonBPiozzi, Hester Lynch Salusbury Thrale, 1741-1821 (photocopies of diaries)1741-1821BPlumb, JackBToynbee, PhilipBVan Doren, MarkBWarner, OliverBWedgwood, Cicely VeronicaBWoolf, LeonardBWoolf, Virginia (shelved in vault)BMiscellaneous materialBSeries II: Arranged Correspondence1929-1989A-General1A-First Names1Alkon, Paul K.1Alleman, Gellert s.1Altick, Richard D.1B-General, undated, 1938-1972 1973-19791938-19721973-1979(2 folders)1B-First Names2Bate, W.J.2Beard, Geoffrey2Belanger, Terry2Bromhead, Harold2Butt, John2Bronson, Bud2C-General, undated, 1948-1972 1973-19781948-19721973-1978(2 folders)2C-First Names3Cash, Arthur3Chapman, R. W.3Clifford, James L.3Clifford, Nary3Cole, Impi3Colie, R. L. (Posie)3Collett, John3Congleton, J. E.3Copeland, Tom3D-General3D-First Name3Davin, Dan4Davis, Herbert4DeBeer, Edward4E-Generai4E-First Name4Edgcumbe, John4Ehrenpreis, Irvin4Evans, Brynbella4F-General4F-First Names5Fleeman, David5G-General 1948-19701971-1978(2 folders)5G-First Names5Gay, Peter5Green, Donald J.1969-19785Greene, Donald J.1951-19601961-1968(2 folders)6H-General1953-1978(2 folders)6H-First Names6Haley, W. J .6Halsband, Robert6Hanson, Richard and Frances7Harbage, Al7Hart, Jeff7Hazen, Allen T.1939-19611962-1977(2 folders)7Hecht, Jean7Hemlow, Joyce7Hilles, Frederick W.7Hooker, Edward7Hyde, Donald and Mary7I-General7I-First Names7Ian, Jack7Isham, Ralph7J-General8J-First Names8Johnson, Maurice8K-General8K-First Names8Ketton-Cremer, W.8Knapp, Lewis8Korshin, Pual8L-General1959-19731974-1978(2 folders)9L-First Names9Landa, Louis A.9Leary, Lewis9Lewis, Lefty9Liebert, Herman W. (Fritz)9Lonsdale, Roger9M-General1939-19729M-General1973-197910M-First Names10Hack, May nard10Magnus, Philip A.10McAdam, Ned10McCue, Lillian10McGinnis, Richard R.10McGuffie, Helen L.10McIntosh, Carey10Meier, Tom10Middendorf, John10Moers, Ellen10Monk, Sam10N-General11N-First Names11Newton, Edward A.11P-General11P-First Names11Pottle, Dr. Frederick A.11Powell, L. F.1939-1974(2 folders)12Q-General12Quinlan, Maury12R-General12R-First Names13Reade, A. L.13Rippey, Arthur G.13Roberts, S. C.13Rousseau, George13Ruhe, Ed13S-General1949-19781973-1978(2 folders)13S-First Names14Shepard, David A.14Sherbo, Arthur14Shipley, Burke14Smith, D. Nichol14Sutherland, James14T-General14T-First Names14Tillotson, Geoffrey14Todd, William14Tracey, Clarence14U-General14V-General14V-First Names14W-General1939-19781971-197815W-First Names15Hahba, Hagdi15Waingrow, Marshall15Williams, Sir Harold15Wimsatt, W. K.15Wohlgelernter, Maurice15Woodring, Carl15Woolley, David15Y-General15Y-First Names15Z15Family Correspondence16Friends Correspondence (Wabash, Ariz., Evansville)16Miscellaneous (Flyers, Pamphlets, Notices, Etc.)16Unidentifiable Correspondence(2 folders)16Nicolson, Marjorie(2 folders)17Osburn, James196417Osburn, James1965-197618Sherburn, George1938-196218Miscellaneous Correspondence18Series III: Biography FilesScope and Contents

The following materials relate to the subject of Biography. Many files include correspondence.

