Papers of C.F. Sixsmith relating to his Whitman interest

Scope and Content

This subgroup contains a collection of Sixsmith's own papers, the majority of them relating in some way to his interest in Walt Whitman. There is a sizeable bundle of letters, largely from other Whitman admirers, both British and American. They date from the time of Sixsmith's earliest interest in Whitman and his first involvement in the Bolton College group, to the mid-twentieth century, when interest in Whitman was reaching new heights and many collectors and enthusiasts were building up large collections in America. Sixsmith corresponded with various prominent members of the international circle of Whitman enthusiasts. In addition there is a small number of news cuttings on Whitman-related topics, some photographs (the most interesting probably being the photograph of Philip Dalmas in 1170/2/3/1), and various notes, quotes and extracts relating to Whitman, his work, and his followers. There are some drafts of talks on Whitman given by Sixsmith in Lancashire in the 1930s, reflecting his enduring interest in the poet and his continued promotion of Whitman's work as one of the few remaining members of the early Bolton College. Also included is a letter to J.W. Wallace from Caroline Martyn, which was passed on to Sixsmith by the recipient (1170/4/2/4).