John Burroughs Manuscripts
Content Description
This collection includes two sets of manuscripts that are handwritten in pencil on scrap paper by John Burroughs. Each set of pages also includes an envelope with deposition and contextual information. The first manuscript is 6 pages of "Loitering with Nature" (1907), including his signature on the last page. The second manuscript is 10 pages consisting of fragments of two essays, the famous "Real and Sham Natural History" (1903) and "Hit or Miss Methods of Nature" (1911). There is a clipping of Burroughs' signature taken from a check pasted on the last page. In addition to the manuscripts is a letter deeded the manuscripts to the Boston Society of Natural History in 1938.
Dates
- 1903-1911
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to researchers.
For onsite access, researchers must schedule an appointment with the Archives as far in advance as possible; a minimum of three weeks is requested. Contact Archives@mos.org for more information.
Biographical Note
John Burroughs (1837-1921) was an American naturalist and author, most known for his nature essays. Born in the Catskills, New York, Burroughs worked as a teacher before gaining prominence for his writing and essays while employed as a federal bank examiner. Burroughs was close with various prominent figures of the era, including Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and Thomas Edison. In 1903, Burroughs ignited the Nature Fakers controversy by publishing his essay “Real and Sham Natural History”, criticizing contemporary authors for over-sentimentalizing and humanizing animals. The controversy lasted for four years and Theodore Roosevelt became involved. In his later life, following the death of his wife Ursula North Burroughs, Burroughs lived with Dr. Clara Barrus, who became his literary executrix.
Extent
0.05 Linear Feet (3 folders)
Language of Materials
English
Custodial History
Gifted to the Boston Society of Natural History, September 29, 1938 from Adeline Barrus Johnson. Johnson was the sister of Dr. Clara Barrus, who was Burrough's biographer, and Johnson inherited the manuscripts following her sister's passing in 1931.
- Title
- John Burroughs Manuscripts Finding Aid
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Becca Webster (Archives Management Graduate Intern)
- Date
- October 2022
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Edition statement
- First Addition
Repository Details
Part of the Museum of Science, Boston Archives Repository