Subseries III.1: Books and ArticlesBiography as an ArtRelated correspondence19"A biographer looks at Dr. Johnson." (1959) Proof.19Correspondence concerning permissions.19Omitted text. Typescript, pasteups of printed material19Source material and Notes19Typescript: Table of contents; Introduction, draft, and fair copy (carbon); Appendix (carbon); Index (carbon); Jacket copy (carbon)19"Biography: craft or art?" (1959) Draft. Typescript with ms. corrections.19Typescript: fair copy (carbon).19From Puzzles to Portraits. (1970) Draft. Typescript with ms. corrections.19Draft, Preface.19Draft, chapter 1-4 Typescript and manuscript19Draft, chapter 1-4 Photocopy.19Typescript with Manuscript Corrections(2 folders)20Source Material and Notes(5 folders)20Source material, notes, and drafts of unpublished article20Source material and notes for a lecture ("How Much Should a Biographer Tell?" 18 March1967), chapter 9.20"How Much Should a Biographer Tell?"1968(2 folders)20Source material--Biography20From Puzzles to PortraitsArrangements for publication, etc20Correspondence20Unidentified article: "Biography--Craft or Art?" (Not the 1959 article). 3 drafts. Typescript with ms . corrections.195920Unidentified article: "Problems of a Biographer"20Dr . Campbell's Diary of a Visit to England in 1775 (1847)1775Correspondence with Cambridge University Press20Source Materials, Notes, and Correspondence1937-195220ASubseries III.2: CorrespondenceOxford University Press, London .1959-196220AOxford University Press, New York.1959-196220ASubseries III.3: Courses TaughtColumbia University--English 141 (Biography), Summer 1943 Autumn, 194319431943Course Outline20AQuizzes and exams20ABook list s20ADuplicates20AColumbia University. English 285C (Biography)Syllabus20ASource material and Lecture Notes(29 folders)20AColumbia University English 842-843 (Problems in Literary Biography)--Course Description20ASubseries III.4: Printed MaterialsAnnouncements of lectures by Clifford21ClippingsBiography1930-1978(5 folders)21Source material for Biography as an Art.21Source Material for English 285C21Source Material for English 285C22Source Material for From Puzzles to Portraits(2 folders)22OffprintsArticles by Clifford22Duplicates22Source Materials for English 285C22Source material for From Puzzles to Portraits22Dr. Campbell's Diary Book Reviews22Printed materials and photographs related to Samuel Johnson23The Johnsonians23The Lichfield Johnson Society1910-1973(4 folders)23The Johnson Society of London24The Johnson Club24Miscellaneous Johnson pamphlets24"The Johnsonian" keepsakes(2 folders)24Series IV: Biographies of Samuel Johnson by James CliffordSubseries IV.1: Young Samuel JohnsonCorrespondence and ReviewsYoung Samuel Johnson--misc. publishers25McGraw-Hill edition25Reviews of Young Samuel Johnson25YSJ--Mistakes and corrections25Illustrations for Young Samuel Johnson25Letters about YSJ (after publication)25Letters about YSJ(2 folders)25YSJ--extra reviews25Photographs, Illustrations for Young Sam Johnson Oversized25Manuscripts and research materialsChapter I Here is a Brave Boy(2 folders)26Chapter II "Lichfield26Lichfield--Descriptive26Chapter 'III, Grammar School26Chapter IV "Bookseller' s Boy!'26Chapter V "Stourbridge"26Chapter VI "Walmesley"26Chapter VIII "Dejection" (1729-1735)27Chapter IX "Tetty and Edial'"27Chapter X "London"27Chapter XI I" Slow Rises Worth"27Chapter XII "A Country Interlude"28Chapter XIII "London Cronies"28Chapter XIV "Gentleman's Magazine"28Chapter XV "Bookseller's Hack"28Chapter XVI "A Harmless Drudge"28Chapter 1YI "Drudge" (dictionary)28Chapter XVII "Vanity"28Michael Johnson--early career28Michael Johnson--bookselling and business28Nathaniel Johnson--SJ's brother28Parson Ford28Undated anecdotesUndated28Related printed material28Subseries IV.2: Dictionary Johnson: Samuel Johnson's Middle YearsManuscripts and research materials29Johnson--his books and manuscripts29Early plan of book (later altered)29Chapter I "The New Playwright"29Chapter I--Irene Production29Chapter II "Life in.Gough Square"29Gough Square House29London Life article29Chapter II29City Life29Street lighting, etc.29Muggings29Privies, etc29Chapter III "Ivy Lane Club and Old Friends"30Early friends--club30Chapter IV "Lexicographer at Work"301748-1749--Lauder301750--Douglas30Accounts of the Lauder Affair30Lauder--other writings30Lauder--1751-1754301747--Lauder30Lauder30Lauder controversy30Chapter V "The Rambler"31"The Rambler"(3 folders)31Chapter VI "Cast of Tetty"31Illness--Tetty's death31Funeral and problems31Chapter VII "Widower-Adventurer"31The Adventurer31Johnson and foreign visitors31Chapter IX "Dictionary"32Dictionary.32Dictionary--additional articles and offprints32Dictionary--bibliography32Dictionary--details32Dictionary--offprints and articles32Chapter X "Still the Hack"32Chapter XI "The Literary Magazine"(3 folders)33Miscellaneous pieces1755-176033Chapter XU "The Idler"(2 folders)33Dodsley and the Cleone Affair33Shakespeare and new friends33Shakespeare editor33Shakespeare-proposals and new friends33Chapter XIII "Rasselas"(3 folders)34Rasselas Miscellaneous and offprints34Talk on Rasselas34Changes of residence1758-176034Chapter XIV "Struggles to Keep Alive"34Society of Artists34Chapter XV "Friend and Talker"34Chapter XVI "Pension"35Anonymous letter--Pension(2 folders)35Attacks after Pension, North. Britain35Satirical Prints35Chapter XVII "Trip to Devon"35Reynolds manuscript--1762 trip to Devon(2 folders)35Chapter XVIII--meeting with Boswell35Life in London, Fall176235Research Material--Subject FilesMiscellaneous anecdotes, cannot date36Later anecdotes36Barber, Francis36Baretti, Joseph(2 folders)36Bathurst, Dr.36Beattie, James36Beauclerk36Bennett, James, of Hoddesdon36Birch, Thomas36Boothby, Hill36Boskovic36Burke, Edmund36Burney36Burnham Manuscript36Carter, Elizabeth37Casanova37Cave, Edward37Celebration of 200th Anniversary of the Dictionary37Chesterfield, Lord37Cock-Lane ghost37Collins, William37Cottrell, Frances and Charlotte37Cradock, Joseph37Cowpe's37D'Arblay, Mme. and H.L.P.1815-181837Davies, Tom37Desmoulins, Mrs. [Elizabeth]37Derrick, Samuel37Dodsley, Robert37Douglas, John37Edwards, Thomas37Ellis, John37Elphinstone, James37Fielding letters37Foote.37Friends1749-176337Garrick, David37Goldsmith, Oliver37Grainger, James37Guildhall Records Correspondence37Hamilton, William Gerard37Hanway Matter(2 folders)37Harris, James papers37Hawkesworth, J.37Hawkins, Sir John37Hill, John37Hogarth Portrait37Hollis diary37Hoole, John37Hume, David37Illustrations37James, Dr. Robert38Jenyns, Soame38L.F.P.•vol. Johnson, ~wwell38Langton38Lauder38Lawrence, Dr. Thomas38Lennox Papers38LeNoir, Elizabeth38Levet, Dr. Robert38Lyttelton38Malone, Edmund38Maxwell, John38Miscellaneous Correspondence38Miscellaneous Research38Murphy, Axthur38Newbery38Nichols, John38Orrery, Earl of38Paul, Lewis38Payne, John38Percy, Thomas38Political and economic writings38Porter, Lucy38Psalmanazar38Reynolds, Frances38Reynolds manuscript38Reynolds Family letters38Richardson, Samuel38Ryland, John38Shakespeare39Shaw's Life of S.J.39Shenstone39Shiels, Robert39Simpson, Joseph39Smart, Kit39Smollett39Bteevens, George39Strahan, William39T. L. S., Johnson controversy39Talbot