Literary papers of John Drinkwater, with related material

Comprises: (a) 11 large decorated folders containing reviews of his poetry, plays, prose works, lectures, films, and acting, and reports of national events and obituaries on him; (b) 1 box containing miscellaneous printed poems written by him for various occasions and for songs to be set to music; also, a typescript memoir by Miss W. Gwyn Jeffreys entitled, 'My seventeen years as John Drinkwater's secretary', 9ff., and another typewritten list of his articles submitted to periodicals; (c) 1 box containing 4 items, namely: (i) a scrapbook of early reviews and articles by and about him, dated 1907-1912, (ii) an autograph manuscript notebook containing a scenario of his film Sally Bishop from Temple Thurston's novel, dated 26 October 1932, (iii) 1 decorated folder containing 8 printed 'Pamphlets by John Drinkwater', and (iv) 1 larger decorated folder containing 9 printed 'Broadsheets by John Drinkwater'.

John Drinkwater (1882-1937), the poet, biographer, dramatist, and theatre manager, was born in Leytonstone, London. He had a distinguished theatrical career, founding and becoming the manager of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1913. His first verse-play was Copetua (1913), which was followed in 1918 by his more successful Abraham Lincoln. Drinkwater produced numerous popular biographies and autobiographies and wrote the poetry for many musical pieces and special events. His Collected poems were published in 1923, and his Collected plays in 1925.

Access is unrestricted.

The gift of Miss W. Gwyn Jeffreys, John Drinkwater's Secretary, 22 March 1968.

In English.

Some 103 printed books and pamphlets by John Drinkwater form a related part of the collection and are shelved with the above.