Otto Kyllmann Papers

Collection of 133 manuscript and typescript letters from 34 correspondents to Otto Kyllmann (d. 1958), senior partner of the publishing firm, Constable & Co., with typescript copies of 16 of his letters to various correspondents, and one note in his hand; the whole collection spanning the period 1900-1957 and arranged chronologically.

Correspondents include the former British Prime Ministers Stanley Baldwin (1867-1947) and James Ramsey MacDonald (1866-1937), the diplomats, Robert Gilbert Vansittart (1881-1957) and Sir Horace Rumbold (1869-1941), and the journalists and writers, Charles Whibley (1859-1930), Henry Spenser Wilkinson (1853-1937) and James Garvin (1868-1947). 10 letters from the suffragette writer, Beatrice Harraden (1864-1936) to Kyllmann can also be found. Subjects discussed in the letters relate principally to publishing and literary matters with passing comments on personal relations and current affairs of the time. One particular strain concerns the increasing unease felt by some in regard to political developments in Germany during the 1930s and the rise of Adolf Hitler. Letters from Kyllmann's cousin,, Dr Walter Simons (1861-1937), President of the German Supreme Court at this time, are particularly enlightening.

The collection also contains a number of additional miscellaneous papers relating to Whibley, Wilkinson, Simons and Vansittart, with three Reuters News sheets, June 1934.

Senior partner in the London publishing firm, Constable & Co., which was founded in 1890.

Open to consultation. Includes material in English and German.

Description compiled by Clare McVeigh (RASCAL Project), entered by Deirdre Wildy, Special Collections

The Otto Kyllmann Papers are catalogued as part of the Helen Waddell collection under reference MS18/19. See Papers of Helen Waddell, compiled by Mary T. Kelly (QUB, 1981).

Subject to condition and copyright restrictions

The strength of this collection lies in the series of letters written to Kyllmann during the first half of the 20th century. A mixture of business and personal matters and observations, the letters provide a valuable insight into life during this time.

The Kyllmann Papers were deposited by Miss Mary M. Martin of Banbridge, Co. Down as part of the Helen Waddell collection of papers that were transferred to the University Library in 1979. Kyllmann was a close friend of Waddell and his papers passed to her following his death in 1958.

Closed

Helen Waddell Papers