Autograph Manuscript (Gormenghast chapters 51-66)

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 58 Add MS 88931/1/3/19
  • Alternative Id.
      (ark) ark:/81055/vdc_100000000147.0x000384
  • Dates of Creation
      Jun 1949-Jul 1949
  • Language of Material
      English
  • Physical Description
      1 volume

Scope and Content

Revised draft with additional leaves pasted in. At the end of the manuscript there are notes on plot, ideas for titles and dust-jackets and a list of childhood influences [presumably in preparation for autobiography - see Add MS 88931/6]. There are drafts of poems 'As the kite that soars on the pull of its line' (f.124v, includes illustration) and 'Tom Bedlam's song'? (f.124). Dated 20 June 1949, Sark.

Drawings in pen and ink include:

  • f.21v: 'Masked figures on a desolate beach';
  • f.22: head of male character;
  • f.28: Steerpike;
  • f.34: rectilinear doodle, appears to be figure with arms raised;
  • f.41: three figures, one with hammer;
  • f.66: monkey wearing hat with feather (dated 13 July);
  • f.74: figure paddling canoe;
  • f.75: boy in deckchair (loose leaf);
  • f.81: chapter heading with waves, foliage, bird and fish;
  • f.84v: baby reclining;
  • f.85: rough sketch of exterior scene; drawing of male figure in robe;
  • f.89: head and shoulders of female figure with long hair, seen from behind;
  • f.93v: Bellgrove seated;
  • f.101: head of man wearing hat;
  • f.105: horse;
  • f.109v: margin doodle of head [Titus?];
  • f.114: margin doodle of acrobat? wearing pointed hat;
  • f.118: palm tree;
  • f.118v: rough outline sketch of figures in outdoor scene [for painting?];
  • f.120: Titus;
  • f.123v: cockerels;
  • f.125v: title page 'Labyrinth';
  • f.126: chimera and flute;
  • f.127: head of female wearing earring and necklace.

Access Information

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Not Public Record(s)

Alternative Form Available

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Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Materials: hard-bound volume.

Dimensions: 236mm x 193mm.

Foliation: refoliated 21 Sep 2012: ff.iii+128+52*+57* [formerly ff.ii+127].