Manuscript39Taylor, Dr. John39Thornton, Bonnel39Twining, Thomas39Tyers, Tom39Wartons39Williams, Anna39Williams, Zachariah39Research Materials: Chronological FilesSamuel Johnson Chronology1709-178440January -June, 174940July -December, 174940January -June, 175040July -December, 175040January -June, 175140July -December, 175140January -December, 175240July -TIecember175240January -June, 175340July -December, 175340January -June, 175440July -December, 175440January -June, 175540July -December, 175540John Maxwell letter;August -September, 1755401756-1759 New Friends and help for them1756-175940January -June, 175640July -December, 175640January -July, 175740July -December, 175740January -June, 175841July -December, 175841January -June, 175941July -December, 175941January -June, 176041July -December, 176041January -June, 176141July -December 176141January -June, 176241July -December, 176241January -June, 176341July -December, 176341Later years1760-176341Chronological binder1749-176341Series V: Additional FilesBoswell Research Files42Scope and Contents

(Includes phototographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, printed articles, etc. One folder deals specifically with the controversy, over Boswell's accuracy and another with Boswell' s trip to the Hebrides.)

Publication of Boswell's journals(7 folders)42Ralph Isham's account of the discovery and purchase of the Boswell papers(2 folders)42Hester Lynch Piozzi (Mrs. Thrale)Correspondence43Balderston, Katharine C.43Bromhead, Harold W.43Chapman, R.43Nicol-Smith, David43Oxford University Press43Prown, James D.-43Correspondence relating to the book43Correspondence after publication43ManuscriptsBromhead, Harold W. "The Sale of the Contents of Streatham Park"43Clifford, James L. "Piozzi, Hester Lynch"43Clifford, James L. "Robert Merry-A Pre-Embryonic Hero"43Research Files: SubjectsAdam collection43Bachygraig discoveries193543Baretti's annotations43Brighton re: Samuel Johnson43Cancelled leaves, 1188 edition118843Colman: Piozzi papers43Fleming-Lysons43Johnson chronology and miscellaneous matters of canon43Miscellaneous43Miscellaneous 18th century articles about diaries43Miscellaneous information43Miscellaneous quotes about Hester Lynch Piozzi4319th century Salusbury history43Piozzi's "Anecdotes" ~43Piozzi's annotations43Piozzi's "Art as a Writer"43Piozzi's rewritten letters43Piozziana44Piozziana: catalogues and sales clippings44Reynolds44Streatham44Thrale letters-dating44Thrale ancestry44Thrale-Johnson connections44Thrale and Piozzi illnesses: Dr. Sadler's opinions44Youthful friends44Vulliamy: Mrs. Thrale44Transcribed letters: AlphabeticalBurney, Frank44Johnson to Thrale44Merry, Robert44Thrale, Henry44Transcribed correspondence: Chronological1741-1775(15 folders)441776-1821(16 folders)45Undated correspondenceUndated45Reviews of Hester Lynch Piozzi (Mrs. Thrale)45Hester Lynch Piozzi (Mrs. Thrale)45Subject Files46Correspondence from Japanese scholars46Description of Lichfield Johnson Birthday Celebration195846Dictionary Johnson 4th edition46Dictionary Johnson McGraw Hill negotiations46Dictionary Johnson-publication completed46Dictionary Johnson reviews46Hoosier Humorists Book46Johnson edition-early negotiations46"The Johnsonian"-first meeting194646Johnsonian News Letter-typical responses46Johnsonian studies46Man versus Society reviews46Miscellaneous projects46Peregrine Pickle reviews46Pope and his Contemporaries Reviews46Powell correspondence46Proposals for projects never begun46Reynolds portrait of Johnson(4 folders)46Sherburn volume and events46Biographical FilesCorrespondenceLetters to his