Finding Aid

Prepared by Dean Keller; Revised by Athena Salaba, May 1996; Updated February 2017; Last Updated: May 2020

Inclusive Dates: 1881-1943
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Physical Location: 11th Floor

Biographical Note: Logan Pearsall Smith was born on October 18, 1865, in Millville, N.J., and died on March 2, 1946. He was the son of Robert Pearsall and Hannah Whitall Smith. He attended Haverford College, Harvard and Balliol College in Oxford, England. An essayist and critic. Smith found his inspiration in Walter Pater. His work consists typically of epigrams. Among his works are The Youth of Parnassus, and other stories (1895), Trivia (1902), Afterthoughts (1931), and Last Words (1933). He also wrote biographies and criticisms such as The Life and Letters of Sir Henry Wotton (1907), On Reading Shakespeare (1933), and his autobiography Unforgotten Years (1938). In his later years he wrote mostly letters, especially to his young students such as Robert Gathorne-Hardy, John Russell, Desmond MacCarthy, R.C. Trevelyn, and Hugh Trevor-Roper.

Scope and Content: The collection consists of Smith's correspondence with family members and friends, and some manuscript material. Topics include reading, his studies at Haverford College and personal matters.

Acquisitions Note: The collection, with the exception of two letters, was purchased from Henry Wenning, New Haven, Connecticut, in December 1965 and September 1968. The two letters to Mrs. Margaret Egerton (Jan. 14, 1918 and Mar. 23, 1925) are gifts of Susan Riley Uhl, Sutton, New Hampshire.

Box 1
Folder -- Contents

1. 1881, 14 Oct.: [Smith], Logan [Pearsall], 1865-1946, Haverford, [Pa.]. To Alice [Alys Smith Russell].

   Asks to be called for at Haverford College; personal needs. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 20.3 cm.

   See The Serif , II (December, 1965), 28-30.

2. 1881, 12 Nov.: S[mith], H[annah] W[hitall], 1832-1911, New York, [N.Y.]. To [Logan Pearsall Smith].

   On evils of drinking and smoking; describes a visit to an Inebriate House. Autograph Letter Signed. 4 p., 20.6 cm.

   See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

3. 1881, 18 Nov.: Kackson, Sam, Gardner, Montana. To R[obert] P. Smith.

   Thanks him for sending reading material; is sending things for the family. Autograph Letter Signed. 3 p., 20.6 cm.

   See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

4. 1882, 12 Jan.: S[mith], H[annah] W[hitall], 1832-1911. To [Logan Smith].

   Sends $5.00; describes weather. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 20.3 cm.

   See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

5. 1882, 7 Mar.: [Smith]. Logan [Pearsall], 1865-1946, Haverford, [Pa.] To Alice [Alys Smith Russell].

   Enjoyed Mrs. Foster's lecture; class wants to send flowers. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 17.7 cm.

   See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

6. 1882, 14 Mar.: [Smith], Logan [Pearsall], 1865-1946, Haverford, [Pa.] To Mary Logan Whitall Smith Berenson].

   Describes life at Haverford College. Autograph Letter Signed. 4 p., 17.7 cm.

   See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

7. 1882, 17 Oct.: Smith, H[annah] W[hitall], 1832-1911. To [Logan Pearsall Smith].

   Discusses bookshelves he needs; is leaving for lecture tour in South; attended meeting concerning fate of the Indians. Autograph Letter Signed. 4 p., 20.5 cm.

   See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

8. 1882, 9 Nov.: S[mith], H[annah] W[hitall], 1832-1911. To [Logan Pearsall Smith].

   Discusses book shelves; has had good reports of his school work. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 20.6 cm.

   See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

9. 1883, 17 Mar.: Wright, Mariam A. To [Logan Pearsall Smith].

   Invitation. 1 p., 9 cm.
   See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

10. 1883, 3 April: Smith, [Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Haverford College. Report of Recitation. Document. 1 p., 25.5 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

11. 1883, 2 May: Taylor, Bessie N., Philadelphia, [Pa.] To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Extends an invitation. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 9 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

12. 1883, 8 May: Dunn, Greta H., Chestnut Hill, [Pa.] To [Logan Pearsall] Smith.

