Purchase of Gollancz publishing archive relating to George Orwell

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University College London (UCL) has acquired rare correspondence between George Orwell and his publisher, with National Heritage Memorial Fund support.

The collection was at risk of being sold to private owners. Now it will be preserved, cared for and secured for the public as a part of UCL Special Collections.

Dating from between 1934 and 1937, the documents offer new insight into Orwell’s early literary works and professional relationships.

Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “This fascinating archive provides a rare insight into the early career, influences and ideas that helped shape one of the UK’s greatest literary minds.”

Revealing Orwell’s editing process

The documents also shine a light on the relationship between the celebrated novelist, essayist and critic and his original publisher, Victor Gollancz. Through the correspondence Gollancz makes observations on the politics of 1930s Europe that helped shape Orwell’s thoughts and ideas.

Sarah Aitchison, Director of UCL Special Collections, said: “These fascinating letters reveal the editing process behind Orwell’s published works and the legal anxieties that spurred these amendments, but they also offer valuable insight into George Orwell’s development as a writer during these formative inter-war years.”