Papers of Maurice Edelman MP (1911-1975), Labour politican, journalist and author

This material is held atModern Records Centre, University of Warwick

  • Reference
    • GB 152 EDE
  • Former Reference
    • GB 152 EDE
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1930-1997
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 76 boxes

Scope and Content

This collection contains political, literary and personal papers.

Administrative / Biographical History

(Israel) Maurice Edelman was born in Cardiff in 1911 to Eastern European parents. Fluent in French, Italian, German and Russian, he wrote for 'The Guardian' and 'The New Statesman' on Russian affairs and acted as a war correspondent for 'Picture Post' in North Africa, Italy and France. He was Labour MP for Coventry West from 1945 until 1950, for Coventry North from 1950 to 1974, and for Coventry North West from 1974-1975. Whilst in Parliament Edelman continued to be active in foreign affairs, acting as a delegate to the Consultative Committee of the Council of Europe from 1949 to 1951 and 1965 to 1970, and was Chairman of the Socialist Group in the Western European Union from 1968 to 1970. He was made an Officer of the French Légion d'honneur in 1960 (having become a knight of the order in 1954) and was an enthusiastic supporter of stronger links with France.

He was also a prolific writer, producing journalism, plays and bestselling novels.

Maurice Edelman died in 1975, leaving his widow Matilda (Tilli) Edelman (nee Yager) and two daughters.

Reference: Accessions file for MSS.125; Dictionary of National Biography.

Access Information

This collection is available to researchers by appointment at the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick. See http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/using/

Other Finding Aids

Link to full catalogue: http://mrc-catalogue.warwick.ac.uk/records/EDE

Custodial History

The papers were deposited with the Centre by Mrs Edelman in 1976.

Accruals

August 1977: 4 files re. health matters, delivered by Edelman's daughter, Dr. N. Burchandt.

May 1978: 5 boxes of personalia, tapes and photos, collected by the Centre.

July 1998: Miscellaneous papers, collected by the Centre.

November 1999: 0.358 cubic metres of additional papers, collected by the Centre.

December 2009: box of novels and book of poetry donated by Virginia Crossman (MSS.125/4/9).

Related Material

The Modern Records Centre also holds papers of the Coventry North Constituency Labour Party (MSS.7).