Bertram Alanson - William Somerset Maugham collection, 1921-1979, bulk 1921-1958

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Summary

Creators:
Alanson, Bertram E., 1877-1958 and Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset)
Extent:
2.5 Linear Feet (600 items)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item] Bertram Alanson - William Somerset Maugham collection, M0013, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists mainly of W. Somerset Maugham's correspondence with Bertram Alanson, dating from 1921 through 1958 when Alanson died. Alanson was Maugham's investment consultant, but more importantly he was Maugham's friend. The letters are very revealing about Maugham's activities, his philosophy, his works.

There is additional correspondence to Alanson; some concerning Maugham and some are written by members of Maugham's family.

Biographical / historical:

Bertram E. Alanson was born January 8, 1877 in San Francisco, California. He was an investment broker and served as President of the San Francisco Stock Exchange. Alanson was a personal friend of Maugham as well as his stockbroker. He collected first editions of Maugham's work and other materials about Maugham. Alanson died May 25, 1958.

William Somerset Maugham was born in Paris, France January 25, 1874. He studied medicine, but gave it up for literature. He wrote short stories, essays, and novels. He died in Nice, France December 15, 1965.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Bertram E. Alanson, 1957 and 1958.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.

Terms of access:

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item] Bertram Alanson - William Somerset Maugham collection, M0013, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Location of this collection:
Department of Special Collections, Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6004, US
Contact:
(650) 725-1022
specialcollections@stanford.edu
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