The collection contains two letters: Forster writes to Alexander Ireland, 13 June 1866, thanking him for sending the reprint of Hazlitt & Hunt, in which he is mentioned, and indicating he has been busy lately. In an undated letter, Forster writes to John Baldwin Buckstone, manager of the Haymarket Theatre, asking for a private box for that evening.
In Rare Books and Manuscripts, University Libraries, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (#XXXX-0927R/VF Lit)
Administrative History:
John Forster was born and raised in Newcastle by Unitarian parents, and educated at Cambridge and London's Inner Temple. He became an important literary critic and editor, and wrote numerous books of his own, notably several biographies. Forster's greatest contribution may have been as literary adviser and advocate for some of the key authors of his day, including Tennyson, Browning, Dickens, and Carlyle. His support, advice, and promotion of authors and writing helped define Victorian taste. Forster was also a collector, and his valuable library includes manuscripts, letters, and rare books.
