Outrage over George Orwell Archive Sale

George Orwell’s archives offer a profound glimpse into the work of one of the most notable British authors of the 20th century. These documents reveal how Orwell created his renowned books, his reactions to criticism, and his legal concerns. However, the extensive collection of correspondence and contracts held by Orwell’s original publisher, Victor Gollancz, faces the risk of being dispersed, an act some have termed “cultural vandalism”.

Important correspondence from the author of Nineteen Eighty-Four is now available for sale. This follows a 2018 decision by the publisher’s parent company to sell the archive due to a warehouse closure.

Richard Blair, 80, son of Eric Blair (George Orwell), laments the loss: “It’s terribly sad… Once the Gollancz material is in private hands, it might be lost forever.”

Currently, Peter Harrington, a leading antiquarian bookseller, is offering Gollancz papers related to Orwell’s second novel, A Clergyman’s Daughter, for £75,000. These include the original contract, a letter with Orwell’s corrections, and a 1934 report advocating its publication.

Harrington is also selling letters for £50,000 related to Orwell’s third novel, Keep the Aspidistra Flying. These documents show that concerns about libel led to significant changes in the final text. Despite being unhappy with the changes, Orwell agreed to them to avoid ruining the book.

Jonkers Rare Books is selling papers related to The Road to Wigan Pier for £35,000. This classic study on industrial poverty in northern England includes a letter from Orwell to Gollancz, denying accusations of being a snob and threatening legal action against his detractors.

Documents regarding A Clergyman’s Daughter include a letter from Orwell ensuring that none of the characters were based on living people. Correspondence about Animal Farm records Gollancz’s rejection of the anti-totalitarian fable in 1945 due to the pro-Soviet political climate of the time.

Victor Gollancz’s publishing house, once highly influential, was acquired by the Orion Group, which is now part of Hachette, owned by Lagardère. Rick Gekoski, an antiquarian bookseller tasked with disposing of the archive, claims the sale was necessary. He recalls a warehouse packed with volumes and filing cabinets, largely untouched for decades. Despite efforts to sell the entire archive for £1m, it was eventually divided among various buyers.

Jean Seaton, director of the Orwell Foundation, criticizes this decision: “They failed to recognize the archive’s value. Instead of consulting experts, they dispersed a national treasure.”

Orwell biographer DJ Taylor recalls efforts to raise funds to secure the archive but acknowledges the high value of the documents. He describes the publisher’s handling of this valuable archive as “amateurish,” citing poor security.

Bill Hamilton, a literary agent, notes that commercial publishers often neglect the archiving of literary material, despite its significance. Many contemporary authors are now more aware of the importance of their archives.

Liz Thomson, who has long reported on the book trade, describes the sell-off as “cultural vandalism.” She emphasizes the importance of the correspondence about Animal Farm, sold for £100,000, which documented its rejection by Gollancz due to political concerns.

In contrast, Richard Blair has worked to preserve his father’s legacy. In 2021, he bought 50 letters to donate to the Orwell Archive at University College London, fearing they might otherwise disappear into private collections.

Pom Harrington of Peter Harrington Books acknowledges the role of market transactions in preserving these materials, stating that it is unreasonable to expect institutions to acquire them without compensation. Christiaan Jonkers, founder of Jonkers Rare Books, argues that without the intervention of dealers, such materials might simply be discarded.

Hachette declined to comment on the matter.

Source: The Guardian