Mary Johnston Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968

Summary

Creator:
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection of eight items, 1913-1914, chiefly letters from Mary Johnston, concern her work entitled The Witch.A letter, November 7, 1913, to Ferris Greensletof Houghton Mifflin Company, discusses the reception of her latest book Hagar;her progress on a current work entitled "Rhoda Amidon"and her concerns whether or not to continue; her idea "that a strong romance might be based upon the witch persecution either in Englandor America, or in both"; and her concerns over meeting serial demands for The Century and her request for his assistance in communicating with Robert Sterling Yard. A letter, November 10, 1913, states that she is inclined to write The Witchand offers it for a serial; and, that her intent is "still to grind the feminist axe." There is also a synopsis of The Witch.

Letters of January 1914 to Robert Sterling Yard, editor of The Century,discuss her progress on The Witchas a serial for the magazine. These letters are chiefly in answer to Robert Sterling Yard's suggestions and criticisms of her first installment. Her proposal of a rearrangement of the chapters without other alterations in the text, and her further explanations of her method of writing, in an attempt to reach an agreement, was apparently not met with approval. After several communications, the manuscript was withdrawn from consideration.

Acquisition information:
Purchase, 1988 November 21
Physical location: