Finding Aid
Manuscripts
Poems
Letters
About
This finding aid to the manuscripts of Thomas Gray lists all identified autograph poetry manuscripts as well as transcripts in the hands of his contemporaries and early editors of his works, as well as his correspondence, including letters addressed to Gray (currently 883 MSS).About the manuscripts
Poems
The majority of Gray's poems (68 of 76) survive in autograph MSS or (near) contemporary transcripts, only for eight poetical works is there no known MS copy. Gray's MSS were originally left to William Mason who was authorized by Gray in his will to "preserve or destroy at his own discretion." Mason edited many of Gray's poems for his edition of 1775, which for a small number of poems is now the only authority. When Mason died in 1797, Gray's MSS passed on to a mutual friend, Richard Stonhewer, who donated the most important item, Gray's Commonplace Book, to Pembroke College, Cambridge. Everything else, however, passed on to relatives and was ultimately dispersed in four auctions in the mid-19th century. Today the majority of Gray's papers are preserved in libraries, archives, and museums around the world, only a few remain unlocated or are privately owned.
Letters
The majority of the 651 known original, copied, or published letters written by or to the poet survive in autograph MSS or (near) contemporary transcripts. There are 128 letters for which no MS copy has yet been located, 59 letters are known to have existed, but have not survived. William Mason edited many of Gray's letters for his edition of 1775, which for a number of letters is now the only authority. Today most of Gray's letters are preserved in libraries, archives, and museums around the world. A few are still privately owned.
About this finding aid
This integrated finding aid is a standards-based and up-to-date record of Gray's MSS and is intended as a research tool for Gray scholars. It is work-in-progress: when completed, it will contain all known Thomas Gray manuscripts, including his prose works, personal papers, and marginalia. Please see the overview and this help section for more information.