This exhibition offers the opportunity to see a range of literary material including a masterpiece of medieval poetry and the recently acquired previously unknown typescript of Pansies (a late collection of poems by DH Lawrence which attracted the attention of the Home Office on grounds of indecency).
It looks at how authors down the centuries have been inspired by different aspects of Nottinghamshire, ranging from the beauty of the countryside to the often harsh realities of industrial working life. The importance of local aristocratic families as early book collectors and authors is also examined, drawing on the literary papers from the Library of the Dukes of Portland at Welbeck Abbey, which contains gatherings of the manuscripts of poets including the Duchess of Newcastle, known to some as Mad Madge but celebrated by others as the earliest writer of science fiction. Visitors will also see a curious manuscript describing the antics of ‘Restoration rock star’ poet, the Earl of Rochester.
The exhibition has been curated by staff from Manuscripts and Special Collections at the University of Nottingham.
A series of talks will be held to accompany the exhibition. Places are limited so please book in advance with the Box Office:
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Email: mss-library@nottingham.ac.uk