ISAACS, Jacob (1896-1973)

Papers of Jacob Isaacs, 1855-c1970, primarily comprising of research notebooks, research papers and related material concerning literature and film. Includes pocket notebooks A-Z, 1929-1961; indexed research notes, 1855-c1965; research notes in subject files, c1930-c1965; other pocket notebooks, 1955-1965; other research notes, 1914-1967. All categories include other forms of associated material.

Jacob Isaacs was born in 1896. He was educated at the Grocers' Company's School, Hackney Downs. Isaacs began his career in the civil service from 1912-1916. During the First World War he was involved in active service in France and held the rank of lieutenant (Territorial Army) as part of the Royal Garrison Artillery from 1916-1918. In 1919 Isaacs began his academic career by studying at Exeter College, Oxford, where he achieved a 1st Class Honours degree in English. From 1921-1924 he was an assistant lecturer in English at the University College of North Wales, Bangor and was later an assistant lecturer in English at King's College, University of London, 1924-1928. He progressed up to the position of lecturer in English from 1928-1942 and the moved to a position in Palestine as first Montefiore Professor of English in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem from 1942-1945. Isaacs returned to England in 1945 and was Chair of English Language and Literature at Queen Mary College, University of London from 1952-1964. In 1964 Isaacs retired from his position as Chair of English Language and was appointed Professor Emeritus. He died in 1973?

Arranged in original order where possible. Some notebooks were originally given a letter, some a date and there are in two separate series. One series comprises of Isaac's indexed notes. Some of his research notes were organised into subject files and these have also been given their own series. The final series consists of notes and other material that displayed no evidence of their original arrangement.

The Archives are available for access in the Archives Reading Room located on the 2nd Floor of the Mile End Library. The Archives Reading Room is open Mondays to Fridays 9am-4pm by appointment only. Contact the Archives for more information: Archives, Main Library QMUL, 328 Mile End Rd, London E1 4NS, telephone: 020 7882 3873, email: archives@qmul.ac.uk . For more information about the Archives see the website: library.qmul.ac.uk/archives

Given to the University Library by Mrs J Isaacs, 1973.

Archives catalogue

Some items are on microfilm.

Applications for copies for research or publication should be made to the Archivist: Main Library QMUL, 328 Mile End Rd, London E1 4NS, telephone: 020 7882 7873, email: archives@qmul.ac.uk .