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The Birken Trust manuscript, by Annie Swan

 Fonds — Box: CLX-A-1562
Identifier: Coll-2071

Scope and Contents

This is a loose leaf manuscript by Annie Swan entitled "The Birken Trust", c. 1934.

Comprising 516 manuscript pages on loose-leaf paper, this work constitutes a novel under the working title "The Birken Trust." It consists of 40 chapters, each individually paperclipped and paginated per chapter, with an average of 13 single-sided pages in Swan's handwriting. Minor corrections by Swan are present throughout the manuscript. Additionally, two typewritten sheets are clipped in, one continuing the story (Chapter 9) and the other containing the latter part of a letter referring to corrections (Chapter 34).

Remnants of the paper wrapping remain, the address label still clear, and a parcel postage stamp dated August 1934, being sent from major Dundee publishing house John Leng and Co. Ltd.,dating the manuscript between 1930 and summer 1934.

Dates

  • Creation: c 1934

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Physical Description

Rusty paper clips have been removed but left rust marks.

Conditions Governing Access

Open. Please contac tthe repository in advance.

Biographical / Historical

Annie Shepherd Swan, born on 8 July 1859 in Mountskip, Gorebridge, Scotland, was a renowned and prolific Scottish novelist during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is known for her exceptional contributions to romantic fiction and her commitment to social causes.

Throughout her career, Swan authored numerous novels, novellas, and short stories, becoming a highly respected and well-loved author. Her literary accomplishments were complemented by her dedication to social causes. She was a fervent advocate for women's rights and social reform, championing the cause of gender equality and highlighting the struggles of women in society through her writing.

Her outstanding contributions to literature and society were recognized during her lifetime when she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), a testament to her significant impact on both the literary and social spheres.

Extent

1 manuscript (rehoused in two folders.)

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased in January 2022. Accession no. SC-Acc-2022-0076.

Physical Description

Rusty paper clips have been removed but left rust marks.

Processing Information

Catalogued in October 2023 by Aline Brodin, using information provided by the seller.

Title
The Birken Trust manuscript, by Annie Swan, c 1934
Author
Aline Brodin
Date
October 2023
Description rules
Isad(G)2
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379