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Pocket diaries

Series consists of Russell’s appointment diaries, which contain a variety of information. Note that the diaries for 1906-1907 went missing before the archives came to McMaster; the diary for the year 1968/69 was not used, so the latest content is for 1967/68.

The diaries were acquired with both Archives 1 and Archives 2 but are now arranged together in one sequence. The RA2 print finding aid notes: “includes Russell’s Cambridge Pocket Diaries from 1953 to 1970. These diaries record not only his appointments but also his income as an author.”

BRPF: General correspondence

Series consists of petitions for political prisoners, requests for Russell to contribute writings to various kinds of publications, and inquiries about his philosophical writings, among other topics; replies (typescript copies) are from Russell, Edith Russell, or his staff. Also includes correspondence with individuals approached for the purpose sponsoring and/or becoming a member of the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation. The series was acquired as part of Archives 1.

BRPF: Civil rights

Series consists of correspondence relating to political prisoners and Soviet Jews, as well as an array of other printed materials such as reports, case files, Russell's statements and typescript copies of his articles, etc. There are a number of files dedicated to the USA (e.g., the Kennedy Assassination), and a file relating to the Morton Sobell case. Letters from Russell and his staff are typescript copies.

The series was acquired with Archives 2, the print finding aid for which states: “This grouping of files overlaps somewhat with [series] 330 in that it contains papers dealing with both Soviet Jews (who wished to leave the USSR) and Soviet political prisoners. Many of the latter were also Jewish. These files, and especially those dealing with the United States, contain many statements by Russell and even typescripts of articles as early as “Using Beelzebub to Cast Out Satan”, published in the Manchester Guardian on 30 October 1951. There is also considerable printed material."

IWCT: General correspondence (by country)

Series consists of correspondence with individuals and organizations offering support for the International War Crimes Tribunal, relating to the subject of anti-war campaigns occurring internationally, and requesting the participation of Russell in anti-war activities. Also includes typescript copies of statements, bulletins, and news clippings filed with related letters as well as typescript copies and some photocopies of outgoing correspondence.

The series was acquired with Archives 2, the print finding aid for which states: “Whereas [series] 376 is organized in one alphabetical sequence, Russell and his Foundation had the following material organized by country. There is considerable overlap in content between [series] 376 and [series] 377. [Series] 377 unaccountably ends with Japan - unless it be supposed that [series] 376 contains the correspondence that should have comprised the remainder of [series] 377."

IWCT: Essays, meetings, and reports

The series was acquired with Archives 2, the print finding aid for which states: “These files open with agendas and minutes of the organizing sessions for the International War Crimes Tribunal, held in London, November 1966. They continue with drafts of declarations, transcriptions of the Stockholm sessions of the Tribunal held in the Spring of 1967, and Russell's messages to the Stockholm sessions held later in 1967. There are many other documents, some of them published in Against the Crime of Silence or Prevent the Crime of Silence.”

Radio and television requests

Series consists of correspondence and other documents regarding Russell's radio broadcasts and television appearances, primarily with the BBC, but also including US networks ABC, CBS and NBC; Canada’s CBC; Australia’s ABC; Polskie Radio, Radio Free Europe, and many others. The BBC material includes a file on “The Life and Times of Bertrand Russell”, a 92nd birthday tribute; it contains a script, shot lists, and other documents relating to the May, 1964 broadcast, featuring Robert Bolt (interviewer), A.J. Ayer, Robert Boothby, Michael Foot, Julian Huxley, Miles Malleson and Leonard Woof. Also included are letters regarding a 1959 broadcast relating to Wisdom of the West, and correspondence with journalists such as Alistair Cooke, Kenneth Harris and Woodrow Wyatt. Most of the series was acquired with Archives 1, with a few additional items acquired with Archives 2.

