Correspondence

This substantial class is comprised solely of correspondence, that is, letters to Nicholson with a number of his copy replies. The correspondence spans a long period and covers a wide range of topics, touching on every aspect of Nicholson's work as well as many broader themes. Numerous significant writers are represented. The material has been divided into two sub-classes, based on Nicholson's own arrangement of his papers. The first grouping consists of general loose correspondence apparently stored by Nicholson in a very broadly chronological order. The second is a series of correspondence files containing letters from various sources, and based around specific publications, projects, and activities with which Nicholson was involved. There is necessarily some overlap both in subject matter and correspondents between the two sub-classes and where this is the case cross references have been provided.

Where the term 'letters' has been used it refers to incoming letters only, whereas 'correspondence' denotes the inclusion of both incoming letters and Nicholson's copy replies. Nicholson's own copies of his replies are typed, or sometimes written, on the reverse of other letters or papers such as programmes for local events, circulars, typescripts of talks and essays, and work by other people. Where these are of significance they are noted in the catalogue. Further correspondence can be found in various other parts of the archive: NCN2 contains a few letters relating to agreements and contracts; NCN6 contains correspondence along with other papers relating to specific projects or subjects; NCN7/11 is a group of publications which were sent to Nicholson, mostly with covering letters; NCN8 includes some correspondence along with other papers relating to honours and awards received by Nicholson; and NCN13 is Nicholson's collection of picture postcards, a number of which include messages from friends and fellow poets.