mother192247Letters to his parents (Boston, MIT)47Letters to his mother192647Letters to his mother192847Letters to his mother192947Letters to his mother circa193047Letters to his mother193047Letters to his mother193147Letters to his mother193247Letters to his mother193347Letters to his mother193647Letters to his mother193747Letters received upon his retirement47Letters to Philip Williams47SubjectsBarnard College48Biographies of Clifford48Clippings48Clubs, relics and related material48Columbia University48Columbia University-Entertaining students48Diary entries-Sir Harold Nicolson and James Clifford48Early Literaru Efforts48Early scientific publications48England and Wales, snapshots1930s48Evans School1929-193148Evansville-Young Mine Car Co.192748Evansville College-University of Evansville48Evansville Youth48Evansville youth (continued)49Expenses, salaries 1937-5949Friendships-clippings and photographs49Friendships-Powell and Osborne49Graduate studies at Columbia University 1932-49H. L.Piozzi publication49Hyde's Address on J. L. Clifford49Lehigh University49Lehigh University-. fniends, Carleton Gauld49MIT192649Meetings, conferences49Meetings, organizations49Memorial services for Clifford49Miscellaneous clippings, personal honors50Nichol Smith seminar, Canberra, Australia197350Photographs from all periods, USA50Profiles in N.Y. Times and other papers50Research Library at University of Evansville50Reviews, letters50Wabash College 1919-1923 and Indiana recognition1919-192350Wain's Samuel Johnson50Wall Street Journal article197550Travel diaries51England-3 volumes51European travel diary192351Mexico and trip around the world51Photographs of Columbia University English Department51Scope and Contents

(gift upon Clifford's retirement)

Clifford's 1953 Passport195351Appointment calendars, 1960 and 1970-197819601970-1978(8 volumes)52Address Books52Evans School Year Books1930-193152Talks and Addresses53Course Materials54Barnard College: English 67-6854Barnard College: English 73-7454Barnard College: English G4301-G430254Columbia University: English 213-21454Columbia University: English 285-28654Columbia University: English G6342-G634354Columbia University: English, 6361-636254Printed Material--Books by James L. Clifford55Printed Material--Books by James L. Clifford56Scrapbooks"Speaking of Books" and other articles written by James L Clifford84Reviews of Dictionary Johnson and From Puzzles to Portraits84Reviews of Biography as an Art85Reviews of Young Sam Johnson (2 scrapbooks)85Series VI: 1989 Addition1989Subseries VI.1: Name FileAddison, Joseph-Blake, William57Bolingbroke-Collins, William58Cowper, William-Dennis, John59Dryden: Absalom and Achitophal"-Odes, Miscellaneous Verses60Dryden: Prologues-Fielding: Andrews, Joseph61Fielding: Jones, Tom-Gibbon, Edward62Goldsmith-Hogarth, William63Hume, David-Perry, Bishop64Pope-Pope: Letters65Pope: "Pastorals"-Richardson: C1arissa66Richardson: Anti-Pamela Literature-Smollett: Bib1iography67Smollett: Biography-Travels, etc.68Spence, Joseph-Sterne: Tristam Shandy69Swift, Jonathan(6 folders)70Swift, Jonathan(4 folders)71Swift, Jonathan(5 folders)72Swift, Jonathan(4 folders)73Thomson, James-Young, Edward74Subseries VI.2: Subject FileClassicism and Romanticism-Deism, general75Drama-Eighteenth Century Life76Eighteenth Century Miscellaneous-Namier, etc., History77Satire: Burlesque, Hudibras-Mock-Heroic78Satire: Opening Definition I-Useful Arts Lecture79Miscellaneous FilesExams and Seminar Notes80Books from the Library of James Clifford81Books from the Library of James Clifford82Books from the Library of James Clifford83