    Thanks him for the gift; hopes to see him again. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 15.2 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

13. [1883], 19 May: Dunn, Greta H., Chestnut Hill, [Pa.] To [Logan Pearsall] Smith.

    Accepts an invitation. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 15.2 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

14. 1883, 12 Jun.: Hidekoper, Gertrude, Germantown, [Pa.] To [Logan Pearsall] Smith.

    Unable to accept his invitation. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 20.2 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

15. 1883, 18 Sept.: S[mith], H[annah] W[hitall], 1832-1911. To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Family matters. Autograph Letter Signed.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

16. 1883, 27 Sept.: S[mith], H[annah] W[hitall], 1832-1911, Philadelphia, Pa. To [Logan Pearsall Smith].

    Plans to have several of his friends visit. Autograph Letter Signed. 3 p., 20.3 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

17. 1883, 1 Oct.: W[hitall] Saidee [Cope]. To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Visits Boston; acts in a play; reading. Autograph Letter Signed. 4 p., 17.7 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

18. 1883?: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Husks. Autograph Document. 4 p., 25.3 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

19. 1884, 17 Feb.: Smith, [Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Carlyle and His Critics. A Junior Oration. Haverford College. Autograph Document Signed. 16 p., 25.5 cm.
    Accompanied by a printed program for the Order of Exercises.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

20. 1884, 24 Feb.: [Smith], Logan [Pearsall], 1865-1946, Haverford, [Pa.] To Alys [Smith Russell].

    Asks for a costume for a mock trial. Autograph Letter Signed. 3 p., 17.2 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

21. 1884, 28 Feb.: [Smith], Logan [Pearsall], 1865-1946, Haverford, [Pa.] To [Hannah (Whitall) Smith].

    Discontent at Haverford College. Autograph Letter Signed. 3 p., 17.2 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

22. [1884, Feb.]: [Russell, Alys Smith]. To [Logan Pearsall Smith].

    Sends costume for the mock trial. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 18 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

23. 1884, 11 Mar.: S[mith], H[annah] W[hitall], 1832-1911, Chattanooga, Tenn. To [Logan Pearsall Smith].

    Buying some land in Florida for him; discusses his leaving Haverford College. Autograph Letter Signed. 4 p., 20.1 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

24. 1884, 20 Jun.: [Whitall, Saidee Cope], Newport, R.I. To [Logan Pearsall Smith].

    Invites Smith for a visit. Autograph Letter Signed. 4 p., 17.8 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

25. 1884, 7 Nov.: Richards, -- W., Haverford, [Pa.] To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Discusses the Cleveland-Blaine campaign; life at Haverford College. Autograph Letter Signed. 7 p., 20.5 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

26. 1884: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Play. Act III. Autograph Document. 8 p., 25.6 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

27. 1889: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Notebook. Miscellaneous items. Autograph Document. 8 p., 25.9 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

28. 1895, Nov.: Smith, Logan Pearsall, 1865-1946.

    Notebook. Venice, Cosa Silvestri, Italy. Autograph Document Signed. 51 p., 31.8 cm.
    Bound in marbled paper covered boards, cloth backstrip.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

29. 1897, Sept.: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Notes, dated April 3, 1896-Sept. 1987. Miscellaneous fragments. Autograph Document. 5 p., 34.6 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

30. 1902?: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Notebook. Autograph Document. 11 p., 18 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

31. 1905, May: Smith, Logan Pearsall, 1865-1946.

    Memoirs, May 1895-May 1905. Autograph Document Signed. 280 p., 22.7 cm.
    4 vols. Each bound in black cloth. Vol. I, May 18, 1895-Feb. 1897, 88 p.; Vol. II, March 1897-May 25, 1900, 94 p.; Vol. III, May 28, 1900-May 31, 1904, 81 p.; Vol. IV, June 1904-May 2, 1905, 17 p. Each volume is indexed on front endpaper, first leaves, or extra sheets laid in.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

32. 1905, 16 Dec.: Smith, Logan Pearsall, 1865-1946.

