Francis William Bourdillon collection
Scope and Contents
The collection consists almost entirely of printed copies of works by Francis William Bourdillon, especially his poems and occasional verse, along with several versions of his translation of Aucassin et Nicolette. In addition, there are sketchbooks, etchings, and a photograph album containing views of the Swiss Alps.
Dates
- 1874 - 1921
- Majority of material found within 1880 - 1900
Creator
Language of Materials
In English and French.
Conditions Governing Access
The materials are open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The Francis William Bourdillon Collection is the physical property of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the appropriate curator.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from John Hart on the Hazel M. Osborn Fund, 2002.
Arrangement
Organized into four series: I. Verse and Other Publications, 1874-1921. II. Aucassin et Nicolette and Related French Romance Publications, 1880-1917. III. Other Papers, 1882-1917. IV. Oversize Material, 1880-1919.
Extent
3.83 Linear Feet (4 boxes)
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Abstract
The collection consists almost entirely of printed copies of works by Francis William Bourdillon, especially his narrative poems and occasional verse, along with several versions of his translation of Aucassin et Nicolette. In addition, there are sketchbooks, etchings, and a photograph album containing views of the Swiss Alps.
Francis William Bourdillon (1852-1921)
Francis William Bourdillon was born in Buddington, Sussex and educated at Worcester College, Oxford. He served as tutor to the sons of Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein at Cumberland Lodge for several years. He later tutored for the University of Eastbourne, and settled in Eastbourne, Sussex.
Bourdillon published thirteen collections of poetry between 1874 and 1921, as well as single poems and narrative verses, many of them privately printed in limited editions. He is best-known today for the short poem "Light" ('The night has a thousand eyes.") Among his other publications were scholarly editions and translations of Old French literature; his translation of Aucassin et Nicolette appeared in 1887 and was a popular success.
In addition, Bourdillion was a member of the Alpine Club and campaigned for the preservation of the Alps against excessive development. He died in Eastbourne in 1921.
Processing Information
The collection received preliminary processing at the time of acquisition.
Information included in the Description of Papers note and Collection Contents section is drawn from the detailed list supplied by the dealer, John Hart, a copy of which is in Box 1, folder 1. Folder titles appearing in the contents list below are those provided by the dealer. Titles have not been verified against the contents of the folders in all cases.
- Alps, Swiss (Switzerland) -- Pictorial works
- Aucassin et Nicolette -- Translations
- Authors, English -- 19th century
- Bourdillon, Francis William, 1852-1921
- English poetry -- 19th century
- English poetry -- 20th Century
- French poetry -- To 1500 -- Translations into English
- Occasional verse, English
- Photograph albums
- Title
- Guide to the Francis William Bourdillon Collection
- Author
- by Diane J. Ducharme and Olivia Hillmer
- Date
- July 2010
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Repository
Location
121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Opening Hours
Access Information
The Beinecke Library is open to all Yale University students and faculty, and visiting researchers whose work requires use of its special collections. You will need to bring appropriate photo ID the first time you register. Beinecke is a non-circulating, closed stack library. Paging is done by library staff during business hours. You can request collection material online at least two business days in advance of your visit, using the request links in Archives at Yale. For more information, please see Planning Your Research Visit and consult the Reading Room Policies prior to visiting the library.