The British Library is one of the best resources in the world for studying the work of the English poet and children’s writer Ted Hughes.
About the collection
The British Library holds a special collection of Ted Hughes and Leonard Baskin books and manuscripts. The manuscript archive comprises over 450 items which documents their creative relationship. The printed collection amounts to over 150 books by or about Hughes as well as books by Sylvia Plath including a rare first edition of The Bell Jar, Heinemann, 1963; (shelfmark: Hughes 21). The collection can be identified in Explore the British Library by the Hughes prefix to the shelfmark, the catalogue records have copy specific notes detailing any inscription, whether the book contains a holograph poem, illustration, or whether the book has a dust-jacket.
There are also foreign editions and translations of Hughes’ work and uncorrected proof copies. In addition to the standard editions of Hughes' works the collection also includes examples of fine press and limited editions including the Faber fine press limited edition of Crow, Faber, 1973; (shelfmark Hughes 11) and examples by the Rainbow Press and the Morrigu Press.
Hughes’ publications are entered individually in Explore the British Library.
What is available online?
The British Library's Discovering Literature space includes several essays about Ted Hughes work:
What is available in our Reading Rooms?
Printed material can be consulted in our Reading Rooms which can be found and requested using the online catalogue Explore the British Library
Manuscripts and archival material can be consulted in our Manuscripts Reading Room
To hear recordings by or about Ted Hughes search the Library's Sound and Moving Image Catalogue. To book a listening appointment please get in touch with the Listening Service listening@bl.uk , tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7418
The Library holds a number of photographs of Ted Hughes which can be viewed in the Print Room, located in the Asian and African Studies Reading Room. Viewing is by appointment only, Monday-Friday. For an appointment details, please email apac-prints@bl.uk
What is available in other organisations?
The Emory Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Book Library holds an extensive collection of books, and manuscripts by and about Ted Hughes
The Lilly Library Manuscript Collections holds drafts, notes, and corrected page proof of 'The Hawk in the Rain' and 'Lurepcal' by Ted Hughes
The University of Victoria holds a Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath collection
Further information
- The Poetry Archive
- The Poetry Foundation
- The Ted Hughes Society
- The website of Keith Sagar, literary critic and poet, lists studies and discussions about Ted Hughes
- Elaine Feinstein. Ted Hughes: The Life of a Poet. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2001. Shelfmark YC.2002.a.11716
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