Women's suffrage

Series consists of letters, circulars, press clippings, agendas, flyers, and articles relating to women's suffrage and to the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), of which Russell was an executive member. Some of the letters include explanatory comments and annotations by Russell. Also includes articles relating to the "Wives' Savings" crisis in 1907 as well as flyers, posters, and cards from the 1907 Wimbledon by-election, which Russell contested for the NUWSS. Also includes Russell's 1909 resignation from the NUWSS executive—the original (in Alys Russell's hand) was included with Archives 2, and includes the reply from the Secretary, Marion Philips; a later typed copy of Russell's letter was included with Archives 1.

Liberal Party

This small series consists of correspondence with the Liberal Party and its branches. Includes: an invitation for Russell to submit himself as a Liberal candidate from the Home Counties Liberal Federation in 1908 and from the Oxford Liberal Association in 1910; a rejection for his candidacy from the Bedford Liberal Association in 1910; a letter requesting Russell's support for the Liberal Party in 1959 for the upcoming election, and Russell's reply in which he refuses to give his endorsement. Letters from Russell and some received letters are typescript copies.

Union of Democratic Control

Series consists primarily of letters received by Russell from various branches of the UDC requesting that he speak at their meetings. Russell was an early leader of the UDC, which was founded in part to combat what was perceived as ‘secret’ foreign policy in the lead up to the First World War. Also includes a UDC circular letter of 1914 signed by Ramsay MacDonald, Charles Trevelyan, Norman Angell, and E.D. Morel, pamphlets, draft writings, and other material. The items from 1963 relate to an early UDC pamphlet written by Russell, ‘War: the Offspring of Fear’. Acquired as part of Archives 1.

United Europe Movement

Series consists of correspondence, membership information and printed material relating to the United Europe Movement. Also includes a brief note in Russell’s hand which reads in part: “The United Europe Movement, inaugurated by Churchill in 1946, was to embrace all Europe except Russia. … I thought it would safeguard peace, and joined it. … In the end, nothing came of it except NATO, and I had no further connection with it.” Acquired as part of Archives 1.

Letters from the general public / miscellaneous correspondence

As noted in the Archives 2 print finding aid: “This category of correspondence is formed from those letters that belong neither to series 710, Personal Correspondence, nor to the political, family or publishing series.” While “most of these letters are repetitive in content (e.g., requesting Russell's autograph) and did not elicit significant replies,” some of them touch on his philosophical writings or offer support for his anti-war or anti-nuclear activities. Replies from Russell are typescript copies. Series acquired with both Archives 1 and 2.

The series reflects the influence of Edith Russell on Russell’s filing habits. Prior to 1952, Russell filed the types of letters found here with his Personal Correspondence (series 710). Beginning in 1952, these letters started to be filed separately.

Christmas cards, 1950-1969

Series consists of approximately 1,500 cards wishing Russell a Merry Christmas and/or a Happy New Year as well as some typescript copies of replies written by Russell and Edith Russell. Includes cards from family members, friends, and other individuals or organizational bodies.

90th Birthday mementoes/tribute

Russell's 90th birthday on 18 May 1962 was celebrated the next evening at the Royal Festival Hall in London with a musical tribute. Series consists primarily of birthday letters/cards received by Russell from individuals and organizations all over the world, as well as copies of his replies. As noted in the Archives 2 print finding aid, series also includes letters “written chiefly in response to Ralph Schoenman's requests for tributes to be printed in the tribute booklet, Into the Tenth Decade (1962).” Also found in the series are a program for the musical tribute and a signed scroll presented by British Members of Parliament.

Condolences on Russell's death: answered by Lady Russell

As noted in the Archives 2 print finding aid, "Edith Russell received many condolences" following Bertrand Russell's death on 2 February 1970 and "she personally replied to" those included in this series (though copies of her replies are not here). Of note are letters from Dora Russell and John Conrad Russell offering condolences and revealing that they had intended to visit Russell just before his death.

