The Bertrand Russell Project, 1974-97

Component identifier:

Series 5

Content Summary:

Bertrand Russell's large collection of correspondence and unpublished writings were purchased by McMaster University in 1968. The project to publish these writings began in 1969 under the incentive of the University Librarian, Dr William Ready. The goal was to publish 'a complete, reliable, critical annotated edition' of Russell's shorter writings and unpublished book manuscripts between 1888 and his death in 1970.

Passmore was invited to join the Editorial Board as Visiting Professor in 1983, accepting with some misgivings the position of General Editor in 1985. The project was affected by ongoing disputes between members of the editorial board and the university administration. Passmore eventually published an article detailing his dissatisfaction with the internal politics.

This series comprises correspondence between Passmore and academics working on the Project including Dr Nick Griffin (editor), Dr Kenneth Blackwell (Russell archivist), Dr Alasdair Urquhart (editor), Dr John Slater (editor) and Dr Richard Rempel (editor); a long series of letters between Passmore and Dr Louis Greenspan, the Director of the Editoral Project; newpaper cuttings, pamphlets and articles on the project.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The philosopher John Passmore donated his papers to the National Library in two instalments in 1988 and March 1998 under the Taxation Incentive for the Arts Scheme, (renamed in 1997 as the Cultural Gifts Program.)

Names:

Passmore, Annie

Contents

Access and use