Eton and King's
Recollections, Mostly Trivial, 1875–1925

M. R. James recalls his life and times at Eton College and King's College, Cambridge, in the early twentieth century.

M. R. James (Author)

9781108030533, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 7 July 2011

292 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.37 kg

M. R. James (1862–1936), best remembered today for his ghost stories, was Provost of King's College, Cambridge (1905–1918) and of Eton College (1918–1936). In these memoirs, he tells the story of the times he spent at the two prestigious institutions, providing a vibrant account of the people and experiences that characterised them. Beginning with his first impressions of Eton as a boy, he lends a unique insight into the school, moving on to recount with affection his scholarly and teaching careers in both these 'royal and religious foundations'. Ghosts and games, choirs and Christmases, and dramas and dons are all recalled in vivid detail, creating a colourful picture of academic life during the early twentieth century and the First World War. Anecdotal, touching and often humorous, James' recollections reveal his role in both intellectual and social life at these famous institutions, and his dedication and allegiance to them.

1. First sight of Eton
2. Temple Grove
3. Admitted K. S.
4. School and college libraries
5. Division masters
6. The head master's division
7. School societies
8. Contemporaries from the boy's point of view
9. The Provost and Fellows
10. Literary aspirations
11. King's
12. Provost and seniors
13. The undergraduates
14. The drama
15. Mrs. Smith
16. Friends
17. J. and other great figures
18. A holiday and some lyrics
19. Research
20. J. H. Middleton
21. J. McBryde
22. Official employments
23. The Union
24. The Fitzwilliam
25. The Provostship
26. The Vice-Chancellorship
27. Recalled to Eton
28. Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900 [DSBF]