The collection consists of two series:
Henry Thomas ColebrookeHodgson used much of his time in both Nepal and Darjeeling in research, wanting to discover and understand about the architecture, languages, ethnography, religion, zoology and botany. He collected specimens and manuscripts, and had many drawings made, which he donated to many collections throughout Europe. He was also politically involved during his Residency in Nepal, and also later in England, when he continued to show an active interest in the Indian subcontinent, particularly regarding trade and vernacular education. These Personal Papers reflect these interests and are a record of much of his activity - Hodgson and his wives seemed to have a need to record all his successes. He was also a keen annotator of material, so that most of the printed material also bears his handwritten comments.
Hodgson Brian Houghton 1801-1894 Indian Civil Servant, NaturalistThese Papers consists of letters sent by orientalists and literary figures to Bernard Quaritch, mainly concerning the obtaining or selling of oriental literature.
Wilson Horace Hayman 1786-1860 OrientalistLetter from Horace Hayman Wilson to Bernard Quaritch to thank Quaritch for the copies of the Persian Grammar which he had presented to the India Office Library and to the Professor. Wilson states that the grammar seems likely to be very useful. Handwritten, 1 side, dated 31 August 1857.
Wilson Horace Hayman 1786-1860 OrientalistLetter from Bulkeley Bandinel, Librarian of Bodleian Library, to Prof. H. H. Wilson to acknowledge receipt of the Sanskrit manuscripts sent by Hodgson to the Library with the stipulation that the Boden Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford [Wilson] be allowed to use the manuscripts at his residence with care and return them safely to the library after his use. Handwritten, 2 sides, dated 2 March 1937.
Bandinel Bulkeley 1781-1861 Bodleian Librarian"H.T. Colebrooke - Memoirs and Autographs", A red calf bound book, containing printed and handwritten material including biographical material concerning Colebrooke, obituary notices for Horace Hayman Wilson, and correspondence from Colebrooke to Nathaniel Wallich. On the inside cover there is a bookplate with "Ex Libris Frederick Hendricks, F.S.S., F.S.A., Knight of Vasa. 1893" and a printed auction listing "226. Colebrook (H.T.) Notice historique sure la vie et les ouvrages de M. Colebrooke par M. C.A. Walckenaer, Paris, 1848, with biographical notices from various periodicals and numerous interesting autograph letter of Colebrooke, half red calf". Frederick Hendricks is an ancestor of the donor who also has family connections with the Colebrooke family.
"Autograph Book belonging to Susan Hodgson, Alderley Grange, Wotton under Edge" A leather bound autograph book belonging to Hodgson's wife, Susan, in which are placed certificates, diplomas, academic and personal correspondence, newspaper cuttings and extracts related to Brian Houghton Hodgson's life. Leather binding with metal clasp. The book's binding is broken and some pages are loose. Care must be taken when using this item.
Hodgson Brian Houghton 1801-1894 Indian Civil Servant, Naturalist