Frank Russell personal items

Series consists of three journals (Jan-Oct 1880, July 1883-Feb 1884, and Feb-Aug 1884 and Jan-Feb 1890) belonging to Frank Russell; handwritten musical score with a song 'Little Frank Russell' (by his grandmother?); three poems in Frank Russell's handwriting, dated July 1883, Oct 1884 and Dec 1884; handwritten poems headed 'Granny to Frank, 1867’ and another in the same hand dated 1897; a poem in unidentified hand dated 1884; letter from Home Office (27 July 1911) enclosing copy of the Free Pardon granted in respect of Frank Russell's bigamy conviction; and manuscript and typescript copy of song lyrics presumably by Frank, headed ‘With Apologies to Messrs Moody & Sankey’. Acquired as part of Archives 1.

Stanley relatives

Series consists of Bertrand Russell's correspondence with his Stanley relatives ranging from his early life to later years and offers insight into significant events in Russell's life and the nature of his relationships with certain family members. Russell's family members often include their opinions about his writings and activities in the correspondence. Some replies are written by Lady Edith Russell. Letters from Russell are typescript copies, and several incoming letters are typescript copies although most are handwritten or typed originals.

Correspondents include Lady Alice Avebury, Andrew Cunningham, Lady Agnes Grove, Lady Dorothy Henley, Aurea Howard, Geoffry Howard, Nancy Mitford, Elspeth Fox Pitt, G.L. Fox Pitt, Cecilia Roberts, uncle Lyulph Stanley, aunt Maude Stanley, and Fabia Stanley.

Of note are letters from Russell's uncle, Lyulph Stanley, who supported Russell during WWI; some correspondence with Nancy Mitford relating to her book Voltaire in Love; correspondence with Lady Dorothy Henley relating to her book about her mother titled Rosalind Howard, Countess Carlisle; and correspondence with his cousin Elspeth Fox Pitt during Russell's second time in prison in 1961.

Acquired primarily as part of Archives 1, with some additional items acquired as part of Archives 2.

Legal actions: City College of New York

Series contains material relating to the aftermath of the February 1940 announcement that Russell had been appointed to a professorship at the City College of New York. Many on the American right rallied to oppose the appointment, and a civil suit was launched against the College. Ultimately, the appointment never occurred. Included are: correspondence with the College and other academics and members of the legal profession; letters of support or abuse from the public; news clippings about Russell's professorship and suit filed together with related correspondence; draft statements and biographical notes about Russell; court records; and a file dedicated to the correspondence of Patricia Russell, Russell's wife, relating to the case including copies of her replies to letters on behalf of Russell. Most of the series was acquired with Archives 1, with a single letter (from Harriet M. Lovell to Russell, 1940) acquired with Archives 2.

Morton Sobell case

Series deals with Russell’s response to the case of Morton Sobell, an American engineer who was convicted of passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union in the same 1951 trial that also convicted Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Sobell was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Russell vehemently protested his conviction and sentence. Series consists of correspondence, press releases, bulletins, pamphlets, news clippings, and legal documents including Briefs and Petitions in the Supreme Court. Much of the correspondence is with Helen Sobell, the wife of Morton. See also series 340, Civil rights, for a file relating to the Sobell case (box 9.65). Acquired as part of Archives 1.

Press abuse

Series consists of correspondence with newspapers with which Russell had complaints for statements made about him. Russell's letters include requests for apologies and statements to be published in newspapers. Some letters are written by Ralph Schoenman or Chris Farley. Outgoing correspondence consists of typescript copies. Acquired as part of Archives 1.

Works/material by others

Series consists of various drafts, proofs, manuscripts, and typescripts of works such as theses, poetry, plays, articles, reports, essays and books that were sent to Russell. There are also several newspaper clippings. Some materials are inscribed and some are accompanied by correspondence. Topics are varied, and sent materials include works pertaining to Russell's philosophical and mathematical interests, his peace activities, and the Kennedy assassination to name a few. As noted in the print finding aid for Russell Archives 2: “Authors sent their works in progress on every conceivable topic to Russell. So did publishers with their prospective books. The self-published did the same. The result is that Russell had to develop a standard response to such requests for advice: that if he read all their works, he would have no time to write his own. Sometimes correspondence is attached to the item concerned. This class does not include large number of political works listed in other classes. It does include the original typescripts of the contributions to Bertrand Russell: Philosopher of the Century, edited by Ralph Schoenman.”

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