William Sharp papers, 1869-1904, bulk (bulk 1889-1904)

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Sharp, William, 1855-1905
Abstract:
Consists of a small amount of correspondence, manuscripts, personal writings, and reviews that span a portion of William Sharp's literary career. Correspondence includes letters from Amelia Robertson Hill, concerning the bust she was making of Sharp, with notes concerning her work. Manuscripts contain excerpts, notes and fragments of Sharp's writings, some under the pen name, Fiona Macleod. Personal writings include 1893 diary of Elizabeth A. Sharp, his wife, describing travels in Africa. Reviews of Sharp's biographies of Heinrich Heine and Percy Bysse Shelley.
Extent:
Number of Containers: 2 boxes. Linear ft.: 0.8
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The William Sharp Papers, 1889-1904, consist of a selection of correspondence, personal writings, manuscripts, reviews, and photographs that span a portion of William Sharp's literary career.

Correspondence includes original and transcripts of letters form Amelia Robertson Hill, a sculptress who made a bust of Sharp and an outgoing letter to a Mr. Stedman. Writings consist of short stories by Sharp, some written under the pen name Fiona Macleod, three notebooks containing various literary quotes and poems, an annotated printed pamphlet, and a journal by Sharp's wife, Elizabeth A. Sharp, recounting her travels in Africa.

Includes reviews of Sharp's biographical writings on Heinrich Heine and Percy Bysse Shelley and some miscellaneous quotes and poems. Photographs consist of several black and white photos of Sharp and some busts and sculptures.

Microfilm is also available for the short story, "The House of Sand and Foam," (BANC FILM 2246) and Elizabeth A. Sharp's diary, "Travels in Africa," (BANC FILM 2247).

Biographical / historical:
William Sharp

William Sharp, born on September 12, 1885 in Paisley, Scotland to David Galbraeth and Katherine Brook Sharp, had a distinguished literary career as a Scottish poet, novelist, short story writer, biographer, essayist, and dramatist. He attended Glasgow Academy at an early age and later in life enrolled at Glasgow University. Sharp wrote many works under the pen name, Fiona Macleod, whose topics and themes revolved around Celtic legends, folklore, and mythology. Through these writings, Sharp achieved literary fame, earning him the reputation as the foremost Scottish writer of the Celtic Renaissance during the late nineteenth century.

Acquisition information:
The William Sharp papers were transferred from the Rare Books and Special Collections in 1971.
Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog

Access and use

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481