Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1930 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
3.7 metres of material consisting of 136 books.
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Caryll Houselander was born on September 29, 1901, in Bath, England, to Gertrude Provis Houselander and Willmott Houselander. After her parents' separation, Houselander was sent to a French-run convent boarding school in Olton (1913-1915) until she became ill and paused her education to live in a convalescent home. In 1917, she moved to an English convent school, but dropped out to begin working that same year. Despite lacking formal theological education, Houselander went on to make significant contributions to various religious periodicals and published multiple books throughout her adult life. She was a Catholic artist, mystic, and spiritual writer. Her first book, "This War is the Passion," was published in 1941. Houselander's work often explored the theme of finding Christ in humanity and emphasized the importance of empathy in the modern age. Her writings provided comfort and guidance to many individuals during and after the World Wars. Houselander passed away on October 12, 1954, at the age of 53.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Donated by Margot King.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This series offers a comprehensive view of Caryll Houselander’s literary output and the evolving discourse surrounding her as a spiritual figure. It is of particular interest to researchers in Christian mysticism, 20th-century religious thought, and women’s contributions to theological literature.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
Further accruals not expected.
System of arrangement
Due to the nature of the donor's acquisition, this collection was not arranged by the creator. The original order is not known, and it has been organized by genre/theme to enable ease of access. It is not an exhaustive collection, only a portion of Houselander's library.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
English
French
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Collection exhibits some preservation concerns, including warped pages due to water damage. Some volumes show evidence of exposure to moisture, resulting in staining, weakened bindings, and cockled paper. Several covers and spines show signs of detachment. Textual content remains largely intact.
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
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Rules and/or conventions used
Dates of creation revision deletion
Created by A Mociani 17 March 2025.
Revised by A Mociani 3 November 2025.
Language(s)
English