Correspondence with Arthur Johnstone, music critic, relating to a request to be considered for work as a contributor to the Manchester Guardian, with details of previous experience, and an offer of employment at the paper as a music critic, with discussion of arrangements for the post. There is an internal memorandum discussing Johnstone's work and use of language, and a complaint by Johnstone as to the editing of his articles.
Also included is correspondence relating to the selection of a London music correspondent for the Manchester Guardian, with recommendations by Johnstone for candidates, and discussion of their abilities, accompanied by a related internal memorandum providing details of the candidates. There is also discussion of a potential misunderstanding as to the replacement of a London music critic, and a request by Johnstone for a meeting to discuss his position in connection with the paper.
There are letters of recommendation for Johnstone from Oliver Elton literary scholar and translator, and Frederick York Powell, historian.
GDN/A/J15/1 is a review by Johnstone of Studies in Modern Music by W.H. Hadlow in the Manchester Guardian, 1893.
GDN/A/J15/7 is a review by Johnstone of Recollections of Count Leo Tolstoy: together with a letter on the Kreutzer Sonata by C.A. Behrs in the Manchester Guardian, [1893].