    Diary, April 1905-Dec. 16, 1905. Autograph Document Signed. 105 p., 21.5 cm.
    Bound in marbled paper covered boards, leather backstrip.
    See The Serif , II (December, 1965), 28-30.

33. 1908, 27 Aug.: Smith, Logan Pearsall, 1865-1946.

    Diary, Covering Aug. 1891-Aug. 27, 1908. Autograph Document Signed. 250 p., 22.5 cm.
    Partial index on inside back cover.
    Bound in marbled paper boards, cloth backstrip.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

34. 1910, 15 Sept.: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Diary, July 29, 1910-Sept. 15, 1910. Autograph Document Signed. 19 p., 15.9 cm. Disbound.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

35. 1918, 14 Jan.: Smith, Logan Pearsall, 1865-1946, London. To Mrs. [Margaret?] Egerton.

    Notifies her his workshop is working for the war office; reflects on the time; escaped the flu; is working on an anthology of English prose. Autograph Letter Signed. 4 p., 17.6 cm.

36. 1925, 23: Smith, Logan Pearsall, 1865-1946, London. To Mrs. [Margaret?] Egerton.

    Thanks her for book; regrets not having seen the exhibition; discusses wife's health; will come to tea. Autograph Letter Signed. 3 p., 17.6 cm.

37. [1930?]: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Jeremy Taylor. Autograph Document. 3 p., 20.1 cm.
    Notes for Smith's introduction to The Golden Grove: Selected Passages from the Sermons and Writings of Jeremy Taylor (1930), and later included in Smith's Reperusals and Re-Collections (1936).
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

38. [1933?]: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Notebook. Autograph Document. 119 p., 22.7 cm.
    This is, perhaps, Smith's work book for his volume On Reading Shakespeare (1933). Partial index on inside front cover. 3 articles on Shakespeare laid in.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

39. [1938?]: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Unforgotten years. Printed book. 20.5 cm.
    Smith's "corrected copy" of the Little Brown publication with holograph corrections and typed revisions laid in.

40. [1941?]: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Notebook. Autograph Document. 233 p., 22.7 cm.
    Bound in blue cloth.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

41. [1943?]: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Notebook. Autograph Document. 236 p., 22.8 cm.
    Bound in tan cloth.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

42. no year, 22 Jan.: Brown, Mary W.W., [Philadelphia, Pa.] To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Extends an invitation. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 17.1 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

43. no year, 14 Jun.: Brockie, W[illiam], Jr., Germantown, [Pa.] To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Unable to accept his invitation. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 17.6 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

44. no year, 1 Sept.: H. To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Gives news of classmates and summer activities. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 17.7 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

45. no year, 6 Nov.: Morgan, R., Germantown, [Pa.] To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Arranges a football game. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 19.8 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

46. undated: Bryan, Byrd. To Logan [Pearsall Smith].

    Thanks him for Christmas greeting. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 8.8 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

47. undated: Smith, L[ogan] Pearsall, 1865-1946.

    Hints on Writing for Beginners. Autograph Document Signed. 36 p., 27.6 cm.
    Partly typewritten.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

48. undated: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    List of copyrights held by Smith. Autograph Document. 2 p., 17.8 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

49. undated: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Lotus Eating. Autograph Document. 4 p., 17.8 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

50. undated: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Note on Oscar Wilde. Autograph Document. 1 p., 20.3 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

51. undated: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Notes, miscellaneous. Autograph Document. 7 p., 20.1 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

52. n.d.: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Photograph. 1 p., 11.3 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

53. undated: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Play. Autograph Document. 4 p., 20.1 cm.
    Portions of Acts II and III.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

54. undated: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Poem beginning "The Gloom Committee Come Again." Autograph Document. 1 p., 26 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.

55. undated: [Smith, Logan Pearsall], 1865-1946.

    Self -analysis. Autograph Document. 8 p., 16.3 cm.
    See The Serif, II (December, 1965), 28-30.