Correspondence between Nadine Gordimer and Anthony Sampson
Comprises original letters from Gordimer, 1955-1987, and one from 1993, mostly signed typescript letters, with copies of Sampson's replies, 1958-2003, mostly typescript letters (some signed). Also one manuscript letter from Reinhold Cassirer (Gordimer's husband) to Sampson, 1966.
The majority of the letters are from Gordimer. They refer to the political situation in South Africa, including the treason trials and mutual friends who were persecuted, imprisoned and exiled but the letters also refer to their work as authors and the difficulties associated with the writing process, as well as their families and social events.
Dates
- Creation: 1955-2003
Extent
1 box
Language of Materials
- English
Conditions Governing Access
Some material (two letters from Gordimer, 11 Aug 1959 and 29 Nov 1962) is closed.
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Sampson dep. 265, fols. 1-2].
Shelfmark:
MS. Sampson dep. 265
Collection ID (for staff)
CMD ID 11792
Abstract
Correspondence between Nadine Gordimer and Anthony Sampson, 1955-2003.
Biographical / Historical
Anthony Sampson (1926-2004) was a writer and journalist. He lived in Johannesburg for four years (1951-1955) editing the black magazine Drum, and thereafter became an opponent of apartheid. Whilst there he met the author Nadine Gordimer (1923-2014), and they became lifelong friends. Gordimer was a South African author, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991 and opponent of apartheid.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Deposited by Sally Sampson, widow of Anthony Sampson, 2015 and 2017.
Subject
- Title
- Correspondence between Nadine Gordimer and Anthony Sampson, 1955-2003.
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Catherine McIlwaine
- Date
- 2019
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk