Record

CollectionGB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections
LevelFonds
Ref NoMS 3655
TitlePapers of John Hastie Speirs MA (Aberdeen, 1928), BA (Cantab.), scholar of Scottish and English literature
Date1929 - 1979
Extent7 archive boxes: 2.31 linear metres
Creator NameJohn Hastie Speirs, scholar (1906 - 1979)
Administrative HistoryJohn Hastie Speirs graduated MA Honours in English Literature from Aberdeen University in 1928 and BA from Cambridge in 1931. He became Lecturer in English at the University of Riga in 1935, then lectured at the University of Egypt (later named Fouad University), Cairo, before settling at the University of Exeter from 1946 to 1971. A writer, poet and critic, he published several distinguished books on medieval poetry, Chaucer and Scots literary traditions. He corresponded with many literary figures, including the poets T. S. Eliot and Walter de la Mare, and with writers and critics such as F. R. Leavis and George Bruce.
SourceThe papers were donated in 2001 by Logan Speirs, son of John Speirs.
DescriptionThe collection consists of personal and business correspondence, manuscripts and drafts of his books, and (annotated/signed) books by both Speirs and his contemporaries.
AppraisalPrinted books (unannotated) passed to the Library.
Access StatusOpen
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