Harriet Martineau letters, 1868-1876 and undated

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Summary

Creator:
Martineau, Harriet, 1802-1876
Abstract:
Harriet Martineau was a British social theorist and Whig writer, often cited as the first female sociologist. Collection comprises 21 letters written by Harriet Martineau from Ambleside between 1868 and 1876, primarily to Mr. (John?) Robinson, with one letter to Prime Minister Gladstone regarding her rejection of a pension (1873 June 3). A few letters are incomplete. In addition, there are four undated fragments of letters. Topics include the republishing of her biographical sketches originally published in the Daily Mail; scandals of the period, particularly the Harriet Beecher Stowe-Lady Byron scandal and the John Stuart Mill and Harriet Taylor scandal, along with Martineau's associated writings; re-publication of Eastern Life: Present & Past and her holding of copyright; the 2nd edition of Traditions of Palestine; and the autobiography of Brougham and its errors about Martineau and her family, which she wishes corrected in the Daily News. Other topics include liberal politics, religion, her declining health and need of a companion and servants, her rejection of a pension, and planned meetings with Robinson, as well as condolences sent on the death of his son. There is an additional letter written on behalf of Martineau by Miss Goodwin to an unidentified addressee, regarding politics and Martineau's health (1873 February 20).
Extent:
0.1 Linear Feet (26 items)
Language:
Materials in English
Collection ID:
RL.11652

Background

Scope and content:

Collection comprises 21 letters written by Harriet Martineau from Ambleside between 1868 and 1876, primarily to Mr. (John?) Robinson, with one letter to Prime Minister Gladstone regarding her rejection of a pension (1873 June 3). A few letters are incomplete. In addition, there are four undated fragments of letters. Topics include the republishing of her biographical sketches originally published in the Daily Mail; scandals of the period, particularly the Harriet Beecher Stowe-Lady Byron scandal and the John Stuart Mill and Harriet Taylor scandal, along with Martineau's associated writings; re-publication of Eastern Life: Present & Past and her holding of copyright; the 2nd edition of Traditions of Palestine; and the autobiography of Brougham and its errors about Martineau and her family, which she wishes corrected in the Daily News. Other topics include liberal politics, religion, her declining health and need of a companion and servants, her rejection of a pension, and planned meetings with Robinson, as well as condolences sent on the death of his son. There is an additional letter written on behalf of Martineau by Miss Goodwin to an unidentified addressee, regarding politics and Martineau's health (1873 February 20).

Biographical / historical:

Harriet Martineau was a British social theorist and Whig writer, often cited as the first female sociologist. Martineau wrote many books and a multitude of essays from a sociological, holistic, religious, domestic, and feminine perspective; she also translated various works by Auguste Comte. She earned enough to support herself entirely by her writing.

Acquisition information:
The Harriet Martineau Letters were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2015.
Processing information:

Processed by Alice Poffinberger, July, 2018

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2015-0050-LUBMSS299, 2015-0050-LUBMSS300, 2015-0050-LUBMSS301, 2015-0050-LUBMSS302, 2015-0050-LUBMSS303, 2015-0050-LUBMSS304, 2015-0050-LUBMSS305, 2015-0050-LUBMSS306, 2015-0050-LUBMSS307, 2015-0050-LUBMSS308, 2015-0050-LUBMSS309, 2015-0050-LUBMSS310, 2015-0050-LUBMSS311, 2015-0050-LUBMSS312, 2015-0050-LUBMSS313, 2015-0050-LUBMSS314, 2015-0050-LUBMSS315, 2015-0050-LUBMSS316, 2015-0050-LUBMSS317, 2015-0050-LUBMSS318, 2015-0050-LUBMSS319, 2015-0050-LUBMSS320, 2015-0050-LUBMSS321, 2015-0050-LUBMSS322, 2015-0050-LUBMSS323, 2015-0050-LUBMSS233.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Harriet Martineau Letters, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.