Electronic Precinct - August 1998

Library acquires Wyndham archive.

The University of Liverpool Library, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has acquired the archive of novelist John Wyndham, author of 'The Day of The Triffids', and one of Britain's best-known science fiction writers.

This archive, one of the most important in the field, will join other special collections in the Sydney Jones Library, including the Science Fiction Foundation Collection and the Olaf Stapledon Archive. The archive consists of a virtually complete collection of manuscripts and typescripts (includin g unpublished works) and letters. As a record of one of the most important British writers of the 1950s, it is of major importance to researchers and students both of science fiction and British post-War writing.

Andy Sawyer, Librarian of the Science Fiction Foundation Collection said: 'We hope that the acquistion of this archive will encourage literary and biographical studies of this popular but critically negelected writer: indeed, appointments for consultation are already being made. We are actively se eking further funding to preserve and develop this major new resource, and welcome donations from individuals and organisations with an interest in science fiction.'

John Wyndham (1903 - 1969) best known as the author of 'The Day of the Triffids' was one of the few science fiction writers who crossed over into mass appeal, due, perhaps, to the accuracy of his portrayal of British unease in the 1950s. His best-selling novels, often featuring traumatic disasters , remain in print and have frequently been adapted for radio and television.

Further information about the John Wyndham Archive is available from Andy Sawyer on 0151 794 2696, fax 1051 794 2681, email asawyer@liv.ac.uk

Grant for computerised archive

A 'Computerised Archive of Science Fiction Text' is also to be created following the award of a Research development Fund grant of £2,250; the result of a joint application by Antoinete Renouf, Director, R & D Unit for English Studies, and Andy Sawyer.

A pilot study is engaged in scanning and editing a selection of texts from the Science Fiction Foundation Collection. In the first instance, texts prescribed for the MA Course in Science Fiction, run by the Department of English Language & Literature, will be included. This will make them more easi ly accessible to students and researchers, and enhance the profile of the MA, nationally and internationally. Investigation of the data will not only shed light on the Science Fiction domain itself, but provide a basis for comparison with mainstream fiction.