| Description | Contains correspondence, dated 1986-1990, sent to Richmal Ashbee [niece of Richmal Crompton], from Macmillan Children's Books, London, and AP Watt Ltd, London, literary agents regarding the publication of "What's Wrong with Civilizashun and Other Important Ritings": a collection of articles "written" by William and originally published in "Happy Magazine". Some of the correspondence, dated 1989-1990, discusses the copyright and licensing status of the book. The correspondence also includes mention of an interest in the book being adapted for Radio 5, dated 1990.
The file also includes:
- Photocopies of the following articles "written" by William and illustrated by Thomas Henry [presumably copied from "Happy Magazine"]: "My Summer Holiday", "Commonsense About Holidays" and "Picnics". [The articles were originally published c1920s-c1930s.] These photocopies appear to have been made by David Schutte in 1989 and sent to Richmal Ashbee and Macmillan Children's books, for their potential inclusion in "What's Wrong with Civilizashun and Other Important Ritings".
- A proof copy of "What's Wrong with Civilizashun and Other Important Ritings", containing annotations and editorial notes, [likely made by Richmal Ashbee], c1989.
- Another proof copy of "What's Wrong with Civilizashun and Other Important Ritings"; this is a photocopy of an annotated version, with both the original annotated version and its copy dating to c1989.
- A copy of the publication contract signed by Richmal Ashbee and Macmillan Publishers Ltd., 1989.
- A copy of the cover art for "What's Wrong with Civilizashun and Other Important Ritings", 1989.
- A press cutting from "The Times", 24 March 1990, titled "No Place for William" and promoting the publication of "What's Wrong with Civilizashun and Other Important Ritings" as well as the publication of "The William Companion" by Mary Cadogan.
- A catalogue of books for sale by David Schutte, 1990. (The catalogue lists "What's Wrong with Civilizashun and Other Important Ritings", other William books as well as books by other authors). |
| Related Material | Further draft copies and published copies of articles written by Richmal Crompton can be found in RC 112, RC 119 and RC 267.
Further correspondence from literary agents can be found in RC 7, RC 20, RC 21, RC 35, RC 46, RC 48, RC 81, RC 105, RC 106, RC 107, RC 108, RC 110, RC test 1, RC test 2, RC 120, RC 121, RC 122, RC 123, RC 124, RC 125, RC 126, RC 127, RC 128, RC 129, RC 131, RC 133, RC 139, RC 200, RC 208, RC 212, RC 217, RC 227, RC 231, RC 275, RC 337 and RC 350.
Further correspondence from publishers can be found in RC 7, RC 40, RC 81, RC 112, RC 119, RC test 1, RC test 2, RC test 3, RC 120, RC 124, RC 128, RC 133, RC 137, RC 138, RC 139, RC 140, RC 141, RC 142, RC 146, RC 147, RC 155, RC 156, RC 159, RC 163, RC 166, RC 167, RC 208, RC 212, RC 213, RC 214, RC 216, RC 217, RC 239, RC 346, RC 350, RC 351, RC 356 and RC 360.
Further draft copies of covers for William books can be found in RC 124, RC 133, RC 138, RC 139, RC 150, RC 181 and RC 227. |