Skip to main content

Malcolm Muggeridge Papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: SC-004

Scope and Contents

The collection of papers traces the pilgrimage of this individual from his roots in socialism through his long search for meaning in life, until he finally embraced Christianity. Throughout his life he took a strong stand on various issues of ethics in government, sanctity of life and moral conduct. He prophesied concerning the woes due a civilization that would not take heed to the decay he described.

The collection includes correspondence, manuscripts by Malcolm, over 940 photographs, scripts and media presentations, published works, memorabilia and a large section of secondary material about Malcolm and the causes he championed.

The correspondence he received is the largest part of the collection, about 47 linear feet. Nearly 1/3 of this (15 linear feet) is classified as Business and Personal, much of it arranged alphabetically by name or topic by Malcolm himself. A dual classification runs through his Business and Personal correspondence, the first section for each letter of the alphabet listing folders that contain several pieces of correspondence all from one source, the second section grouping correspondence of only one or two pieces from each correspondent.

Both lists may need to be consulted to locate a specific correspondent. The largest part of his correspondence (32 linear feet) is from people he briefly met or did not know at all, who just wrote to express thanks for his work or less often to disagree with his position on some topic. This General and Fan correspondence is arranged chronologically from 1935 to 1990.

Since Malcolm often did not keep copies of his letters, his Correspondence Sent occupies only a few inches.

The various manuscript sections of the collection include drafts of books, articles, poems, scripts and speeches. Some of these were never published. The manuscripts are in holograph form, typed or galley proofs.

Muggeridge's published items include books, articles, interviews, scripts and book reviews.

An extensive secondary section includes clippings about Malcolm and his work, clippings about topics that interested him, and manuscripts others wrote and sent for him to critique.

There are several linear inches of material concerning Russia, including both Malcolm's writings and his collection of research material. Several more inches contain a section of material about Mother Teresa and her work among the poor.

Memorabilia includes awards and honors given to Malcolm.

Dates

  • Created: 1920-2017
  • Other: Date acquired: 1985

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Duplication may be restricted if copying could cause damage to items.

Extent

326 boxes

138 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged by series with folder level control.

Source of Acquisition

Gift

Method of Acquisition

Malcolm Muggeridge chose Wheaton College Special Collections to be the repository for his papers in 1985. The first shipment was received in 1988. Additional papers and memorabilia have been received until the collection has come to its present size of 130 linear feet.

Title
Malcolm Muggeridge Papers
Author
Buswell Library Special Collections Staff
Date
05/01/2008
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Roman Script

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
501 College Ave.
Wheaton IL 60187-5593 USA
630-752-5910