Correspondence with F.W. Holden

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/H80
  • Dates of Creation
    • 4 Jul 1939-10 Jan 1941
  • Physical Description
    • 28 pieces

Scope and Content

Correspondence between F.W. Holden and W.P. Crozier, relating to an enquiry by Holden as to potential employment at the Manchester Guardian in 1939, with details of previous experience, which is unsuccessful. Also included is correspondence relating to an offer to Holden of a trial as a leader writer for the paper in 1940, with the potential for the period of employment to be extended if the trial is successful, which is accepted. There is discussion of arrangements for the trial, salary, hours of work, and of a meeting between Holden and Crozier, accompanied by related internal memoranda. There is also correspondence relating to discussion of Crozier's decision not to extend Holden's trial period of employment, with reference to the requirements of the post, and the level of experience necessary at this time [during the Second World War].

There is a request from Holden for a reference from Crozier in support of an application for a post as a political agent to the Clitheroe Division of the Labour party, which is granted. There are letters of recommendation from Crozier, and arrangements of meetings for Holden with [Robert] McDougall, journalist, and editor of The Daily Herald and [Harry] Armitt, editor of the northern edition of the News Chronicle. Also included are letter of recommendation for Holden from Herman Finer, political scientist, Frank Hardie, political scientist, Kingsley B. Smellie, political scientist, and Harold Laski, political theorist.

GDN/A/H80/1 is a review by Holden of Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot in [The Clare Market Review, 1939].

GDN/A/H80/2 is an article on the University of London O.T.C [Officers Training Corps] in The Clare Market Review, [1939].