Correspondence with L.B. Namier

This material is held atUniversity of Manchester Library

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/N2
  • Dates of Creation
    • 23 Jun 1919-2 Jan 1966
  • Physical Description
    • 21 pieces; 24 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Sir Lewis Bernstein Namier (1888-1960), historian, relating to requests by Namier to be considered for employment at the Manchester Guardian for work on foreign affairs and politics. There is an account of a meeting between Namier and E.T. Scott, discussion of potential work by Namier for the Manchester Guardian, reference to potential articles on Europe and economics, and salary and hours of work, and E.T. Scott's impression of Namier. There are letters of recommendation for Namier from A[lfred] E[ckhard] Zimmern, internationalist and [unknown]. There is also a request by Scott that Namier consider employment at the Manchester Guardian, with reference to Namier's work for the Foreign Office and to the coverage of the Foreign Office in the Manchester Guardian.

There is a request by Namier to write an article on The Grand Politics of the European Cabinets, 1871-1914, published by the German Foreign Office, with discussion of the work, which is granted. There is also a request by Namier to include articles written for the Manchester Guardian Trade Annual in a collection of essays, which is granted. There is a further enquiry by Namier relating to potential employment by the Manchester Guardian, with reference to their differing views on foreign politics and discussion of the [Geneva] protocol, which is refused.

There is correspondence between Namier and E.T. Scott, relating to a critical review by Namier of From Anne to Victoria by [Herbert M.] Vaughan, with discussion of modifications to the text. Also included is internal correspondence relating to Namier's potential use as a writer on foreign politics. There is a request from Malcolm MacDonald, politician and diplomatist, that Namier assist in finding employment in journalism for Jake [John Stewart] Collis, writer, which is forwarded by Namier to E.T. Scott, who agrees to see specimens of his work, but does not have a current vacancy.

There is also a memorandum from [David] Ayerst, journalist, which refers to an open file in Manchester on Professor Namier.

GDN/A/N2/3 is an internal employment history index card for Namier, 1919.