I know what I’m looking for: any mention of music-related publications from the erstwhile Edinburgh publisher, Thomas Nelson. I found the important things I was hunting down, so now I’m just looking for contextual detail.
These were just a small part of Nelson’s output, of course. So, my plan of action entails identifying likely boxes (or folders, or binders) and methodically going through them. As I go, I encounter tantalising threads that I must not be distracted by: John Buchan copyrights, letters from Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome, and glimpses of the editors’ daily business.
Sweets that would have been less Sweet
Imagine the author’s distress at realising that glucose had been omitted from their confectionery recipe:-
Wanderlust
Meanwhile, it seems Dr Wilson was the only person who could deal with a ‘peppery’ author, but explaining how a travel anthology had gone missing in transit between Bude and Edinburgh would challenge his diplomacy to the utmost. (You have to appreciate the irony.)
Naming no Names
And I was unimpressed by the managing director who had certain issues with women authors. Admittedly, this was the 1930s, but … really, Sir!
Anyway, I’m heading to the University of Surrey/ RMA conference in Guildford today, so all my editors and their authors can rest in peace until next week!
I’m open to new inspiration!
Karen McAulay, Musicologist 